When a business sends items to customers, packaging plays a big role in the whole process. Not only do you want to protect the item being sent (which, more than likely has already been paid for), you want to impress the recipient as well. When they are impressed at how well the process went and how good the packaging was, it can very easily win them over and bring about future business.
To know what kind of packaging supplies your packaging department requires, you can trace each step the package takes to see what it goes through and what is needed along the way. Let’s have a look at some of these essential packaging supplies your business requires.
1. The Basics
There are some basic packaging items that are an absolute given. These include things like corrugated boxes of various sizes, packing list envelopes and of course, packing tape. However, these are simply not enough, even though it does offer some protection from possible damage. By creating a uniform shape and size, it is much easier to ship, but more is required.
2. Protective Supplies
There are always certain items that will absolutely require much more protection. These would be considered fragile items that can either break or get damaged. Things like glass and sensitive electronics fit this category. When these are placed in a box for shipment, the greatest care must be given. There are edge protectors, bubble wrap, shrink wrap, stretch wrap and foam which are some of the protective supplies that are used to protect such fragile merchandise.
When such items are being shipped, special shipping labels are used to identify it as a fragile item. This way, the delivery personnel will know how to handle it. For example, some items may need to be stored upright. Another should not be stacked or folded. Some can be placed at the top of a pile, otherwise it could break if two other boxes are placed on it.
Some other supplies that may be required are pallet bands and strapping materials. Strapping materials can be made from several materials, depending on the strength required.
3. For Inventory Management
If a business is to be successful, then inventory management is imperative. This department will require envelopes, packing slips, tracking and other labels to help keep things organized and running efficiently. These are all packing tools that are necessary if the organization is to be run properly.
4. Mailroom Supplies
The mailroom will also need its own specific supplies. Postage scales, staplers, adhesives, cable ties, glue sticks and envelopes are just some of the supplies to help run the department. If all departments that are connected in some way with the shipping are always stocked with the necessary supplies to run the business, there will never be a problem within the company or for customers.
Inefficiency on the part of your shipping department can cost the company money in several ways. Regular training and evaluation steps should be implemented in order to always pass quality assurance. Products need to remain intact and the only way to do this is to evaluate end line products so that protective measures can be put in place. This way, the recipient has a better chance of receiving their items in good condition, resulting in a happy and satisfied customer.
