Tips for Wrapping Your Customized Gift Box Flawlessly

Whether it’s for the holidays or a birthday celebration, wrapping a customized gift box can be a stressful experience if you don’t know what you’re doing. You want your gift to look beautiful while using the fewest resources possible, but sometimes it still turns out looking like a clumsy mess. By following a few simple steps, you can impress your friends and family by presenting a flawlessly wrapped gift.

Wrapping Your Gifts

To begin wrapping your gifts, consider following a few important steps:

Ensure that you have enough space, and then lay out your wrapping paper. It is important to ensure that you cut enough paper so that it will fit your entire gift, so measure it with a ruler or tape measure if necessary. Try to leave an extra inch or two on each side to ensure that your gift containers will be completely covered.
After your paper has been cut to the desired size, flip your gift so that is face-down in the middle of your paper. Then bring the sides of the paper up on the long side of the package. Make sure to pull tightly so that the paper lies smoothly against the package, and then tape the sides closed.
Close the ends by folding the left and right edges and then pushing them in next to the box. This will form flaps.
Fold down the top flap so that it is next to the box, and then secure it with tape once it is tight. Then fold the bottom flap upward and tape it after it is tight. Turn the box around and repeat to the final open side of your package.
Turn the package right-side-up, and rub your finger along the edges to form a creased ridge.

Other Gift Wrapping Tips

When it comes to wrapping gifts, especially for the holidays, it is important to start wrapping early. By wrapping your gifts along the way as you buy them, you can avoid the stress associated with last-minute wrapping. Gift wrapping supplies can also be expensive, so buy them a few at a time before the holiday season or a special birthday, and then store all of your supplies in a special place. Saving unused gift wrapping supplies can save you money the following year, as you can reuse the items that you did not need the year before. Finally, choosing a wrapping paper that contains a grid for easy cutting on the alternate side can also make your gift wrapping experience much easier.

[1/27/2014]

The Main Types of Packaging Foam

Packaging foam is commonly used as cushioning material for boxes, and this packaging solution is known for its versatility and its ability to be customized. There are three main types of packing foam that are used in the shipping and packaging industries, and these include polyurethane, polyethylene, and expanded polystyrene (EPS). An overview of these three main types of packaging foam is outlined below.

Polyurethane

This material combines the best properties of plastic and rubber without any of the weaknesses associated with vinyl films. This means that it is not prone to brittleness and is easy to work with. It can also be modified easily to suit a variety of applications, and custom foam shapes can also be created. Polyurethane is most commonly used for light and small products that are sensitive to shock. Other materials that use polyurethanes include:

Elastomeric tires and wheels
Automotive suspension bushings
Certain adhesives
Synthetic fibers (such as Spandex)
Carpet underlay

Polyethylene

Polyethylene foam is sometimes known as P.E., and it is one of the strongest closed cell foams available for packaging. It is popular for its ability to withstand significant pressure without losing some of the resilient cushioning properties for which it is known. Since this product is great for dampening vibrations and absorbing shock, it is commonly used as end caps, planks, and rolls. End caps can be placed around items to hold them into place, thus protecting the item from damage during transport. When purchasing P.E., it is often found in large rolls that are about 1/8 inch thick, and it can be used as void fill to provide products with additional protection.

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)

EPS is an extremely popular packaging material, and it is often selected over the other options due to its versatility and cost effectiveness. It is used in a variety of applications when products are in need of a light weight, durable, and thermal insulating packaging solution. This closed-cell material can also be used to create the packaging peanuts that are commonly used as cushioning void fill, and it provides good properties of insulation. However, sheets of EPS are not a great choice when you are in need of a material that is good for shock absorption because it is quite rigid and can break when subjected to force. Polyurethane and polyethylene are better options if you are in need of a material to absorb shock during transport.

[1/23/2014]

The Best Customized Packaging Materials for Frozen Food

Freezing food is one of the most versatile, quickest, and easiest ways to preserve it. When food is frozen properly, it can maintain much of its original texture, flavor, and color, and it can also retain its original nutrients more so than food that is preserved through other methods. A variety of customized packaging materials can be used for packaging frozen food, and more information about this process is outlined below.

Packaging Material Characteristics

When it comes to packaging food, the main purpose is prevent food items from drying out while preserving nutritional value, color, texture, and flavor. A good material for freezing food should have many of the following characteristics:

Vapor and moisture-proof
Leak-proof and durable
Mad of a material that is designed for food product use
Resistant to water, grease, and oil
Easy to store, fill, label, and seal
Protect against other odors and flavors

Types of Packaging Materials

When you are in need of a packaging material to store frozen food, rigid containers are often a good choice. These containers can be made of plastic, aluminum, waxed cardboard, and sometimes glass. Containers that have tapered or straight sides will also help with the removal of frozen foods from the packaging, and folding cartons are a commonly used packaging solution.

