How to Choose Cost-Effective Retail Packaging Materials

Packaging is a major part of the retail industry, with companies spending millions to make sure their products are as attractive and appealing as possible. Detecting value within packaging materials can be difficult, but knowing what your goals are will help you find the perfect balance between cost and quality.

The “best packing material for fragile items” is a question that many people ask themselves. The answer to this question depends on the type of product that you are packaging. You should consider how much the package will weigh, what kind of materials it will be made out of and how much space it will take up in your warehouse.

As every business knows, delivering your goods to the client in a safe and timely manner is critical for building confidence and loyalty. At the same hand, going overboard on shipping supplies will result in higher materials and shipping expenses, which will turn off customers and reduce profits. The issue of packaging is to discover the safest, most cost-effective way to deliver your products to your consumers intact.

This article is for small businesses seeking for the most cost-effective shipping options. We’ll look at various shipping containers, cushioning alternatives, and how to seal and mark your shipments, regardless of their form or size. We’ll also look at pricing estimates so you can figure out how much packing material you’ll need.

1. Select the Correct Packaging: Boxes and Mailers

The first step in ensuring effective shipping and packing is to choose containers that are the appropriate size and material for your items. The bulk of the time, you’ll be looking at mailers or boxes at this point.

You want your item to fit tightly in its container for the greatest shipping results. Using the smallest box feasible can save you money on shipping and materials while also preventing your things from being damaged during transport.

TIP: Depending on what works best with certain items, you may need to utilize a variety of shipping containers.

However, keep in mind that most things will need extra packing materials, and more fragile items may require a lot of padding to remain safe. When choosing your shipping containers, keep in mind the fragility of your items as well as the additional room that extra cushioning will take up.

Furthermore, various items need differing degrees of endurance from their transportation containers. To distribute garments to consumers, for example, we utilized plain polyethylene envelopes with no extra padding elements at my business. We would, however, utilize compact, snug, padded boxes to mail jewelry to prevent injuring our more delicate products.

We’ll go through the many kinds of shipping containers so you can choose the best one for your company and save money on shipping.

Mailing Bubbles

Mailing Bubbless in white. (Source: Amazon)

Mailing Bubbless are waterproof bag containers that have a bubble lining to provide light protection to your goods. They come in various colors and sizes and are great if you want to add branding or labels. They are also a highly cost-effective option.

Best for: Hard objects (books, candles, flatware), sturdy plastic containers with liquids (shampoo and conditioners, lotions, creams), and compact cartons (jewelry boxes, batteries, nails and screws)

10 in. x 13 in., 9 in. x 12 in., 6 in. x 9 in. Dimensions: 10 in. x 13 in., 9 in. x 12 in., 6 in. x 9 in. Price range: Sizes: 10 in. x 13 in., 9 in. x 12 in., 6 in. x 9 in. Cost: $0.50–$1.00 per unit.50–$1.00 per unit

Mailer that folds up

Mailer that folds up (Source: Amazon)

A Mailer that folds up is a flat cardboard container that comes in varying thicknesses and provides no additional padding. Mailer that folds ups get their name because, to assemble, you place your item in the center and fold the box up around it.

Flat things bigger than 1 inch thick (textbooks, framed artwork, etc.) and flat items that need modest cushioning are the best candidates (candlesticks, plates) 12.5 in. x 12.5 in., 20 in. x 16 in., 24 in. x 24 in., 18 in. x 24 in., 14.5 in. x 11 in., 0.5 in. to 2 in. thick Price range: $1.00–$4.50 per unit

Mailer made of polyethylene

Mailer made of polyethylene (Source: Amazon)

Mailer made of polyethylenes are thin plastic, rectangular bags that provide no padding and are nearly weightless. They are an extremely cost-effective option for retailers, and some will even use these as a second layer of waterproofing on top of boxes and other shipping containers.

Because these mailers are thin, I would suggest always going with tear-proof Mailer made of polyethylenes to avoid damages or lost items in transit.

Best for: Soft, long-lasting objects (clothes, pillows), flat, long-lasting items (books, chopping boards, etc. ), and as a waterproofing covering for other containers. Sizes range from 6 inches by 9 inches to 24 inches by 24 inches. Cost per unit: Best for: Soft, durable items (clothing, cushions), flat and durable items (books, cutting boards, etc.), and waterproofing layer to other containers Sizes: 6 in. x 9 in. to 24 in. x 24 in. Cost: $0.13–$0.17 per unit.13–Best for: Soft, durable items (clothing, cushions), flat and durable items (books, cutting boards, etc.), and waterproofing layer to other containers Sizes: 6 in. x 9 in. to 24 in. x 24 in. Cost: $0.13–$0.17 per unit.17

Corrugated Boxes (Standard)

Typical corrugated box (Source: International Plastics)

Corrugated Boxes (Standard) are your typical cardboard boxes. They provide a great option if you need to send large merchandise, anything over 40 lbs., or if you need to fit a lot of protective cushioning around your product. They are more expensive than other types of shipping containers, but they are much larger and necessary to ensure items don’t break through their packaging.

Best for: Things thicker than 4 inches, articles requiring more packing materials, and shipments including a variety of items of diverse sorts or sizes. Sizes range from 16 inches by 12 inches by 12 inches to 24 inches by 20 inches by 24 inches. Price range: Best for: Items thicker than 4 inches, items that need extra packaging materials, and shipments with multiple items of various types or sizes Sizes: 16 in. x 12 in. x 12 in. to 24 in. 20 in. x 24 in. Cost: $0.20–$3.50 per unit.20–$3.50 per unit

Boxes with Multiple Depths

Boxes with Multiple Depths (Source: Uline)

Boxes with Multiple Depths are Corrugated Boxes (Standard) with multiple perforations that allow you to tear layers off and make the box into the size you need it to be. They are a great shipping container option if your products have the same length and width, but you ship them in various quantities or if there are only minimal size differences between your products.

Best for: Items that are thicker than 4 inches and need additional packing materials (has the same utility as a standard corrugated box) Sizes range from 8 in. x 8 in. x 8 in. to 36 in. x 36 in. Cost per unit: Best for: Items thicker than 4 inches and items that need extra packaging materials (has the same utility as a standard corrugated box) Sizes: 8 in. x 8 in. x 8 in. to 36 in. x 36 in. 36 in. Cost: $0.75–$10.00 per unit.75–$10.00

Box with two walls

Box with two walls (Source: Packaging Price)

Double-wall boxes feature two levels of support, making them excellent for heavy products. While these crates are expensive, they are vital to protect large cargo from being broken or lost during shipment.

Best for: Merchandise weighing more than 40 pounds and things with sharp edges that might pierce weaker containers Sizes range from 16 inches by 12 inches by 12 inches to 24 inches by 20 inches by 24 inches. Cost per unit: Best for: Merchandise over 40 lbs. and products with sharp edges that might cut through weaker containers Sizes: 16 in. x 12 in. x 12 in. to 24 in. 20 in. x 24 in. Cost: $0.80–$27.00 per unit.80–$27.00

Container for Bulk Cargo

Container for Bulk Cargo (Source: International Plastics)

Container for Bulk Cargos are your largest shipping container option and are typically used when sending bulk or wholesale orders. They also feature double wall cardboard and are hard enough for heavy, bulky loads.

Bulk orders, multi-box shipments, and extra-large products are ideal. Sizes range from 36 inches by 36 inches by 36 inches to 48 inches by 40 inches by 60 inches. Cost per unit: $9.00–$80.00

2. Decide on your cushioning and void fill.

After you’ve decided on the containers that are best for your products, you’ll need to decide on the cushioning materials. The purpose of void fill, often known as padding, is to keep your goods safe and secure throughout travel.

Here, we’ll look at the many types of cushioning materials that are available, as well as their purposes, average costs, and advantages and disadvantages.

Bubblewrap

Wrapped with bubble wrap (Source: Amazon)

Bubble Wrap is a plastic sheet with aerated pockets that acts as a cushion for packages. It’s fantastic since it’s available in a number of sizes, is flexible, and can wrap around oddly shaped items. Furthermore, although Bubble Wrap is light, it creates a thick covering that takes up a lot of room in boxes and around goods.

Another approach is to make your own bubble wrap. You have an air filling machine in this case, which you may use to produce your own bubble sheets. This is a fantastic alternative if you handle a lot of orders that need bubble wrapping. It will save you money over time. The air filling machine has a hefty purchase price of $1,500, yet it may save money for the proper organization.

Price range: $20.00–$200.00 (depending on roll size)

Pillows made of air

Pillows made of air (Source: Uline)

Pillows made of air are larger aerated pockets that you can use to create sheets of cushioning around objects. Unlike Bubble Wrap, Pillows made of air are not particularly flexible and are better suited for regular-shaped objects or irregular items that don’t require tight wrapping. They also take up a lot of space in packages but are very light.

They are unique because you do not receive them filled; rather, you receive large sheets of plastic rolls that you fill yourself using an air cushion machine. While the actual sheets of Pillows made of air are extremely economical, unless this cost-saving can offset a $1,500 filling machine, this might not be your best option.

Price range: $95.00–$125.00 (depending on quantity)

Peanut packing

Peanut packing (Source: Walmart)

Peanut packing are Styrofoam pieces that are used to fill open space and nooks and crannies in parcels. They are extremely lightweight and provide a good layer of protection around irregularly shaped items. Additionally, they are a cost-effective option and are even reusable.

The biggest drawback to Peanut packing is that they are an environmental hazard. In recent years, however, new biodegradable Peanut packing have been introduced. These options are made of starch and dissolve in water for easy disposal, and they provide all the same benefits as regular Peanut packing. They do have a slightly higher price point, but prices have been dropping as biodegradable peanuts become more and more commonplace.

$2.00 per cubic foot (Styrofoam); $3.50 per cubic foot (plastic) (biodegradable)

Sheets of Styrofoam

Pathe Shipping is a company that specializes in shipping.

Sheets of Styrofoam are just as they sound—sheets of Styrofoam that you can use to line packages, like in the picture below.

Use Sheets of Styrofoam to line your packages and keep your product secure. (Source: Uline)

They are great because they offer a lot of protection, making them perfect for fragile items. At the same time, they weigh next to nothing, keeping your shipping costs down. However, due to the level of security they provide, Sheets of Styrofoam tend to run a high ticket price.

Price range: Cost: $0.34–$80.00.34–$80.00

Foam Rolls

Rolls of foam (Source: Amazon)

Foam rolls are big polyethylene sheets that may be used to wrap fragile items. This kind of padding is usually seen with ceramic and glass objects. They’re flexible and light, and they can be simply cut to any size. They are, however, a pricey choice that may be cumbersome, necessitating the use of bigger shipping containers.

Price range: $20.00–$200.00

Instapak

Instapak is an acronym for “instant pack” (Source: Global Indutrial)

Instapak® is a foam packaging material that expands and conforms to the contour of the thing it comes into contact with. It’s highly tough, so it’s ideal for the most fragile items. It’s also small and lightweight, so it won’t take up too much room in whatever you put it in. Instapak foam is the most costly choice on the list, while being a fantastic product.

Approximately $5.00 per unit

3. Consider Items That Are Fragile or Unusual

Some products need particular handling to ensure that they reach safely at their destination. We’ll look at how you should manage unusual commodities in this section.

It might be difficult to send goods that are very delicate, pointy, or lengthy without causing harm. (Photo courtesy of Cassidy’s Ottawa Moving and Storage)

• If you’re packing many things, you may need to wrap each one separately with a thin layer of foam or bubble wrap to avoid scratches, then cover the gaps with peanuts.
• Delicate items: You’ll want to use a combination of Sheets of Styrofoam, Bubble Wrap, and peanuts. Use the Sheets of Styrofoam to line the perimeter and create a buffer—Bubble Wrap on the actual product and peanuts to fill the rest of the space.
• Sharp edges: It’s important to cover any sharp, protruding edges on your item(s) by putting them in another box within the container, folding a thin layer of cardboard over the edge, or using Box with two wallses.
• If you’re working with rugs, textiles, or wallpaper, be sure you don’t fold anything that shouldn’t be folded. Instead, wrap them up and package them in long tubular or rectangular boxes.

4. Tape and labels should be purchased.

After you’ve packaged your merchandise, it’s time to seal and mark your box before sending it off.

The first thing you’ll want to do is get the appropriate tape for the material of your shipping container. There are a number of packing tapes created particularly for sealing cardboard boxes. If you’re going to be using a lot of cardboard, you should also get a tape gun to speed up and simplify the procedure. Otherwise, self-adhesive strips are common in mailer alternatives, making your job easier.

After your box has been sealed, you may begin labeling and branding it. Most essential, postage or a stamp must be adhered to a conspicuous position on the top of your item. Then, if desired, you may add décor and branding.

To improve the consumer experience and emphasize your brand, use personalized packaging. (Image courtesy of Packola)

Attaching a sticker with your company name or using decorative tape with your logo are examples of branding. It might also resemble bespoke packaging. Custom packaging, although somewhat more expensive than a typical box or mailer, is an excellent method to establish your brand. Depending on how much ink you use and the size of the container, you may expect to pay anywhere from $1.00 to $18.00 per box.

If you want personalized packaging with your logo, read our guide to creative packaging ideas for more information and to help improve your customers’ experience.

Conclusion

When it comes to shipping materials, there are a lot of possibilities, and picking the proper one will guarantee that your packages reach on time and in good condition. Shipping requires time and thought, from the container you pick to place your things in to the cushioning materials you use to the labels and branding you use. You can learn more about the finest shipping material alternatives on the market and pick the best techniques for your company with the help of this article.

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The “packing materials for shipping near me” is a question that many people have. This article will help you choose the most cost-effective retail packaging materials.

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