When you run a business that deals with shipping products to customers in different places, many of the tasks can be quite tricky. Packing your order, sending it to the right address, dealing with customers… This is why you should be super cautious about the way you are running it. Packaging is one of the things in this process that you should never neglect.
Just imagine if you were the customer and your package came to your address all destroyed. You wouldn’t care if the product was the best one you’ve ordered – your experience is immediately ruined. Then comes the returning and refunding, which is an exhausting process. So make sure you do your best to avoid this from happening.
How your packages arrive at your customers should be your top worry. Having the right packaging supplies will save your life, whether you are shipping fragile items or heavy boxes. Let’s go over some of the most important packaging supplies that will keep your products safe and your customers happy as well.
Buying Supplies in Bulk
If you are shipping your products on a regular basis, then you’ll know that buying packaging supplies in bulk is an essential first step. This will make sure your business never runs out of the essentials. It would just make things worse if you are late with sending your packages because you are looking for boxes and tape at the last minute. Be sure that this is likely to happen if you underestimate how much supply you need.
When you decide to buy supplies in bulk, you’ll always be prepared to send another order, and you will actually save a lot of money in the long run. Also, you can often find suppliers that offer discounts if you make a large order. When you are shopping for wholesale packaging supplies, you should put the accent on the basics you need, such as tape, boxes, and bubble wrap. Any good packaging strategy will require using these things, and if they are always at your place and on hand, shipping products will become a lot easier.
Choose the Right Box
Now, of course, the boxes are the first thing to be discussed. You may think that all boxes are created the same way, but that’s not the case. If you choose the wrong one, you can sabotage yourself. Always look for sturdy boxes that will handle the road, bumps, and drops because it’s going to happen anyway. There are corrugated cardboard boxes that are strong and lightweight at the same time.
Focus on the size of the box, too. If you choose a box that’s too big, your product has the space to bounce around, and that can cause damage. If the box is too small, the product can become crammed. When you are shipping some more fragile and heavier items, you should choose double-wall boxes. They are much thicker and will give your product extra protection, so you won’t have to worry about it staying safe.
Think About the Tape
This is one of the most important parts of your packaging. If you use a flimsy tape, your boxes can pop open during their transportation, and that’s definitely not something you would want to happen because it will create a lot of mess. Invest in some high-quality tape that will endure the transport and won’t cause any problems.
You can try clear plastic tape or reinforced kraft tape since they are an excellent choice for this. There’s one little hack when you are packing your orders. It’s called “H-tape.” This means that you seal your boxes by taping along the center seam and then taping over the edges to create an “H” shape. Your packages will be tightly sealed this way and be extra secured.
Use Bubble Wrap as a Cushion
An extremely important supply when shipping fragile items is bubble wrap. You can send glassware, electronics, or anything delicate, bubble wrap will give it extra protection because it serves as a cushion that will absorb any shock and prevent damage. It’s very easy to use and lightweight, and sometimes even fun to play with for customers.
If you are worried about the environment and waste and are looking for a more eco-friendly option, you can look up biodegradable bubble wrap. It has the same effect on your packaging; it protects things the same way, but it’s much better for the environment.
Keep Things Together With a Stretch Wrap
Sometimes you have to send multiple items in one package, or the order is just too loose. The best way to keep these things together in your package is by using a stretch wrap. It’s basically a plastic film that clings to itself. You wrap it around these kinds of products, and you get to keep them together without moving around too much. Another benefit of stretch wrap is that it’s going to keep your products free of dust, moisture, and scratches. It’s a great way to add another extra layer of protection to your packages.
Label Your Packages the Right Way
After you’ve done the packing and sealing process, it’s time to label the order the right way. For this, you’ll need to buy some labels and markers as well. Make sure you label your packages so that they are easy to read. It can often happen that the package goes to the wrong person because of this mistake. Find some waterproof labels so that you can prevent smudging. Write the recipient’s address, name, and phone number, as well as your return address and any special instructions. Use a permanent marker for this step because the information will not be erased during transportation.
People outside of this business think that packing their order is an easy job. You just put the product in the box and send it off. But anyone who actually works in this field knows how important this process is. This is the way that customers will create an image of you, and it’s the easiest way you can leave a good impression. Our best advice would be to invest in high-quality packaging supplies because this will make sure your products arrive at your customers in perfect condition.
