If you pack orders into poly bags that are too small, they could split apart before they even leave your table. On the other hand, if you over-size the bag then you’ve wasted valuable space and your item is probably going to slide all over the place inside the bag. To avoid these issues, begin by determining the correct poly bag for an item by measuring it rather than guessing. 

By doing a couple of quick measurements, you’ll likely be able to solve most of your common packaging problem issues. First take note of the length and the width of your item. Take the measurement across the widest point of your item. Be sure to give yourself some additional space so that you’re able to slip the product inside without forcing it. For example, a folded t-shirt would require enough space so that it does not stretch out the bag nor cause the edges of the bag to appear pulled together.

The same is true concerning the weight of your product. While the size of your product certainly affects your ability to determine the correct poly bag, it’s equally important to consider the weight of your product. In this case, you want to select a poly bag based upon its thickness (measured in mils). A smaller number indicates a thinner poly bag. Conversely, a larger number indicates a thicker poly bag. For lighter products such as greeting cards or fabrics, there may be no need for added support; however heavier objects such as tool or part with sharp edges may need increased support to ensure safe shipping practices.

As noted previously, the shape of your product will also affect which type of poly bag will work best for you. If you have a flat product, it’s probable that a basic open-ended poly bag will work perfectly. However, if you have a thicker product or one with extreme angles/edges, you may find that a poly bag that is wider and has additional side room is needed. To confirm that your product will fit properly within a new bag before purchasing a quantity of them, try fitting your product into a single sample. This will allow you to verify that your product does not pull against the seams of the new bag.

When selecting the type of closure for your poly bag, there are two main types available. There are those with a sealing tape or strip which will completely seal the bag closed and those that have a zipper that will allow you to open and close the bag multiple times. Once you have selected the type of closure you prefer, you must now think about how many times the person receiving the package may need to open and/or access the contents of the poly bag. For instance, if a customer receives a shirt packaged in a sealed poly bag but later needs to inspect the shirt prior to returning it back to you, then he/she will need to remove the entire contents of the poly bag including the shirt in order to do so.

If visibility is necessary to allow warehouse employees to easily count their inventory, then clear plastic is your answer. Additionally, since clear plastic allows for viewing, it eliminates the possibility of packing incorrect items and labeling errors. Adding a label containing the product description/name and/or order # provides further identification without obstructing employee views.

There are specific requirements when dealing with food items. Those poly bags designed for clothing/hardware are not created to come into direct contact with food. Therefore, anyone who plans on packing snacks, baked goods or other consumable items should first verify that the poly bag(s) they plan on utilizing meet the required food-grade specifications prior to use.

In addition to ensuring safety for employees handling packages with potentially hazardous materials contained therein, it is also very important to provide adequate warning and store loose bags safely where children cannot reach them. Loose thin plastic bags pose serious hazards and adults should exercise caution to keep them away from infants/toddlers.

Once you have taken these three key elements into consideration: measure first, match thickness to product and select a suitable closure method, choosing the right poly bags will become much simpler. Taking these three simple actions can reduce waste, improve efficiency during packaging processes and ultimately result in each item arriving at its destination in perfect condition.

Beginning to understand the impact of running out of packaging materials during a peak volume week (Monday) can cause all orders to grind to a halt. On the flip side, buying too many packaging supplies is just as problematic because excess inventory occupies valuable storage space and consumes working capital. The key to maintaining the proper balance of packaging supplies on-hand is a simple reorder program.

Firstly, watch how your team uses packaging supplies for approximately 28 days. Document the quantity of each type of packaging material (boxes, tape rolls, labels, mailers, and packing paper) at both the beginning and ending of each week. Tracking usage like this provides insight into which packaging materials are being consumed rapidly and those that tend to linger on shelves. There is no reason to assume a high consumption rate based solely on your highest-volume day.

Secondly, determine your average daily consumption. If your team consumed 100 mailers during a 20-day period, your average consumption would be 5 mailers per day. Record this average along with the product name. Continue this process for each packaging supply whose depletion would severely impede operations.

