Seller Shipping Guide

Overview

Proper packaging is crucial for the safe delivery of live animals. Good packaging reduces stress, maintains water quality, and keeps animals at safe temperatures during transit. This directly impacts your DOA rate and customer satisfaction.

Packaging Materials

Essential Supplies

• Fish bags: Various sizes, clear plastic bags designed for aquatic animals
• Rubber bands: Heavy duty, for securing bags
• Polystyrene boxes: Insulated shipping containers
• Heat packs: 40-hour or 72-hour duration
• Cold packs: Gel packs for warm weather
• Newspaper/packing paper: For cushioning and insulation
• Tape: Heavy-duty packing tape
• Outer cardboard box: To protect the poly box
• Labels: "Live Tropical Fish", "This Way Up", "Fragile"

Optional but Recommended

• Breather bags: Allow gas exchange for longer journeys
• Kordon bags: Oxygen-permeable shipping bags
• Ammonia remover: Zeolite sachets for longer transits
• Temperature indicator strips: Show if temps went out of range

Preparing Animals for Shipping

Before Packing Day

• Fast fish for 24-48 hours before shipping (reduces ammonia in bags)
• Do not fast corals or invertebrates
• Ensure animals are healthy and not stressed
• Never ship sick or recovering animals

Water Quality

• Use clean tank water (not fresh mixed saltwater)
• Match the water parameters the animal is acclimated to
• For marine animals, maintain stable salinity
• Consider adding a small amount of stress coat for fish

Bagging Techniques

Fish

1. Use an appropriately sized bag (fish should have room to turn)
2. Fill 1/3 with water, 2/3 with air (or pure oxygen if available)
3. Remove air bubbles from water
4. Twist bag top, fold over, and secure with rubber band
5. Double-bag for security (second bag catches leaks)
6. For spiny fish, add a layer between bags to prevent punctures

Corals

1. Wrap coral in wet paper towel or place in bag with small amount of water
2. SPS corals: minimal water to prevent sloshing damage
3. Soft corals: slightly more water is acceptable
4. Zoanthids/mushrooms: can be shipped in damp paper towel
5. Inflate bag with air for cushioning
6. Double-bag to prevent leaks

Invertebrates

• Shrimp: Pack in groups, use moss or netting for them to hold onto
• Snails: Can be shipped in damp conditions with minimal water
• Crabs: Secure to prevent fighting if shipping multiple
• Anemones: Pack individually with enough water to cover

Aquatic Plants

• Wrap roots in damp paper towel
• Place in sealed bag to retain moisture
• No need for full water coverage
• Can ship in insulated envelopes for robust species

Temperature Control

Cold Weather (Below 15°C)

• Use 40-72 hour heat packs depending on expected transit time
• Wrap heat pack in newspaper (never directly against bags)
• Place heat pack on top of bags (heat rises)
• Add extra newspaper insulation
• Use thicker poly boxes in extreme cold

Warm Weather (Above 22°C)

• Use gel cold packs wrapped in newspaper
• Place cold pack on top or sides (cold sinks)
• Avoid direct contact with bags
• Consider shipping early in the week to avoid weekend delays

Packing the Box

Step-by-Step

1. Line polystyrene box with newspaper for extra insulation
2. Place bagged animals in the box, bags upright
3. Fill gaps with crumpled newspaper to prevent movement
4. Add heat/cold pack (wrapped in newspaper) on top
5. Add final layer of newspaper
6. Secure polystyrene lid with tape
7. Place polystyrene box inside cardboard outer box
8. Fill any gaps between boxes
9. Seal outer box securely
10. Apply labels clearly

Labelling Requirements

• "LIVE TROPICAL FISH" or "LIVE ANIMALS" on all sides
• "THIS WAY UP" arrows on top and sides
• "FRAGILE - HANDLE WITH CARE"
• Your contact phone number for delivery issues
• Clear recipient address

Shipping Methods

Recommended Couriers

For live animals, always use next-day delivery services:

• Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm: Reliable, widely used
• DPD Next Day: Good tracking, morning delivery options
• DHL Express: Reliable for larger packages
• Specialist livestock couriers: Best for high-value animals

When to Ship

• Ship Monday-Wednesday for next-day delivery (avoids weekends)
• Avoid shipping before bank holidays
• Ship early in the day for earliest collection
• Never ship on Fridays unless delivering Saturday

Setting Shipping Options

In your seller dashboard, you can configure:

• Shipping rates: Fixed price or weight-based
• Delivery methods: Next day, standard, collection
• Combined shipping: Discounts for multiple items
• Free shipping threshold: Offer free shipping over a certain amount
• Regions served: Mainland UK, Scotland, etc.

Reducing DOA Rates

Follow these practices to minimise DOA claims:

• Check weather conditions before shipping
• Use appropriate packaging for the species and conditions
• Ship earliest in the week possible
• Fast fish before shipping
• Double-bag everything
• Use quality insulation and temperature control
• Communicate with buyers about delivery timing
• Ship only healthy, unstressed animals

After Shipping

On FragSwop

1. Mark the order as "Shipped" in your dashboard
2. Add the tracking number
3. The buyer will receive automatic notifications
4. Monitor delivery status

If Issues Arise

• Contact the buyer proactively if you see delivery problems
• Respond promptly to any DOA claims
• Keep records of packaging (photos can help disputes)
• Learn from any DOA incidents to improve your process

Supplies Checklist

Related Pages

• Seller Guide - Complete guide to selling
• Shipping Information (Buyers) - What buyers need to know
• DOA Protection - How DOA claims work

Need Help?

For shipping questions, contact us at [email protected].