As a startup, there’ll come a time where you’ll hit the wall in several tasks, including finding the right packaging material for your products. Creating an optimized customer experience involves delivering your products in customized shipping boxes that align with your branding. However, this is easier said than done.
Even after having a solid idea of your packaging needs, any mistake in the ordering process can negate all your efforts. Thus, we have created a guide to help simplify the packaging order process from a box provider and ensure all your needs and specifications are met.
Packaging Order Process from a Box Provider
You can follow the steps below before or after choosing a box provider, so if you’re unsure about the ordering process, you can always refer to this guide.
Figure Out What You Need
First, you need to plan before clicking the “order now” button. You need to think of the entire packaging process of a single product from start to finish. For instance, what are the steps, what packaging material is required for each step, etc., and then order the materials accordingly. This will help save time and reduce any inventory errors, thus, creating a streamlined supply chain operation.
Set a Budget
Although the packaging is a critical component of your business’ success, it is not the only thing you need to spend money on. Thus, allocate a budget to packaging and choose a box style and box provider accordingly. For instance, if you are going for an established box provider, you have to pay a higher upfront fee and give a larger minimum order.
On the other hand, while a smaller box provider can produce fewer units, the per-unit cost will be high. Thus, choose a box provider considering your budget and packaging needs, and don’t compromise on quality.
Choose a Box Size and Style
Next, you need to pick the box size and style. This depends on your product’s dimensions and weight. Remember, your packaging might improve your marketing efforts, but its primary role is ensuring your product reaches its customers safely.
To do this, your shipping box must be made of high-quality corrugated material and be of the approximate size and length of the product. Thus, choose the correct box style and size before you place your order.
Consider the Timeline
This depends on the box provider you are working with. The turnaround time for each box provider varies depending on their company size. Some have a typical time lead of 3 days, while some take at least 10 days to complete the order. This is important to ensure your next batch of boxes is already ordered before your current batch runs out, thus eliminating inventory issues.
Do a Final Check
Ensure to do a final check of the ordered specifications and ask for a sample. The sample can give you an idea about the sturdiness of the box and how your brand colors look before making any changes.
Conclusion
Though ordering packaging materials from a box provider might be simple and straightforward, it requires careful speculation of the box style and dimensions to ensure it aligns with your product dimensions and brand image.
Remember to compare different box providers before deciding, and don’t ever compromise on quality to save a few bucks.