Thirdly, calculate the lead-time for receiving new orders. In most cases, reviewing past deliveries is a good indicator of the typical lead-time associated with purchasing through a particular vendor. For example, if most recent orders have taken an average of 4 days to arrive, consider using this value as part of your reorder program.

Fourthly, multiply the daily usage value by the number of delivery days (lead-time). Using our previous examples, if a company has an average daily usage of 5 mailers and experiences a 4-day lead-time for ordering new supplies, they would require a minimum of 20 additional mailers until their next shipment arrives. As an added measure of protection against unexpected increases in demand due to unusual events such as inclement weather, last-minute promotions or delayed shipments, add a small buffer to the total.

The resulting number represents the maximum allowable quantity on-hand prior to placing another order. Labeling the exact level with a brightly colored marker placed directly on the shelving unit where the packaging supplies are stored is an effective way to visually communicate when to restock. Alternatively, documenting the required reorder point on a clipboard is a low-cost alternative solution to utilizing expensive software programs.

Lastly, give consideration to the few packaging supplies that are utilized in virtually every order. These include but are not limited to; standard size shipping boxes, roll tape and shipping labels. Due to the frequency of use and critical nature of these packaging supplies, it is recommended that you maintain higher levels of inventory stockpiled for immediate availability. Maintaining sufficient backup stock of frequently used packaging supplies will help ensure uninterrupted production and minimize costs spent on unnecessary purchases for products and services that provide greater economic benefits.

When evaluating your current inventory management strategy, also take into account factors related to available storage space. Shipping boxes flat require adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup, roll tape requires storage in areas protected from excessive heat exposure and shipping labels must remain clean and unsoiled.

Overcrowding an area with excessive quantities of packaging supplies can result in damaged packaging edges, loss of tape or label rolls and ultimately unused inventory. Therefore, it is essential to regularly review your inventory levels and adjust them accordingly prior to periods when increased volumes are expected (i.e., holidays, sales and/or seasonal peaks).

A simple weekly inventory check allows you to make adjustments prior to potential problems turning into operational disruptions.

Circuit boards look ready to slide into any clear bag. Dust stays away and parts are easy to see, finishing the job nicely. But static electricity can be a hidden problem for electronics. Standard poly bags aren’t always made to control static electricity. 

So neat appearance doesn’t mean they are safe for every electronic part. Static electricity is an electric charge that builds when materials separate and touch. We know it as that snap after walking on carpets. Sensitive chips might react to very small events and damage might not leave burn marks or broken parts. Sometimes the part fails right away; other times the damage shows up after use.

Start out by checking if an item is marked sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). Don’t judge packaging quality by price or size. Cheap items can require special care too. If unsure, consult the lead person at the company who deals with ESD or a packaging supplier before selecting bags. 

Ordinary clear poly bags work well for cords, cases and manuals and many other items. But they should not be considered ESD packaging unless results of tests and intended use match job. Color alone is not sufficient proof; a pink, gray or silver bag might serve a different purpose from another bag that has the same shade.

ESD bags serve different purposes. Some bags limit charge that results from contact and movement. Other bags add shielding that protects items from external electric fields. Tasks are different. Plastic bags can reduce charge but lack shielding so you need to name ahead what level of protection you need. 

Packaging matters along with the bag. Parts that are sensitive should enter the package inside approved work areas following company ESD plans. Workers need steps, grounded tools, right surfaces and approved clothing. Putting a special bag on a table that is unsafe does not turn that station into a secure space.

Inspect bags before use. Things like holes, broken seals, worn folds, or damage to metal layers can affect how they perform. Follow rules for closing, labeling storage and reuse set by bag makers. If contents cannot be seen mark outside so workers can identify parts without opening and exposing them. 

Poly bags are important near electronics but only if their role is clear. Standard bags handle dust and loose pieces while ESD packages serve a different purpose. Checking parts, bag data and work process before packaging is much smarter than relying on color preference, habit or just guessing.

