Helpful Tips for Ordering Packaging Supplies in Bulk

If you are tasked with ensuring that your packaging and shipping operations run smoothly and without interruption, it is critical that you keep your team supplied with the materials they need to be productive. It is also important that you do what you can to control shipping-related costs. Buying shipping supplies in bulk can help you achieve both your operational and financial goals.

This approach to purchasing also allows you to cut back on the number of “to do” items on your list. Instead of having to purchase more materials weekly or monthly, you might only have to do so quarterly or every six months.

 

When and Why You Should Look into Buying Shipping Supplies in Bulk

When should you research bulk packaging and shipping supplies? 

Really any time is a good time to do some comparison shopping. Whether you choose to buy supplies at that time or not, you will have the information you need to make an informed decision. 

Being proactive tends to be better than feeling pressured to make a quick choice between purchasing a short-term supply or buying in bulk. Faster decisions may be required in certain situations, such as:

• ✔ Your existing stock is running low. If you wait until there is an urgent need to replenish your supplies, you are likely to make the smaller purchase that you are familiar with. That quantity will keep your shipping operations going, but you will miss out on the benefits of buying in bulk.
  
• ✔ You become unhappy with your existing supplier. If your relationship with your existing provider sours because they raise their prices an unreasonable amount, they start providing subpar service, or some other reason, you may find yourself eager to switch to a new supplier.
  
• ✔ You start shipping new products. If your company introduces new products to its line and they will require different shipping materials, it is very helpful to know your options for accommodating this change in your shipping procedures.
  
• ✔ Your company is looking to reduce costs. Knowing what your bulk purchasing options are can be key if your company launches a cost-control initiative and looks to you for what your contribution to the effort will be. 

Shipping Supplies You Can Buy in Bulk

There are many types of packaging and shipping supplies that you can buy in large quantities. Four of the items that can deliver the biggest benefit are:

• ✔ Shipping cartons. Outside of what you pay to carriers, the cost of shipping cartons is probably one of your biggest shipping-related expenses. Getting a discounted rate for buying boxes in bulk can produce significant savings.
  
• ✔ Cushioning material. If the items you ship are breakable, you never want to skimp on cushioning like air pillows or paper void fill. Having a good supply can prevent situations where a shipping team member tries to use “just enough” material in each carton in order to make a dwindling supply last a little longer.
  
• ✔ Water-activated tape (WAT). The great thing about water-activated tape (also called gummed tape) is that it comes in rolls that don’t take up much room in storage. Consequently, you can purchase a supply that will last for many months and not struggle with where to store it.
  
• ✔ Water-activated tape dispensers. Especially if you are making the transition to WAT, buying multiple dispensers to ensure you can accommodate any planned growth in shipping volume, or just temporary surges, is a good idea.

Why Tape May Be Your Most Important Packaging Supply

From cartons to packing peanuts, all the supplies you use are important. Perhaps most important of all, however, is your carton sealing tape. 

WAT delivers a wide range of benefits that you do not get from other types of tape. For example, its strong, one-strip seal makes shipping operations more efficient. The seal is also very weather-resistant, which helps to protect your shipped items. Plus, WAT provides enhanced theft prevention and security by discouraging “press and grab” thefts.  

If you are wondering if your company is using the right type of tape, this resource can help. You can also get a complimentary roll of WAT if you are interested in checking it out. 

Plus, we’re always happy to answer your questions. Contact us at your convenience.

[This post republished from the Better Packages Blog]

Polyair Joins the IPG Family!

- Acquisition of protective packaging offering strengthens IPG's product bundle -

Press Release 

Intertape Polymer Group Completes Acquisition of Polyair Inter Pack (PDF)

About Polyair Inter Pack Inc.

Prior to the acquisition, Polyair Inter Pack Inc. was a privately-held company, having dual headquarters in both Toronto, Ontario and Chicago, Illinois. Polyair is one of the more significant manufacturers of protective packaging, operating seven manufacturing facilities and employing approximately 600 employees across North America. Its products include bubble cushioning, foam, mailers and air pillow systems. For more information, visit www.polyair.com.

