Kidora Parent Hub

Sending Baby and Children’s Items Safely

Good packaging protects the item, helps prevent disputes and gives both buyer and seller clearer evidence if a parcel is lost or damaged.

The seller should choose a delivery service that suits the parcel’s size, weight, value and contents. The shipping amount shown to the buyer should reflect the likely real cost rather than being guessed.

This guide explains general UK delivery and packaging good practice and Kidora’s current shipping process.

Confirm That the Item Is Suitable for Delivery

Before offering postage, consider whether the item can be packaged and transported safely.

Delivery may be suitable for:

• Clothing
• Books
• Small toys
• Soft accessories
• Compact nursery items
• Small bundles

Collection may be more practical for:

• Large furniture
• Assembled cots
• Bulky pushchairs
• Fragile equipment
• Very low-value items where postage exceeds the item value

Check the Carrier’s Rules Before Listing

Carriers have their own restrictions, maximum dimensions, weight limits and packaging requirements.

Before setting a shipping price, check the latest information from the intended provider.

Useful official services include:

• Royal Mail sending services
• Evri parcel sending services
• Parcelforce parcel services

Do not assume that every carrier accepts every item.

Measure the Packed Parcel, Not Only the Item

Carriers usually price and accept parcels based on the final packed size and weight.

Measure:

• Length
• Width
• Height
• Total weight after packaging

Include boxes, protective materials, accessories and paperwork in the final estimate.

Use Reliable Scales

For small parcels, household or luggage scales may be useful when they are accurate enough for the expected weight.

For larger parcels:

• Weigh yourself without the parcel
• Weigh yourself holding the parcel
• Calculate the difference
• Allow a small margin for packaging changes

Do not deliberately understate weight or dimensions. A carrier may surcharge, delay or refuse the parcel.

Calculate a Fair Shipping Cost

The shipping amount may include:

• Carrier charge
• Required tracking
• Suitable packaging
• Insurance or compensation level where relevant

It should not be used to hide part of the item price or create an unreasonable profit.

Check Shipping Prices Before Publishing

Carrier prices can change. Obtain a current estimate using the parcel’s realistic packed dimensions and weight.

Kidora’s live guidance suggests Royal Mail or Evri for many parcels under 2kg and Parcelforce for larger items, but the best option depends on the actual parcel and current carrier terms.

Use Tracked Delivery

Kidora strongly recommends tracked postage.

Tracking provides:

• Proof that the parcel entered the carrier network
• Progress updates
• Delivery evidence
• Useful information when a parcel is delayed
• Better support for a carrier claim

An untracked service may leave the seller unable to prove that the parcel was sent or delivered.

Choose an Appropriate Compensation Level

Check how much compensation the delivery service includes and whether exclusions apply.

Consider:

• Item sale value
• Replacement cost
• Fragility
• Carrier exclusions
• Required evidence for a claim

A tracked service does not automatically mean the full value is covered.

Keep Proof of Postage

Retain:

• Postage receipt
• Tracking number
• Carrier confirmation email
• Parcel weight
• Photographs of the packed item
• Any insurance or compensation details

Keep these records until the buyer has confirmed that the order is satisfactory and any relevant issue period has passed.

Prepare the Correct Item

Before packing, compare the item with the order.

Confirm:

• Correct item
• Correct size
• Correct colour or model
• Every purchased bundle item
• All included accessories
• Instructions where promised

Mix-ups are more likely when several orders are packed at once.

Photograph the Item Before Packing

Take clear photographs showing:

• Condition immediately before dispatch
• All included items
• Important labels
• Accessories
• Existing disclosed faults

These photographs may help distinguish pre-existing wear from transit damage.

Choose Strong Outer Packaging

Use packaging that can withstand ordinary handling during transport.

Suitable options may include:

• A strong cardboard box
• A durable mailing bag for soft goods
• A double-walled box for heavier items
• A correctly sized postal tube where accepted

Do not use packaging that is torn, weakened, damp or unable to close securely.

Reuse Packaging Carefully

Reused boxes and mailing materials can reduce waste when they remain strong and suitable.

Before reuse:

• Remove or cover old addresses
• Remove old barcodes and tracking labels
• Check all seams
• Reinforce weak areas
• Confirm the box is dry and clean

Do not reuse packaging contaminated by food, chemicals, pests or moisture.