Most people think about protecting their order – they don’t think about the box. Most people expect to be able to open their box at home. The right packaging supplies will help keep the product safe while making it easier for the customer to open the package.

The first step is to start with the outside of the box or mailer. Consider using a large flap that can be easily picked up and used to open the box. Or use a pull tab on top. Or use a tear strip that is easy to see and pick up. A small tab may be difficult for some buyers (i.e. older adults) or those who have sore hands to hold onto. Thick plastic wrap is very hard to cut. If there are other options available, a paper mailing box or mailer which has a clear opening point would be better choices for products.

When talking about tape, many people don’t realize how important it really is. A single clean strip over the seam in a box may provide more strength than several loose strips placed all around. Too much tape may make a box into a locked chest. Just enough to keep the item closed — leave room for the buyer to begin opening the box. Labels such as “open here” or arrows to guide them through this process, save the buyer from guessing.

Also consider the items inside the package. Avoid hiding anything under layers of filler. Fold any paper wrapping so the end where opening can take place does not rip everything apart. Bags should also have either a flap or edge that can be found by fingers. Instead of putting many pieces of small parts in tight layers, put them in one clear pouch. These choices will also help prevent losing parts during opening.

Labels on packages must also be clear. Use large print, plain terms & strong contrast between label color/color and background color. If the package needs to remain upright during shipping, let the buyer know where they will find this information. Bills, return papers & care notes should always go near the top of each package. A person should never need to empty out the entire box before learning how to open it.

Do a test run on each type of package before shipping orders. Simply set a box on a table and try to open it using only one hand. Do another test wearing gloves. Determine whether you can easily find the tab and if you needed sharp tools to complete any part of the process. If safety rules require certain packaging (such as child-safe packaging, sealed medical packaging), follow those rules first.

Using easy-opening packaging helps many more people than most may understand. It could help someone with arthritis, a parent holding a child, or a worker who has to open hundreds of boxes daily. Using easy-opening packaging could also lower the chance of an order being damaged because it had to be cut open with a knife. Good packaging supplies should protect what’s inside without making the buyer fight to get to it.

How a poly bag bends, feels & performs depends on how much force it can withstand. The amount of pressure a poly bag can withstand is determined by its mil thickness (the thickness of the plastic). This measurement does not represent the size of the bag (length or width), nor is it a measurement of inches; rather, one mil represents One-thousandth of an inch. Therefore, a higher mil number represents a thicker plastic film. A small increase in mil thickness can be critical when you are producing thousands of bags per year.

Greater thickness is not always better. While a thicker bag may provide greater durability when folded over a heavy product, a bag which is too thick may be difficult to fold over a lightweight product. Similarly, while a thinner bag may tear easily when holding a rough metal product, a slightly thicker bag would perform better. The correct level of thickness ultimately depends upon what is being packaged and the method of packaging.

Purchasing the thickest poly bags available for every application will result in excess material use.

To determine the required mil thickness, begin by evaluating the weight and shape of the product. For example, a flat piece of fabric will exert significantly less pressure on a plastic bag compared to a product with sharp points. Next evaluate if there are any potential “hot” areas such as a corner, thread, or metal edge that could potentially concentrate force on a single point. Although light products may appear to present no risk, they also have the capability to create holes due to concentrated force applied to a small area.

In addition to product characteristics, consider the Handling requirements of your operation. A bag that is used only once at a quiet desk presents a different set of demands than a bag that is lifted multiple times throughout the course of an eight-hour shift, and subjected to various forms of abrasion. Consider whether the users will need to repeatedly open and close the package, and thus subject it to repeated forces. Increased handling may require increased mil thickness or a different type of bag design.

It is unwise to judge strength by feeling alone. Two bags may look identical and even feel identical but their mil thickness values may vary dramatically. Always read the case label and store this information with your supplies. Labeling the shelf in large print is helpful in preventing employees from using the wrong thickness of bag based on appearance. Testing provides an accurate measure of performance rather than relying on guesswork. Test pack samples in conjunction with your actual products and simulate the normal usage conditions. Handle them normally (e.g., pick them up from the top) and then store them as you would in the storage containers. Inspect the areas where the product makes contact with the film for signs of wear including Stretch marks, cloudiness and minor cuts. These types of damage indicate that additional reinforcement may be necessary.

