Packaging and Shipping

Before you pack: photo documentation

Before any packaging materials touch the bottle, take clear photos. These images are your evidence if anything goes wrong during transit or if a dispute arises after delivery.

Seller: photos before shipping

1. The bottle from all angles: front label, back label, both sides, capsule/top, and base
2. Close-ups of any existing wear, damage, or notable details
3. The fill level (photograph at eye level)
4. Any packaging, accessories, or extras included in the listing
5. The packaging process: the bottle being wrapped, placed in the box, and the final sealed package
6. The shipping label with tracking number visible

Sellers are required to upload photos when submitting the tracking information on the platform.

Buyer: photos upon receiving

1. The package as delivered: external condition, any visible damage to the outer box
2. The package during unpacking: document the opening process, especially if damage is suspected
3. The bottle and contents after unpacking: all sides, condition, any issues

If a dispute arises, these photos serve as primary evidence for both parties. Clear, comprehensive documentation significantly strengthens your case.

Recommended packaging materials

Use materials that absorb shock, prevent movement, and protect against both impact and temperature changes.

Essential

• Bubble wrap: wrap the bottle in at least two layers. Pay extra attention to the neck, capsule, and base; these are the most vulnerable areas.
• Sturdy cardboard box: use a box that is large enough to fit the wrapped bottle with padding on all sides. A double-walled box is strongly recommended. Never use a box that is barely larger than the bottle — there must be room for cushioning.
• Filling material: crumpled paper, foam peanuts, or air cushions to fill all empty space inside the box. The bottle should not shift or move at all when the box is shaken.
• Packing tape: seal the box securely with strong packing tape. Reinforce the bottom seam and all edges.

Strongly recommended

• Plastic bag or cling film: wrap the bottle in a sealed plastic bag before bubble wrapping. If the bottle does break, the liquid is contained and doesn’t damage the outer packaging or other parcels.
• Foam sheets or padded sleeves: for bottles with original packaging (tubes, boxes), wrap the packaging itself in foam or padded material to prevent surface scratches and dents during transit.
• Fragile stickers or markings: apply “Fragile” labels to the outside of the box. While carriers don’t guarantee special handling, these markings increase awareness.

Avoid

• Newspapers (ink can transfer to labels and packaging)
• Thin or single-walled boxes
• Excessive tape directly on the bottle or its original packaging
• Loose fill without inner wrapping (packing peanuts alone are not enough — the bottle must be wrapped first)

Step-by-step packaging

1. Take photos of the product before starting the package process. Take additional photos while progressing through the next steps.
2. Seal the bottle in a plastic bag to contain any potential leakage.
3. Wrap the bottle in at least two layers of bubble wrap. Secure with tape. Ensure the capsule/top and base have extra padding.
4. If the bottle has original packaging (tube, box, presentation case): wrap the packaging separately in foam or bubble wrap to prevent surface damage. Then place the wrapped bottle inside.
5. Place the wrapped bottle (or bottle-in-packaging) into the shipping box. It should sit in the centre, not touching any wall of the box.
6. Fill all remaining space with crumpled paper, foam, or air cushions. Pack firmly — there should be no movement when the box is gently shaken.
7. Add a layer of padding on top before closing the box.
8. Seal the box with strong packing tape. Reinforce the bottom seam and all edges.
9. Apply the shipping label and any fragile markings and warnings.
10. Take photos of the final sealed package and the shipping label.

The test: hold the sealed box and shake it gently. If you feel or hear movement inside, open it and add more filling. The bottle should be completely immobile.

Protecting original packaging

Buyers often value original packaging (tubes, boxes, and presentation cases) as much as the bottle itself. Protect these items with the same care:

• Wrap boxes and tubes in foam sheets or bubble wrap to prevent scuffs, dents, and corner damage.
• If the original box is the outer container, place it inside an additional shipping box with padding around it. Never ship a presentation box as the outer package; it will be damaged.
• For cylindrical tubes, ensure both ends are padded and the tube cannot roll or shift inside the shipping box.
• If booklets, certificates, or small accessories are included, place them in a separate protective sleeve or envelope inside the box.

Shipping requirements

Carrier selection

WannaWhisky does not mandate a specific carrier, but we require (or at minimum strongly recommend) the following:

• Use a carrier that permits shipping alcohol-containing liquids. Not all carriers accept these shipments. Verify the carrier’s policy before shipping. If a carrier discovers undisclosed alcohol in transit, they may confiscate, return, or destroy the package. It will likely also void any shipping insurance you paid for.
• Use insured shipping. If the package is lost, stolen, or damaged by the carrier, insurance provides financial recourse. Without insurance, neither the carrier nor WannaWhisky can compensate for the loss.
• Use tracked shipping. A tracking number is required when submitting your shipment on the platform. Tracking protects both parties by providing proof of shipment and delivery.

Follow the carrier’s terms and conditions, including any requirements for declaring contents, packaging standards, or value declarations. Shipping “by the book” strengthens your position if a claim needs to be filed.

Shipping deadlines

After the buyer completes payment, you have a set deadline to ship the item and submit the tracking code on the platform. If you do not ship within this timeframe, a refund and order cancellation will be initiated automatically.

International shipping

International shipments may require customs declarations and may be subject to import duties or taxes payable by the buyer. Ensure you:

• Accurately declare the contents and value on customs forms
• Verify that the carrier handles customs clearance or provides the necessary documentation
• Inform the buyer if additional fees may apply upon delivery

Common mistakes to avoid

• Insufficient padding: the most common cause of shipping damage. If the bottle can move inside the box, it isn’t packed well enough.
• Using the original box as the shipping box: presentation boxes are not designed for transit. Always use a separate outer box.
• Skipping photos: without documentation of the item’s condition before shipping, disputes become much harder to resolve in your favour.
• Not declaring contents: failing to declare alcohol to the carrier can void insurance coverage and may violate shipping regulations.
• Choosing the cheapest option: saving on shipping costs by skipping insurance or using an unsuitable carrier creates risk that far outweighs the savings.

Quick checklist

• Photos taken of bottle and packaging before wrapping
• Bottle sealed in a plastic bag
• Bottle wrapped in at least two layers of bubble wrap
• Original packaging wrapped separately if included
• Sturdy double-walled box with padding on all sides
• No movement when the sealed box is shaken
• Box sealed and reinforced with packing tape
• Fragile markings applied
• Photos taken of the sealed package and shipping label
• Carrier permits alcohol shipment
• Shipment is insured and tracked
• Tracking code submitted on WannaWhisky