About Intertape Polymer Group Inc.

Intertape Polymer Group Inc. is a recognized leader in the development, manufacture and sale of a variety of paper- and film- based pressure sensitive and water-activated tapes, polyethylene and specialized polyolefin films, protective packaging, woven coated fabrics and complementary packaging systems for industrial and retail use. Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec and Sarasota, Florida, IPG employs approximately 3,400 employees with operations in 27 locations, including 20 manufacturing facilities in North America, two in Asia and one in Europe. For more information about IPG, visit www.itape.com.

Important Tips: How to Protect Your Next Furniture Shipment

When the furniture that a customer purchased arrives intact and undamaged, it is positive experience both for them and for you. When the opposite occurs, and merchandise is damaged on its way to a customer, it can be costly in more ways than one.

First, there is the expense of returning and/or replacing the damaged item. That includes staff time, materials, shipping costs, etc. Second, disappointing a customer can also tarnish your reputation. Especially in the age of social media, you don’t want a shipping incident to be publicized and affect your standing in the market and impact future sales. Consequently, it pays to take the necessary action to ensure your furniture merchandise shipments are properly protected.

While reviewing shipping practices is one of those things that is easy to move to the back burner, the time to address them is now. Revising your procedures today can prevent a damaged shipment and the associated repercussions tomorrow.

“When merchandise is damaged on its way to a customer, it can be costly in more ways than one. It pays to take the necessary action to ensure your furniture shipments are adequately protected.” TWEET THIS

Strategies for Protecting Your Products

There’s low-hanging fruit to be had changing your shipping processes and procedures.  Below are some simple steps you can take immediately to better protect your furniture merchandise shipments.

• ✔ Use the right shipper. Some shipping companies have a reputation for being more careful with packages than others. Do some research about potential providers and then choose wisely. It may be that a more conscientious shipper charges a slightly higher rate, but if the result is undamaged products and happy customers, it may be worth it.
• ✔ Employ blocking and bracing.  Fragile and or high value items need to be immobilized and protected so they do not move around during shipping and handling and get damaged. Alternative product protection materials include air pillows, paper packaging systems, bubble wrap and protective foam. 
• ✔ Pack in corrugated cartons. With their multilayer design, corrugated cartons provide both exceptional strength and a higher strength to weight ratio than other types of boxes. Corrugated cartons also tend to be very cost-effective.
• ✔ Use water-activated tape (WAT). Water-activated tape creates a strong and secure seal with just one strip. This can help keep heavy items from popping open a carton’s flaps and exposing the shipment to damage. The seal created with WAT is also tamper-evident, which makes shipments, especially of smaller items like accessories, more secure.
• ✔ Secure items properly. Make sure that items shipped on a palette are securely fastened to it with straps and/or stretch film.  Also, inspect the palette before you begin the packaging process to ensure it is structurally sound and big enough to accommodate the items.
• ✔ Remove components that can be taken off and wrap them separately. Legs, drawers, and other items should be removed if possible and wrapped separately. Legs in particular are subjected to major stress during shipping and a primary source of customer complaints when they arrive cracked or broken.

Assess and Enhance Your Furniture Shipping Practices

Finally, it is important to track and compile data on damages. Doing so can help you identify problem areas, whether that is a certain item or a particular shipper that is involved in more damage claims than others. With that information, you can modify your shipping practices to help prevent future incidents.

And, of course, if despite your best efforts a customer receives damaged merchandise, be sure to take action promptly to turn an unfortunate incident into an example of exceptional customer service.

How can water-activated tape and water-activated tape dispensers play a key role in helping you get your merchandise to consumers in pristine condition? Contact us at your convenience to learn about these and other products we offer.

