Tutorials

Package Repacking

Tired of paying exorbitant shipping fees for your online purchases?
ColisExpat’s package repacking service is the ideal solution for you! This innovative service allows you to consolidate your items into a single, more compact and suitable box.
Discover how package repacking can revolutionize your international shipments!

19 August 2024
• 6 min

What is package repacking at ColisExpat?

Package repacking is a service offered by ColisExpat that involves opening the original boxes of your purchases, removing the items, and gathering them into a single, more appropriately sized box. This service is particularly useful for customers looking to reduce the volume of their packages and thereby lower shipping costs.
As a customer, you request repacking when paying for the forwarding fees on your Client Space. ColisExpat’s operators will then work to repack the items from the consolidation into a smaller package for shipping.
Package repacking is a free service available regardless of the subscription plan you choose (Standard or Premium).

The difference between repacking and package consolidation

It’s important not to confuse “package repacking” with “package consolidation”. Consolidation means grouping multiple distinct packages into one shipment while keeping the original boxes intact. Repacking goes a step further by combining items from multiple packages into a single, smaller box. For more information on consolidation, we invite you to read our detailed article: [“Package Consolidation”].

Two conditions to qualify for repacking

To benefit from ColisExpat’s package repacking service, two conditions must be met:

There must be a 4kg difference between the volumetric weight and the actual weight of the shipment.
You must check the “automatic repacking” box on the homepage of your Client Space or the “repacking” box just before paying the shipping fees.

Additionally, the chosen carrier must calculate the rate based on the Volumetric Weight (not the actual weight). Express shipping options such as DHL, Chronopost, or FedEx, and Colissimo for international shipments (not for DOM-TOM), apply the volumetric weight rule. If the carrier does not use volumetric weight, repacking will not be beneficial, and your shipment will not qualify.
Finally, your packages must not contain items that need to remain in their original packaging (such as sealed packages, high-tech products, or fragile items).

What are the benefits of package repacking?

Package repacking offers several advantages:

Space optimization and reduced shipping costs: By eliminating bulky original boxes and optimizing space in a single box, you reduce the volumetric weight of your shipment. This volumetric weight, taken into account by many carriers like DHL, has a direct impact on shipping costs.
Enhanced protection: At ColisExpat, we handle your items with the utmost care and group them into sturdy boxes tailored to their contents. This ensures better protection for your goods during transport.
Discount on future shipments: If repacking is successfully completed, ColisExpat will credit a 50% discount on the difference between the shipping rates before and after repacking to your Client Space. This discount is valid for one year for future shipments. The discount cannot be refunded to your payment method.

Package repacking tutorial

Here’s a summary of the steps involved in forwarding with the “package repacking” option:

Online shopping and shipping to ColisExpat: You shop on your favorite e-commerce sites and have your packages delivered to our addresses (in France).
Receive your packages and “Package Consolidation”: Once your packages arrive at our platform, log in to your Client Space and select the packages you wish to consolidate under the “My packages in stock” section, then click “Calculate my shipping fees.”
Select the “Repacking” option: During the finalization of your forwarding request, check the “Repacking” box.
Choose the carrier and pay the forwarding fees: Confirm the carrier and consolidation choices, and pay the shipping fees for the shipment.
ColisExpat repacks: Our team carefully opens your packages, consolidates the items, and places them in a new, appropriately sized box to optimize space and reduce shipping costs.
Secure forwarding: Your repacked package is then forwarded by the carrier of your choice, with full tracking available online.
Receive your package: You’ll receive your repacked and consolidated packages at your home or an address of your choice, enjoying cost-effective shipping!

Cases where package repacking is not possible

For safety and protection of your items, package repacking is not available in the following cases:

Sealed packages: Packages sealed by authorities or the carrier cannot be opened.
Tech products: For security reasons, phones, laptops, electronics, and other tech products cannot be repacked.
Fragile packages: Packages labeled “Fragile” by the sender cannot be repacked to ensure the integrity of the items.

In conclusion

In summary, ColisExpat’s package repacking service is an advantageous, practical, and economical way to optimize your international shipments and reduce transport costs. Don’t hesitate to rely on our expertise for a smooth and successful shipping experience!

The ColisExpat Team