If your cardboard box has a rounded number code (usually in the bottom left corner), don’t guess what those codes mean. They could make all the difference in the world by helping a packer determine whether that particular box is going to work properly.

Reading them takes less time than it does to write an email. And reading them will help prevent the wrong box from being packed with a very heavy product.

Those stamps are usually referred to as “box makers certificates”. They usually include information such as the name of the manufacturer, type of walls, maximum size limit and top weight. Not all stamps are alike, so take the time to read each line instead of making assumptions based on their appearance. The weight listed on the stamp is actually for the total package including the product, packing materials, tape and the box itself.

There might be a letter designation on some stamps that says ECT. ECT stands for Edge Crush Test. Edge Crush Test shows how well the material will withstand pressure applied to its edges. As packages are stacked, the lower packages must bear the load of the upper packages. There may also be a Burst Test designation on the stamp. That tests another form of strength. Do NOT treat these numbers as equal.

Some new packers get confused about what the size limit means. Size limits relate directly to both the box and the strength rating of that box, not necessarily how carriers charge per pound for larger shipments. Before shipping out a long or wide product, check the current regulations regarding the specific shipping method being used instead of just relying upon the size limit stated on the packaging.

No matter how high of a strength rating is given to a box, it still doesn’t matter if that box is poorly taken care of. Any deep cuts, moisture damage, ripped flaps and crunched edges to a box can significantly reduce its original value. A box that has been previously shipped may not perform exactly as one would expect from a brand-new box. Always inspect used cardboard boxes from every angle prior to loading products into them.

That little stamp also doesn’t guarantee that anything you’re shipping will arrive safe and sound either. Proper distribution of weight, enough empty space to allow adequate filling and solid taping to seal each flap can greatly affect performance. Items requiring special protection (sharp items, breakable etc.) may require additional support. When shipping something that requires extra handling, consult with the manufacturer/seller or carrier which rating best applies to that specific shipping requirement.

Show employees where to find the certification and explain the key points. Consider keeping a sample near the packing station with the rated capacity and strength markings highlighted. This simple reference tool will greatly decrease errors related to identifying similar appearing cardboard boxes. What appears to be nothing more than an unassuming stamp at the bottom may provide valuable guidance to your packing staff before adding labels to the top.

You may recall receiving a shipping box at some point in your life. Once you got to unbox the contents (the actual item), did you find yourself disappointed? Did you find that the tape would not stick well, that the box folded under pressure, or that the bubble wrap failed to protect your item adequately? If so, then you understand how frustrating it can be. These small frustrations can quickly escalate into larger issues as you continue to send packages out every week.

How many shipping supplies do you really need?

As a general rule, good packaging supplies ensure that your products arrive safely at their destination. Packaging supplies also save time and provide a great delivery experience for your customers. So, how do you know what supplies you’ll need? In reality, it depends largely upon what you’re sending. But regardless of the type of supply, one constant remains true: good supplies are essential for delivering safe products, saving time and providing a positive experience for your customer.

If you remember the last time, you received a package that arrived perfectly intact — i.e., it wasn’t dented, bent or crushed; the tape remained securely attached; and the items were exactly where they were supposed to be — then that moment speaks volumes regarding the care your business has taken in preparing your order for transit.

Selecting the right shipping supplies doesn’t have to be confusing. Select a box based upon your product size

Firstly, choose a box that accurately reflects the dimensions of your product. Oftentimes selecting a smaller box reduces the amount of packaging materials needed and ultimately lowers shipping costs while ensuring that products remain stationary throughout transport.

Once you’ve selected the proper-sized box, next select a suitable packing material based upon your product. Different types of materials such as bubble padding, kraft paper or foam may be used to protect various products. Ultimately, the objective is to maintain stability of each individual item from the time it leaves your warehouse until the time it reaches your customer’s hands.

Do better quality shipping supplies cost more?

In some cases, yes, however poor-quality packaging supplies can result in additional expenses indirectly. Damaged shipments or replacement orders plus an unsatisfied customer may end up costing your business far more money than purchasing superior supplies initially.

Additionally, another common query is whether eco-friendly packaging practices contribute to improved relationships with existing clients. For a number of businesses and consumers alike, using eco-friendly packaging supplies such as recycled cardboard or biodegradable packing paper can reflect a business’ commitment toward reducing waste while maintaining adequate protection for each shipment.

