Simply Enhance Your Shipping with Shipping Tools

It makes sense to consolidate your vendors for basic supplies that you need to do business. It means fewer invoices, purchase orders and less labor to keep track of it all. Well Instabox would like to be your one-stop shop for all of your packaging and shipping supplies requirements, and now we can do just that. We recently acquired a packaging supply company and now we not only manufacture boxes, but we can supply you with the tools you need to put them together, pack them, seal them and take them around your warehouse.

Sounds good doesn’t it? Well, it is and here’s what we can offer you.

Need shipping tools? We have them and we’d like to pass them on to you at our affordable rates. No longer do you have to search the web for your newest vendor because we can reliably and affordably supply you with the tools of your trade. We have table or wall mount paper dispensers and stretch wrap dispensers. We have several models of bag sealers, including heat sealer accessories and sealer bands. We also supply Swiftacher fine and regular guns.

Get your stapling supplies here too. With a wide variety of staplers and pliers and a generous variety of refills as well, you are sure to find what you need at an economical price. You may as well grab your strapping tools and supplies while you’re at it and you can choose from different strapping materials and colors; black, white, or yellow, steel or stainless steel. Choose from a variety of protectors and seals and don’t forget the sealers, tensioners, cutters and dispensers. We also have tape dispensers and tape, including colored Duct tape, filament tape, spray adhesive and more.

But that isn’t all you need and we know that. We are pleased to be able to supply you with paper and plastic wrapping materials and shipping and packing materials, such as Styrofoam peanuts, corrugated roll, Polyethylene Cap and foam, and we also have the twine. We’d love to create custom printed tape so your product can be wrapped in your logo, marketing your product throughout the supply chain.

In addition, we can hook you up with hand trucks for moving boxes throughout your warehouse. We even get down to the little details like markers from fat to skinny in various colors and also packing knives. We supply Olfa and Boss cutting knives which we guarantee are the best you can buy for durability and strength and we also supply replacement blades.

And, last but not least, we have bags in many sizes and materials and the price will drop as the order gets larger. We also have custom bags with your logo right on it. Don’t let people walk away from the store and forget where they bought that item they love so much, put your name on the bag.

[7/7/2014]

Recyclable Chipboard Boxes

Going green is important these days, not only to the environment, but also to your customers. When you package your product in a fiber box made of recycled materials you are telling your customer that you care enough about the environment to do what you can to help it. By caring about your environment, your customer will know you also care about your product.

We are a box manufacturer and when we manufacture our boxes we look not only to the quality of the box, but also the environmental footprint we leave when manufacturing it. Our fiber boxes help us lighten our footprint and pass that lightened footprint on to you. These boxes are made of 100% recycled fiber. This makes them 100% recyclable and also more lightweight which saves you on shipping costs and makes you a partner in protecting the environment.

If you ever wondered how much difference it really makes, chipboard boxes saves tens of thousands of trees, hundreds of thousands of liters of water, keep over a million kilograms of waste from landfills, and save millions of noxious transmissions from cars and trucks per year, simply due to the manufacturing of the product and its lightweight yet remarkably durable properties.

Chipboard boxes are suitable for a variety of uses and as expected are an excellent medium for printing. Use a chipboard box for your product and dictate the color of the box as well as the artwork used to display your company information and advertise your brand. Use them when you need setup boxes, folding boxes, suitcase boxes and mailing tubes.

Folding cartons made of chipboard are great for boxes that are intricate but can be refolded for storage. There is some assembly required (you have to fold them) but we assure you it does not require a rocket scientist to do it.

Another use of fiber boxes is for suitcase boxes. These boxes can be made to look just like a suitcase and can have custom in-place foam to protect the materials inside. They are great for carrying promotional materials and even giveaway gadgets. They are fully customizable and can be printed with artwork as you wish.