Frozen Food Packaging Tips

If you are packaging food to be frozen, it is important to ensure that all foods have cooled thoroughly before handling them. This will help to speed up the freezing process. Choose packaging solutions that will allow you to pack foods together in quantities that you will use at one time, and package them tightly so that air within the package is reduced. You should also consider some other helpful tips when it comes to freezer packaging, labeling, and sealing:

When you are wrapping food, get as much air out as possible and then place the wrapping as close to the food item as possible.
Eliminate air pockets in a container by running the handle of a rubber spatula across the inside of a package.
Provide some head space between the package closure and the food so that room for expansion is available if the size of the food changes after freezing. However, loose vegetables usually will not need this head space.
Ensure that sealing edges of packages are free of food and moisture so they can provide a secure closure.

[1/20/2014]

Showcase Your Product with Customized Packaging

When you are selling a product, you are tasked with the difficult decision of how to deliver it to your potential customers. While it is vital to ensure that your product arrives at its final destination intact, there are also other important factors to consider. The packaging option that you choose needs to stand out to customers and make them want to select your product over the competition. Fortunately, customized packaging options are available to help you to develop the packaging option that will meet your needs exactly.

Protection

As previously noted, one of the most important parts of product packaging is ensuring that your item is intact when the customer opens the box. Consider your product and how fragile it is, and then think of options that can help to protect it. A sturdy box is the first step, and you will also want to include fillers to prevent your item from shifting during transport. It is also important to consider the safety of the recipient, as certain items like household cleaners and razor blades could cause damage or injury if not packaged correctly.

Marketing

Many product packaging companies exist for the purpose of providing attractive packaging options to help with your marketing campaign. A well-designed package can actually help to sell products, and you should take this opportunity to design a package that will grab a customer’s attention and stand out. Even if you want a simple bag or cardboard box as your item’s packaging, you should be sure to add something distinctive so that customers will be able to recognize your brand in the future.

Security

In a retail location, choosing custom packaging that might help with your product’s security is essential. Small items are easy targets for shoplifters, and sometimes even well-intentioned customers accidently walk off with items without paying for them. In other cases, large and high value items have also disappeared from retail locations, and this can cost you a lot of money in lost sales. Therefore, it is important to use packaging that will discourage theft or that will make it harder to steal a package. Consider placing security features on your packaging, or put small and expensive items into larger packages to that they are more difficult to steal. However, be sure to remember that consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of the environment, so don’t overdo it.

[1/16/2014]

Important Information about Insuring your Small Shipping Box

A small shipping box can be used to transport a variety of items across the country, some of which may be valuable. While for the most part shipping carriers are extremely reliable, these small boxes are easier to lose track of than larger packages. Knowing those risks, you may be considering shipping insurance for your item. Some of the most important things you should consider before purchasing this insurance are outlined below.

Possible Automatic Coverage

First, it is important to note that your package might be automatically insured, so in these situations, purchasing coverage is not necessary. For example, domestic parcels sent through both UPS and FedEx are covered up to $100 against damage or loss. However, these carriers refer to this policy as declared value coverage rather than insurance, and if you want protection over $100, you’ll have to pay for it.

Filing a Claim

If you take out insurance on your package and it happens to be stolen, lost, or damaged, you will need to file a claim. In most cases, carriers won’t even realize that an error was made, so it is your responsibility to start the process. It is important to note that carriers have time requirements for filing a claim. FedEx requires claims to be filed within 60 days, while UPS allows for claims to be filed within nine months.

Proof

Once you file a claim, you’ll need to have proof or supporting documentation to back it up. Therefore, it is important to keep documentation regarding the goods at the original location and the destination, and taking photos of your item at each end can prove that it did not arrive in the same condition. Some instances may require an estimate on repair costs, as well.

Fine Print

It is important to note there is fine print when it comes to insuring your custom size shipping boxes. Most carriers will not cover the cost of shipped precious stones, cash, or coins, and they may not provide coverage to all shipping destinations. Additionally, some carriers may not cover packages if they aren’t packaged properly, so it is important to follow the company’s precise packing requirements.

Long Waiting Times

If you file a claim on your shipping insurance, you should expect to wait. UPS, for example, has a lost-package claim process that takes from 7-10 business days, and they will go through this process before they authorize your claim.

