For new packers, casuals and temps: you do not need to read everything at once. Follow this checklist in order and you can pack standard items alone on day one, and cover fragile, liquids, electronics and heavy goods within a week. Each item opens the page you need — tick it when done.
Day 1: pack standard items alone
Days 2–3: cover the special categories
End of week 1: heavy goods, gifts and materials
Four quality red lines: never skip, for speed or otherwise
Verify the address face-to-face (read it out loud), do the shake test after sealing, check item/colour/quantity before boxing, and confirm payment before shipping. Each takes seconds and prevents an error that costs an hour.
Accuracy first, speed second
Get it right and error-free before chasing speed. A competent standard-item pace is about 40–60 orders/hour; it varies a lot by category (fragile and heavy are far slower), so hitting it is not a day-one target. Use how to time one order to track your progress and change only one thing at a time.
For trainers (owners / leads)
- Print this page as the sign-off sheet; the trainer confirms each item before ticking — do not rely on word of mouth;
- Let new staff pack standard items only on day one; cover fragile, liquids, electronics and heavy goods with supervision;
- Use a shadow board so a missing tool is obvious, and provide safety knives and cut-resistant gloves before they start.
For the full standard flow see the ideal 9-step sequence; to find the biggest waste at your station first, run the Pack Speed Optimizer.