General Tips for Packing Cardboard Boxes

Custom cardboard box
Cardboard boxes offer several key benefits that make them ideal for packing and shipping a wide variety of goods. They provide good protection for items, ensuring that they can safely arrive at their destination, free of damage.
The lightweight nature of these boxes also allows for minimal addition to shipping costs and easier handling during transit. They are also easily customizable and adaptable, allowing box makers to create unique designs that are sure to impress. So, whether your products are big and heavy or small and lightweight, choosing a cardboard box for packing is an ideal choice. Here are some helpful tips on how to ensure your goods are properly packaged and secured before shipping.

Choose the right cardboard box

It is important to choose a box that is well suited to supporting the weight and size of your product. Single-walled boxes are suitable for lightweight smaller and non-fragile items, while double and triple-walled cardboard boxes are better for heavier products. The size of the box should also be big enough to accommodate the entirety of the item being packed and ensure no stress on the seams or occurrence of perforations that would compromise the structural integrity of the box.

Fill the cardboard box empty space

It is important to keep items stable when packed inside a cardboard box. They should not be free to rattle around inside. Since many items are not box-shaped, it means that there is likely to be void space left. This should be filled with packing material that will help keep the item stabilized in the box. You can use filler and cushioning materials like packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and old newspaper to help fill these voids. Remember to keep the item as centered as possible in the box and pad the bottom of the box with some additional cushioning material for added protection.

Wrap individually

If you are packing a box with several items, ensure that each item is individually wrapped before placing them inside the box. Materials like bubble wrap and newspaper can be used for this purpose. They will help provide additional cushioning and prevent the items from colliding with each other while in transit and causing damage.

Cardboard box proper sealing

Once your items have been well packed inside the box, you also need to ensure that it is well secured from the outside. Using the H-taping method is a clever way to reinforce the edges and seams of your box, boosting the chances that it will hold its shape throughout the transport.

Merits to Securing Packing Boxes

packing boxes
There are unusual ways by which packing boxes can be secured, both internally and externally. Internally, items will often be packed using wrapping paper, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and inserts to ensure the items remain stable and secure while being shipped. Externally, the edges and openings of the boxes can be reinforced using packing tape to ensure the box retains its shape and the contents do not burst out.
Any business that ships products need to train its employees on how to properly and securely pack and seal boxes. Here is why it is worth going this extra mile.

Cost savings on boxes for packing

When boxes for packing goods are not secured, it can cost the business a sizable amount. This is because there is an increased risk of the merchandise being damaged while in transit. The onus is typically on the seller to ensure safe transit and if the goods are damaged before they arrive at the destination, make a suitable replacement, or provide a refund. If a replacement is being made there is also the additional cost of transport. This can cause a sizable dent in a company’s profits.

Protecting reputation with packing boxes

Financial damage can also come by way of reputation. People are inclined to share shocking news faster. If you have many clients that are receiving damaged merchandise, they will spread this information by word of mouth and online reviews. This can negatively affect marketing efforts as many consumers will look up information on products online or ask family and friends for recommendations. With negative publicity, a business can lose a lot of potential sales and have its bottom line suffer.

Safer handling of packing boxes

We have seen many videos of shippers mishandling packages when making deliveries. Sometimes their actions are deliberate, while in other cases it is a case of poor packaging. If a pallet has been poorly secured or a box lacks a way for the handler to safely carry it, accidents can easily happen that would cause damage or shipping delays. It is important when carrying out packaging design that you consider what features can be incorporated that will make delivery of the items safer. For instance, some desktop computer manufacturers have boxes for packing that come with handles that make it easier to keep hold of the merchandise during shipping.

Insuring your packing boxes

Many businesses that engage in e-commerce will take up insurance cover to protect themselves against financial losses that can arise from damage to merchandise while in transit. However, to qualify for compensation, they may be required to prove it was properly packed. Such businesses need to develop a packing methodology that ensures a suitable choice of packaging materials and their assembly before shipments are sent out.

