Boxes

Polybags

Padded mailers / Bubble mailers

Paper mailers / Kraft mailers

Drawstring bags / Fabric pouches

Void fill (bubble wrap, packing paper, air pillows, etc.)

Tape (specify type if relevant, e.g., clear tape)

Any special inserts (marketing inserts, thank you cards, warranty cards, instruction manuals specific to the product being packed)

Identify the product. This immediately tells the team what product the SOP is for.

Add photo(s) or video(s) that show how the Fulfillment Team will receive the packing materials.

Example:

Explain the reason behind the packing method.

This context helps the team get a better sense of the efficiency goals we're working toward.

Example: "Accommodating multiple customer orders and avoiding unnecessary over-boxing."

Provide photos or videos that demonstrate how to place the ordered SKU inside the packing material.

Illustrate where the marketing insert should be placed.

Sealing and Labeling. Show where to apply the tape and the correct placement of labels (e.g., "place label here").

Return Labels. Clearly indicate the return label’s location to prevent any confusion, as the team will generally not see it.

Others. Provide clear instructions as to how warranty cards, instruction manuals specific to the product being packed, should be packaged.

Examples:

Handling Multiple Units of the Same SKU. Give clear instructions on how the team should handle orders where the customer purchases multiple quantities of the same product. Ex. Use a larger box

Guidance on Insufficient Space and Sizing Up. If the initial packing material isn’t large enough to fit all the ordered items, instruct the team to size up to a larger packaging.

Instructions for Overflowing Orders and Secondary Boxing. Provide clear instructions, along with a visual aid (showing multiple items), on when to use a secondary packing material and overbox, such as when the items overflow from the initial packing material.

Examples:

Use step-by-step instructions. One action per step works best.

Include clear photos or short video clips for each step as visuals often speak louder than words, especially across different languages.

Avoid jargon or brand-specific internal terms. Please write as if the reader is new.

Always begin with the SKU and product name.

Include photos of both the product and the packing materials as they are received by the Fulfillment Team (not in their final packed state).

Add a short explanation of why this packing method is used.

When teams understand the purpose, they are more likely to follow the SOPs consistently.

From placing the item in the packaging to inserting marketing materials and applying labels, document every step.

Think about edge cases: What if two items are ordered? What if the item is fragile?

Include instructions for inserts like:

Show exact placement for:

If placement varies by item, create multiple SOPs or call out differences clearly.

Revisit your SOPs when: