Packaging Policy

#1Overview

Proper packaging ensures items reach buyers in the condition described in the listing. It protects the item from physical damage, moisture, dust, and theft during transit, and ensures accurate documentation and smooth delivery.

Vingo's packaging guidelines are developed in alignment with best practices from established C2C and B2C marketplaces and adapted for Indian logistics conditions.

#2Seller Responsibility

The Seller is solely responsible for:

• Selecting appropriate packaging materials suitable for the item's category, fragility, and weight;

• Ensuring the item is securely packed to survive normal transit handling;

• Attaching the correct shipping label provided by Vingo;

• Ensuring the package weight and dimensions match those declared at listing;

• Handing over the item to the logistics partner within the agreed dispatch window.

If an item is damaged during transit due to inadequate packaging by the Seller, the Seller is liable and the Buyer is entitled to a full refund. The Seller will not receive the settlement amount for such transactions.

#3General Packaging Standards

#3.1Outer box / container

• Use a sturdy corrugated cardboard box or rigid outer container.

• The box should be neither too large (excessive void space causes items to shift) nor too small (causing pressure on contents).

• Minimum box wall thickness: 3 mm single-wall corrugated for items up to 5 kg; double-wall corrugated for items above 5 kg or high-value items.

• Previously used boxes must be free of old labels, markings, or damage.

• All flaps must be fully taped on all seams (H-tape method: seal the centre seam and both edge seams on top and bottom).

#3.2Inner protection

• All empty space inside the box must be filled with appropriate cushioning material.

• Recommended cushioning: bubble wrap, foam peanuts, air pillows, crumpled newspaper, or tissue paper.

• Minimum 5 cm of cushioning between the item and box walls on all sides for fragile items.

• Items must not shift or rattle inside the box when shaken.

• Multiple items in one box must be individually wrapped and separated to prevent contact.

#3.3Sealing

• Use high-quality packing tape (minimum 48 mm wide, 60-micron thickness).

• Do not use duct tape, masking tape, or single-sided scotch tape as primary sealing.

• All box edges and corners must be reinforced with tape.

• Tamper-evident tape is mandatory for electronics, luxury, and collectibles.

#3.4Weight & dimensions declaration

• The packed weight (including all packaging materials) must match the weight declared in the listing within a 10% tolerance.

• Significant discrepancies may result in additional shipping charges billed to the Seller.

#4Category-Specific Packaging Guidelines

#4.1Electronics (phones, laptops, tablets, cameras)

• Wrap the device in anti-static bubble wrap or anti-static foam (minimum 2 layers).

• All ports, buttons, and the screen must be covered/protected.

• Use the original manufacturer's box if available — still place it inside an outer shipping carton.

• Cables and accessories must be individually wrapped and secured.

• For laptops: the screen must not be pressured — pack with foam support on both sides.

• Tamper-evident seal required on the outer box.

• Label as “FRAGILE — HANDLE WITH CARE — ELECTRONIC ITEM”.

#4.2Jewellery & watches

• Individual pieces in separate zip-lock or jewellery pouches.

• Placed inside a small rigid box (wooden or hard cardboard), then inside an outer shipping box with cushioning.

• For high-value jewellery (above ₹10,000): use padded, lockable shipping boxes if available.

• Watches: strap/bracelet secured; crystal/glass protected with a foam circle.

• Do not declare contents on outer packaging.

#4.3Clothing & soft goods

• Fold neatly and wrap in tissue paper or a poly bag.

• Place in a self-seal poly mailer or a small corrugated box.

• Ensure the bag/mailer is waterproof or placed inside a waterproof inner layer.

• Use tamper-evident poly bags for branded or luxury garments.

#4.4Books, comics & collectibles

• Wrap in bubble wrap or soft foam; reinforce corners with cardboard corner protectors.

• For graded/slabbed cards: use an additional rigid outer box; do not allow the item to shift.

• Comics: board-and-bag before boxing; mark the package “DO NOT BEND”.

• Magazines: wrapped in plastic, between two rigid cardboard sheets.

#4.5Glassware, ceramics & fragile decor

• Each item in a separate layer of bubble wrap (minimum 3 layers).