Enhance Your Branding with Custom Labels

custom labels
Custom labels are an easily affordable tool that such businesses can use to help their products stand out in the market. They can be used to enhance the brand’s marketing, branding, and advertising efforts. They are also easily customizable to suit whatever product and complement whatever branding you already have. Here are some helpful tips you should apply when adopting them for your business.

Simple custom labels

While custom printed labels can be customized in many ways including size, shape, color, and texture, this is one of those situations where less is more. When designing your label, you need to ensure that you create a captivating design that will draw the eye of the observer. While you can technically use all the colors of the rainbow and then some, you do not want to create clutter or confusion. Keep the design nice and simple, something that will complement your branding and contain bite-sized information that a reader will be able to quickly read briefly.

Stick to your brand identity

When choosing the colors that will appear on your custom printed labels, ensure that they complement your existing branding. The color scheme should easily be identifiable with your business. You will find that people often pick items off shelves immediately because they know the brand colors of the products they usually buy. The rule of thumb is to use no more than three distinct colors on a label to avoid confusion.

Custom labels materials

Depending on your product and the conditions it will be exposed to, you need to ensure you choose the right material. For instance, if you sell a product that requires refrigeration, you will need waterproof material. Paper would not be ideal as it will absorb moisture and the ink will bleed out. Vinyl may be a better choice because it is waterproof, durable, and fade resistant.

Find a suitable printer

The quality of your custom labels will often depend on the quality of the printer you use. There are a variety of excellent quality printers at various price points to choose from. Do the research and you will find a viable choice that will fit your budget. Ensure that you research not just the cost of the printer, but also the ongoing cost of using it to produce your labels.

Test your custom printed label

Relying on your own opinion about a label can be problematic. It is advisable to test out your labels and seek feedback from multiple people before settling on a final design and beginning production. From color to font size, there are many considerations. Try to keep your design options simple and have several people rate and review them.

Gift Box Ideas That Will Impress

gift box
A gift box is a special type of packaging that is often as specially considered as the gift itself. When it comes to gift giving, the recipients will often take as much delight in the unboxing experience as they will in the gift itself. These boxes are designed to be unique and to impress. Here are a few helpful ideas that small businesses can offer to help make their offerings more appealing to shoppers.

Gift box that matches the season

When designing gift boxes, it is ideal to have a theme to them, so they better match the occasion. You can have birthday-themed boxes that incorporate imagery like birthday cakes, candles, and balloons. You should also stock up on gift boxes that mark special times of the year, like Christmas, Easter, and New Year’s. Depending on what part of the world you are in or the local culture, ensure that you make note of gift-giving holidays and stock up on boxes that adhere to the theme.

Target the product with a custom gift box

Some products are more inclined to end up as specially presented gifts than others. If you sell high-end and customizable items like jewelry, chances are there is a sizable segment of your clientele that will want items that are specially packaged in gift boxes, like engagement rings and watches. Ensure that you create beautiful box designs that would suit this demand.

Gift card or note vs custom gift box

Personally presenting a gift is not always possible. However, even so, it can help to have a gift card or note included in or on the packaging to convey a special message to the recipient of the custom gift box. Having the message handwritten is ideal. However, if not possible, using an attractive font or calligraphy can also impress. It makes the gift seem more personal and thoughtful.

Classic Bow and gift box

Even with a beautifully designed gift box, there is an added allure when you include a classic bow on top. This is a beloved tradition in gift-giving that often delights the recipient and builds anticipation for the unboxing experience. Where it might not be possible to attach a physical bow on top, due to shipping challenges, even incorporating the image on an external design can add that special touch.

Brown paper packaging for a custom gift box

Though deceptively simple, you may find that wrapping your custom gift box in brown paper packaging and a ribbon or twine bow will do much to build anticipation. This is another rustic way in which gifts have long been beautifully presented, especially during the holidays. Unwrapping this to reveal the even more exceptional design beneath will make for a delightful experience.

The Benefits of Shipping Bags 

shipping bags
When people think of packaging for shipments, shipping bags are rarely the first to come to mind. Businesses are typically known for making use of cardboard boxes and paper envelopes to fulfill their packaging needs. These bags are, however, a worthy addition to the repertoire of any eCommerce business. Here is why you should include them in your shipping materials.

Shipping bags are affordable

Shipping bags are easily affordable. More so than cardboard boxes. They are very lightweight and space-saving meaning that you get to save even more when it comes to shipping costs to clients. With lower costs on your packaging materials and shipping costs, businesses can enjoy even greater margins on their sales. And just like with cardboard boxes, if you order them from a supplier in bulk, you can get discounts. Given their simple flattened design, you should not have a problem finding storage space for these materials.

Customization

You can have a packaging supplier customize these bags with your brand colors, messages, logos, and more. This will help to boost your marketing and branding efforts. It will also help build recognition amongst your clients when they see custom bags in your brand colors. It can make for great anticipation and a more enjoyable unboxing experience.

Shipping bags protection

These bags are usually used for small, hardy, and flexible items that do not require extra protection. However, if some level of protection is needed, they can easily be reinforced by wrapping the item in bubble wrap before placing it in the bag. However, it is best to stick to using them for small items that do not require that added protection. Larger items should be shipped in more suitable options like corrugated boxes.

Quick packing

The bags typically come with a self-sealing fold-over lip. You do not require shipping tape or any other adhesive to seal them. This makes packing them faster and more secure. The material that these bags are made from is easy to fix a label on as well. This makes it easier to prepare for shipping. Just slip the product in, seal, slap on a label, and you are good to go.

Eco-friendly

These bags can be made from biodegradable and recyclable materials. This makes them Eco-friendly and suited to brands and businesses that espouse Eco-conscious values. They are a fantastic way to reduce the introduction of harmful waste into the environment and hold strong appeal for consumers that prefer patronizing brands that demonstrate care for nature. Be sure to consult with your packaging supplier to ensure they can provide you with bags made from recyclable and biodegradable materials.

Five Tips to Revamp Eco-friendly Packaging

Eco-Friendly Packaging, Eco Friendly Custom Boxes
Businesses have become more aware of the need to opt for Eco-friendly packaging that will help to better conserve the environment and allow customers to choose to support brands that are doing their best to do the same. They will carefully consider the design of their packaging to ensure an optimal amount of material to support the weight of their products, offers a snug fit, and can be recycled. Here are a few more ways such businesses can do more to be environmentally conscious.

#1. Eco-friendly boxes bulk order

When ordering Eco friendly boxes, especially from a manufacturer that may be located far away, it is smart to order in bulk. Keep in mind that a vehicle or even multiple transport options may be used to deliver your order of packaging to your premises. This means some level of pollution occurs along the way. You can minimize this impact by ordering your packaging less often and in bulk. Choosing a local box manufacturer can also help to reduce this impact.

#2. Eco-friendly packaging discounts

If your business accommodates bulk orders from customers, then it may be an innovative idea to encourage this through discounts. Applying the same principle as above will allow you to deliver your products to your customers with less environmental impact. Also, discount offers do help to stimulate sales that are good for business.

#3. Eco-friendly packaging returns

While using less material to make your Eco-friendly boxes can be good, you should never do so at the expense of safety. Ensure that the box design you apply will ensure the products arrive at their destination in a safe condition. The better secured your products are, the less likely returns will happen that would require more shipping and thus more pollution.

#4. Recycle Eco-friendly packaging

Eco-friendly packaging can be made using virgin wood pulp or recycled cardboard. Wood pulp comes from trees. Opting for recycled cardboard means you will be utilizing an Eco-friendlier material to create new boxes. This is ideal where you have products that are lightweight as these boxes tend to be weaker than those made of virgin wood pulp.

#5. Eco-Friendly packaging rewards program

Instituting a rewards program can help to encourage your customers to reuse packaging. You can offer them discounts whenever they return packaging so it can be refilled. You will need to invest in reusable packaging and find ways of sharing this information with clients to encourage this Eco-friendly behavior. Many consumers are happy to be provided with the chance to be less wasteful.

