Pop-Up Displays Strategic Locations

pop-up displays
Businesses have become more aware that they need to carefully consider what kind of custom bags they should make available to their customers. Shopping bags are more than just a convenience. They are also protective packaging and can serve as a testament to the values a brand espouses. In the current age, businesses need to give priority to Eco-friendly options like reusable paper bags, cotton bags, and hemp bags which offer several main benefits.

Custom bags reduce pollution

The use of Eco-friendly custom bags has a positive impact on pollution. Shifting away from the ubiquitous plastic bag ensures that there will be less plastic waste that will find its way into waterways and landfills. With plastic taking thousands of years to break down, you will be doing the planet a favor by opting for Eco-friendly options.

Custom bags sustainable sources

Eco-friendly options like reusable paper bags are made of materials that require less energy to process and have sustainable sources. Plastic bags require a lot more energy to make. Crude oil and natural gas are some of the components used to make plastic bags and are non-renewable energy sources. For something that is often disposed of after individual use, this is not a sustainable approach to generating packaging.

Custom bags safeguard animals

Animals will often consume whatever they encounter in their environment. Plastic bags frequently find their way into animal habitats and even in homes where pets are. Over 100,000 marine animals die from consuming plastic products that were dumped in the oceans every year. By reducing our production and sole use of plastics, we can help protect vulnerable creatures that are not able to realize the danger they face by ingesting these items when carelessly disposed of around them.

Custom printed bags save money

Many countries have now banned the use of single-use plastic bags in favor of reusable options. While in some places people can be fined if caught using them, other simply have businesses charge extra for such packaging. The cost is usually minimal but if you keep shopping this way, you will find that the amount can add up. Making reusable and Eco-friendly bags easily available to your shoppers will help encourage more environmentally conscious behavior while saving them additional costs.

Custom printed bags and branding

Eco-friendly bags can just as easily be customized for branding purposes as plastic bags. Custom printed bags that are Eco-friendly are a wonderful way to let the world know that your business is dedicated to protecting the environment and future generations. It is a fantastic way to boost the image of your brand in a way that the younger demographic will appreciate.

Must-Have Shipping Materials For Small Businesses

Shipping Materials
Small businesses tend to start with limited capital and therefore have to be careful about their spending until they begin to see revenues grow. This restricted spending also applies to their choice of shipping materials. As more consumers opt to shop online through e-commerce platforms, there has also been an increase in the number of businesses that are expanding their presence online to capture this market. This has made it necessary for even small businesses to ensure they invest in adequate stocks of shipping supplies. Here are the most basic types of supplies they will need to include in their inventory.

Shipping materials – mailers and boxes

The most basic shipping material is the mailer or box within which a product is packed. It is the primary security for the product and on which shipping information is placed so that shippers know where to deliver the package. Cardboard boxes are the most frequently used packaging material that can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. Mailers are a good option for shipping documents or flatter-shaped products. Both options can be customized to fit a range of products to better protect them and minimize shipping costs.

Filler and cushioning shipping supplies

Once you have customized your choice of mailers and boxes, the next consideration should be the interior filling. Many products are not box-shaped and thus when placed in the packaging, will have voids around them. Filler can be used to fill in these spaces. It can also be used to provide cushioning.

When products are being shipped, they will be subjected to varying degrees of handling that could lead to damage. Cushioning within the box can help protect the product from rattling around inside the box or mailer and becoming damaged. Filler can also act as a barrier if the packaging is damaged and liquid or sharp item penetrates the interior. There are various types of shipping materials that can be used for these purposes including bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and inserts.

Tape shipping supplies

These shipping supplies are used to seal and reinforce packaging so that it does not come undone during transit and allow the contents of a box or mailer to spill out. There are different kinds of packing tapes that can be used depending on the type of box. You can even have them customized in terms of color, width, or with branding messages.

