Many times, small issues in the way we package orders begin at a very early stage. It’s usually because no one is aware of the packaging supplies they’re using (or wasting) and/or forgetting. Taking a quick inventory will allow you to identify some of these small holes before they turn into larger issues. Below are ways to do a quick check and complete it during your normal work day.

First, watch the area where all of your packages are boxed. Take a seat at the table for 10 minutes and observe how the employees pick the boxes, tape, labels, etc. Are they searching for the correct size box? Are they picking up more tape than they need? There are many small habits that can add to the cost of each order.

Secondly, determine the first things to run out. If an employee does not have the necessary item, they cannot continue to package their orders. The worker may then pull a box that is much too large, thus adding more padding and tape to their total. One empty shelf can lead to three additional costs.

Lastly, locate those packaging supplies that are almost never moved. You may discover that there are old boxes that should be thrown away, dusty labels or bags that no longer fit your product. All of these products are taking up valuable storage space and keeping funds tied-up that could be used somewhere else. Mark the products so you don’t replace them until you’ve used up all of your existing products.

Another good idea is to count how many of the packaging supplies are damaged. Boxes can become bent if they are not properly stacked. Labels can get wet or dirty. The adhesive on tape can dry-out when it is stored near heat sources. Although it may seem minor, damage to these supplies is costing money each week.

Ask the individuals responsible for packing the orders what hinders their ability to perform their job better. They might tell you that a specific type of box is difficult to fold or that a particular type of mailer tears easily. Some solutions may come directly from their suggestions and possibly even solve some problems that were missed by just counting supplies.

Once you have completed your inventory, put the most commonly used packaging supplies next to the packing tables. Store less frequently used items farther back on shelves or in areas that require employees to search through other supplies before accessing the supplies needed. Labeling the shelves clearly will allow both you and your employees to quickly spot low stock levels and minimize unnecessary “opening” of additional containers due to confusion.

Establish a basic ordering threshold for all critical supplies. As an example; establish an order point for tape when you only have 3 cases left. Establish similar thresholds for boxes, mailers, labels, and padding. Having established an easy-to-understand ordering threshold removes uncertainty for you and your employees regarding when to order supplies, thereby reducing last-minute rush orders, which often result in higher costs and delayed arrival.

Conduct this inventory process monthly. You do not need to produce lengthy reports nor schedule meetings. A short walk around your warehouse/office, couple of counts, and 2-3 questions may be sufficient. Once you understand where your packaging supplies are going, you can reduce waste, delay shipping of orders and provide a better environment to build each order.

When you pack a lamp, there’s often a large amount of empty space left in the moving box. As a result, people want to use that as additional storage space by filling it with their books, shoes, etc. If they pack the lamp like this, and something heavy (like a book or shoe) falls on the lamp, they’re going to be changing the shade … permanently. Using some common packaging materials, you can pack the lamp without letting it turn into a temporary storage container.

First, clear a surface prior to beginning. Set up some plain packing paper, several sturdy boxes, a roll of tape, and a pen. Try to avoid eating and drinking near the workspace so you don’t get spills on your lamp. Also take a picture of your lamp in all its disassembled glory.

Once you have removed everything from the lamp (bulb, harp, screws), unplug the lamp and allow the bulb to cool completely before you remove anything. The first thing to come off is usually the lamp shade. After removing the shade and bulb, take off the small hardware used to attach the shade. Use the same packaging tips outlined below for [lamp packing] (https://www.upack.com/articles/how-to-pack-a-lamp) at U-Pack. Number each lamp part on a piece of clean paper tag and apply that number to all parts so that you can easily identify what goes where when you assemble it again.

Do not package the shade in the same box as the base. The base is generally much heavier than the shade. Choose a box specifically designed for lamps shades, as opposed to trying to bend it into shape. According to Mayflower’s Moving Guide (https://www.mayflower.com/moving-tips/blog/how-to-pack-lampshades), do not wrap newsprint around the lamp shade as well as wrapping clean paper around it. Crushed paper should be placed under the shade; however, never crumpled paper in the sides of the shade.

You might think of using items such as socks and/or towels to fill any empty space in the center of the shade. However, according to our packaging experts, for this method, you should not include any other items in the box with your lamp shade. Instead, consider including these items in your clothing bags. Although this requires you to carry additional luggage with you, doing so will ensure that nothing is lost in transit due to being packed incorrectly. In fact, this provides one reason why empty space is important – it keeps the contents of the lamp shade box from becoming a makeshift “stuffing” box.

