QVC Packaging Guidelines

Discover QVC packaging guidelines covering mixed SKUs, master cartons, pallet standards, labeling placement, and shipping dimensions.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single carton?

Purchase orders cannot be mixed within a single carton. All mixed SKUs combined into a master carton must be from the same QVC purchase order.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single pallet?

SKUs from different purchase orders must not be mixed on a single pallet. Mixed SKUs from the same purchase order are allowed, and the pallet label must include "CONTAINS MIXED SKUS" in bold and legible print.

Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?

Yes, SKUs can be mixed on a single pallet under certain conditions. If mixed SKU pallets are necessary, they must be clearly marked as MIXED PALLET on all four sides and have a slip sheet between the SKUs for easy identification, such as cardboard or colored paper. The same SKU cannot be loaded on multiple mixed SKU pallets, and SKUs from different QVC purchase orders should not be mixed. Moreover, the largest quantity SKUs should be loaded on the pallets first with the least quantity SKUs at the top. Mixed SKU pallets should be loaded by the rear door of the trailer.

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

Yes, SKUs can be mixed within a single carton when purchase order quantities are too small to pack individually without going below the minimum master carton dimensions. Requirements include: SKUs must be from the same purchase order, pack saleable units into standardized inner pack quantities, mark the carton with "CONTAINS MIXED SKU's" on all four sides, use the barcode of the SKU with the greatest quantity, and the barcode label quantity must reflect the total quantity for all SKUs.

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

Only 48 inch x 40 inch stringer pallets constructed of dense hardwood material, following Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) standards, are accepted. Plastic pallets are not accepted.

What are the max and min dimensions for shipping cartons?

The minimum dimensions for jewelry master cartons are 10" in length, 8" in width, and 6" in height. The maximum dimensions are 18" in length, 15.5" in width, and 11.5" in height. These apply specifically to jewelry products.

What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?

The maximum weight for a shipping carton is 150 pounds (68.04 kilograms), and the minimum weight is not specified in the provided guidelines.

What are the min max weight requirements for shipping pallets?

The maximum pallet weight is 1,500 pounds.

What are the requirements for carton or pallet labels and their placement?

Requirements for master carton label placement are as follows:
1. Place label on the smallest, flattest surface, not on the top or bottom, but the middle size side panel if necessary.
2. Consistent placement from unit to unit.
3. Only one label is required per master carton.
4. DO NOT place label across a carton seam or around a carton edge.
5. DO NOT place clear tape over the barcode label.
6. Carton label and Dangerous Good mark must be on different panels or opposite sides.

For pallet label placement:
1. Place label OVER shrink wrap.
2. Label placement must be consistent from pallet to pallet.
3. Only one label is required per pallet.

What are the requirements for inner packs and cases?

For inner cartons or polybags: they are optional and should contain more than one saleable unit but are mandatory for very small products. They must contain 10 or more units, not mix SKUs, maintain consistent unit count except for partials, not use controversial fillers like packing peanuts, and not be shrink-wrapped individually. Inner packs for jewelry require 10, 25, or 50 saleable units, with similar restrictions against mixing SKUs and bundling.

What are the requirements for placing labels on cartons being shipped?

For master carton labeling, the GS1-128 Serialized Shipping Container Code (SSCC-18) is used to track the carton count for a specific PO going to each QVC Fulfillment Center (Page 29, Doc 7100dc92-d2d9-4cbb-9002-33005b474b8a). Master carton labels must be pre-printed and appropriately sized to enable effective scanning. They should contain human-readable and barcode formats, including total number of selling units, QVC item number/SKU, fulfillment center information, and more. Labels must be placed consistently and must not be on seams, corners, or covered with tape (Page 29, Doc 7100dc92-d2d9-4cbb-9002-33005b474b8a; Page 105, Doc 83dc7621-a51e-4a2e-ab20-ca85582fd508).

What is the max pallet height allowed when shipping?

There is no height restriction requirement for palletized product, but the load should not be so heavy as to cause the bottom layer of cartons to be crushed.