Shipping materials label

This is the final step of the shipping process when you add shipping address details and other information as to the contents of the box that the shipper may require, such as how to keep the box in an upright position or if it contains fragile items. Shipping labels work well to display branding messages and logos.

Creating Custom Packaging For Small Business

Custom packaging
Is it time to create custom packaging for small business stores or e-commerce?
Much like larger corporations, small businesses need to pay attention when it comes to creating custom packaging. Packaging remains a powerful representation of a brand that can help boost its visibility and reputation in the public eye. The designs can not only impart important messages to onlookers, but they can also impact customers unboxing experiences which can go a long way in influencing their decision to make repeat purchases and the opinions they share about the brand.

Here are some issues that need to be addressed when developing custom packaging for small business use.

Choose the correct custom packaging for small business

Before you even start considering the coloring and logos that will go into packaging design, you need to find packaging that is suited to your product. For instance, you will find that packaging that is suited to selling glass bottled beverages will be different from that of toilet paper.

You need to consider such factors as security, durability, cost-effectiveness, and convenience when choosing the style and material of the box. You may also want to consider differences in packaging for when your product is on shelf displays in stores and when it is being shipped as e-commerce orders.

Once you have the type of boxes and other packaging materials that will be in use, you need to also ensure that they come in the right dimensions. Custom packaging of the right fit will be cost-effective and ensure better security for the product within.

Custom packaging artwork

Once you have settled on the style, material, and dimensions of the box you will use, you then need to delve into the outer appearance or artwork. From coloring to the use of logos, this aspect of the packaging will be a big help in distinguishing your product from that of competitors. While the prime focus should be given to the outer appearance, for certain products, and at particular price points, you may also want to also customize the interior of the box. Choose graphic designs that not only give your product a unique appearance but will also make the right impression on your target market.

Also, consider what information will be included in the design. From slogans to the business address, brand name to QR codes, ensure that you strategically include information that will also support your marketing efforts.

Custom packaging quantity

Businesses should ensure they keep a reasonable stock of packaging depending on their demand and storage capacity. They should also try to order an amount that lets them take advantage of bulk discounting that box makers provide to their clients. Make a note of peak shopping periods like Christmas when orders are likely to go up and ensure you have sufficient packaging on hand.

Corrugated Cardboard Best Sealing Methods

corrugated cardboard
Corrugated cardboard boxes are the most popularly used shipping material. They are lightweight, strong, and customizable in a variety of ways that make them highly useful and versatile when it comes to shipping products. Some consideration however needs to be given when it comes to sealing them up before shipping a corrugated box out.

Corrugated cardboard perfect seal

Before you even start loading a corrugated box with contents, you will need to ensure the bottom side is properly sealed. Just folding over the flaps is not going to be enough unless you are transporting feather pillows. Anything else that is reasonably heavier will end up falling out of the bottom once you lift the loaded box. Use packing tape to seal the edges of the larger box flaps that should be brought together last. You can also choose to further reinforce boxes that will be used for heavy loads by sealing the outer edges along the bottom.

Corrugated cardboard fold

Start by folding the shorter flaps that face each other, before folding the larger flaps. While it may seem that an interlocking flap arrangement is stronger, it tends to weaken the box. Fold the flaps correctly before using packing tape to seal the edges. The H shape-sealing pattern is the best for ensuring the box remains stable and the contents secure.

Perfect packing tape for the corrugated box

There are many different types of packing tape; however, the best option for corrugated cardboard boxes is water-activated tape. This tape has a strong adhesive gum coated onto Kraft paper. Once activated using water, the adhesive is absorbed into the carton material and bonds strongly. It is an excellent safety measure as it is impossible to remove this tape from the box without leaving evidence of tampering. It is also able to strongly withstand rough handling, allowing the contents of the box to be well secured for the duration of the journey.

