What To Look Out For When Receiving Food In Gift Boxes

gift boxes
Food gift items are a popular choice, especially around the festive season. They just seem more heartwarming and personal. However, they also entail more risks than other gift options. The risk of food poisoning or other contamination can be quite high so it pays to find out the details of how the item has been packaged and shipped before eating anything. Here are a few details you need to verify to improve the chances your delivery will arrive in a good and safe condition for you to consume.

Keep Refrigerated

Perishable food gift items should always be kept at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. The food itself should be wrapped in foam or other insulating material with a cold pack or dry ice before being placed in sturdy gift boxes. The gift box itself should ideally also be made of heavy-duty cardboard that can ably support the weight and will not easily disintegrate if exposed to moisture.

Ship at The Beginning of the Week

Even though many shippers may claim they work 24/7, it is risky to attempt shipping at the end of the week. Check the date the package was sent out for delivery. You may find that those sent towards the end of the week have sat at the shipper’s warehouse through the weekend. More than next-day delivery on some perishable food items can be dangerous.

Same or Next Day Delivery

Expedited delivery is a must when sending out food gift items. Especially if they are of the easily perishable variety like meats, soft cheeses, and fruit. The package should have been delivered within a day of being sent out. Any cold packaging will have a limit as to how long it can hold. Any longer and the contents will warm up and become unsafe to eat.

Ensure Appropriate Labeling

The seller should invest in a custom gift box that clearly indicates that the contents are perishable and should be kept refrigerated. They should have clear labeling that provides this information to the shipper so they know how to facilitate delivery.

Check Ingredients

Most dry and hard baked goods can safely last a few days in transit. But do check the ingredients that have been used. Some are more delicate and perishable, like cream cheese and custard. These can easily form mold and spoil the entire contents. The seller should ideally provide a list of ingredients in the packaging also as a safety measure for those with allergies.

How To Preserve Packing Boxes And Cartons

boxes and cartons
Now more than ever before, people are finding themselves easily accumulating a variety of boxes and cardboard. This is often a result of online shopping and home deliveries. The items they buy often arrive in boxes. If the box is in good shape even after unpacking, it is very tempting to want to preserve it for later use. These boxes can often be a big help when you later want to send out a package or when moving. It is also environmentally friendly to reuse these boxes and when deteriorated, recycling them. And although quite lightweight, these boxes can be very durable. But you need to store them correctly to best preserve them for reuse.

Clear Out Every Content

Before you can put away boxes and cartons for an indefinite amount of time, you have to ensure they are clear of any contents and debris. This can be especially important if they were used to ship food items. Leaving remnants of food in a box can encourage insect or pest activity that can damage the box. Take out any packing materials like packing peanuts or bubble wrap as well. You want to be able to flatten the box easily.

Flatten

Once you have emptied the box you need to open it up at the top and bottom to help flatten it properly. Storing boxes and cartons in the state they arrived in will take up a lot of space, especially if they are of a similar and larger size. Flattening them is a space saver and will allow you to pile up many boxes in even a small space. If you have tape on the box that is scrunched up, try to gently pull it off so it does not damage the cardboard.

Size Them Up

To further save on space, try to pile similar-sized boxes together. Mixing the sizes will likely lead to a waste of space as smaller boxes will end up taking up as much space as the larger ones when flattened. Keeping them organized by size will also make it easier to retrieve the particular size box you want when you need it.

Inspect

Keep going back from time to time to ensure the boxes are still in good condition. Especially if they are stored in an area where pests might get in or they may be exposed to moisture. It can help to stack them on a shelf or pallet that keeps them off the ground and reduces the risk of this possible damage.

Information to Always Include on Shipping Tags

shipping label
When shipping materials from the seller to buyer, there is information you will need to share to facilitate the process. A small mistake when labeling can cause a shipment to get lost and end up costing the seller extra money in having to replace it. The delay can also result in the reputation of the seller suffering. Timely deliveries are a big part of what pleases customers and makes them more likely to order again. Here are some key details you must always include on your shipping tags or labels.

Shipping Tags Full Address

A full address will list the recipient’s name, street address, postal code, and country. Sometimes you may include the city or province alongside the postal code. The absence of any of these details, or wrong information can have the shipment end up in the wrong place or not delivered at all if invalid.

Shipping Tags True Name

Always ensure that the recipient has given you their real name when labeling their shipment. This is because most carriers will require some form of legally recognized identification to allow for pick up. Even where delivery is being made to an address, there are times the shipment may not be dropped off, requiring the person to then visit a collection point where they may be asked for ID. The recipient should preferably provide all names that appear on whatever government-issued ID they use. And the names should be in the same order.