Selecting the proper mil value will allow you to complete your packaging tasks efficiently without creating unnecessary difficulties or waste. Store the selected thickness value with each product code so future orders utilize consistent specifications. Whenever introducing new products test each individual item prior to assigning a specific mil thickness. Recognizing mil thickness allows you to transform poly bags from an enigma into an informed decision-making process based on your products, processes and personnel.

When you think about how big of a shipping box to purchase for sending an item, do you automatically buy the largest one you see in hopes that it will make things easier? This seems like a logical decision; however, many people who have done this wish they had taken the time to learn about using the correct size shipping box for the type of item they were going to send.

Purchasing a large shipping box to fit your product creates extra space for the contents to move within the box. Regardless of whether or not you add additional padding or bubble wrap, the item is likely to sustain some form of damage by being moved around.

Choosing the correct size shipping box saves money too

Shipping companies base their charges on the weight and dimensions of a shipped package. If you purchase a shipping box that is substantially larger than your product, then you will end up overpaying for postage without providing any increased protection for the item inside.

As important as choosing the right size, is sturdiness

You want to select a shipping box that is both durable and has enough strength to withstand any potential shock that occurs during transit. All packages go through a series of events prior to reaching the customer including lifting, dropping, sorting, and stacking. To minimize risk to your products, choose a high-quality shipping box that will provide adequate support during all aspects of delivery.

Do customers notice their shipping box?

Customers rarely comment on the condition of their shipping box; however, they definitely take note when a package arrives in a severely damaged state. By purchasing a clean, solid shipping box, you establish credibility with your customers regarding how serious you are about delivering them quality products.

Having multiple sizes of shipping boxes available

If you sell multiple types of products which require various types of packaging, consider purchasing multiple sizes of shipping boxes. Not only will having multiple sizes available allow employees to quickly assemble shipments, it also minimizes unnecessary empty space within each shipment.

Recyclable materials used in most shipping boxes today

Most shipping boxes are manufactured with recyclable materials. Businesses can now easily cut back on excess packaging waste while continuing to offer top-notch protection for each shipment. Customers greatly appreciate businesses that practice environmentally conscious methods without compromising service quality.

It’s common to see products shipped by e-commerce sites in plastic poly bags rather than cardboard boxes. This is mainly due to several factors. Most importantly, poly bags are generally lighter and smaller and therefore more convenient when it comes to filling orders.

However, this isn’t true for all types of products. Clothing, which includes soft goods such as t-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, blankets etc., tend to be good candidates for being packaged in plastic poly bags. These products don’t typically have a high risk of breaking down during transit, and therefore there is no necessity to provide additional protection via a cardboard box. As long as the poly bag is sturdy enough, it will provide the necessary protection without requiring excessive amounts of materials.

There are multiple reasons why e-commerce sites prefer to utilize poly bags when packaging their products. They are very compact and can be stored in extremely limited spaces. If we compare the amount of space required to store 1000s of flat poly bags vs the amount of space required to store 1000s of boxes, it becomes clear how beneficial poly bags can be for reducing clutter within the warehouse and ultimately making the entire process of preparing shipments easier.

Additionally, consumers often inquire whether poly bags can protect products during shipment. Often, they can. A properly made poly bag provides adequate protection against debris (dirt/dust), moisture, and UV light associated with regular delivery methods. To maximize this benefit, selecting the appropriate size of bag is crucial; a poly bag that does not allow for excessive movement of the product is ideal.

Reducing cost associated with shipping is something that concerns almost every e-commerce site. Generally speaking, since most poly bags weigh significantly less than similar-sized boxes, they can assist in reducing shipping costs related to products that require minimal protection. Although the reductions in shipping costs may seem minor per item, the total cumulative savings can become significant when considering the number of individual shipments processed.

