There’s nothing more exciting than seeing a package on your front porch when you get home—it’s like Christmas morning! However, you’d be even more amazed if you knew about the process it took to get that item to your door. Packaging and shipping companies go through a lot to bring you your packages. This article will discuss how to choose packaging for a product that keeps costs low and customer satisfaction high, or at least develop a newfound appreciation for the items on your doorstep.

Security

The most important factor to consider when packaging a product is security. Packages pass through so many hands and systems before they end up on your doorstep. For this reason, packaging companies must use durable products to ensure nothing breaks or comes loose during transport. The USPS has strict regulations for the material and durability of boxes, packing tape, shrink wrap, and more. While most packaging supplies will provide sufficient protection, you can always upgrade to more robust materials, such as natural rubber tape and kraft bubble mailers.

If you want to take the security of your shipments to the next level, get yourself some tamper-evident tape. This durable tape shows if a package has been opened or damaged previously, deterring pilferage and vandalism. Not only does the tape feature a message reading “Caution: If Seal is Broken, Check Contents”, but the tape is also printed on a busy, striped design that makes it obvious if there has been any tampering. Both you and your customers will feel at ease with this added security feature.

Size and Weight

In the world of packaging, larger items generally cost more to ship. Therefore, you must consider both the size and weight of your packages when shipping them. Packaging that’s too small can deform or damage your goods before they arrive at their destination. However, packaging that’s too big can raise your shipping expenses.

Not only do freight carriers check the weight of the package, but they also measure the package’s dimensional weight, or the volumetric size of the package. Whichever measurement yields the bigger number will be used as the basis for shipping expenses. You can reduce your DIM weight expenses by switching to smaller and lighter packaging, like poly mailers. In fact, poly mailers make for a low-cost, high-strength alternative to standard corrugated boxes, as an article of ours delves into.

Beyond the size and weight of your package, you must also consider the shape of it. While many packages are conveniently box-shaped for easy handling and processing, many other items come in odd and irregular shapes that can make it difficult to package successfully. Consider adding bubble wrap, newspaper, or foam to sharp corners and around irregularly shaped items. The extra padding helps secure your packages even further.

Ease of Use

There’s nothing more frustrating than getting a package and spending too much time just trying to open it. Security and protection are paramount, but at the same time, packaging and shipping companies need to keep the end user in mind when sending out shipments.

When packaging your goods, think like an engineer: use the minimum amount of packaging materials necessary to ensure the safety and security of your goods while in transportation or storage. For instance, instead of applying five layers of carton sealing tape, go for a single strip of kraft tape; this high-strength, tamper-evident tape keeps cartons sealed and can be opened with a basic box cutter. This will not only improve customer satisfaction, but it will also reduce your packaging supply expenses.

Security, size/weight, and ease of use are the major considerations to be made for packaged goods. However, proper packaging does not stop with these three. The USPS has a litany of regulations about the different types of packaging supplies, their uses, and their limits within the system. Check out this USPS article going over techniques for successful packaging, including choosing a shipping service and paying for postage.

We at PackagingSuppliesByMail offer our customers a wide range of packaging materials, from pallet stretch wrap, to hot melt tape, to bubble mailers. And our packaging supplies come with free shipping for all bulk orders. So take a look at what we have to offer and start making your shipments cheaper, easier, and more secure today.