Archive for June, 2008

Do You Need Strapping Tools to Ship Your Products?

June 27, 2008

Strapping tools can be incredibly helpful for safely shipping high-density products in cardboard boxes. Poly or steel strapping will ensure that the contents inside stay snug and secure. But do you need a strapping machine?

 

Maybe. If you are in or are considering going into commercial printing, food, or lumber or publishing industries, a strapping machine will help your products reach their destinations undamaged and assure you and your customers that they are getting the product in good condition.

 

The strapping can be made out of plastic or steel. PackagingSupplies.com offers both kinds of strapping tools, so you can choose what materials you would like to work with based on your unique needs. 

 

PackagingSupplies.com offers a semi-automatic strapping machine, a great investment if your business is dealing with a high amount of volume. And we offer several hand operated strapping tools if you’re handling lower product volumes.

 

Secure strapping is a great way to impress customers and assure repeat business. PackagingSupplies.com has several strapping tools for all of your packaging and strapping needs.

When to Use Bubble Wrap? When to Use Inflatable Packaging?

June 17, 2008

At PackagingSupplies.com, we know that every packaging and shipping situation is unique. That’s why we offer four different kinds of cushioning. At our online store, you’ll find those familiar packing peanuts, a wide selection of bubble wrap, various inflatable packaging options, and several poly foam choices as well. But how do you know what type of cushioning is right for you? Here’s a rundown of the types of cushioning options available.

Inflatable Packaging
Also known as air bags, inflatable packaging is great when shipping lightweight or smaller items that may move a lot. Inflatable packaging has excellent void-filling capabilities and it keeps packages and containers light, so they’re great if weight is an issue. But be careful when shipping items that may have sharp edges, since the bags can burst. 

Packing Peanuts
Packing peanuts are ideal as padding for lightweight items. Because packing peanuts shift, it’s recommended that you have a minimum of three inches of peanut packing between your shipped object and the container edge. Packing peanuts are not recommended for flat or dense objects, since those objects could crush the peanuts and render them useless. Packing peanuts are also useful if you’re unsure of the amount of padding or cushioning you’ll need, since it’s easy to regulate the amount used in each package.

Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap will protect items against shock and abrasion. Encasing heavier items in bubble wrap is a good way to ensure they’ll reach their destination safely. Bubble wrap’s durability means it will work great as a protector of items with sharp or hard edges. Bubble wrap is lighter then other cushioning materials as well, which makes it a good deal if you’re planning on using a lot of cushioning.

Poly Foam
If you’re shipping delicate products and worried that bubble wrap may be too light, a denser poly foam wrap may be just the think you need to get your product safely delivered. Poly foam’s high density gives it extra cushioning potential. And its soft exterior means it’s not abrasive.

So whether you decide to go with lightness of inflatable packaging or the durability of poly foam, the right cushioning could save you money and save your product. If you have any other questions about cushioning, feel free to contact PackagingSupplies.com at sales@packagingsupplies.com.

Save Money on Shipping by Getting Your Packaging Supplies Right the First Time

June 6, 2008

If you ship a large volume of goods in our packaging supplies each month, you know how costly shipping can be, whether you’re going through FedEx, UPS or the US Postal Service. One way to reduce your shipping costs is to make sure you’re using the appropriate pre-shipment performance package testing procedures for your packaging supplies.

That’s where the ISTA comes in. The best way to avoid damage while shipping something is to make it packaged securely with our packaging supplies. The ISTA can reduce damage by making sure all packaging materials are adequate. The tests result not only in reduced damage while shipping, but also improved customer satisfaction and better piece of mind on behalf of the consumer.

There are two types of ISTA tests. Performance Tests carry a Pass/Fail assessment that will determine the chances of the packaged product to survive shipment, while development tests compare two or more packaging supplies designs to see which one performs best.

PackagingSupplies.com offers the sturdiest packaging and shipping supplies at the best prices, but we know that every packaging situation is unique. If you’re not sure if you’re packaging is as secure as it could be, contacting the ISTA may help you find out how to best secure your goods with our packaging supplies.

Knowing Our Customers — Will You Need Ziploc Baggies or Frosted Bags?

June 3, 2008

We offer several choices and some custom packaging options at PackagingSupplies.com, but how will you know what packaging strategy is right for you? The best place to start when considering this is your target audience. Consider the age, gender and taste of your audience. A product’s packing is a large part of its overall personality and the feelings it instills on your customers, whether they’ll more appreciate Ziploc baggies or our frosted plastic bags. Will they get more excited about something vibrant and loud like our teal high gloss bags? Or will they be more likely go for something more understated like a frosted shopping bag? Could the bags be reused? If so, then you will want to consider Ziploc baggies. Ziploc baggies are great for items that need their own reusable container. But if you think your customers are looking for a little more flair in their bags, our glossy cello bags might be the right fit for you. So be sure, when browsing our large selection, to keep your customer in mind.