Use the Right Size Box

A box that is too large may allow the item to move and may increase the delivery price.

A box that is too small may:

• Crush the item
• Split during transit
• Damage protruding parts
• Prevent sufficient protective padding

Choose a size that leaves room for protection without excessive empty space.

Protect the Item from Movement

Use appropriate internal protection such as:

• Clean paper
• Corrugated cardboard
• Air-filled packaging
• Bubble wrap where suitable
• Clean reused packing material

Fill empty areas so the contents do not move significantly when the parcel is handled.

Protect Corners and Fragile Parts

Pay particular attention to:

• Plastic clips
• Wheels
• Handles
• Book corners
• Electronic displays
• Decorative parts
• Wooden edges

Remove detachable parts only when appropriate and explain clearly how they fit back together.

Keep Small Parts Together

Place screws, adapters, toy pieces and other small accessories in a sealed labelled bag.

Attach or position the bag so it cannot disappear into loose packaging.

Do not place sharp fixings directly against fabric, books or plastic surfaces.

Package Clothing

For clothing:

• Make sure items are clean and fully dry
• Fold neatly
• Protect from rain and dirt
• Use a suitable mailing bag or box
• Do not overfill the package

Do not seal damp clothing in plastic packaging.

Package Clothing Bundles

For bundles:

• Count all pieces again
• Group by size where useful
• Protect higher-value pieces
• Use packaging strong enough for the combined weight
• Check the final parcel dimensions

Package Books

Protect books from:

• Water
• Bent corners
• Movement
• Heavy objects pressing into covers

Use a rigid envelope or box where appropriate. Heavy book bundles may need stronger packaging than expected.

Package Toys and Games

Before packing:

• Confirm completeness
• Secure loose parts
• Remove batteries where manufacturer guidance and carrier rules permit or require it
• Protect delicate mechanisms
• Keep instructions with the item

Do not tape directly onto the toy, box artwork or important labels unless the material is designed for it.

Package Electrical Items

Electrical products may require extra care and may be subject to carrier restrictions.

Check:

• Cable and plug condition
• Correct charger or power supply
• Battery type
• Carrier rules for batteries
• Protection from impact and moisture

Do not post damaged, swollen, leaking or recalled batteries.

Do Not Send Prohibited or Restricted Items Improperly

Carrier restrictions may apply to:

• Batteries
• Aerosols
• Liquids
• Flammable products
• Chemicals
• Sharp objects
• Pressurised containers

Read the selected carrier’s current prohibited and restricted items guidance before dispatch.

Seal the Parcel Securely

Use strong parcel tape on:

• All main seams
• Box openings
• Reinforced edges where needed

Do not rely on string, a small piece of tape or the box’s old adhesive alone.

Apply the Address Label Clearly

The label should be:

• Correct
• Flat
• Readable
• Securely attached
• Free from tape glare over barcodes where this affects scanning

Remove or cover every old address and barcode.

Protect Buyer Information

Use the buyer’s delivery details only for completing the order.

Do not:

• Share the address publicly
• Reuse it for unrelated purposes
• Photograph and post the label online
• Leave copies visible after the transaction

Dispatch Within Kidora’s Expected Time

Kidora expects sellers to post the item or arrange collection within 48 hours of the order being placed.

If dispatch will be delayed:

• Message the buyer promptly
• Explain the expected date
• Do not falsely mark the item as shipped
• Refund or cancel if the order cannot be fulfilled

Check Payment Status Before Sending

A seller should send the item after the Kidora order shows Payment Complete.

If the status is Pending Payment, wait until it changes.

Do not rely on screenshots, external emails or messages claiming that payment has been made.

Mark the Order as Shipped

After posting, go to:

Profile > My Marketplace > My Orders > Sold

Open the order, tap the status button and select Order Shipped.

This notifies the buyer and starts the confirmation process linked to releasing the seller’s funds.

Do Not Mark an Order as Shipped Too Early

Only select Order Shipped after the parcel has been handed to the carrier or accepted at the drop-off point.

Marking it early can create confusion and may weaken trust if dispatch is delayed.

Send Tracking Information

Where tracking is available:

• Enter or share the correct number through the order conversation
• Check that it matches the buyer’s parcel
• Keep the receipt
• Monitor significant delays

Shipping Kidora Bundles

On Kidora, buyers can combine several items from one seller into a single bundle order.