Finally, before closing the lid, verify that it seals without forcing pressure downward onto the top. On the outside of the box write both which room this shade goes in and the number assigned to it above. Include a note stating clearly that you would appreciate any helper leaving the heavy stuff off of this box. Clearly show anyone who helps you where it should be located, since there is always a risk that they will miss this information in the chaos of moving.

Take sufficient time to unpack your lamp boxes upon arriving at your destination. Place all wrapped parts on a tray while working, and inspect each sheet of paper before discarding it. A missing top screw can leave your lamp sitting idle in a corner long after the majority of your new home is settled.

If you have a valuable glass shade or antique lamp shade, please contact us prior to starting to determine how best to protect it during your relocation process. This plan is intended for average sized fabric lamp shades. By separating your lamp shades from heavy items, you reduce one additional potentially fragile item in an already chaotic environment on moving day.

If you’re going to buy a lot of candy boxes, and your candy has no wrapper (the candies “touch” the box), you need a candy box that is safe for food contact. A regular cardboard box is not always suitable for unwrapped foods.

When buying from a retailer or online vendor, simply ask: Will the food come into contact with this box if I don’t use a liner? The seller should provide information that supports their response. Words such as “food-safe,” “direct food contact”, etc., support the answer. Simply stating the packaging is of “high-quality” does not necessarily mean the box is safe for direct food contact. The description may refer to appearance, durability, or how well the box retains its shape.

Wrapped candies have a layer of protection between the candy and the cardboard box. Bare candies do not. Candies that are greasy, caramel based, chocolate-based, etc., will release oils or moisture onto plain paper. Paper or foil cups, waxes, approved liners, etc., can serve as an intermediary layer to protect both the candy and the cardboard.

Another important factor many consumers overlook is odor. Strong ink, adhesive or chemical odors can migrate to the candy and affect its taste. Before ordering a large quantity of candy boxes open a sample candy container and store it in a normal area. Allow the aroma to dissipate over time. If the scent remains strong, request additional documentation prior to purchasing/using any containers for food storage.

Prior to filling with candy, the container itself also needs to remain clean. Unused candy boxes should be stored away from dust, water, insects, cleaning products, strong-smelling chemicals. Covering and storing on shelves or counters rather than floors helps maintain cleanliness regardless of how clean the area appears to be. Prior to reuse or resale check used candy boxes for stains, dampness, creases/bends, pest damage.

While allowing customers to visually inspect the contents through a transparent portion of the packaging provides convenience, it creates one more component requiring evaluation. Be certain the plastic film is rated for food-contact applications and securely attached. Poorly secured adhesives, sharp edges on the film or a hazy plastic panel can detract from an otherwise acceptable product presentation and cause suspicion of poor handling practices. Clear windows can be beneficial when properly constructed.

In addition to aesthetics size affects the ability to safely pack and transport candy. Packing candy too tightly or having candies fall free within the box can cause unnecessary stress on the packaging materials. Dividers/trays can assist in separating flavors and aid in identifying which type(s) of candy exist within the box. Allergen labeling requirements apply to candy packaging similar to other packaged foods.

To minimize potential risk associated with purchasing large quantities of candy boxes perform testing using actual product in a few samples prior to finalizing orders. Once tested fill them with product and seal. Move them around as would during shipping/storage. Leave sealed for typical amount of time prior to opening and inspecting for stains/grease marks/odors/loose seams/loss of flavor. Testing product in packages prior to purchase can save money lost due to spoiled products as well as customer dissatisfaction.

A sale feels wonderful. But then your buyer wants to ship the item back. At that point, an ordinary purchase can become additional labor, added expense, and damage to the product upon arrival. However, using proper packaging supplies makes this difficult portion of the process much easier. In fact, by preparing for the possibility of a return prior to the initial delivery, a retailer can ensure their products remain safe, assist the buyer, and reduce unnecessary waste simultaneously.

To begin, think about the products you have available for sale. For example, soft products (shirts) usually require nothing more than a mailer that includes a secondary adhesive tab. Once the buyer opens one side of the mailer he/she retains the bag; and when they wish to return the item simply closes the other side utilizing the remaining adhesive. Items requiring special care (breakables) typically require a solid external container along with protective internal padding so the buyer can reposition the padding over the returned product. Include a small diagram with instructions regarding how all components fit together. Clearly defined processes are important since most of your buyers do not package boxes on a regular basis.

