What is the first step to prepare an item for shipping?

The first step to prepare an item for shipping involves ensuring that the package is clean and ready for the shipping process. This is vital because any leftover paper, labels, or ribbons can cause confusion during the shipping process, potentially leading to misdeliveries or delays. Removing these items helps to present a clear surface for new shipping labels and ensures that the item is not mistaken for another package.

Once the item is clean and free of prior markings, other steps such as packing the item in a box, completing the shipping form, and labeling the package can be done effectively. Each of these subsequent actions relies on the initial preparation of the item to avoid issues that may arise from having old labels or materials present.