Packaging Essentials: 9 Packaging Supplies E-Commerce Retailers Must Have

E-commerce is here to stay, and it has changed the face of retail forever. The e-commerce landscape keeps on reinventing itself and the changing dynamics of e-commerce packaging has made a significant contribution to meet the needs of consumers and online retailers.

Whether you have just started your e-commerce business or are a veteran retailer, there a few factors you need to always consider for keeping your business running successfully, no matter how technological advanced your packaging system is. These factors are convenience (both for you and your customer), storage space and cost of packaging. Here’s the list of essential packaging materials that e-commerce retailers should always keep handy and in stock:

1. Right-Sized Corrugated Boxes
   To keep the shipping cost low and reduce wastage, it is clever to pack your products keeping in mind the size, the weight and the shape of the product because one size of the shipping does not fit all types of products. Corrugated boxes are strong, versatile, sturdy and come in varying sizes. Choose the right sized corrugated boxes to ensure safe delivery of products to your customers.
2. Bubble Mailers
   Small items like books and clothes can be packed in bubble mailers. They are an cost-effective alternative to larger boxes. The product when packed in bubble mailers stay safe, occupies less space and reduces shipping costs. These bubble mailers can be used creatively to send your brand messages across to your customers.
3. Packing Tape
   Packing tape is a must-have for any e-commerce retailer. The tape seals the boxes tightly ensuring the package reaches its destination undamaged and unopened. It is wise to order packing tape in bulk as you’ll be needing a lot of it.
4. Bubble Wrap and Other Cushioning, Padding Products
   Packing your products in boxes isn’t enough. You need to make sure that there is enough cushioning around the products to keep them intact and protected during transit. The bubble wrap and other cushioning products prevent fragile items from breaking. However, make sure that you don’t overfill the boxes as they add to the weight of the box, thus increasing your shipping costs.
5. Printer Paper
   Yes, the good old-fashioned printer is a necessity. It is needed to print customer invoices, shipping labels, packing item lists and other shipping documents. Ensure that you keep printer paper in bulk.
6. Packing List Envelopes
   Shipping documents, such as invoices and item lists can be safely inserted in adhesive packing list envelopes. You’ll just need to peel off and stick the envelope to the package that’s being shipped.
7. Plastic Wrap
   Fragile items need extra padding. Plastic wrap can help protect these delicate products. It is a perfect packing material for shipping gift baskets and floral bouquets.
8. Shipping Paper
   You don’t need a box or a bubble mailer for all products. Some products are already in box or have enough padding for safe shipping; wrapping them with just shipping paper works fine.
9. Shipping Labels
   Shipping labels on packages, especially for fragile items, are important so the package handlers know what they are actually handling. For extremely fragile items, attach bold shipping labels on all the sides of the package.

With the right packaging and shipping supplies, e-commerce retailers can make packaging and shipping more efficient and keep their operations running smoothly. To explore the range of packaging essentials online, visit packing supply now.