Preparing Your Items

Pallets are accepted and may be necessary for certain items of specific weight or shape.

However, if you wish to palletize your items yourself, you must ensure that:

• The contents of the pallet are not unpackaged on the pallet.
• No content should protrude from the pallet.
• The top of the pallet should be flat to avoid additional charges after collection.

We accept suitcases, double-walled cardboard boxes, backpacks, duffel bags, and approved sports equipment cases.

As your items will travel through an automated network, they will be loaded and unloaded between multiple vehicles and move down sorting chutes. If possible, we recommend transporting your items in boxes rather than suitcases to avoid damage to handles or wheels.

SUITCASES, DUFFEL BAGS, BACKPACKS, AND BAGS

• Hard-Shell Suitcases: These vary greatly depending on the manufacturer and many are designed to be lightweight at the expense of protection. We recommend using a soft-shellsuitcasewhenavailable.
• Wrapping and Protection: As our service is door-to-door, we recommend wrapping your suitcases to protect them from rain and securing loose handles or straps with bubble wrap.
• Securing Straps: If sending duffel bags, backpacks, or bags, they must be fully wrapped to ensure straps do not get caught as they move through the network.
• Liability for Damage: Σπουργίτης is not liable for damage to unprotected bags.
• Customs and Security: For customs and security reasons, do not lock your bag. Instead, secure it with a cabletie.
• Pull Handles: If your suitcase has a pull handle, secure it in place with tape to ensure it does not extend during transport and avoid damage.
• Spinner Wheels: While spinner wheels offer ground mobility, they often lack durability. If using a spinner suitcase, we recommend choosing one with recessed wheels.

BOXES

• Durability: Boxes should be sturdy, double-walled cardboard designed to hold the contained weight.
• Securing the Box: Secure boxes with tape over the folded flaps on the top and bottom, and wrap tape around the box from back to front and side to side. We also recommend taping along the seams. Only taping over the folded flaps is not sufficient. If you have access to plastic wrap, wrapping your box will also reinforce it (especially for boxes over 15 kg) and protect it from rain during outdoor transit.
• Internal Security: Items must be secured inside the box to prevent movement and potential damage during transport. Our “What Can I Send?” section contains more information on items not recommended for shipment, such as glass and porcelain.

DO NOT OVERLOAD SUITCASES OR TIE MULTIPLE BAGS OR BOXES TOGETHER

• Weight Limit: With an allowable weight of 30 kg, the average Σπουργίτης suitcase can be much heavier than an average airline-checked bag. While manufacturers may advertise that their luggage can hold 30 kg or more, please take a moment to check that the zippers and handles can certainly support the weight. Our drivers will lift suitcases by the handles, and during processing, bags will slide down sorting chutes. If your suitcase is not designed to hold the weight, handles, wheels, or the hard shell may get damaged.
• Damage and Liability: If you send an overloaded box or bag that breaks, Σπουργίτης cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss. Our services are great value; if an item is truly heavy, why not split it into two bags?
• Do Not Tie Items Together: Please do not tie more than one bag or box together. If an item detaches during transport, only one piece will have a tracking label, leading to potential loss of the unlabeled item. Σπουργίτης cannot take responsibility for the loss of items without labels.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your items arrive safely and securely at their destination.

Once you have placed your order, tracking labels will be generated and sent to you via email.

Before Collection:

1. Print Labels and Customs Documentation:

1. • Print your labels.

2. AttachLabels:

1. • Place the labels in A4 plastic sleeves, which can be found at any stationery store.
   • Securely attach the labels to your luggage using transparent tape, especially if you are sending a box. Ensure the labelsareplaced on a flatsurface.

3. If You Forget to Print Your Label:

1. • Do not give your bag to the driver.
   • Contact Σπουργίτης, and we will arrange for the driver to return the next day once the labels have been attached.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth collection process for your shipment.

We recommend securing your bag with a cable tie (where you would usually place a lock) as a cable tie can be cut without damaging the bag if your shipment needs to be inspected.

Bags with locks are typically rejected by the collection driver. If your bag has a TSA lock, we do not recommend locking it.

If a bag needs to be checked for any reason, our partner or customs authorities may break the locks without notice. More often, they will hold the shipment until the combination is provided or permission is given to break the lock, which can lead to transport delays.

If your bag is locked (including combination and TSA locks), Σπουργίτης cannot take responsibility for any delays caused by the locked bag, damage to the shipment due to lock removal, or replacement of broken/lost locks.

Many customers also wrap their bags in plastic, such as shrink wrap, cling film, or stretch film, for protection. Please be aware that for security reasons, drivers may ask to see the contents of the bag. If you have wrapped the bag, you may be asked to remove the wrapping.

Shipping labels are generally available for download and printing within 24 hours before the collection date.

If you still cannot access your labels, please contact the Σπουργίτης team for assistance.

How to Attach the Labels

Whenever possible, labels should be attached to suitcases using official Σπουργίτης label holders, which can be ordered during the booking process, from your account after booking, and at any other time from our Official Store.

By ensuring your labels are securely attached, you can help facilitate a smooth and efficient shipping process.

Unfortunately, we do not sell boxes. You can purchase boxes at department stores (such as Leroy Merlin, Jumbo, or local stores).