Corrugated fiber boxes are the ideal choice when you want a stand up display for your products. These boxes are easily decorated to your liking and have the durability you need. Use them as bin boxes to save shelf space or as shipping boxes to withstand rough handling. They are also excellent for software packaging because they will protect the product and are lightweight enough to lower shipping costs.

Chipboard boxes are ideal as setup boxes for luxury and personal items such as jewelry, chocolates, perfume and gifts. They look classy and best of all, there is no assembly required. We also supply fiber tubes for mailing those important documents safely and economically.

[7/3/2014]

Nothing Beats Custom Packaging Labels

If you want the perfect label for your product packaging needs you’ve come to the right place. We can customize a label to make your product stand out before your customer even gets it out of the box. Labels are important because they help not only your branding, but they also say a lot about your company. There’s no need to package your product with boring, generic labels that only display your return address, put something snazzy on there to generate excitement when the package arrives.

Packaging labels can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes limited only by your imagination. The shape, size, lettering, color and border are all up to you. We will make your dream label become your reality, and make your package look first-rate in the process. There are many style options as well. Try a gold or silver finish to give your package a great look. Any printed information you wish can be put on your custom label so your product arrives looking its best.

But it isn’t always enough to have your brand name, logo and contact or product information on your package label, sometimes you need other information to stand out and that’s where pre-printed labels come in. We have pre-printed labels for a large variety of informational or technology-friendly applications.

Pre-printed labels can draw attention to conditions that are of importance to the shipper such as goods that require special handling. If you have goods that are fragile, flammable, explosive or corrosive, pre-printed labels can alert the shipper in a clear and concise manner that these goods are dangerous and for the safety of their employees and the public, must be handled accordingly.

They can also provide informational messages such as which side is up, do not stack, crush, break down, freeze, lay flat or puncture. These are examples of messages that will protect your product and ensure it will be in good condition when it reaches your customer. Neglecting simple messages like these can leave a bad taste in the mouth of the consumer who opens the box only to find a damaged product. They will blame you for shoddy packaging, not the shipping company for bad delivery practices.

Other pre-printed options are barcode labels to help shippers scan and sort your packages and help retailers scan them for purchase. In the electronic age your product will be left behind without these simple labels. We offer over 25 different types of barcodes you can place on your packaged product.

You can also get pre-printed point-of-sale labels that make your product stand out from the rest. We provide ship to labels that have plenty of room and are easy to fill in. If you ship out of the country we provide international label packages that require special handling. Simply attach the appropriate label using globally recognized pictorial images and your product gets the special handling it deserves.

[6/30/2014]

The Various Types of Shipping and Packing Supplies

Packing is not a simple task and it requires a whole lot of materials for a successful move or shipping project. The items to be packed might need an extra protective cover and there are various materials which can be used for different items. Shipping accessories and packing materials act like a safety net for your items.

Packing Supplies

Some of the widely used packing supplies are as follows –

Laminated rolls – these rolls are leak-proof and are extremely durable
Stretch films – one of the most widely used materials used for packaging, which also protects the items while in storage
Bubble wrap – this provides protective padding and water resistance at the same time. This is the perfect solution for fragile items and will ensure that the object is protected from rough handling. You can get them as sheets or bags depending upon your needs.
PP straps – they are lightweight, but tough. They are used for heavy and medium weight packages to keep the contents from spilling out.
Instant foam – gives the perfect custom fit for objects with a difficult shape.
Protective paper packing – they come as kraft sheets, newsprint sheets or even as colored shredded paper.

Shipping Accessories

You can also opt for the following shipping accessories, which will give added protection during shipment

Edge protectors – they reduce the damage caused during shipment by giving extra protection and support.
Strap guards – protects the package from damages caused by tight straps.
Shipping tags – they come in a variety of colors and sizes and they are great for identifying your packages easily.

Selecting the Right Kind of Materials

It all depends on what you want to ship. The kind of material can vary in strength and durability, based on your needs and the items being shipped. If you are environmentally conscious then you can buy biodegradable bubble wrap which will degrade in one or two years. Buy antistatic bubble rolls to pack electronic goods, which also provides excellent protection against impacts.

Packing supplies can be used in numerous ways, but there are a few general guidelines, which when followed, can lead to superior protection of your products. After packing, ensure that the box closes properly and there are no extra spaces. There should only be the necessary information on the box as too much information can confuse the movers or package handlers. Use only tapes and boxes that are designed exclusively for packing and moving. Do not overload the box with objects that are too heavy for the box to hold, it might give way midway through the journey, which is one headache everyone wants to avoid.

[6/26/2014]

The Utility of a Packing Tape

In the world of packing materials, the quality of the tape is often overlooked, but it is necessary to have a good quality packing tape that will provide added protection to the box. They are mostly made from polypropylene and polyethylene fabric, films or reinforced films. They are available in varying thicknesses and sizes and can be used safely for all mailing and shipping purposes. Bundle items with them, use them for sealing boxes or have them reinforce sealed boxes.

Packing Tape

Packing tape can be used for packing any kind of box or product. When used for boxes, they give added strength to the box, but they can also be used alone for packing together items such as books. You can buy the cheap, more economical tape which can be used to pack light to medium weight items. They can stick to any kind of surface and they can also be easily removed. The economical kind is only reasonably resistant to wear and tear. The more expensive kind of tape is more durable which has a hot melt adhesive that does not easily peel or crack. These kinds of tapes are preferred as they are resistant to water and all kinds of harsh weather. There are more kinds of packing tapes and accessories to choose from such as the following –

Handheld dispensers for easy and safe use
Color coded tapes for easy identification
Box sealing tapes
Hold down attachments for taping
High performance sealing tapes
Bag sealers

Strapping Tape

Strapping tape will come with a durable polypropylene backing and rubber resin glue. The tape holds securely to the package as it shrinks around the item or box when secured, the tight tape does not break and allows a little movement, which makes it more resilient. You can use it for corrugated cardboard or even a paperboard box. Use them for heavy loads without having to worry about it breaking while in transit.

Packing and strapping tapes are not necessary, but when used, you will find that they are extremely useful. Strapping tape is used when you need something that can withstand a lot of pressure, twisting and turning and will not break easily. You can even use kraft paper packing tape for light weight packages, which blend in with the color of the boxes and even though they are made of paper, are still strong enough to hold the flaps of a box together.

[6/23/2014]

The Focus is back on Folding Packaging Boxes

Folding packaging boxes are mainly used to pack lightweight products and they come in a variety of styles, folding techniques and shapes. They are perfect for beating the competition by creating unique designs which will boost sales and improve brand identity. They can be used for packing products or can be used as display props with dividers and a flat bottom surface. As looks are everything when it comes to packaging boxes, the final product can be an attractive shiny surface or a sophisticated matte finish.

Easy to Use

The various folds make the handling easy while packing and when they come along with self-sealers there is nothing to match them in terms of effectiveness. These folding corrugated boxes can be used in offices and factories where a lot of products have to be shipped in a short period of time. You can create a custom designed box which will compliment your product, especially when it is engineered to suit the customer’s specifications.

Versatility

The custom made folds make it very easy for the boxes to be assembled and you can get various uniquely shaped boxes with no effort at all. You can get boxes with hinged lids for secure closing, which is good for packing clothes or fabric by using folding packaging boxes. You can also get clear, crisp images right on your boxes, with custom digital printing. Nowadays you can get up to 7 color printing done on the boxes, give you a wide variety of combinations.

Advantages

They are cost effective since the main material used is cardboard, even if it has to be die cut.
Reusable and recyclable, so you can do your bit for the environment.
There is literally no limit to the folding techniques and designs that can be created.
Window patching is also available to show off your products.
It also offers protection from handling and keeps the inside of the boxes dust free when closed and sealed completely.

Folding corrugated boxes are ideal for packing items like confectionery goods, dairy products, meats, fruits, vegetables and just about anything else you can think of. Even though these boxes are made from cardboard and mainly used for holding light weight products, they offer a lot of durability. They are also environmentally friendly, making them the best solution, hands down. Making your product stand out is the goal and when you choose folding boxes, you are setting yourself and your product up for success.

[6/19/2014]

Getting the Right Shipping Box

There is not much of a difference between boxes used for moving and boxes used for shipping, however, when you need boxes for shipping, it is better to know about those tiny differences. Boxes used for moving generally are used cardboard boxes which have been reused several times. Shipping boxes on the other hand, are built for durability as they have to endure long and sometimes, hard journeys without damaging their contents.

Types of Shipping Boxes

Shipping boxes come in all shapes and sizes and they are all strong enough to hold many heavy objects.

Boxes with dividers – they are used when shipping fragile and breakable objects which should not bump into each other. They can also be used to separate the smaller objects from the bigger ones put into one single shipping box.
Mailing boxes – they also fall into the shipping category and you can get them with self-sealing tapes. For better durability, they come with long double folds which will not open accidentally.
Printed boxes – these are good for businesses since the boxes can be custom printed with the company logo and contact details.

Tips for Easy Shipping

Try not to use, used shipping boxes as they have already lost a lot in their durability and might not provide the support that you require for your items. They might have previous labels on them, which have to be removed before they are used, otherwise it could cause various delivery issues once the package has left your care.
Use the appropriate packaging materials to make sure the contents are not damaged. For example, if the items are fragile, it might be a good idea to use bubble wrap.
Check the bottom flap of the box for a stamp certifying the strength of the box. Generally, a shipping box might have undergone an “Edge Crush Test” or a “Bursting Test”. In case there is no such stamp, ask the customer service personnel to help you select the correct type of shipping box. They are sure to know the difference and can guide you.
The boxes might have handles pre-cut into it, but it will be wise to strengthen them by using tape.

The general rule is that you can get shipping boxes in any shape and size. The box can be small enough to hold a pen or large enough to hold a refrigerator. Most of the time, boxes for shipping do not cost much since they are mass produced, come in regular shapes and sizes, and economical materials are used in their production, making them more cost effective.

[6/16/2014]

Fiber Dividers Taking on a New Dimension

Fiber dividers are an essential part of packing, especially when you want to utilize space and protect the items during transit. With the advancements in technology, it is now easy to get the dividers in whatever dimensions that you need, in no time flat. You can vary the thickness of the partitions to suit its contents.

Why use Fiber Dividers

The main use of fiber dividers is that they make many cells within the box to hold the articles for shipment. Cardboard strips are cut into the correct length and height and then slotted so that they interlock each other. By doing so, they are able to do the following, which happens to be advantageous for the products such as –

They allow the products to lie next to each other without touching, minimizing scratches and damage.
They absorb excess moisture in the air and container.
They also cushion the products so that they do not break.

Custom made Partitions

You can get custom made fiber partitions to meet customer demands such as –

V-notches
Corner cuts
Orientation notches
Various other configurations

The notches will lock the partitions in place and will keep them from moving and as a result, disturbing the packed items. They also come with rounded corners, which will reduce friction between the wall of the box and the partition. V-notches can be either in the top or bottom depending upon packaging requirements. The edges also come with adhesive coating to prevent further movement of the partitions after they are placed inside the box.

Advantages of Using Fiber Partitions

One of the reasons that people prefer using fiber partitions are because they are almost completely dust free. They are also thinner than corrugated cardboard partitions and use less space. As they are thinner, they can be cut more precisely than corrugated ones. As the partitions are thinner, it further reduces the overall size of the box and thus makes the packaging more economical, saving around 75% of the traveling space.

