If you only want to send a gift to a loved one, you should be able to just bring the item to your local post office so they can package and ship it for you. But if you have decided to start an online business and regularly ship products to your customers, you need to have some shipping supplies in-store and keep a few tips in mind.
With the right supplies and process, you will save time and money while ensuring your customers are happy with the packages they receive. So, what do you need to ship a package? Let’s make a checklist of the essential shipping supplies:
1. Shipping boxes
Boxes are among the most important shipping supplies you need to get. Cardboard boxes come in different shapes and sizes, and it’s even possible to order custom boxes.
But before you buy a large stack of boxes, you have to make sure you choose the right ones for the products you need to ship. Keep in mind that a box’s purpose is to protect the item inside and to get it to its destination in one piece.
Your item should then be safe and snug inside its shipping box. If you sell products that vary in shapes and sizes, you might need different boxes.
2. Mailers
Small items that are not too fragile can be shipped in mailers instead of cardboard boxes. Mailers come in different sizes and are customized with your choice’s colour, design, and logo.
You can choose bubble mailers for items that need some extra protection or flat mailers for items that are not fragile and only need to be protected from the elements during their journey. Once again, take a moment to select the right type and size of mailer for your packages.
3. Padding material
To ensure the product you want to ship will be safe inside its box, you should add padding to cushion it and keep it moving.
Examples of padding materials include bubble wrap, foam, Kraft paper, crinkle paper, tissue paper, and packing peanuts.
Some are better than others at cushioning and protecting packages, and some are more eco-friendly. It all depends on your priorities and the look you are aiming for.
4. Custom tags and stickers
You could also benefit from getting custom tags and stickers. Tags can help you organize your inventory and shipments, simplifying your processes and saving you a lot of time.
As for stickers, they can be used to quickly customize a box or a mailer, as well as to advertise your brand.
These items are not as important as boxes, mailers, and padding material, but they can add a nice touch to the packages you ship.
5. Packing tape
Mailers usually have self-adhesive strips, but boxes must be closed and secured with packing tape. Be sure to also get a tape dispenser to simplify your task.
There are different types of packing tape to choose from. For example, you can get clear tape, colourful tape, and water-activated Kraft sealing tape.
It’sIt’s even possible to order custom packing tape, so your customers will see your logo or a fun message as they get ready to open their package.
6. Label paper and printer
If you don’t want to have to write down the mailing addresses of your customers by hand or to print them on sheets of paper that you will then have to cut and tape to your packages, you should consider investing in a label printer and label paper.
Look for adhesive label paper, which you can print, then easily stick to your boxes or mailers. If you don’t want to purchase a label printer just yet, you should be able to find adhesive label paper you can use with a regular desktop printer.
7. Shipping scale
You need a shipping scale to weigh your packages before printing their shipping labels.
Choose one that is reliable and accurate. You might be able to use a balanced kitchen scale instead of a postal scale, as long as you know it can give you precise weight calculations and that the weight of your packages doesn’t exceed its maximum capacity.
8. Shipping carrier
Finally, if you want to make the most of your package shipping operations, you need to choose a reliable shipping carrier that meets your needs.
To make your choice, you need to consider your packages’ size, weight, and how fast you want them to reach their destination, among other things.
Comparing quotes from different carriers and their services is a good way to get started. You should also investigate the track records of different companies, so you can choose one with a great reputation.