How often have you thought about the things involved in sending out a single package? People usually see just the box and nothing else. Behind the box, there’s so much going on. There’s tape to close the box, packing paper to protect the product, and a label to ensure the correct destination. All of these components are considered shipping supplies and each performs a very important function when ensuring that an order is successfully sent to its final destination.

A frequent inquiry made by many individuals includes; “what shipping supplies will i actually need”? The response will depend upon what types of merchandise you are selling. For example, a retail store specializing in clothing would require poly mailers and labels, whereas a wholesale distributor of dishware or glass products would need heavy-duty boxes, large amounts of bubble wrap as well as some type of packing paper and/or cardboard inserts along with heavy-duty tape. Selecting your shipping supplies based upon the merchandise you sell will greatly assist you in reducing damage as well as making packaging much easier.

Another popular question involves; “is purchasing higher quality shipping supplies truly worth my money?” Although it seems that spending less money on shipping supplies may appear to be a great bargain, it does not always provide the same performance. Cheaply-made tape can easily peel open while thin mailers can easily tear. Substandard labeling may become difficult to read after a short period of time. Although the cost difference between cheap and high-quality shipping supplies may seem minimal at first glance, it can significantly pay off in the long term.

In addition, numerous companies inquire how they can streamline their packaging process. One simple method is to maintain organization of your shipping supplies. Keep boxes stored together, locate tape in areas that are convenient for access, and store labels near locations that are accessible. Maintaining organization of your shipping supplies will allow employees to focus less time finding supplies and more time accurately completing orders.

Companies often wonder if overusing packing materials can create problems. Overuse of packing materials (i.e., filling every box with excessive quantities of packing paper or bubble cushion) may create additional expenses with little added protection. Conversely, under packing materials may result in items moving freely inside of the box during transportation. The ideal scenario is to utilize sufficient packing materials for the specific item(s) being transported.

Maintaining adequate stock levels of your shipping supplies is another beneficial practice. Running out of your last roll of tape or having no labels left available can seriously hinder production. Purchasing shipping supplies ahead of schedule enables your company to continue shipping without interruption.

Reviewing damaged shipments periodically can also aid in determining if changes are necessary to the shipping supplies currently being utilized. In cases where numerous shipments arrive damaged or when packages are opening during transit, the packaging materials used to transport the shipment may need to be modified. Increasing strength of tape, utilizing improved forms of cushioning or even increasing weight of the boxes could possibly resolve the issue as well as minimize potential future returns.

Although customers rarely give consideration to the shipping supplies used to prepare their package, they most certainly take note of the results. An unbroken, securely sealed and intact package is likely to create a far superior experience beginning with receipt of the package. This enhanced experience may serve to establish greater confidence and subsequently cause customers to purchase again.

Shipping supplies play a vital part in preparing packages for transport. Not only do they contribute toward protecting items, they also enhance efficiency, minimize waste and ultimately contribute toward providing better customer service. Investing time now selecting appropriate shipping supplies can eventually result in reduced issues, faster shipping and increased satisfaction among customers.

You probably see cardboard boxes in your neighborhood, at stores, in warehouses, and on moving trucks. So, you would think that because we see them so much, we wouldn’t need to think about how they are going to get our things from point a to point b safely.

However, most businesses want to know this. “Why are cardboard boxes so popular for shipping and storing?”

This is due to the fact that these containers will be protecting our product during its travels.

Products have to go far away (and sometimes multiple places) before they reach us. The products could hit something, fall off a pallet, or even be dropped many times. Without using some type of container like a box to wrap and protect our products; it increases the chances that the products will be damaged when they finally arrive at their destination.

Because of this, businesses big and small rely on cardboard boxes as part of their daily functions. These containers protect the products by creating a layer of protection, which provides stability and keeps the item(s) safe during shipping.

Another thing that businesses usually want to know is if cardboard boxes can handle light weight items and/or heavy items.