Corrugated box protective contents

When loading a corrugated box with contents, ensure a good fit. Businesses should invest in custom boxes that better fit the sizing of their products. This should be complemented with the use of filler material that will fill voids and provide added cushioning. Without filler, products can end up rattling about inside the box and becoming damaged from even minor impact. Filler, like wrapping paper, bubble wrap, inserts, and packing peanuts, help protect the contents of the box during transit.

Fiber Dividers Protect Tiny Products Easily

fiber dividers
Box dividers can be a helpful addition to your business’s packaging. You can use them to better organize items within the box and protect them from banging into each other by separating them into mini compartments. The latter benefit is especially helpful when you are packaging fragile items that can easily break if they hit each other, as with wine bottles and glasses.

They can be made from various materials. Fiber dividers are the most popular option as they produce minimal dust, are recyclable, and provide good cushioning. Here are some of the sectors where businesses should consider incorporating them.

Fiber Dividers for Beverages

Businesses that sell alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in glass bottles can benefit from the use of a divider. They can be placed inside cardboard boxes or plastic crates to separate the bottles. This separation ensures the bottles do not bang into or scrape up against each other and remain stable. They provide extra reinforcement and protection that ensures the bottles can more safely arrive at whatever destination they are being shipped to.

Dividers Protect Food

Certain foods benefit from the use of dividers in a box. They can help to separate different food items like a partitioned lunch box. Most people prefer this separation to easily distinguish the foods and keep items that are of different consistency separate.

They can also be used to improve the presentation of food in a box. It is said that people eat with their eyes before they eat with their mouths. Presentation matters, so it is important to ensure the contents in a box are kept stable and in their own section. More so with high-end items like luxury chocolates. Use fiber dividers to keep foods organized. Without this separation, the food may end up squished on one end, especially if the container is being carried from one place to another.

Subscription Boxes

Businesses that offer subscription boxes will often send out packs of multiple items to their subscribers regularly. The items are usually sample-sized. It makes for a better presentation when the items can be arranged separately. Allowing them to get all jumbled up during transit makes for a less than enjoyable unboxing experience. If some of the items are made of hard material and others soft, you also run the risk that damage could happen as the items bang into each other along the way. Separating the items will ensure they arrive at their destination safely.

Storage Tips for Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard boxes
Thanks to online shopping and gift giving on the holidays, people now often find themselves with a sizeable stock of cardboard boxes. If there is no or minimal damage to the box, you can reuse them. However, when set up, even lightweight boxes can take up a large space. Here are a few tips on how best to store your boxes so they do not take up much space and can safely be reused when the time comes.

Empty and clean the cardboard boxes

Before you put any items into storage, you need to empty and clean them. Unpack the box entirely and tap it while facing upside down to remove any dust. Do not use any water or wet cloth to wipe it down. Cardboard material will absorb moisture which can disrupt its structural integrity. Carefully remove any extra packing material like tape as well. If the box is already damaged you can simply dispose of it or recycle it.

Flatten the cardboard box

Opening up the cardboard box completely and flattening it is the best way to save space on storage. You can easily flatten and pile the boxes. Given how lightweight cardboard material is, even piling them very high should not pose a danger. You can easily do so on a high shelf.

Find a dry storage space for your cardboard boxes

Your cardboard boxes need a dry space for storage. If exposed to moisture, not only will they weaken, they can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. This space should be ideally off the ground to avoid the risk that a water leak will get to the boxes. Basements are not recommended as they often have damp air that can contaminate boxes.

Remove insects from the cardboard box

Insect and rodent activity can also interfere with the storage of boxes. Many can feed on the material or break it down to use for nesting. This can be problematic in both homes and businesses as insects and rodents can grow in numbers, causing damage to property and a health hazard.

Make the cardboard box accessible

When storing your boxes, you should ideally organize them by size. It will make it easy to identify and retrieve the size of box you want at any given time. Also, ensure that whatever space in which you store them is easily accessible. This will make retrieval easy and allow you to comfortably inspect them regularly. It is important to keep an eye on your stored boxes in case there is water damage or insect infestation. Detecting such problems early may allow you to salvage most of the boxes before they become too damaged to be reused.