[1/9/2014]

How to Pack Boxes for Shipping Furniture

Shipping furniture can be a major undertaking, and figuring out what boxes for shipping and other packaging items you might need to get your item to its final destination safely can seem like an impossible challenge. Fortunately, following a few tips can help to guide you through this process and can help to ensure that your furniture arrives to its recipient safely.

Packing the Item

Boxing your furniture will be the easiest way to ship it, and contacting your local shipping supply store, like Instabox, can help you to find the boxes and packaging solutions you will need. Use bubble wrap to ensure the corners and edges of your piece are well-padded, and use loose fill like newspaper or packing peanuts to fill in any empty space between your item and the box. Also consider the following tips when packing up your items:

If it is possible to take an item apart, do so. For example, take the legs off of your tables or chairs if they are removable.
Remove loose hardware and store it in a sealed, plastic bag. Make note of where they are supposed to go in order to assist the recipient for when he or she is putting the item back together.
Use bubble wrap to protect legs and corners so that they don’t rub up against other items inside your package.
Make sure that all moving parts, such as drawers and doors, are secured. Tape them shut and use folded cardboard to keep them tight. Make sure that glass is removed and packed carefully.
Look for a box that will fit your item as closely as possible. Choosing a box that is too large can lead to higher shipping and material costs. It also provides extra room for your item to shift and move during transport, which can increase the likelihood of damage.

Dealing with Odd-Shaped and Large Items

If you are shipping a large and strangely shaped piece of furniture, remove any legs and wrap them separately. For items like a couch you may want to use stretch plastic wrap in order to wrap the item into what appears to be a “cocoon.” Also consider wrapping corrugated cardboard around the entire item so that all sides are covered, and packing tape or nylon strapping can be used to secure the wrapping to ensure that it stays in its proper place during transport.

[1/7/2014]

Four Types of Packaging Specialties

If you think that packaging has to be boring or that you are restricted to a plain brown box, you are mistaken. In fact, the packaging industry offers a variety of specialty boxes and bags to meet the needs of all customers, regardless of the items they are selling. So that you can get an idea of how they might meet your needs, a description of some of the most common types of packaging solutions is outlined below.

Apparel Boxes

Apparel boxes are more than standard packages, and they can go a long way to help your company in advertising its brand and products. These boxes have more visibility than other packaging specialties, so they can serve an important role in your overall marketing strategy. Available in a variety of shapes, styles, and dimensions, this packaging option can also be offered in eco-friendly options.

Jewelry Boxes

Custom cartons are commonly used for jewelry boxes, and they are a great option because they can easily be branded. When your customer gives a loved one a beautiful piece of jewelry and your business logo is displayed prominently on the top of the package, you will increase the likelihood of having a return customer in the future. Additionally, many women keep their jewelry pieces in the original boxes when they are not wearing them, and this can give you an additional opportunity to have your brand recognized with a potential return customer.

Candy Boxes

Everyone loves to get a box of candy as a gift, as these items are well-suited for just about any occasion. When it comes to packaging candy, extra precautions should also be taken to ensure that the material is sturdy and water-resistant, as moisture and even a small amount of jostling could damage the product. Other specialty items, like ribbons and bows, can also be used to dress up a candy box when giving it as a holiday present, birthday gift, or token of appreciation.

Wine Bags and Boxes

When it comes to giving wine as a gift, the packaging you choose is important, as this item is extremely fragile. A wine bag is a flexible option that allows you to carry a bottle easily, despite its weight. However, other customers choose wine boxes, as they offer more protection against damage. These packaging solutions are available to fit any size, shape, or model of quantity bottle.

[1/2/2014]

EPS: One of the Most Popular Packaging Materials

If you are in need of packaging materials for your products, you have a lot of options to choose from, including bubble wrap, corrugated pads, and void fill. However, EPS, or Expanded Polystyrene, is arguably one of the most popular packing options on the market. By better understanding the benefits of EPS, you can decide if this material is the right option for your business and packaging needs.

Versatile

EPS can be created in a variety of sizes and shapes, and it can be cut to suit the needs of any application. This versatility makes EPS a good option to use with other materials, and it is produced in a variety of densities.

Thermal Efficiency

EPS has superior thermal efficiency in comparison to other packaging options, and this makes it a great choice for products that will be sensitive to changes in temperature. Products that are packaged in containers with EPS can be kept for long periods of time in temperatures below or above ideal conditions. Examples include medical products, seafood, and fresh produce.

Durable

EPS is one of the most durable of the packaging foams, and this makes it a reliable and effective way to package items that are in need of protection. EPS offers a cellular structure that adds to its stability, and it can stand up with age.

