Tips On Choosing the Right Packaging Supplies for Different Products

Your choice in packaging supplies can not only ensure packages arrive safely and securely but can also help win over customers by improving their unboxing experience. BubbleFAST specializes in providing a wide range of packaging solutions that are fun, unique, and cost-effective.

Understanding Your Packaging Needs

When preparing to ship, the first step is to identify the product type you need to package. The shape, weight, bulkiness, and fragility of a product are all things that can affect your packaging needs. For example, bulky items or products that have an unusual shape may require larger boxes. Heavy items, on the other hand, will require boxes that are designed with strength and durability in mind. For fragile items, you need packaging that fits the item well. You will also need void fill and bubble cushioning to prevent the product from breaking during transit.

Next, you have to assess shipping requirements. Factors like distance, transit time, temperature changes, moisture, and more may affect your packaging needs. If your package will be traveling a long distance, it is more likely to take a beating during transit, so it is a good idea to use sturdy packaging that offers greater protection. If the product you are shipping is sensitive to dampness or humidity, using packaging materials that are moisture-resistant, such as polypropylene or vacuum-sealed packaging can help protect your product from damage. If your product has the potential to incur damage due to cold or hot temperatures, you may benefit from temperature-controlled packaging. 

Lastly, you want to take into account environmental considerations. Sustainability is a top priority for a lot of businesses, so eco-friendly packaging options, such as BubbleFAST’s FunPak line, may be a great fit for your company.

Exploring Packaging Options

When packaging items, you have a lot of different options. Bubble cushioning is an important packing material because it reliably protects items from becoming damaged during the shipping process, while also being lightweight and affordable. Bubble cushioning comes in multiple sizes allowing it to accommodate both small and large items. Bubble cushioning comes in anti-static, adhesive, and cohesive varieties, which makes it a multi-purpose material as well. You can also find eco-friendly bubble cushioning that is made from recycled material. BubbleFAST’s original bubble cushioning is perfect for delicate items and comes in a range of sizes.

Boxes and mailers are another type of packaging option to consider. Mailers are a great option for many different types of products. Shipping costs are impacted by the dimensional weight of what you are shipping. Because mailers are typically smaller than boxes, you can usually save money by using a mailer instead of a box. Mailers come in many different sizes and come unlined or lined with bubble cushioning. Mailers are great solutions for flat items like books, soft items like t-shirts, and small items like jewelry. In some cases, however, you are better off using a traditional corrugated box to mail your product. Some items can’t fit in a mailer because they are too large or have an odd shape. You also want to use boxes when shipping fragile items because boxes will provide better protection.

Balancing Cost and Quality 

Packaging and shipping doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of budget-friendly options to choose from. The key is to balance cost and quality. Not every product will require a heavy-duty box to ship. Padded envelopes, bubble mailers, and lightweight boxes are all cost-effective packaging options that still offer a moderate amount of protection for your products. Bubble cushioning, tissue paper, and packaging peanuts are also relatively inexpensive and can save you money in the long-run by helping to ensure your products arrive at their destination undamaged.

You can also save money by buying in bulk. If you know there is a specific type of packaging material you go through quickly, you will typically save money over time by purchasing it in bulk. If you use boxes for shipping and ship products that vary in size, purchasing multi-depth boxes in bulk is a great way to save money while also adding to the quality of the packaging. Multi-depth boxes can adjust in size to perfectly fit the item you need to ship, eliminating the need to buy many different sized boxes. 

Branding and Presentation

While ensuring your products arrive safely is important, branding and presentation are what really allow you to take your shipping game to the next level. Branded packaging makes opening the package more memorable for your customers and makes the customer experience feel more personal. Packaging that is unique and aesthetically pleasing can also improve customer experience. BubbleFAST’s FunPak line is a fun way to add character to your packaging. FunPak is a line of eco-friendly packing peanuts that comes in a variety of colors and shapes. A lot of options correlate with seasons and holidays, such as hearts for Valentine’s Day. Giving your customers a fun unboxing experience can make their day and increase the likelihood they will want to buy from you again. 

Safety and Compliance

It is important to take into account shipping regulations. Certain items can not be shipped, such as liquid mercury, gasoline, ammunition, airbags, and explosives. Other items such as aerosols, hand sanitizers, and lithium batteries are considered restricted items. They can be shipped but have particular rules that need to be followed. For example, you can ship knives and other sharp items but they need to be securely packaged in a container that is resistant to piercing so mail carriers aren’t accidentally injured during delivery. The USPS (https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm) has more information about restricted items.  If you aren’t sure whether your package complies with shipping regulations, it is important to check with your shipping carrier, who will be able to answer your questions and make sure your package complies with all the relevant rules and regulations. 

Listening to Customer Feedback

Listening to customer feedback is crucial for all businesses. Check with your customers to see if your packaging and shipping meets their expectations or to see if there is anything you can do differently to improve your customer satisfaction. At BubbleFast, we also appreciate customer feedback and encourage readers to share their experiences and preferences. We take feedback very seriously because it allows us to improve and expand our product lines to meet the needs of our customer base. 

A lot goes into shipping a product to a customer. You have to think about what you are shipping, think about what type of packaging will provide the right level of protection at the lowest cost, think about what additional protection the package may require, and so much more. It is important to pick the right supplies because you want the product to arrive at its location without being damaged but you also want to provide a packaging experience that is memorable, fun, and reliable. We encourage everyone to explore BubbleFAST’s range of products. If you have any questions or need advice on how to create a better packaging experience, we encourage you to contact us for personalized advice.