Dirty Tricks and Lies Told by the Timber Packaging Industry (That Cost You Money!)
The timber packaging industry is full of dirty tricks, hidden fees, and outright lies that businesses fall for every day. You think you’re getting quality crates, pallets, or cases—but in reality, you’re being overcharged, misled, or worse, left with packaging that won’t protect your goods when it matters most.
Let’s expose the biggest lies and show you how to avoid getting ripped off with your timber packaging in Melbourne.
LIE #1: "All Timber Packaging is the Same"
This is absolute nonsense. Many suppliers will sell you cheap, low-grade timber that looks fine on the surface but cracks, warps, or splinters under pressure. Worse? Some don’t even meet export compliance standards like ISPM-15, meaning your shipment could be stopped at the border.
What They Don’t Want You to Know:
🚨 Some suppliers use untreated, inferior timber to cut costs. This results in:
- Weak structures that collapse under weight
- Pests and mold issues, leading to failed quarantine checks
- Warping in humidity, making the crates unreliable
✅ The Truth: If you want timber packaging that actually protects your cargo, you need heat-treated, high-quality materials designed for export conditions. Anything less? You’re gambling with your shipment.
LIE #2: "We Offer the Cheapest Crates and Pallets!"
Some companies love to throw around the word “cheap.” But here’s what they don’t tell you: cheap means cutting corners.
The Hidden Costs of Cheap Packaging:
🚨 Watch out for:
- Weak joints and low-quality nails that loosen in transit
- Inferior plywood that delaminates in humid conditions
- Hidden fees for essential modifications like extra bracing or reinforcement
- Shortcuts on compliance, meaning your shipment gets rejected at customs
🔍 Real-World Example: A business shipping high-value machinery overseas used “cheap” pallets to save money. The result? Their pallets collapsed during handling, causing $50,000 in damages. The supplier? Nowhere to be found.
✅ The Truth: A well-built pallet or crate saves you thousands in damaged goods. A poorly built one? It costs you far more in replacements and delays.
LIE #3: "We Can Deliver in Record Time!"
Ever heard this promise, only to be hit with a “sorry, we’re experiencing delays” message the moment you place your order? It’s a classic bait-and-switch.
How They Trick You:
- They overpromise to lock you in as a customer.
- They take on too many orders and can’t keep up.
- You’re left scrambling, while your shipment is delayed for weeks.
🚨 Red Flags: ❌ No clear delivery timeline in writing
❌ Last-minute excuses about “unexpected production delays”
❌ Zero communication on order progress
What They Don’t Want You to Know: Some Certain Melbourne suppliers only take orders they "want to accept", leaving you with unreliable delivery windows. If they’ve overextended themselves, be ready for a 3-4 week wait time, or worse.
✅ The Truth: A reliable supplier doesn’t make false promises—they deliver on time, every time. If a company can’t give you a clear, realistic timeline, walk away. Unorganised operations and inefficiency always lead to long wait times, and no one wants that.
LIE #4: "On-Site Packing is Unnecessary"
Some suppliers will tell you onsite packing is a waste of money—because they don’t offer it. But here’s the reality: It’s one of the smartest investments you can make.
What Happens When You Skip On-Site Packing:
- Fragile items are mishandled at third-party warehouses
- Oversized machinery is poorly packed, leading to damage in transit
- Customs inspections flag improperly secured goods, delaying shipments
✅ The Truth: If your shipment is valuable, onsite packing is a game-changer. It means your cargo is secured correctly from the start—reducing damage, delays, and unexpected costs.
LIE #5: "Any Supplier Can Handle Export Crates"
Big mistake. Not every supplier understands the complex regulations of export crates and shipping. And if your packaging isn’t compliant? Say goodbye to your shipment.
How They Get You:
- They don’t heat-treat timber, leading to customs rejections
- They ignore ISPM-15 standards, risking huge fines and return costs
- They offer “custom” solutions that aren’t built for export conditions
🚨 Example: A Melbourne business exporting industrial equipment to the U.S. used a “standard” crate supplier. Customs seized their goods because the crates lacked proper heat-treatment stamps. The result? Thousands lost in storage fees and delays.
✅ The Truth: If your crate and pallet supplier doesn’t know export regulations inside-out, you’re risking costly border rejections
Be Aware of Dodgy Packing Services: Why Outsourcing Onsite Packing Could Cost You More Than You Think
Onsite packing is a crucial service for businesses shipping delicate or heavy items. It ensures your goods are properly secured, reducing the risk of damage during transit. But here's a dirty little secret of the timber packaging industry: some companies take on onsite packing jobs they aren’t equipped to handle, and then outsource the job to subcontractors. This often leads to shoddy workmanship, delays, and additional costs that you didn’t sign up for.
Let’s break down why this practice is a problem and how you can avoid it.
The Bait-and-Switch: Taking Jobs They Can’t Handle
Some companies, desperate for business or too eager to expand, will take on onsite packing jobs even if they don’t have the right experience or knowledge. Why? To pad their order books and boost profits.
How They Trick You:
- They promise expertise in onsite packing services but don’t have the right team or equipment.
- Once they secure the job, they send in subcontractors who may not have the necessary training or skill.
- The subcontractors often lack familiarity with the specific packing needs of your goods, which means a higher risk of mistakes.
What They Don’t Want You to Know:
Outsourcing to subcontractors is often done to keep costs low for the company taking the job. But guess who ends up paying the price? You do. Inexperience or lack of training can lead to improper packing, causing delays, damaged goods, and compliance issues.
