As a manufacturer committed to quality and customer satisfaction, we take great care in ensuring that our air conditioners reach our customers in optimal condition. One of the key elements of this process is shipping our units on pallets and our dedication to quality control. In this blog entry, we'll delve into the reasons behind this practice and provide insights into when not to accept our units upon arrival.

Why Pallets?

• Protection: Air conditioners are delicate appliances that require careful handling during transportation. By placing them on pallets, we create a stable base that minimizes the risk of damage from impacts, vibrations, and rough handling during transit.

• Ease of Handling: Palletizing our air conditioners streamlines the loading and unloading process for both our shipping partners and our customers. It allows forklifts and pallet jacks to move the units efficiently, reducing the likelihood of damage to the unit and injury to staff, shipper, and customer.

Why strap units down and wrap them?

• Protection: By strapping the unit to the pallet, it keeps it center on the pallet and prevents shifting. Being centered on the pallet gives some room around the unit so that it is not right next to other items being shipped in the truck. Taking the added step of wrapping the unit, ensures us that the unit will not shift on the pallet and will add another layer of protection to the box in which the unit is contained.

What’s in the box:

• The faceplate is in a wrap sleeve and fits into a cutout in the bottom of the box, ensuring it stays put and does not move in the box getting scratched.

• The unit is then inspected thoroughly for exterior mars and we temporarily install the control panel to hook into power to make sure the unit is in working condition. 
  

• The unit is carefully laid down in the box and the Pro Kit that is included with the air conditioner is assembled on top of the unit.

• The components are then carefully arranged around the outside edges of the air conditioner unit and cardboard spacers are placed to keep the unit from shifting in the box.

• Photos are then taken of all the components, the serial #, and how the box looks once wrapped.  The shipping department confirms the order is correct according to the order placed, uploads the photos to be attached to the customer’s orders.
  
• When shipping is done with the photos, the warehouse staff will then begin the strapping, wrapping and stickering of the units.

• Stickers are added to alert both the shipping company and the customer receiving the product.  There are bright orange stickers that say “DO NOT STACK” and bright green stickers that say “DO NOT ACCEPT IF DAMAGED.”  The shipping company is made aware both by the stickers and when we order the shipment pick up that there is absolutely NO STACKING.  This would also include people stepping on them.  The outer shroud of the air conditioner is not meant to withstand the weight of a person and/or other boxes and will most likely crack.  The “DO NOT ACCEPT IF DAMAGED” is very important for you as the customer.  When your product arrives, it is recommended that you do not accept it until you have walked around the pallet and inspected for any obvious damage to the box.  A small dented corner is not as much a worry as a hole that has gone through the box or a side crushed in.  If you were to see damage, you should reject it and tell the carrier you do not accept the package.  What this allows is for us to get a new unit to you quicker and for us to file a claim with the shipping company to replace the monetary value of the unit.  If you accept a damaged product, then the product is the customers and the cost of broken parts replacements and/or replacement of the entire unit including shipping will fall on the customer.  They will also lose the ability to file a claim with the shipping company because they accepted it even though it was damaged.  While this can be frustrating if you are on a timeline, it is important that we set ourselves up for success from beginning to end.

In conclusion, taking the time to carefully palletize, wrap and enforce quality control for our air conditioners enhances the efficiency, safety, and reliability of our shipping process, ensuring that our customers receive their orders in excellent condition. However, it's essential to remain vigilant and exercise caution when accepting deliveries, particularly in cases of visible damage.  

Your satisfaction and peace of mind are our utmost priorities, and we are committed to addressing any concerns or issues promptly and effectively. Thank you for choosing our products.