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[This post republished from the Better Packages Blog]

New Year’s Resolutions for Improving Your Packing Station

Making the most of your packing station

Want to start the new calendar year with better throughput from your packing station? We assembled a panel of four packaging pros from Better Packages and IPG to share their expertise on making the most of a packaging station.

✓ Michelle Adams, Business Development Manager Omni Channel Fulfillment
✓ Jeff Deacon, Sr. Director, Global Market Development
✓ Rob Hoffman, Senior Vertical Sales Manager
✓ Marc Schaible, Business Development Director, Omnichannel Fulfillment

Here are their suggested New Year’s resolutions for making your 2018 packaging station more efficient, productive and safer.

New Year’s Resolution #1: I will take a good hard look at my packing station to make sure it’s set up right.

Advice from the experts:

✓ “The most important consideration in setting up a packaging station can be summed up in one word: Space. Is there enough space for the pack station?” advises Hoffman.
✓ “You need to ensure that the packer has a safe work environment with minimal risk of injury,” suggests Deacon. Adams adds: “One that safely maximizes throughput.”
✓ Adding to that thought, Schaible counsels” Set up your packing station with workflow in mind.”

New Year’s Resolution #2: I will set up my packing station to avoid the most common mistakes companies make.

Advice from the experts:

✓ “The biggest mistake people make when setting up a packing station is not taking into consideration the space that is required to set to set up a pack station properly,” notes Hoffman.
✓ “People not only make it too small; they make it too inflexible so it can’t grow with their needs,” says Schaible.
✓ “Don’t make the mistake of not accounting for growth in volume and carton size,” says Deacon.
✓ “I’d say the biggest mistakes people make are: a lack of efficient design layout; not having any or enough automation; failing to consider mobile packing station and, building on the others’ comments, failing to consider future growth,” adds Adams.

New Year’s Resolution #3: I will follow the 14 Commandments of efficient, effective and safe packaging station design.

Space Planning – Make sure there is adequate space for the station and the type of product that will be processed.

Power Needs – Ensure there is proper electric service at the pack station, preferably hardwired in conduit and metal outlet boxes.  “Extension cord is a no-no!” advises Hoffman.

Plans For Comfort – Two things make for a more comfortable (and productive) shift: a padded floor and a fan (since most shipping areas are not air conditioned).

Ergonomics For All – Realize the pack station needs to be set up to accommodate all associates.  Shorter associates should not have to strain or step up on something to gain access to boxes or packing materials that are stored on shelves. Conversely, a tall associate should not have to bend down to conduct his or her work.

Packing Station Customization – Determine the workflow, power and connectivity hook-up needs. Have a storage strategy and customize your packing station as needs change.

Work Flow Rules – Design the pack station with work flow in mind to keep the associates’ movement to a minimum.  They should not have to walk very far to pick up a product to be packed or to restock their packaging supplies.

Efficient Layout – Identify proper layout of storage for ease of use of packaging supplies like boxes, bags, envelopes, labels, protective packaging like air pillows and other essential supplies.

Critical Equipment – Identify essential equipment needs to improve automation like scanners, computers, scales, electric or hand-operated water-activated tape dispensers and void fill, such as air pillows.

Mechanical Assistance Availability – Consider the possibility of mechanical assistance like lifts and conveyors if there is a need to ship heavy/bulky packages.

Bottleneck Planning – Identify and plan for potential bottlenecks in the order fulfillment process.

Shipping Options – Provide secondary packaging options that match the products being shipped.  For example there should be cartons on hand for hard goods and polybags for goods like apparel.

Productivity Enhancement – Increase packer productivity by creating exact order process steps to reduce inefficiencies in workflow.

Regular Maintenance – Periodically schedule process reviews and safety training.

Growth Planning – Plan for future growth.

Better Packages | Water-Activated Tape Dispensers and Tape

Better Packages offers a complete line of water-activated tape dispensers. Its parent company, Intertape Polymer Group, produces a full line of Central® brand water-activated tape, including reinforced and non-reinforced tape. In addition to providing products for packing stations, the companies help their customers analyze and solve their packing station challenges.