When you want high quality packaging solutions that are also cost-effective, the fiber dividers are the obvious choice. Interior protective materials cannot be avoided, especially when you want fragile, breakable objects to arrive at the destination in one piece and in good condition. That is why it is so important that shippers invest in partitions and dividers, even if they increase the price of the packaging as they preserve the value of the packed goods.

[6/12/2014]

Box Inserts – The Safety Net for all of your Products

From start to finish, the product that you are trying to market must have all the necessary elements that will make it a success, and a custom box with all space necessary to hold the product is just as essential. That is why box inserts are so important when you want to pack items such as bottles and other fragile items.

When to go for Inserts

Inserts are not for all products and it is advisable to use them only when necessary, since they can add to the overall cost of the product. It is best to use inserts when –

The product is fragile and susceptible to breakages
When there are extreme travelling conditions or when the journey is over great distances
When there are extra spaces which might cause the contents to spill or break
When any items have to be packed compactly in one box

Box Inserts

You can get box inserts of the following types –

Cardboard – they are used to form partitions for bulk packing of products in one box.
Corrugated – these inserts are thicker than cardboard ones and offer added strength to the packaging. However, their one disadvantage is that they reduce the space inside the box because of their thickness.
Chipboard inserts –
- Chipboard platform inserts – while they can be used to partition the box, its main purpose lies in raising the bottom of the box to form a platform for the product.
- Die cut chipboard inserts – they are an inexpensive way of packing products in the cavities securely.

Although there are standard inserts available, when it comes to inserts for boxes the greatest advantages come those that are custom made.

Foam Inserts

Foam inserts will give a custom fit for the product that you want to ship. Die cut foam inserts are also available in various colors which adds to the aesthetic appeal of the product.

Inserts, like foam inserts, are generally used to ensure safe packaging and peace of mind for the customer. Other types of inserts are vacuum formed plastic, peachboard and vinyl, which can be used depending upon the needs of the product. Vacuum formed inserts are a great way to pack your products and they are visually pleasing as well. However, the most important thing to remember is whether they are suitable for your products and not simply select them because they popular or visually stimulating.

[6/9/2014]

Box Dividers for Packing Solutions

Box dividers offer a lot of packing solutions and are commonly used when there are two or more items to be packed in a single box. They are not space fillers, but rather, they are space savers. There are many types of dividers available on the market and if none of them are suitable for your needs, you can custom order some to meet your specific needs. The main idea is to keep the packed items from moving and therefore, prevent them from breaking.

Uses of Box Dividers

Box dividers are used to maximize and creatively use space. You can pack tiny objects next to one another increase the number of items you can safely pack into one box. Just dumping objects into a box is far from aesthetically pleasing.
They offer extra protection when packing delicate and breakable objects such as glasses and bottles. They will keep the packed objects from bumping into each other cause them to crack or break. Packing peanuts can fill spaces, but it is the divider that will prevent the contents from moving or shifting.
The compartments also enable neat packaging and better sorting of the products within. You can get whatever size you need and there are many slot designs to choose from.
You do not have to individually pack the items, which can save on packaging materials cost. They also save time and effort needed to pack numerous.

Types of Dividers

Fiber partitions –when protection is the priority, then go in for fiber partitions which can be made to precise measurements that will allow your products can fit neatly into the box, much like a jigsaw puzzle. They are thin and take up less space, which makes them ideal for packing large quantities.
Corrugated dividers – although they take up more space, they are often used because they are strong and can hold heavier objects. Corrugated box partitions can be cut into any shape easily and they cost less to manufacture.
Chipboard partitions – they also take up less space and they are even cheaper to produce than corrugated dividers and have similar functionality.

Box partitions can be easily manufactured and you can get die cut partitions to match your exact requirements. Corrugated partitions come virtually dust free and will not come with uneven edges. Some companies also make embossed numbers on the partitions to enable better sorting. Dividers and partitions are used in almost every industry and they are produced economically to suit all kinds of budgets.

[6/6/2014]