Heavy Duty Shipping Boxes – Shipping Cost Tactics

heavy duty shipping boxes
For any business that is growing its e-commerce sales, a major concern has to be shipping costs. Whether you are sending out heavy duty shipping boxes or small shipping boxes, the more shipments there are, the higher your shipping costs will be. And this will directly impact your profitability. Hence the reason you should consider these tips for limiting shipping costs.

Heavy Duty Shipping Boxes Rate<strong

Whenever you are shipping out a considerable number of orders, it is important to ensure you are getting the best rates possible. Different carriers will offer differing rates for different destinations. So, while shopping around it may be worthwhile to consider which carrier offers the most favorable rates for the locations you have most of your customers. However, try not to contract too many carriers. Spreading yourself thin may not lead to as much savings as you would have hoped.

Many carriers can also be negotiated with for lower rates. Even small businesses may be able to secure lower rates than those given to members of the public. Do the same when taking insurance. Some third-party insurers do offer better deals than when taking insurance from the carrier.

Small Shipping Boxes Free Packaging

Many carriers offer their clients free packaging materials. This can include heavy duty or small shipping boxes, mailers, envelopes, pouches, and labels. Using the carrier’s packaging materials can reduce the need to buy the same from box makers and other suppliers. However, keep in mind that these materials are either going to be plain or branded for the carrier. It may be better to use your own branded packaging materials to help with marketing.

Small Shipping Boxes Pay Online

Many carriers offer discounts when shipping is organized for and paid for online. Not only can this save you money on shipping, but also time as you can arrange for pick-ups rather than have to lug your shipment to their outlets.

Heavy Duty Shipping Boxes Prepayment

Major carriers do offer a prepaid shipping option that is also discounted. This can be especially helpful when you have a particular product that is frequently ordered on its own, so you already know certain details such as what the weight and dimensions of the package ahead of time.

Heavy Duty Shipping Boxes Associations

Some business and industry associations do negotiate for lower shipping rates for their members. Check with the associations you are already a member of to see if your business can take advantage of such deals. The bigger the association, the more bargaining power they have to negotiate for better rates.

How to Make Cardboard Shipping Boxes Stronger

 cardboard shipping boxes

One of the reasons cardboard shipping boxes are popular with businesses is their strength. However, despite this strength, there is a limit to how much weight and rough handling they can take before they give. So if you are shipping a particularly heavy or valuable item, it is advisable to take extra measures that will better ensure the content will arrive at its destination undamaged.

Cardboard Shipping Boxes – Edges

Boxes are highly likely to become dented along edges. If tightly packed, they may also burst open along the same lines. It is therefore a good idea to tape up all the edges and joints as a means of reinforcing them and reducing the risk they will become vulnerable points of entry in case of rough handling. Packing and duct tape are the best options for this. They add extra strength to the structure of a printed shipping box and can even prevent moisture from penetrating. Remember to tape up the flaps at the bottom of the box as well to strengthen the base.

Cardboard Shipping Boxes – Inserts

Inserts not only help to keep the contents of cardboard shipping boxes steady, but they can also prevent the box from collapsing. Having inserts long the length, from corner to corner, will help make the structure of the box stronger. You do not even need customized inserts as you can easily make them from spare cardboard pieces cut to fit the interior. Consider leaving a little space at the top of the box where you can fit in an insert and add some reinforcement if you intend to stack the boxes.

Cardboard Shipping Boxes – Layers

Adding a layer of cardboard to the very bottom interior of the printed shipping box before packing it is another way to strengthen it. Do this after you have sealed the flaps using tape. This extra foundation will allow the box to better bear the weight of the contents. Given that cardboard is so lightweight, you do not need to worry about this addition making the box much heavier.