Good packaging supplies do far more than simply support a product. Packaging supplies also reduce wasted time repairing damaged orders, enhance customer satisfaction with each shipment and foster confidence within customers with respect to each subsequent purchase. When you utilize high-quality shipping supplies consistently, you spend less time repairing issues and more time expanding your business. As such, investing in quality shipping supplies is always wise for companies of any size.

A consumer who purchases candy is initially attracted by the taste or quality of the item inside. However, prior to tasting that item, consumers are first attracted to the packaging. In this regard, the initial appearance of the candy box has the potential to create an individual’s perception of the product prior to opening the box.

To determine why selecting a suitable candy box is important for a business, consider what a candy box accomplishes beyond holding the candies. Beyond providing protection for the candies, a candy box provides an opportunity to keep the candies looking fresh longer and improves the total experience for the consumer upon picking up and then opening the box.

There exists no single type of candy box that is suited to all types of candies. As such, some candies require boxes with special features. For example, while a chocolate truffle requires a box which protects against crushing (and thus maintains its original form), a candy stick, for instance, may require sufficient space within the box to allow any possible decorations or coatings to remain intact throughout transportation and storage on display shelves.

Box size is equally as important as the protective properties of the box itself. Boxes which are too large provide ample space for candies to slide back and forth and/or collide with each other, causing them to break, lose their original arrangement/shape, etc. Conversely, a candy box which is correctly sized prevents candies from sliding around and bumping into each other upon opening; thereby maintaining the same organized arrangement/shape as originally packaged.

In addition to providing adequate protection, many businesses select candy boxes due to the ability of those boxes to promote their products. Attractive packages serve as advertising for a company regardless of whether those packages are located in a gift shop, placed atop a counter in a bakery or provided during a holiday promotion. Given that people frequently purchase candies as gifts, a company’s attractive packaging is an integral component of the entire presentation process.

Ultimately, another commonly asked question is “Can candy boxes be recycled?” While there are exceptions based upon local recycling programs, most paper-based candy boxes can be recycled once empty. Furthermore, companies can also make environmentally-friendly choices by utilizing recyclable materials in manufacturing their candy boxes.

Prior to purchasing a candy box for use in selling your candies, you should consider where you intend to sell those candies and how they will be transported. If your candies will be traveling cross-country via mail or freight delivery service, you will likely need to utilize a sturdy box rather than one designed for local shipment. Using an appropriate-sized and durable candy box minimizes damage and maximizes customer satisfaction.

While a visually pleasing candy box is important, it represents far more than aesthetic appeal. An ideal candy box must provide adequate protection for the contents, fit the contents perfectly, and present the contents in a manner which produces positive impressions both immediately and long-term. Ultimately, when businesses choose appropriately sized and functional candy boxes, their candies will arrive looking fresh, appealing, and ready for immediate consumption upon being opened.

Ever wonder why there could be such an extreme difference in the appearance of two packages that traveled the same distance. One may arrive in pristine condition and ready to go; the other could be crushed, ripped, or literally coming apart at the seams. Often times, the customer blames the shipping carrier, but the packaging itself has a lot to do with how well the item travels. Selecting the appropriate shipping box is likely one of the easiest ways to protect your products before they ever leave your facility.

There are two questions most people ask when it comes to selecting a shipping box. First, “What type of shipping box should I select?”, and second, “Is it acceptable to select a large shipping box.” The answers to these two questions begin with the product that you are placing inside the shipping container. Heavy items require stronger boxes than light weight items. Also, fragile items typically require enough room within the shipping container for proper packing material, where-as non-fragile items typically don’t require as much additional room. Examining the product prior to choosing a shipping box can help eliminate several of the more common shipping issues.

In addition to determining which shipping box to use, people also want to know if it’s possible to use the largest shipping box available. At first glance this would appear to be the simplest option. However, using a shipping box that is significantly larger than the actual product increases the likelihood that the product will shift around during shipping. Even though you may be using adequate amounts of packing paper and/or air pillows for cushioning purposes, there is no substitute for proper fit. A shipping box that properly fits the product generally offers greater protection.

Businesses also inquire as to whether the expense associated with using stronger shipping boxes is always warranted. In fact, in many cases, they are. When a weak shipping box fails during transit, the cost of replacement for the damaged product can be significantly higher than the savings in box expense. Therefore, spending a little extra money on the proper shipping box can potentially eliminate costly returns and refunds, as well as prevent dissatisfied customers.