Easily Branded

EPS is known for being easily branded, and this surface can be printed upon without difficulty. Additionally, labels can be affixed to it, which can help with marketing and to increase a company’s brand recognition.

Lightweight

EPS is a very lightweight material, and a majority of it is composed of air. This makes it a great option for packaging because it doesn’t add bulk or weight to the total package. This can ultimately reduce costs of transportation, energy consumption, and fuel. When this consumption decreases, lower global warming can be the end result.

Moisture Resistant

EPS doesn’t easily absorb water because it is a material made of closed cells. Therefore, damp conditions will not result in the loss of strength as might happen with corrugated pads. Due to its moisture resistant properties, it is able to maintain high levels of hygiene, and even when it is exposed to water for long periods of time, EPS will continue to maintain its structure, size, physical appearance, and shape, and it will only slightly effect its thermal efficiency.

[12/30/2013]

Important Information for Using Shipping Tubes

People or businesses needing to ensure their most delicate items arrive at their final destination without damage, often choose shipping tubes as their packaging solution. These tubes are great for mailing artwork, blueprints, and designs, as they don’t require the item to be folded or to have creases. By rolling up the item and placing it into the tube, even the most oddly shaped of items can easily be packaged and shipped across the country.

Things to Consider when Selecting Your Shipping Tubes

When choosing a mailing tube, it is important to consider some key aspects. First, ensure that your shipping tube is developed from a sustainable material, such as plastic or cardboard. In some cases, plastic will be the better option because it can protect the item from water damage, but these packages may be more expensive than a cardboard option. Additionally, heavy duty cardboard mailing tubes can also offer high levels of durability and protection.

Finding a tube that is the appropriate size is also vital when selecting a mailing tube. Most importantly, the diameter of the tube should be considered, as you will need to roll your item tighter than the width of the tube. Some tubes in which you can adjust the length may be available.

If you are a business owner, you may want to consider branding your mailing tube so that your business name or logo is displayed during transport. This can help to increase your company’s brand recognition while providing clients and potential customers with a positive first impression of your business. Tubes can be colored, plain, or even clear, but it is important to remember that a clear tube will make your items visible to the world.

Using a Mailing Tube

Mailing tubes are mandatory if you and your business do a significant amount of shipping and mailing. These packaging solutions are designed for shipping large paper items, and they typically have removable plastic caps on each end so that inserting and taking out items is an easier process. Others have ends that simply fold in on themselves before snapping shut to seal.

When using a mailing tube, it is important to ensure that your item isn’t bent or crinkled when pushing down to form the fold or to secure the plastic cap. You should also be sure that you don’t leave too much extra space, as this could cause your document to slide back and forth continuously. Instead, determine how much space your document will take up, and then purchase a shipping tube of that size.

[12/26/2013]

Tips for Improving Your Holiday Shipping and Packaging Materials

As the holiday season approaches, you may need to ship and package items to send to your loved ones. While this is often a daunting task, there are a variety of tips that you can follow to improve the process.

Properly Display Address Labels

It is important that when you are shipping items over the holiday season that your address labels are filled out and placed properly. Make sure addresses only appear on one side of your package and don’t contain additional punctuation. It is also best if your addresses are written parallel to your package’s longest edge.

Use Two Boxes for Fragile Items

In order to avoid potential damages this holiday season, box the most breakable items twice. Place them into a regular sized box, and then use resilient packaging materials to secure that box into a larger box.

Protect Shipping Materials in Wet Weather

If you need to ship an item during wet weather, be sure to protect the shipping materials. Place clear packaging tape over the shipping address and your return address. Be sure to avoid covering up any barcodes that may need to be scanned during transport.

Reinforce Packaging

Use reinforced, paper, brown, or clear packing tape in order to tape the seams and openings of boxes. Never use twine, string, cord, or basic tape in order to reinforce your boxes for shipping.

Ship Perishables Monday-Wednesday

This will ensure that they don’t get stuck in very cold or hot temperatures for several days over the weekend, which could happen if shipping is done on Thursday or Friday. It is also important to send them for next-day delivery.

Get Insurance

If you will be shipping valuable items, investing in low-cost insurance for your packages is a good idea. You may also want to consider photographing your items and keeping receipts as proof of your shipment.

Monitor the Weight of Your Packages

By simply reducing the weight of your packages by a couple of ounces, you can save a significant amount of money on your shipping costs. Likewise, adding even a small item to your package can have you paying a higher rate, as your item may jump up to a heavier weight class.

Use an Extra Address Label

It is recommended that you include an extra shipping label inside of your packages. In the event that the original becomes unreadable or detaches from your package, this will help your shipping provider to get the package to its original destination or back to you.

[12/23/2013]