If the bundle includes delivery:

1. The seller receives a message asking them to set the shipping cost
2. The seller calculates one fair cost for the combined weight and size
3. The buyer is notified once the shipping cost is set
4. The buyer completes checkout
5. The seller sends all bundle items together in one parcel

Combined shipping will often cost less than posting every item separately, but the final amount must reflect the actual parcel.

Check Bundle Contents Twice

Before sealing a bundle parcel:

• Compare every item with the order
• Count all pieces
• Check sizes and colours
• Photograph the full contents
• Use packaging suitable for the combined weight

All purchased items in the bundle should be shipped together unless another arrangement has been formally agreed.

If a Parcel Is Delayed

The buyer should first check the tracking information and contact the seller through Kidora messages.

The seller should:

• Check the carrier status
• Provide tracking information
• Contact the carrier where appropriate
• Keep the buyer updated

If a Parcel Is Lost

Kidora’s current guidance states that the seller is responsible for ensuring the item arrives safely.

If the parcel is lost:

• Check tracking
• Contact the carrier
• Retain proof of postage
• Work with the buyer to resolve the order
• Submit a carrier claim where available
• Use Kidora’s refund or dispute process where needed

Untracked postage may make it difficult to prove that an item was sent.

If an Item Arrives Damaged

The buyer should:

• Photograph the outer packaging
• Photograph the damage
• Keep the parcel and packaging
• Contact the seller through Kidora messages
• Report the issue within Kidora’s applicable deadline

The seller should review the evidence and work with the buyer. A tracked and appropriately compensated service may allow the seller to claim from the carrier.

Buyer Protection and Delivery Problems

Kidora’s standard Buyer Protection may cover eligible issues where an item:

• Was never shipped or is lost
• Arrives damaged
• Is significantly not as described

Buyers should follow the current Kidora Buyer Protection and Refund policies, including the stated reporting deadlines.

Do Not Move Shipping Arrangements Off Kidora

Keep transaction and order communication within Kidora.

Be cautious of messages asking you to:

• Click an unfamiliar courier link
• Pay a fee to receive payment
• Scan a QR code
• Move the sale to another messaging service
• Provide passwords or security codes

Use Holiday Mode When You Cannot Dispatch

If you are going away or cannot fulfil new orders, use Kidora’s Holiday Mode through Profile > My Marketplace.

This temporarily pauses listings so buyers cannot place new orders while you are unavailable.

Packaging and Delivery on Kidora

Kidora is a UK-only marketplace made for parents buying and selling preloved baby and children’s items.

Sellers can offer:

• Postage
• Free collection
• Both postage and collection

Sellers pay no selling fees. Buyers pay a Buyer Protection fee on paid purchases, shown before checkout.

For delivered orders, sellers should confirm Payment Complete, dispatch within 48 hours, use tracked delivery where possible, retain proof of postage and mark the order as Order Shipped after handover to the carrier.

FREE Kidora listings are collection-only and cannot be posted.

A Delivery and Packaging Checklist

• Confirm the item is suitable for postage
• Check carrier restrictions
• Measure and weigh the packed parcel
• Set a fair current shipping cost
• Use tracked delivery
• Photograph the item before packing
• Use strong packaging
• Protect every included part
• Keep proof of postage
• Mark the Kidora order as shipped
• Keep tracking and order communication in Kidora

Frequently Asked Questions

Which delivery service should I use?

Choose a carrier based on the final parcel’s size, weight, value, contents and current service rules. Kidora’s live guidance suggests Royal Mail or Evri for many parcels under 2kg and Parcelforce for larger items.

Should I use tracked postage?

Yes. Kidora strongly recommends tracking because it provides proof of dispatch, progress information and delivery evidence.

When should I send a Kidora order?

Send it after the order shows Payment Complete. Kidora expects dispatch within 48 hours.

How do I ship a Kidora bundle?

Set one fair shipping cost for the combined parcel, wait for the buyer to complete checkout, then package and send all purchased bundle items together.

What should I do if a parcel is lost or damaged?

Keep all evidence, contact the carrier, communicate through Kidora and use the relevant refund or dispute process. Tracked postage may support a carrier claim.