Impressing Customers with Carton Packaging

Custom Folding Carton
A carton box is the most widely used type of packaging for shipping. With more consumers opting to shop online, it has become increasingly important to ensure that this packaging is well-received. Many companies will invest the bare minimum to ensure their products get to their destinations safely, but more thought needs to be put into the design to ensure a good unboxing experience. The better an impression you can make with consumers, the more likely they will remember your brand positively and want to make repeat purchases and give glowing reviews and recommendations.

Delightful carton

You can customize a corrugated carton box in a variety of ways to make it more visually appealing. Adding color and imagery is a terrific way to make for a more interesting unboxing experience and delight the recipient. Plain carton boxes are not as enjoyable to open. Chances are the recipient will be even more careful in opening the box so they can keep reusing it, which is good for the environment.

Perfect size carton

When packaging your products, you should ensure the box can comfortably but snugly fit the contents. Too large and will appear wasteful. It will also cost more to ship. Too small and you risk the box coming apart before it has even arrived at its destination. Not to mention the recipient needing to struggle a bit to get the contents out of the box.
If the item you are packaging is an odd shape, make use of filler or an insert to stabilize and protect it within the box. Your customers will be happy to see that what they ordered has been delivered intact and well-secured.
Corrugated carton sturdy design
There are many ways to ensure the box you use is sturdy enough to endure the journey to its destination. If you are shipping heavy items, you may want boxes made from virgin wood pulp. They tend to be stronger than those made from recycled material whose fibers are weakened and shortened by repeated processing. You can also opt for more fluting or laminating the box. There are many ways you can strengthen a box to ensure a sturdier construction that can withstand even the roughest transit journeys.

Secure and seal carton

The last thing you want is for items being shipped to become exposed or even fall out of the box you packed them in. You need to ensure that whatever tape you use will securely seal the box and withstand even rough handling without coming apart. Water-activated tape is considered the best option for sealing shipping boxes.

Creating Custom Labels That Will Impress

Coffee Custom Labels
A lot of time and thought goes into the design of the packaging. The majority of this is dedicated toward the box, however, even custom labels deserve some consideration. This is the part of the packaging that describes the product and provides other crucial information like expiry dates. It can also help to differentiate a brand from that of competitors. Here are a few ways you can better impress your target clients with labeling.

Investigate your competition

Custom printed labels need to set your brand apart from the rest. Before you can create something unique, you need to know what is already on the shelves to avoid duplication and ensure good contrast is created.

Know your custom labels audience

When designing custom labels, you also need to ensure that you have a good understanding of your target market and what would appeal to them. Testing out assorted designs and seeking feedback are clever ways to refine your features before settling on a final design.

Choose your custom labels unique brand colors

A big part of ensuring your label stands out is incorporating a brand color that is not already on the shelf. You will want consumers to spot and be drawn to your products briefly. This is best done by choosing a unique brand color that makes it easy for them to locate your products among the competition.

Make your custom printed labels tactile

Color will play a key role in creating visual appeal; however, it can help to wow your target clients by creating a tactile experience once they pick up your item off the shelf. You can do this by trying out diverse types of materials for your labels and introducing texture in the wording by embossing.

Play with shapes of your custom labels

This is another way to make your custom printed labels stand out. Most labels are printed in standard rectangular and oval shapes. Using unusual shapes can be an effective way to bring more attention to your product while on the shelf. You can even cut windows into the label to provide a view of the product within.

Add some gloss to your custom printed labels

Gloss is a smooth coating that provides a shiny finish. It provides another way for your product to draw attention by making for a shiny presentation. An excellent choice when an elegant finish is likely to appeal to your target clientele. Another way to make your label appear shimmery would be to use metallic foil. You can use different metallic colors including gold, silver, and brass. This is suitable for luxury commodities and can be further enhanced with holograms.