The Truth: Onsite packing requires specialized knowledge and skill. It’s not something that can just be handed off to anyone. At Crate N Pack Solutions, we take every onsite packing job seriously, ensuring that only experienced, knowledgeable staff handle your valuable cargo.
Don’t Get Stuck with Shoddy Service.
Contact us today to learn more about our in-house packing expertise and how we can ensure your goods are packed properly and safely.
The Hidden Dangers of Subcontracting
When a company outsources your packing job to subcontractors, you’re not just gambling with quality. You're also putting yourself at risk for unnecessary delays and hidden costs.
What Can Go Wrong with Subcontractors:
- Lack of Accountability: If something goes wrong, you can’t just hold the original company responsible because they didn’t do the work themselves. It’s harder to pinpoint where the mistake happened and who’s at fault.
- Subpar Equipment and Materials: Subcontractors may not have access to the same high-quality tools, materials, or equipment, leading to poor packing jobs that fail to protect your goods.
- Unreliable Service: Not all subcontractors have the same commitment to customer service. You could experience communication breakdowns, delays, and even missed deadlines.
The Truth: By hiring an unreliable company that outsources their work, you could face delays in your shipping schedule, unexpected costs, and, worst of all, goods that aren’t properly packed for transport.
Take Control of Your Packing Needs.
Don’t let subcontractors take the lead. Contact us to ensure your packing is handled by experienced, in-house professionals who understand the importance of getting it right the first time.
Red Flags: How to Spot Dodgy Timber Packaging Companies
When it comes to onsite packing, there are several red flags to watch out for. One common issue is companies that claim to offer safe packaging but then outsource the packing to contractors. Another warning sign is timber packaging companies sending pallet builders with no industrial packing experience to secure heavy machinery. These are clear indicators that the company may be planning to outsource the work, leaving you with a subpar result.
Watch Out for These Red Flags:
- They Can't Provide Clear Details About Their Team: If the company can’t explain who will be doing the onsite packing or what qualifications they have, it’s a sign they may be outsourcing the job.
- They Promise Unrealistic Timelines: Companies that rush their packing services are usually trying to get as many jobs done as possible, even if they don’t have the capacity to complete them well.
- No Clear Communication About Materials and Equipment: If they can't tell you about the materials and equipment they’ll use for your packing job, or if they don’t provide you with detailed plans, they may be cutting corners.
The Truth: Trustworthy companies are transparent. They have the necessary expertise, equipment, and team to handle your onsite packing needs properly, without shortcuts.
Don’t Settle for Less.
Get the onsite packing service you deserve—no subcontractors, no shortcuts. Reach out to Crate n Pack Solutions today for a quote and more information on how we can assist with your packing needs.
Why You Should Choose a Company That Does It All In-House
When you hire a reputable company like Crate N Pack Solutions, you’re not just getting a team that’s knowledgeable in timber packaging; you’re also getting a team that understands the importance of hands-on care in every step of the process. We don’t outsource—we do everything in-house to ensure the highest quality and consistency in our services.
The Benefits of Choosing an In-House Team:
- Expertise You Can Trust: Our team has the training, experience, and knowledge to properly pack your goods, no subcontractors needed.
- Consistent Quality Control: Since we handle everything ourselves, we can ensure that the same high standards are maintained throughout the entire packing process.
- Clear Communication: You’ll work directly with our team, ensuring that you’re always up to date on your packing project’s progress and timeline.
The Truth: With Crate N Pack Solutions, you’re getting reliable, experienced professionals who take pride in every aspect of the job. We’re here to make sure your goods are packed safely, efficiently, and with the care they deserve.
Ready for hassle-free onsite packing?
Contact us today for reliable, professional packing solutions that keep your goods safe and your business moving forward.
Onsite Packing Done Right: No Outsourcing, Just Expertise
When it comes to onsite packing, there’s a lot more at stake than just securing a few boxes. The integrity of your goods during transit depends on the experience and skill of the team handling the packing process. Unfortunately, many companies outsource this critical service to third-party contractors who lack the knowledge and dedication to do the job right. This can lead to poor packing, damage, and costly delays.
What We Do Differently:
At Crate N Pack Solutions, we don’t outsource our onsite packing jobs to other companies. We believe in keeping things in-house so that we can ensure the highest quality service from start to finish. Every member of our onsite packing team is carefully trained in the most up-to-date packing techniques, handling procedures, and industry standards.
We pride ourselves on having one of the most experienced and highly skilled teams in the industry, led by our Managing Director, Chris Wetere. With some of the most hands-on industrial packing experience in Melbourne—if not all of Australia—Chris personally ensures that every job is executed to the highest standards. From packing delicate machinery to handling oversized equipment, Chris’s expertise is the backbone of our onsite packing services.
Why Our In-House Team Makes a Difference:
- Training & Experience: We take the time to train our staff properly, ensuring that everyone involved understands the complexities of industrial packing. We don’t just hire contractors—we build a team of experts.
- Quality Assurance: By keeping everything in-house, we can guarantee that every job is done to our strict standards, with attention to detail and a commitment to the safety of your goods.
- No Subcontractors, No Surprises: When you work with Crate N Pack Solutions, you’re working with our in-house team, not third-party subcontractors who might lack the experience and consistency you need.
With Chris Wetere’s extensive experience in industrial packaging, you can trust that your onsite packing will be in the hands of experts who are committed to getting the job done right, the first time.
Don’t take chances with your packing. Reach out today to see how Crate N Pack Solutions’ in-house team can help safeguard your goods during transit.