Country on Shipping Tags

Avoid using abbreviations when indicating the country name on shipping tags. Some countries have similar codes and there may be confusion as to whether you are referring to a country, province, or city. Indicate the name of the country in full and using capital letters. This should ideally be on the last line of the address you are giving.

Post Code/City/Province

Some countries have provinces, like Canada and Japan. You need to indicate the province for their postal system to know where to deliver the package. In these cases, abbreviations can be fine as long as it lands in the right country. Be sure to look up the right abbreviation to avoid mistakes. Even one letter off can make the address invalid. In other countries, you may find there are no postcodes. You can usually use zeroes if the shipper requires a postcode anyway. Do a little online research to get a clear idea of how address details normally look for the country you are shipping to. This can help you notice any mistakes in the details the recipient provided and ask them to clarify.

Understanding How To Store An Unopened Whiskey Box

whiskey box
Whether you are a connoisseur or not, chances are you want to know how best to store any unopened whisky. For many people, this liquor can be a pricey purchase or gift they want to save for a special occasion. But to preserve its flavor you need to be careful about how you stash it away.

It is important to first note that whisky does degrade with time once the bottle is opened. Exposure to light, temperature change, and oxygen will affect the liquor. This is why it is advisable to finish off a bottle within 2 months of having opened it. if you want to keep your whisky for longer, then you should not open it up but learn how to store it while unopened.

Keep It In The Whiskey Box

The two main enemies of whisky in an unopened bottle are light and temperature change. Keeping this liquor in the whisky box it came in is a good way to block out both these factors. Cardboard and wood are very good insulators as they do not easily conduct thermal energy. They are also opaque, thereby blocking out the light that may cause chemicals in the whiskey to react and possibly change its taste and become bitter. This problem is more pronounced when the liquor is exposed to natural light. Artificial lights are less of a problem but should still be avoided for the best results.

Keep The Whiskey Box Upright

There is a good reason your whisky bottle is never filled to the brim. The alcohol is quite harsh and can easily degrade the cork used to seal the bottle. Keeping the whisky box upright is a good way to preserve the space between the two and avoid the cork degrading. If it starts breaking down in the bottle it can alter the taste of the liquor and eventually let in oxygen. Oxidation can also change the taste of your whisky.

Keep It Cool

While whisky packaging is often made of good insulating materials like cardboard and wood, they still need a little extra help in preserving your liquor. Fluctuations in temperature can cause the glass of the bottle to expand and contract, compromising the sealing ability of the cork. Humidity on the outside may also damage the bottle labels which can disfigure the appearance of your bottle and cause it to lose value. Place your stock of unopened whisky bottles in a cool and stable environment. Basements and wine cellars are often good options.

Reasons To Invest In Sustainable Retail Packaging

Retail packaging has a strong influence on branding. The designs can be used to broadcast information on products and where they can be found. Packaging can be a silent but effective mode of promotion that does much more than provide a convenient means of carrying around shopping.

With the current crop of consumers also being highly environmentally conscious, packaging can also be used to share the knowledge that a business is just as interested in safeguarding the planet. Through the use of custom retail packaging, such messages can be easily conveyed and provide several benefits to businesses.

Reduces carbon footprint

Many people now want to limit their carbon footprint because they understand that even with what may seem minor effort from many, the environment can rebound. This makes them more inclined to shop from businesses and brands that can help them reach this goal by offering green-based packaging. Offering such retail packaging can help highlight your organization’s corporate responsibility efforts. It will showcase your brand in a more positive light that can encourage repeat business and attract new patronage.

Reduced costs and pollution

Many manufacturers of green-based packaging will offer discounts on bulk purchases. This is a win for businesses as it allows them to make bigger savings on this expense. Bulk orders also mean having to order packaging fewer times. This means lower transport costs and reduced associated pollution.

Toxic-free Disposal of Retail Packaging

Sustainable packaging is made to ensure no or minimal harm to the environment. Even if they find their way to landfills or forests, they will safely degrade, ensuring that no dangerous toxins or allergens end up harming the environment. This can be a relief for businesses to know their product packaging does not cause injury to the environment and can be used as a selling point for consumers that are just as concerned about how their purchases can impact nature.

Recyclability of Retail Packaging

Recyclable product packaging is more than just good for the environment. It means they can be safely reused to make new packaging. Because the material is already processed, less energy is used in remaking it into new packaging. Besides cutting down on the need for raw materials, recycling also aids in reducing energy needs for production processes. Less waste is also generated that will end up having to be disposed of in the environment. These reductions can then translate into lower production costs and therefore even greater savings for businesses that buy packaging materials made from such recyclable sources.

