Introduction: Why We're Talking Openly About Breakage
Ceramics can break during shipping. As a wholesale buyer ordering 1000+ units at a time, this isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a direct impact on your profitability and customer satisfaction.
At TX Ceramics, we believe transparency builds trust. Rather than making vague promises, we’re sharing exact data, specific processes, and clear policies about how we handle the risk that every ceramic shipper faces. Our goal isn’t perfection (though we aim for it), but rather predictable, manageable outcomes en fair, straightforward solutions when issues occur.
Here’s exactly how we protect your investment from our production line to your warehouse door.
Part 1: Our Packaging Philosophy – Defense in Depth
The Core Principle:
We don’t just “pack” your order—we engineer a protective system based on the specific vulnerabilities of each planter size and shape.
The 6-Layer Protection System:
Layer 1: Surface Protection
What: Micro-bubble wrap (10mm bubbles) around each planter
Why: Prevents glaze scratches and edge chipping during handling
Our Standard: Full coverage, taped (not just wrapped)
Layer 2: Individual Cradling
What: Custom die-cut cardboard or foam inserts
Why: Prevents planters from touching each other
Our Innovation: Different inserts for different size categories (4-6″, 7-9″, 10-12″)
Layer 3: Box Within a Box
What: Inner corrugated box holding 6-12 units, then placed in master carton
Why: Distributes impact force and contains any potential damage
Visual Example: See this system in our Instagram story highlight “Packing Process”
Layer 4: Master Carton Reinforcement
What: Double-walled corrugated boxes with edge protectors
Why: Withstands stacking pressure in containers and warehouses
Certification: All boxes rated for 200kg compression strength
Layer 5: Palletization Protocol
What: Uniform loading pattern with corner boards and top frame
Why: Prevents load shifting during ocean transit
Our Practice: Photos taken of every pallet before wrapping
Layer 6: Weather Armor
What: Plastic stretch wrap followed by waterproof PE cover
Why: Protection from humidity, condensation, and minor water exposure
Transparency: We use blue wrap for easy identification of our shipments
Real-World Testing:
Every packaging design undergoes:
Drop Test: 1-meter drop onto concrete from all orientations
Vibration Test: Simulating 7-day ocean transit conditions
Compression Test: Stacking equivalent to 3 container layers
Climate Test: Temperature and humidity cycling
Part 2: Our Actual Performance Data
Historical Breakage Rates (2021-2024):
| Year | Total Units Shipped | Damaged Units Reported | Breakage Rate | Primary Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 285,000 units | 2,565 units | 0.90% | Handling at destination ports |
| 2022 | 412,000 units | 2,884 units | 0.70% | Improved packaging implemented |
| 2023 | 593,000 units | 2,370 units | 0.40% | Current 6-layer system |
| 2024 | 156,000 units | 546 units | 0.35% | Ongoing improvements |
Breakdown by Size Category (2025 Data):
| Planter Size | Units Shipped | Breakage Rate | Most Common Damage Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-6 inch | 321,500 | 0.25% | Rim chips |
| 7-9 inch | 198,000 | 0.45% | Hairline cracks |
| 10-12 inch | 73,500 | 0.5% | Major breaks |
What This Means for You:
If you order 1,000 units of 8-inch planters, statistically you can expect:
Average scenario: 4-5 damaged pieces (0.45% of 1,000)
Good scenario: 2-3 damaged pieces
Rare worst case: 10+ damaged pieces (we cover this)
Part 3: Our Damage Compensation Policy – Clear & Simple
Principle:
We believe in taking responsibility for our products until they’re safely in your warehouse. No loopholes, no complicated claims processes.
The 3-Step Claims Process:
Step 1: Document (Within 7 Days of Receipt)
Take clear photos showing:
Overall context: Damaged items in received carton
Close-up: Each damaged piece showing break clearly
Packaging condition: How it arrived
Shipping label: For reference
Pro Tip: Record a short video while unpacking high-value shipments
Step 2: Report (Easy Options)
E-mail: jennifer@txceramics.com with subject “Damage Report – [Your PO#]”
Online Form: Available in our wholesale portal (takes 3 minutes)
WeChat/WhatsApp: Send directly to your account manager
Step 3: Resolution (Our 3 Options)
| Damage Level | Our Standard Resolution | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| <2% of order | Credit to your account for next order | 24 hours after documentation received |
| 2-5% of order | Your choice: Replacement shipment OR Credit +10% | 48 hours for decision, 15 days for replacement |
| >5% of order | Immediate replacement + 15% credit | Replacement prioritized in production |
What Makes Our Policy Different:
1. No Minimum Threshold
Some suppliers only compensate above 3-5% damage. We cover every damaged piece, starting from the first one.
2. Choice of Compensation
You decide what works for your business: immediate replacements or credit toward future orders.
3. Fast Processing
We acknowledge claims within 4 business hours and resolve within 24-48 hours.
4. Preventive Analysis
Every claim is reviewed by our packaging team to prevent recurrence.
Part 4: Special Considerations for Different Order Types
For Stock Orders:
Standard packaging as described above
Breakage typically 0.3-0.5%
Standard compensation policy applies
For Custom Orders (Special Colors/Finishes):
Extra protective layer added
Typically 0.2-0.4% breakage rate
Replacement time may be longer (up to 30 days) depending on production schedule
We notify you immediately of any delays
For Mixed Container Orders:
Each SKU packaged according to its specific requirements
Breakage tracked per SKU
Compensation calculated per SKU basis
For Direct-to-Retailer Shipments:
We can customize packaging for your specific retail requirements:
Shelf-ready packaging
Individual product barcodes
Retail display optimization
Discuss with your account manager
Part 5: How We Continuously Improve
Feedback Loop System:
Every damage report is logged in our improvement database
Monthly review with packaging team and production managers
Quarterly testing of new materials and methods
Annual packaging overhaul based on accumulated data
Recent Improvements (2023-2024):
Switched from single-wall to double-wall boxes for 8″+ planters
Added corner protectors to all pallets
Developed size-specific insert designs for better fit
Part 6: Real Examples from Our Wholesale Partners
Case 1: European Garden Center Chain
Order: 5,000 units of 10-inch planters
Kwestie: 42 units damaged (0.84%)
Our Response: Shipped 50 replacement units (extra 8 as goodwill) within 14 days
Partner Feedback: “The process was so straightforward. No arguments, just solutions.”
Case 2: US Online Retailer
Order: 800 units mixed sizes
Kwestie: Entire pallet tipped at destination (3% damage)
Our Response: Replaced all damaged units AND covered 50% of their reshipping cost to customers
Result: They’ve placed 4 repeat orders since
Case 3: Australian Wholesaler
Order: 2,000 units
Kwestie: 0.2% damage (better than average)
Our Note: We still credited them for the 4 damaged pieces without being asked
Their Comment: “This level of attention tells us they care about our business.”
Conclusion: Partnership Means Shared Responsibility
In the wholesale ceramics business, breakage isn’t an “if” but a “when.” The true test of a supplier isn’t whether damage occurs, but how they handle it when it does.
Our approach is built on three pillars:
Prevention: Industry-leading packaging that minimizes risk
Transparency: Clear data so you know what to expect
Responsibility: Fair, fast resolution when issues occur
We’ve invested in packaging not just to protect ceramics, but to protect our relationships with wholesale partners like you. When you succeed, we succeed.