Benefits of a Custom Packaging Solution

Packaging solution
When it comes to finding a packaging solution for your business, chances are you have considered just buying standard-sized boxes and other regular items from your local store. However, opting to customize your packaging is often an underrated means of boosting your business’s visibility, appeal, and sales revenue. In many ways, this investment often pays itself well, allowing you to enjoy greater business success.

Packaging solution appeal

Products that come in custom packaging will naturally appeal more to shoppers than those in boring standard boxes. This is because they tend to make use of colors, imagery, shapes, and writing that allows the packaging to stand out from the rest. They also tend to more attractively display information that shoppers would want to read. Tempting shoppers to pick the item off the shelf is often the first step to making them want to buy it.

Packaging solution better quality

With custom packaging of product, your items will appear to be more expensive and of better quality than whatever else is on the shelf. While some shoppers prefer to buy whatever is cheapest, there are more that want the best value for their money. If your product is competitively priced but beautifully packaged, then your brand will have an upper hand.

Packaging solution brand

A custom packaging solution item allows for your products to become more recognizable to your clients. It is especially helpful to businesses that offer a diverse range of products so that their customers can more easily pick them out in shopping aisles. It can help to tie all your products together and boost the visibility of your brand.

Packaging solution protection

Many products are not well-secured when packaged in standard packaging. Custom packaging is often best at ensuring that the products you deliver to the market or into the hands of consumers are well secured. More so if they are food items that need to be protected from contamination.
If the packaging is for shipping, you need shopping materials that can withstand transit without allowing the products to escape from the box or be damaged while within. The more often your products can arrive at their destination without damage, the lower chances you will be forced to handle returns and refunds.

Packaging solution Eco-friendliness

With custom packaging, you can opt to ensure Eco-friendliness. You can use recyclable materials in their design and encourage your clients to reuse and recycle them thereafter. This is good for promoting environmental consciousness and can impress your customers as this ideal is very much popular with the public.

Benefits of Eco-Friendly Custom Bags

Custom Bags
Businesses have become more aware that they need to carefully consider what kind of custom bags they should make available to their customers. Shopping bags are more than just a convenience. They are also protective packaging and can serve as a testament to the values a brand espouses. In the current age, businesses need to give priority to Eco-friendly options like reusable paper bags, cotton bags, and hemp bags which offer several main benefits.

Custom bags reduce pollution

The use of Eco-friendly custom bags has a positive impact on pollution. Shifting away from the ubiquitous plastic bag ensures that there will be less plastic waste that will find its way into waterways and landfills. With plastic taking thousands of years to break down, you will be doing the planet a favor by opting for Eco-friendly options.

Custom bags sustainable sources

Eco-friendly options like reusable paper bags are made of materials that require less energy to process and have sustainable sources. Plastic bags require a lot more energy to make. Crude oil and natural gas are some of the components used to make plastic bags and are non-renewable energy sources. For something that is often disposed of after individual use, this is not a sustainable approach to generating packaging.

Custom bags safeguard animals

Animals will often consume whatever they encounter in their environment. Plastic bags frequently find their way into animal habitats and even in homes where pets are. Over 100,000 marine animals die from consuming plastic products that were dumped in the oceans every year. By reducing our production and sole use of plastics, we can help protect vulnerable creatures that are not able to realize the danger they face by ingesting these items when carelessly disposed of around them.

Custom printed bags save money

Many countries have now banned the use of single-use plastic bags in favor of reusable options. While in some places people can be fined if caught using them, other simply have businesses charge extra for such packaging. The cost is usually minimal but if you keep shopping this way, you will find that the amount can add up. Making reusable and Eco-friendly bags easily available to your shoppers will help encourage more environmentally conscious behavior while saving them additional costs.

Custom printed bags and branding

Eco-friendly bags can just as easily be customized for branding purposes as plastic bags. Custom printed bags that are Eco-friendly are a wonderful way to let the world know that your business is dedicated to protecting the environment and future generations. It is a fantastic way to boost the image of your brand in a way that the younger demographic will appreciate.