Finally, many people wonder if it is acceptable to reuse shipping containers. In some instances, the answer is yes; however, only if the container is in superior condition. Containers that have been crushed on one corner, torn along an edge, have soft spots, or evidence of previous exposure to moisture are already compromised and therefore less effective. Although they may look usable, reusing these types of containers can result in inadequate protection for products contained within them. It is essential to thoroughly inspect each reusable container prior to repacking it.

Storage of shipping containers is another aspect of maintaining their effectiveness. Shipping containers exposed to excessive moisture over long periods of time lose their integrity. Similarly, shipping containers stacked improperly can be bent before they are ever utilized. Maintaining storage conditions that provide optimal flatness, dryness, and organization will promote preservation of their integrity until they are required.

Additionally, some businesses question whether the dimensions of shipping containers affect shipping costs. In some cases, they do. Larger shipping containers are more expensive due to increased truck space requirements. Using shipping containers that properly accommodate products can potentially reduce shipping costs by eliminating excess filler material requirements. Reduced filler material usage reduces the overall cost of both materials and transportation.

When a customer receives a shipment that looks clean and secure upon arrival, it creates a sense of trust prior to opening it. Conversely, receiving a shipment in a crushed or damaged box causes concern regarding what they will find once opened. As previously mentioned, creating positive impressions through quality packaging is significant since it indicates the level of care taken in preparing the shipment.

Shipping containers are not necessarily solely determined by either cost or durability. Instead, they represent a balance between protecting products during transport and providing an economical means of doing so. By taking a short amount of time to determine which shipping container will provide the best possible protection for a particular product can reduce damage, decrease shipping costs, increase customer satisfaction, and ultimately produce a more efficient shipping experience from start-to-finish.

You’ve probably received a purchase in a poly bag at some point after ordering an item (shirt, accessory, etc.) or a light-weighted product via the internet. Companies of all sizes rely on poly bags for daily operations. Many people ask why poly bags are used so much.

Why do companies love using poly bags?

One reason is protection:

While a lot of products don’t require a large shipping box, clothing, printed materials, soft goods, and other light-weighted products can usually be delivered safely using poly bags. These types of products stay safe while traveling from One destination to another due to protection offered by the poly bag’s material from dirt, dust and moisture.

A big advantage of using poly bags is protecting your shipments from exposure to rain/snow/humid environments during delivery.

Companies often want to know if using poly bags will lower shipping costs.

Yes, in most cases, they can.

Because poly bags are significantly lighter than a lot of other packaging options, they can lead to cost reductions in shipping. While every shipment has its own unique circumstances, many companies enjoy having a low-cost packaging option that doesn’t increase unnecessary volume.

Space is another reason companies like poly bags.

Think about it: if a company sends out hundreds of orders per week. Storing this amount of packaging can easily become overwhelming. Large boxes consume a great deal of space; shipping/packaging spaces can get cluttered very fast.

Since poly bags tend to lie flat when they’re not being used, companies can easily keep a large supply of packaging on hand without taking over storage rooms/shelves.

Finally, people often wonder: are poly bags strong enough to withstand shipping.

Depending on what type of product you are sending, poly bags can be sufficient for shipping purposes. For example, products such as clothing, blankets and/or fabric products, poly bags typically will give your product enough protection. Additionally, the flexible nature of poly bags allows them to endure typical shipping conditions while providing cleanliness and security for your product.

Products that are delicate/fine/fragile might need further protection. As a result, you may need to send these items inside a box instead.

Faster packing times: another advantage companies see when using poly bags.

When a company packs hundreds of items each day, saving just minutes per order can greatly affect productivity. Employees can pack products into poly bags, seal the bag and ship the product with ease. Even though packing times are small compared to many other aspects of the company, faster packing speeds can still make a huge impact on overall productivity for companies who operate under high volumes.

Some companies also use poly bags to sort their inventory before shipping. They can separate products based upon size/color/style which makes it easier for employees to locate and pack products correctly. Faster sorting processes mean fewer errors and greater efficiencies within the company.

Customers generally love seeing products come in clean/properly protected. No customer wants to unpack their products only to realize that their items have been damaged during shipping due to dirt/moisture. By utilizing poly bags customers can receive clean, protected products.

Selecting packaging doesn’t have to be difficult. Understanding the products that you are shipping and the difficulties associated with delivering them allow Businesses to choose a suitable method of packaging. Lightweight products are perfect candidates for easy-to-use poly bags which help protect items/products, save space and assist with efficient shipping procedures throughout the entire shipping process.