Printed Shipping Box – Double Boxing

If you have boxes of various sizes, you may want to consider double boxing as an added measure of security. This way, even if the outer box is perforated, exposed to liquid, or dented, the inner one will still be able to safeguard the contents. Double boxing when you have multiple boxes in stock with small variances in size will better ensure safety without adding much to the cost of shipping.

Cardboard Carton Boxes for Moving

cardboard carton
Moving businesses require the use of various shipping supplies to carry out their work of packaging home and office furniture, electronics, and other possessions for shipment to a new location. Cardboard carton boxes are a significant portion of the packaging materials used by such businesses for good reasons.

Cardboard Carton Boxes: Affordable

In any business, one of the key goals is to minimize costs. The good thing with cardboard is that not only is it cheap, but it is also still highly effective at its job. So even if you are minimizing costs, you are not sacrificing quality.

The Strength of a Carton

A carton is made from cardboard material that is durable and strong. Even significantly heavy items can be well-protected in cardboard boxes made with thicker walls. This makes it ideal for use by moving companies that often have a variety of heavy to light items to pack and ship. It also makes them better able to withstand any rough handling or travel over dilapidated roads while in transit.

Cardboard Carton Different Sizes

Cartons can be ordered in various sizes and strengths. As said, the thicker the walls or added fluting, the stronger the box. When running a moving business, you will find that your clients have items of various sizes that need to be relocated, so you need packaging that can accommodate these variations. Even if the items do not perfectly fit inside the box, you can still opt for a slightly larger-sized carton, and fill up the void with filler material or by wrapping the contents. Moving businesses that understand the importance of branding can also have their boxes customized with graphics, logos, and other information that helps them to market their business.

Reuse

Cardboard carton boxes are durable and can often be reused severally before they become too worn or damaged. Many customers that engage moving companies do not require shipping boxes beyond the move and are happy to let the movers keep the boxes even if they bought them. This is another way moving companies can save on shipping costs, by providing the boxes and taking them away for later reuse.

Cardboard Carton Storage

Cartons can be easily folded and flattened. This makes them easy to stack and store in a transport vehicle. They are also lightweight, so you typically do not need any special equipment to take them into a property to start packing items and later when unpacking. This ease in being able to handle the primary packaging material helps make cartons the best choice for moving businesses.

Simple Basics for Shipping Tags

shipping tags
Shipping materials to customers has now become an essential part of business as online shopping takes hold. Businesses of all sizes now need to prepare packaging and shipping tags that will enable products to arrive safely at the correct destination. The information on the shipping tag is of special importance as it directs shippers on where they need to get the product. Getting this information right is highly crucial as even a small mistake can lead to delays or the complete loss of a shipment. Here are details you need to pay keen attention to when getting ready to label a shipping box.
Address details information is what will inform shippers on where they need to deliver the package to. There are four main sections to any international address. With many small and medium-sized businesses now also accommodating international orders for their products, you need to ensure that the correct country is indicated, even if the package is being shipped domestically.
You also need to ensure clear detailing of the postcode/city/province of the country. The correct street address is also required. A name must also be indicated to know who should receive the package.

Shipping Tags: Country name

As said, indicating the country the package is to be sent to is important. Do not use abbreviations. Always indicate the full name of the country at the very bottom row of the address, preferably n capital letters.

Shipping Tags: Street address and post code

Depending on the country, you may need to indicate a street address or P.O. Box number. If delivery is to a street address, you may also need to indicate a building or apartment number. If there is a restriction on characters for these additional lines, you may need to abbreviate some information.
The next row should indicate a post code, city, or province. Abbreviations may be used to represent certain states or provinces, but do verify you have used the correct ones. Some destinations may not have post codes so if you are still required to indicate one, just add zeros.

Name

With international shipments it is important to ensure the name on the shipping tags is correctly spelled. Ideally, it should be as per the person’s name on their national identification, indicating all names in the correct order. Many authorities may require that the person picking the package provide some form of national identification whose names should match up with the details on the shipping tag. Where there is a discrepancy, the package may not be released to the person.