Making A Folding Carton Stronger

The folding carton is one of the most common types of product packaging you will find in the retail market. Though quite lightweight, rigid, and customizable, they can often be seen as less secure for heavier and more fragile items. Even with printed folding cartons that can warn of a need to handle the item carefully, damage still often occurs, calling for a need to reinforce the box. Here are ways you can better safeguard the contents of such packaging and avoid unnecessary replacement expenses for the business.

Use Inserts in Folding Carton

Inserts that are designed to conform to the shape of the contents in the box can be a big help in keeping them stabilized and less vulnerable to harm. They can also help strengthen the corners of the box, making them less likely to collapse inwards. By strengthening the box from the inside, it reduces the risk of contents becoming smashed if stacked.

Pad The Bottom

Adding an extra layer of cardboard at the bottom of the box can help offer more support for the weight above. It can also help to even out the weight on the bottom, reducing the risk that the flap coming open. If exposed to moisture, it can provide an extra barrier to penetration deeper into the box, helping to protect any contents that may be damaged from such exposure.

Tape Up the Edges

The edges of a folding carton can easily lose shape and rigidity if exposed to moisture. Taping up along these lines can help provide a barrier to such moisture penetration. It can also strengthen and help hold the shape of the box if under pressure from stacking. Always choose duct tape over masking tape as this offers better strength and protection. You can apply the tape severally along the same edges to reinforce further.

Seal The Gaps

Folding cartons tend to have at least one side that is closed using a flap. The majority of the basic designs have this as the case on the bottom and top sides. Sealing these flaps can reduce the risk of the box coming open while in transit. You can easily accomplish this by applying glue along this edge when closing. It will keep the shape of the box more rigid, and where the bottom is operable, ensure the base is better supported.

Laminate Folding Carton

Laminating printed folding cartons strengthens the structure of the box. It reduces the problem of cracks forming along folds. It also makes applying graphic designs easier and more appealing thanks to the glossy aesthetic achieved. It is also handy for protection against dirt, moisture, and other contaminants.

Guide To Saving Big On Shipping Supplies

shipping supplies
More and more businesses are selling their products online. This means also having to arrange for shipping of the products to buyers. While how much shipping companies will charge for this service is important, so too is the cost that goes into packaging products for transport. Shipping boxes, envelopes, and bags are stock in trade. But other materials are needed to ensure items are well-secured and able to survive transit. Shipping supplies like tape, bubble wrap, labels, and twine are very useful in this. Here is how you can access such supplies at an affordable or even free cost.

Shop Around for Shipping Supplies

In much the same way as you would shop around for an affordable yet quality box manufacturer, so too should you seek out supplies for shipping. A good place to start is with the box manufacturer you already use. Many such businesses have expanded to include shipping & packing materials in their product lines. You will be in a better position to negotiate for discounts that will make such orders even more affordable. Try to time your purchases for the same time as when ordering boxes.

Order Free Shipping Supplies from Shippers

Many major shippers like UPS, USPS, and FedEx offer free or deeply discounted shipping & packing materials for clients that use certain services like priority shipping. You will likely need to log into their websites to look up such deals or visit a service center to enquire. If you qualify, USPS can even have your mail carrier deliver them to your premises for free.

Print Yourself

Rather than order pre-printed labels or be forced to take time handwriting them, consider investing in your own printer. Brand new thermal label printers can be a bit pricey but in the long run, you get to save as they do not rely on ink cartridges and toner.

Look for Recyclables

Filler materials like newspapers and other packing materials can be easily got in cities and towns where there are recycling initiatives. People will often post the availability of such supplies that can be picked up for free via social media, online classifieds, and bulletin boards.

Reach Out to Other Businesses

Shipping supplies like filler material, inserts, and even boxes can be freely or cheaply sourced from businesses that receive their stocks in bulk. From department stores to supermarkets, many such businesses are often happy to have anyone take these items off their hands. Target looking around late at night or very early in the morning when they are unloading shipments and stocking shelves.

Impactful Liquor Packaging

liquor packaging
Despite the ups and down the global economy has faced in recent times, it continues to thrive. The entrepreneurial spirit carries on as evidenced by the many new ventures that keep popping up. The number of new entrants can however make for a highly competitive market that calls for both newcomers and existing businesses to get creative in how they can secure their market share.

For those in the liquor business, packaging can play a key role in defining products. Here is how such businesses can use liquor packaging to preserve and keep growing their client numbers.

Liquor packaging design

When people shop for liquor in stores or online, they are drawn to eye-catching designs. You need to make use of a design that allows your product to stand out from the competition and will catch the attention of whoever is browsing. When ordering a prototype of the liquor box you want to use, go out to stores that will stock your brand and see if they can be confused with a competitor’s offering. Make whatever changes that will make your product easily distinguishable and therefore recognizable to your target clients.

