You ordered your favorite hand soaps and candles during the annual stock-up-and-save event. The box comes and you open it, excited about your purchase. As you pull out the items, half of them have broken pumps, one is leaking, and the candle you ordered as a gift has come out of its box, the lid is off, and chunks of it are laying in the bottom of the box.
How could this happen? A closer look reveals one small strip of pillow pockets and a layer of bubble wrap on the bottom of a box that is far too big for the contents. Without a properly sized box and packaging supplies used the right way to keep the contents in place, the items turned into little missiles every time the box was moved while in transit.
The results were a loss of half the contents that the company had to then reship to the customer for free. If that happens regularly, which the customer service agent suggested was the case, imagine the staggering loss of revenue that company has on an annual basis if the situation is not corrected.
In a society where the minimalist movement and a philosophy of less is more has become popular, those shipping packages have to be careful not to apply that when packaging items for shipment.
So, how could a few changes during the packaging process change that scenario? How can the investment you and your client have made be protected? Below are common packaging supplies and how they should be used to protect your shipment from damage.
Corrugated box, padded envelope, or mailer
When choosing what to ship your item in, consider its size, weight, and if it is fragile. Very large or awkward items could benefit from custom crating, while smaller heavy items may need double or triple-walled corrugated boxes. Small, lightweight items, such as labels or stickers, on the other hand, may be fine in a mailer, while other items just need light protection like that found in a padded envelope.
Just as important is selecting a box or other shipping container that is not too large or too small for the items being shipped as that is the first step in protecting them well. A good rule of thumb is to add about two inches to the height, width, and length of the item to be shipped and choose a box that is closest to that size.
Paper, bubble wrap, air bags, and more
There are many different options for protecting items inside the box, once the proper box size and type have been selected. They range from custom-made foam inserts to bubble wrap, kraft paper, shredded paper, foam peanuts, strips of air bags, and more.
When choosing which to use, it’s important to consider if your item(s) are fragile or if there is more than one and they should be kept from contact with each other. Also, keep in mind how well the packaging needs to cushion the item, or if some compression is acceptable. If they contain liquid, does the lid need to be taped before it’s put in the box? Are you using paper that is dyed and could that dye rub off onto an item you are shipping?
Sealing the box or envelope
The last step, other than labeling the box, is choosing the best way to seal it. Will one strip of water-activated tape do the job? Or will you need multiple strips of adhesive packaging tape?
Don’t forget that tapes, boxes, and mailers can all be custom printed to add to your customer’s experience and brand recognition. A packaging supplies professional such as Pinnacle Packaging can help you with custom printing and also to ensure you choose the right materials to ship your items, so they are well protected while not being wasteful with overuse.
About Us
Pinnacle Packaging, Inc. offers our customers the best product selection and fast delivery, all at great prices. We are proud to offer over 20,000 quality products from well-known and trusted brands like 3M, Sealed Air, Tape Logic, Rubbermaid, Ivex, and many more. Our mission is to be the single source answer to all our customers’ packaging needs.
Through the years, we have established a reputation with our customers for providing fast, reliable, and professional service. Our high level of responsiveness to our customers’ needs keeps them coming back.