Typically, they can.

There are several types of cardboard boxes out there. There are smaller ones for lighter items that only weigh a few ounces. Then there are larger boxes that can carry much heavier items. So regardless of what type of industry, you’re in, or the size of your operation, cardboard boxes are very versatile. An example of this could be:

*An e-commerce company selling clothes and accessories might use cardboard boxes to send those items.
*A manufacturing company transporting equipment parts might use cardboard boxes.
*A moving company packing a customer’s belongings might also use cardboard boxes.

For the most part, no matter what business model or products you’re offering; the basics of what you’ll need will be the same.

Also, people always ask if cardboard boxes can help organizations stay organized.

Yes. Businesses typically use cardboard boxes to organize inventory, house items, and make the most of available warehouse space. Items can be placed into groups by category, then assigned labels and arranged in stacks. This allows employees to locate what they need quicker and maintain a clean and well-organized workplace.

As a business grows and the number of inventory items increase, having an easy-to-use storage system can greatly improve productivity and eliminate errors.

Another advantage is efficiency.

Cardboard boxes are easy to build, label, and move. Employees don’t need any specialized tools or equipment to put items into boxes ready for shipping. In high volume situations, this contributes significantly to maintaining a smooth flow of goods and services.

Additionally, because cardboard boxes are recyclable, once they’ve been used, consumers can reuse them for storing things, moving things, or even reshipping things. This adds a lot of value to each individual piece of packaging.

While selecting the correct box is crucial, it does add value. A box that is too large leaves room for products to bounce around inside. A box that is too small doesn’t provide adequate protection. It is worth taking a little extra time to choose the appropriate size of box to ensure successful shipping.

So, while cardboard boxes appear straightforward, they contribute to today’s business environment. They aid in protecting products, organization, increasing efficiency of operations, and assist in making shipping simpler for companies and customers alike.

Therefore, cardboard boxes continue to be one of the most commonly used forms of packaging throughout the globe. Because of the strength of cardboard boxes along with their ability to adapt to almost any type of application, combined with their ease of use; they are a highly functional solution for countless shipping and storage needs each day.

Shipping supplies are typically an overlooked expense, however, the cost of these supplies has a significant impact on the safety of your packages and ultimately the success of your company.

There are many reasons why you may receive a damaged package. Many times, this is due to poor packaging supplies. Poor packaging supplies can cause damage to your product by collapsing boxes, losing adhesion from tapes, etc.

Another concern is whether or not spending a little extra money on higher quality packaging supplies will pay off in the long run. If you do decide to cut corners and spend less on packaging supplies you may find yourself paying out more in lost sales due to returned merchandise, shipping damages, and customer dissatisfaction.

Additionally, the packaging you choose can directly reflect upon your company’s image. When a customer receives a damaged package it gives the wrong first impression of your company. Your packaging should provide a professional representation of your brand.

Determine the best supplies for your operation by identifying the products you are shipping. For example, heavy products will need sturdier packaging then lighter weight products. Also, fragile items will need additional protection than non-fragile items. Lastly, the distance the package travels will also play a factor into choosing the correct supplies. For example, if a package needs to travel cross-country it may go through multiple hands thus requiring more protective measures.

In addition to providing adequate protection for your products while they are in storage, proper packaging supplies will ensure that your products are prepared for shipping and will reduce the likelihood of errors occurring at your warehouse.

While selecting the right packaging supplies may appear to be a minor detail in the grand scheme of running your business, choosing the right packaging supplies today can significantly reduce potential costly mistakes tomorrow. Additionally, protecting your product with good packaging supplies will not only increase your customer’s satisfaction but also generate more revenue for your company. Therefore, make sure you’re giving serious consideration to the type of packaging supplies you purchase.

You might wonder if there’s ever going to be an end to this discussion because so many businesses just don’t see the importance of properly packaged goods (products) being shipped to consumers. With so many other things competing for your budget dollars, it’s understandable that some businesses may feel they cannot afford to invest in high-quality packaging supplies.