Secondly, consider if the packaging supply provided is capable of opening without causing damage to the contents. One method to provide buyers with a clean area to remove a strip is to include a self-opening tear strip. Additionally, providing a tear strip eliminates the risk of having someone use scissors and potentially damaging the product. If tape is required to be removed to access the interior of the product provide sufficient separation between the product and the upper surface of the box lid so that tape does not adhere to both surfaces. Packaging materials should allow for the safe removal of packages from their containers, rather than create a challenge.

Finally, clearly designate a location on the exterior of the package for returning customers to affix a new return label. Provide one flat section on the exterior of the package for placing new return labels over previous ones. Providing one flat section prevents displaying two barcode labels at once. Place return procedures either inside the original packaging or provide a short memo indicating where to find them. Indicate specifically what wrapping, pads or bags must accompany the product during return. Properly guiding a customer can eliminate a loose product from falling apart during its second journey.

Additionally, testing the entire process is beneficial as well. Have a staff member responsible for opening the shipment and reading through return procedures and sealing it again as needed prior to carrying it around. If that employee finds it difficult, possibly another shopper may experience difficulty as well. Look for damaged bags, weakened seams, return labels that are difficult to locate, and/or padding that cannot maintain position. Testing a few items can identify potential problems before numerous shipments depart your store.

While “return ready” packaging seems like it would be about adding additional materials to your packaging system… it is really about getting every component to serve as least two purposes whenever possible. A durable mailing envelope could deliver a shirt and transport it back to you. A molded paper insert can encase a product while identifying where it goes next. The simple application of various packaging supplies can minimize stress experienced by your customer, while allowing your company to obtain merchandise in better condition. As mentioned earlier, making the process of sending products back easier reduces the likelihood of creating messes, reduces guessing games associated with receiving damaged products, and provides greater opportunity for selling used products.

Finding the right box seems like an easy decision when shipping, but selecting the wrong one could cause you a lot of problems before you ever get the item to the truck. Using a box that is larger than what you actually have to pack will require additional filler material; will take longer to pack; and possibly increase the cost of the shipping rate. Conversely, if you select a box that is too small (or “too tight”) for the item, it could apply pressure to the item itself and there would be limited room for the addition of protective materials. So your job is not to pick the largest box available. Your job is to determine which box provides the best fit.

First measure the dimensions of the item(s) you plan to ship. Take into consideration whether the item has a handle, lid, or any protruding parts. Then add any needed space for the type of padding the item requires. For example, a soft t-shirt might only need a little bit of room around it to protect it during shipment. However, a glass jar may require enough room to wrap safely, and possibly a different kind of protective cushioning. After determining how much space you need around each item based on their individual requirements, begin looking at various types of cardboard boxes to find one that fits those measurements.

You cannot assume that an item’s weight is directly related to its size. For instance, a small metal part may weigh considerably more than a large stuffed animal. Therefore, do not base your assessment of an item’s strength solely upon its appearance. Instead check the weight limit indicated on the bottom of the box when it is shown. Lightweight items generally will do fine in standard single-walled boxes. Items that are heavy, sharp or fragile, however, may necessitate the use of boxes made from thicker materials or using two separate boxes for added support.

Once you have found a suitable box, test its ability to hold the item securely by placing a layer of protective material on the bottom of the box, setting the item in place and then adding padding around all sides until no gaps remain. Shake the box gently. If the item does not budge, the box should be able to withstand normal shipping conditions. Additionally, if shaking the box causes the sides of the box to sag or appear strained, do not attempt to secure them with excessive amounts of tape. Instead go back and look for a better size.

In some cases, the shape of an item can provide guidance as to which type of box would work best. For example, long objects tend to fit best within narrow cartons; flat items work best within short boxes and multiple smaller items can be safest when divided up with dividers. Maintaining a number of commonly used sizes on hand can significantly reduce the amount of time spent packaging each day without having to purchase and store unused inventory in excess quantities.

Finally, before purchasing a large quantity of boxes, try packaging one sample and weighing it both with and without the added weight of filler and tape. This one-time experiment may reveal a weakness in the construction of a particular wall or identify an area where corners are too tightly confined prior to making the same mistakes for numerous shipments.

Choosing an appropriately sized box can benefit not only the contents inside but also the customer receiving the package. By minimizing excess packaging materials, saving storage space and reducing waste sent to landfills, you also create an attractive, clean and easily opened package that can be recycled.