Find A Cause

Today’s consumers are quite morally conscious. From the environment to homelessness, they prefer to support businesses that in turn support social causes. Find a way to align your brand with a positive cause and incorporate this message into your liquor box design. You will find that consumers that share the same views will be more likely to choose your product as a show of support.

Liquor packaging value

When people are faced with many options of the one thing they want, it can be difficult to make a decision. You can help gain their attention by offering extra value to their purchase. It could be anything from a complimentary shot glass to a recipe for a delicious cocktail on the liquor packaging. However, you display these offerings, ensure that it is professionally done to impress potential buyers, and encourage them to give your product a try.

Test And Review

When launching a new product, or relaunching an old one with new packaging, it can help to get impressions from your clients before committing to a full order. You can get liquor stores and bars to offer free samples and collect information from buyers on what they think of the new designs. Use this feedback to settle on the final design you think will get the best response from shoppers.

Tips For Packing Boxes For Shipping More Securely

boxes for shipping
Care must be taken when packing large shipping boxes. Since the box will likely pass through many hands and travel a long distance, it is vital to do your best in ensuring the contents are well-secured. Here are some tips on how to ensure this.

1. Choose The Right Size

The box should always be larger than its contents, but not overly so. Depending on the fragility of the contents, you may want to include some packing material like an insert, packing peanuts, or even just newspaper to provide some added protection.

2. Choose The Right Boxes for Shipping

Less fragile items like clothing can be easily packed and shipped using used boxes. More delicate items like crockery and electronics will require new boxes whose structural integrity is not compromised. Ensure the thickness of the boxes for shipping is also suited to its contents. Thicker walls offer better protection.

3. Pack It Right

Use packing materials to fill up any empty spaces and as added protection around your contents. This will prevent the contents from coming dislodged and banging into each other in the box. Remember to add a layer of such protection both at the bottom of the box and very top before closing it. If packing several items, place the heaviest and largest ones at the bottom and the lightest ones on top. This will reduce the pressure and likelihood of damage in transit.

4. Indicate Fragility

Where you have easily damaged box contents, it is important to call this factor to the attention of shippers. Labels that indicate a need to handle with care or that the contents are breakable should be used. The better informed shippers are about what they are handling, the more care they will take.

5. Reinforce

Use packing tape to reinforce the bottom and side edges. This can help preserve the integrity of the box for longer and if unexpectedly exposed to such damaging elements as water. Avoid the use of regular masking tape or adhesive tape.

6. Choose The Right Shipper

It is best to work with a shipper that has well-trained staff that will handle your large shipping boxes properly. Shop around the various shippers that serve your area and choose the one with a strong reputation for careful handling. If you are a business, you may want to consult other businesses in the area that ship similar products. Avoid choosing a shipper based on just rates. If they are the cheapest yet continually damage your items, you will still need to pay extra to make replacements.

Mistakes To Avoid When Packing Carton Boxes

Carton boxes have become an integral part of businesses today. With more consumers opting to make purchases remotely, businesses have to rely on such packaging to get their products to their destination. But using them can sometimes result in damage and other challenges. Often such mistakes can prove costly, causing the business to have to make up for it by offering a refund, replacement, or cover the cost of repairs and shipping again. Here are few problems to be on the lookout for and avoid much of this waste.

1. Choosing The Wrong Size

The wrong size of boxes and cartons can be detrimental to meeting shipping needs. Too big and the contents could end up rattling around inside. This clashing against one another could cause the products to become damaged. Too small and you could end up being unable to properly close the box. If the items spill out, it could lead to their damage and make theft easier. If the shipper has to repackage, the cost could be passed on to you or the recipient. Either way, it can be a financial loss.

2. Ordering The Wrong Quantity of Carton Boxes

Many businesses often have high seasons when orders come in fast and furiously. Having a low stock of carton boxes to use for shipments can mean delays that can cause your business reputation to suffer. It is important to keep track of your stock of boxes and order fresh supplies in good time to avoid such problems.

3. Poor Packing

Some packing behaviors can often lead to damaged products. For instance, if packing several items for delivery, you never place the heaviest items on top. They can create added pressure on the items below, causing them to become damaged.

4. Lack Of Filler Material

Even with an optimal size of box, many products will often leave gaps of space here and there, more so if the product does not match the shape of the box. The filler material helps fill in such spaces and provides extra protection and insulation against moisture and vibrations.

5. Reinforcing Carton Boxes

As an added safety measure it is best to reinforce boxes and cartons. This can be as simple as using packing tape along the seams. Failure to do this can often lead to damage that weakens the structural integrity of the box.

6. No Labels

Labels are a good way to provide additional information to shippers on how to handle the box. Information such as breakable contents and keeping the box upright can help to better protect the contents. Using labels can also help in ensuring delivery details like addresses are clearly legible.