Learn more about maximizing your packing station productivity by downloading this guide.

Last-Minute Holiday Shopping and Shipping Tips

There’s still time to get out those business and personal gifts, but deadlines are looming. To make sure you can still delight your recipients, make sure you pack carefully and ship on time.

Here are a few tips for last-minute gift-givers:

Shop Where They Cater to Procrastinators:  For those of us who put things off until the last minute, there is help. 

• ✓ Amazon Prime Members receive receive free, 2-day shipping year-round, including right before the holidays. For those who aren’t members, it's not too late.  You can you sign up for a free one-month trial. That means, as long as you order by December 22, you’re in good shape.
• ✓ Apple offers free, 2-day shipping on all their products. Just make sure you place your order by the end of the work day on December 22 if you want it there by the 24th.
• ✓ Bed Bath & Beyond’s online cutoff for standard shipping (48 contiguous states) is December 19. Expedited shipping by 12/21 and express by 12/22. Shipping price varies.
• ✓ Best Buy offers free, 2-day shipping during the holiday season. Order dates differ among product categories.
• ✓ Macy’s will deliver free with orders over $99. Order by 12/22 and your items will get there by Christmas.
• ✓ Target is offering free shipping during the holidays and will deliver by 12/25 if you order by December 20.

You’ll find a list of other retailers who cater to the last-minute shoppers in an article in the magazine Real Simple.

Know the Deadlines for Shipping:  Here are key shipping dates at major shipping carriers:

FedEx Christmas Shipping Deadlines (within the U.S.)

Dec. 15 – Deadline for FedEx Ground shipments

Dec. 18 – Deadline for FedEx Home Delivery shipments

Dec. 19 – Deadline for FedEx Express Saver shipments

Dec. 20 – Deadline for FedEx 2-Day and 2-Day A.M. shipments

Dec. 21 – Deadline for FedEx Standard Overnight, Priority Overnight, First  Overnight shipments

Dec. 25 -  Deadline for all FedEx SameDay shipments

UPS Christmas Shipping Deadlines (within the U.S.)

Dec. 18 – Deadline for UPS 3-Day Select shipments (delivered Dec. 22)

Dec. 20 – Deadline for UPS 2nd Day Air shipments (delivered Dec. 22)

Dec. 22 – Deadline for UPS Next Day Air shipments (delivered Dec. 23)

Dec. 24 & 25 – No pickup or delivery services.  (UPS Express Critical services available)

USPS Christmas Shipping Deadlines (within the U.S.)

Dec. 15 – Deadline for Standard Parcel Post shipments

Dec. 20 – Deadline for First Class Mail and Priority shipments

Dec. 23 – Deadline for Priority Express Mail shipments

Pack it Right. Gifts that are packed incorrectly risk being damaged in shipment or waylaid during transit.  FedEx alone expects to ship over 22 million packages, so you don’t want your package to get lost in the shuffle. 

The biggest packing mistakes people make are:

• ✓ Not using a new box. Using an old box could mean it won’t be strong enough to withstand the trip.  And if the box still has old shipping labels or bar codes on it, shipping machines might have trouble sending it to the right destination.
• ✓ Not padding the contents well with air pillows to cushion the journey. The rule of thumb is if a package isn’t bulging slightly when you push it down, it’s not packed securely enough.
• ✓ Not sealing the package right. Packages sealed with the wrong tape could open during transit. Use water-activated tape to seal packages and apply it in an H-pattern. This will assure you that the package will stay sealed during shipping.

Check out these additional last-minute shopping and shipping tips from NBC News.

Surprise and delight those on your gift list with a present that arrives on-time and looking special by shopping, packaging and shipping with the journey in mind. And Happy Holiday from all of us at Better Packages and the Intertape Polymer Group.