• Place in a box with minimum 7 cm cushioning on all sides.

• Mark clearly: “FRAGILE — THIS SIDE UP — GLASS”.

• Do not pack multiple fragile items in one box without individual protection.

• Consider double-boxing for very fragile items (inner padded box inside outer shipping box).

#4.6Shoes & footwear

• Use the original shoe box if available; wrap the box in stretch wrap or poly film.

• If no original box: stuff shoes with tissue/newspaper to maintain shape.

• The pair must be fastened together (laced or strapped).

• Place in an outer corrugated box with cushioning.

#4.7Toys & games

• All small parts secured in zip-lock bags.

• Original packaging must be intact for “sealed” items.

• Board game boxes must be placed in a snug outer box; fragile game pieces individually wrapped.

• Battery compartments must be sealed with tape, or batteries removed for transit.

#4.8Furniture & large items

• All protruding parts (legs, handles) must be individually wrapped and secured.

• Use heavy-duty stretch wrap as the outer layer; corner guards or foam edge protectors are mandatory.

• Dismantled items: all parts wrapped individually; bolts/screws in labelled zip-lock bags taped to the main item.

• Specialised logistics (Vingo freight) arranged for oversized items — contact Vingo before listing.

#5Labelling Requirements

Every shipment must bear a Vingo-generated shipping label (provided upon order confirmation):

• The label must be affixed to the largest flat surface of the outer package.

• It must be fully visible and unobstructed, and not placed over seams or tape.

• The QR code/barcode must be scannable from all angles.

• Do not cover the label with additional tape (transparent tape over the barcode is acceptable).

• If the package has old labels, remove or completely black them out.

• Fragile/handling instructions may be hand-written or printed and affixed separately.

#6Prohibited Packaging Practices

The following are strictly prohibited:

• Using newspaper as the sole outer packaging (acceptable only as inner cushioning);

• Inadequate cushioning that allows items to shift in transit;

• Packaging that conceals the item's actual condition (using padding to disguise damage);

• Packaging hazardous materials (batteries, chemicals, compressed gas) without proper compliance (DGCA/ADG regulations);

• Deliberate mislabelling of package weight or dimensions;

• Packaging items with sharp edges that can pierce the outer container;

• Using packaging that misleads the buyer about item quantity or authenticity.

#7Return Packaging

When a Buyer is returning an item under an approved refund/dispute:

• Items must be returned in their original packaging if possible;

• If original packaging is not available, the Buyer must use equivalent protective packaging;

• Items must be in the same condition as received (or documented pre-return condition);

• Buyers must attach the return label provided by Vingo.

If an item arrives back at the Seller/Vingo hub in damaged condition due to poor return packaging by the Buyer, the Buyer's refund may be reduced proportionally.

#8Consequences of Packaging Non-Compliance

#9Edge Cases

Seller claims item was properly packed but arrived damaged: Vingo will request photographic evidence of the packaged item before handover. Sellers are encouraged to photograph their packed items before handing over to the delivery partner. If packaging evidence cannot be provided, the presumption of inadequate packaging applies.

Delivery partner repackages without notice: if a logistics partner repackages an item (e.g., the outer box is damaged in transit), Vingo must be notified. Damage claims for repackaged items are investigated with the logistics partner's involvement.

Oversized item requiring special freight: Sellers must contact Vingo before listing an item requiring special freight. Listing without coordinating logistics may result in cancellation and return-to-seller charges.

Branded items — authentic packaging required: for branded items (e.g., original sneakers, brand electronics), removing them from original packaging may reduce buyer confidence and is noted in the listing condition. Sellers must indicate if original packaging is included.

Liquids or items with batteries: liquids must be sealed in waterproof containers with leak-proof inner bags. Lithium batteries must comply with IATA/ADG packaging regulations if shipped by air. Non-compliance may result in the shipment being refused by the logistics partner.

Bundle / multi-item listings: all items in a bundle must be individually wrapped and documented in a packing list included in the box. If any item in a bundle arrives missing, the Buyer has grounds for a partial dispute.

Packaging queries: [support@justvingo.com] ·

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