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6 ways to winterize your business!

12/9/2019

 
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Winter is here.
The cold weather and conditions can really backup your business and in the way of deliveries Here are a few tips to help you think ahead and stay on top of things this winter season.

1. Ice Melt

Keep your driveways, walkways and parking lots clear for customers and deliveries. Put out some ice melt before snow falls to make it easier to get around. It'll save you a lot of shovel time!
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2. Insulate

 If you’re getting a draft from windows in your office that might be bringing up your heat bill. It can also add discomfort to your employees and affect their workflow. There are many ways you can try and insulate your window. Try putting some bubble sheets over the windows they will help with drafts and you will still get in all the natural sunlight! (Bigger cell will have better insulation)
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3. Scheduling

Keep in mind that one storm can back up deliveries and orders for a few days. Make sure to prepare and look ahead and plan accordingly. If you have delays or back ups, reach out to your customers and let them know about possible delays.

4. ​The Warehouse

Warehouses are hard to keep at the perfect temperature. Especially with the weather fluctuating  the whole season. Make sure to have some extra jackets on hand to keep your warehouse employees warm. ​

5. Holiday

There are so many holidays in fall and winter, make sure to keep your customers up to date about your holiday hours or closures.

6. On the Road

In the event that your car gets stuck in some heavy snow or slippery ice you can try sliding a sheet of cardboard or flat box under your wheels to create traction and get you out of a tight spot. Keep a few sheets in your car!
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Enjoy the season! Stay warm!

What's Green at The Boxery.

11/15/2019

 
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Eco-friendly packaging.
​If you are using daily packaging supplies check out these eco-friendly options.

Boxes & Corrugated Materials.

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Pretty much all of our boxes can be recycled, and many of them are even made from partially recycled materials.
Cool fact, did you know boxes can be recycled up to 5 times!?
The corrugated board is recycled down into fiber and then used again in the box making process. 
To stay green for shipping you can use boxes or corrugated mailers, and for extra protection  you can use corrugated rolls on larger items and sheets for extra filling.

Packaging Protection.

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For keeping your item secure during shipments you can use kraft paper to wrap around the item itself and as a void fill. It also has a great look. When dealing with luxury items, apparel or items that you may want to represent with more of a personal organic touch, you can use newsprint or tissue paper. All these options are recyclable. If you need even more protection you can use peanuts. We carry non-foam peanuts which are actually made from a blend of cornstarch or wheat and other non toxic ingredients, they are compostable after use and biodegradable.
Cool fact, they even dissolve in water.
Many people have switched over to this option since New York City’s ban on all foam materials.


Mailers.

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Mailers are great to use for shipping flat or small items.
Kraft bubble mailers are a little more eco-friendly in their manufacturing process, there is still a layer of bubble inside for protection, but the paper itself can be recycled. We also have an option that is padded with completely with paper not bubble. If you don’t need that layer of protection go with chipboard mailers all of them can be recycled and we have them in paperboard which gives it a more artisanal earthy look or you can get them in white which has a more corporate appeal.

Tape.

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We have many eco-friendly options for tape.
Tape is a necessity on  every package. Most tape is made out of an acrylic blend but we have some paper tape options as well. Generally because of the way its used paper tape isn't recycled, but they are biodegradable which helps reduce landfills and general waste. 
We have regular paper tape, and the most popular is the water activated reinforced paper tape and they come in white too!
We even have option to out your logo on the tape.

Here's the full line of of our Eco-friendly products.

We hope this was helpful and you may have learned a thing or two about your environmentally friendly packaging options. Looking for creative ways to re-use boxes? Check out  this post.
Follow us on social media to stay updated!!

Gift sizing guide.

10/25/2019

 
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As the Holiday season approaches we put together a useful list to help send out your gifts. Whether you are shipping to a friend or family member or working in fulfillment these tips are sure to come in handy.

Apparel.

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Generally You should try and ship apparel in poly bags to save on cost.
​Try and measure your items in the form that you will be shipping them out (folded etc) and choose bags accordingly here.
A good places to start for T-shirts, yoga pants, jeans and even light sweatshirts is a 10x13.
Dresses or lager sweaters - 12x15.5
Small coats or bigger items 14.5x19
And you can keep sizing up from there.

Shoes.

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When shipping shoes in their original box a 14x10.5x6 usually works great and you”ll even have room for some bubble or void fill. If you want to try and send two at a time and stack them on each other, you can try and squeeze in a 16x12x10, but measure your shoe boxes first.
​The next size for larger sized shoes (Mens 13+) or even some boots would be a 16x10x6 or 16x12x6.

Smartphones & Eye-wear

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If your sending out the newest Iphone or some sweet summer shades they both have similar sized product packaging that fits great in an 8x4x4. If you want to add something extra special you can use a white corrugated mailer with the same dimension or even try an 8x3x3.

Toys.

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This one you”ll really have to measure each item as they all size so differently.
If you are dealing with small collectible figurines a 4x4x4 is great or a 6x4x4.

Books & Video Games

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Video games cases fit great in a padded mailer 8.5x12.
​Books can also work in there but if they are heavier or hard cover try a book-fold.

Records

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It's a no brainer, send these in a record mailers. You can check out our post about the best way to pack these. 

How to pack a mug and other fragile items.

9/26/2019

 
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We put a few tips together to help you send out fragile items or collectibles worry free.
What you"ll need.
A Box.
Bubble.
Tape.
Void Fill.

1. It's all in the box.

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Everything is in the box, literally your items go in the box so make sure you have the right size.
Having a box that is too big can also be an issue as your item might shift around a lot more during shipping and can possibly break in the interim.
You want your item to have a nice snug fit.
We would start with suggesting a 7x5x5 or 5x5x5 there are many other options that can work, so make sure to measure items properly first, and make sure to leave enough space for packaging protection.
(If you are shipping have glass or liquids try a heavy duty box)

2. Bubble, bubble.

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First thing you are going to do is take your item and wrap it a few times with bubble roll.
It's fairly easy, either use bubble bags or get a rolls of bubble that are perforated every 12 inches for easy handling while packing. Most of our rolls are perforated.

3. Void Fill

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If your package has there’s extra room, you’re gonna need to fill it up with something. You can use peanuts, kraft paper or newsprint. For fragile items Kraft paper or peanuts work best as they can take more of an impact when your item shifts,
We cannot stress enough how important it is to use void fill, to fill up that space.

4. Tape

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​Taping your box at the end and when making the box are key factors in keeping your items protected, a nice snug fit is ideal so your item shifts around less. Standered packing tape should do the trick.

Start packing - Step by step

Step 1.
Make your box.
Start by folding the bottoms adding tape to secure and use the H method we mentioned here.
Step 2. Protect your items use bubble to wrap your item a few times.
Step 3. Layer your box with a bubble sheet our two.
Step 4. Place your item in the box, make sure it fits snug.
Step 5. Void fill, use peanuts or crunch up some kraft paper as void fill.
Step 6. Tape, add a few layers of tape on top to close your box and secure your package, a nice tight pack and seal gives you item less chance to shift around. 

​Or just check out our latest video!
​

How freight Works.

8/22/2019

 
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If you’ve ordered any big shipments in the past or take pallets for delivery, you may have heard of the term “freight” or a “freight shipment”.
Essentially, this means that your order is going via truck and is pretty large in dimensions so it would be cheaper to be sent through a carrier that specifically deals with large orders as opposed to the more common parcel carriers such as UPS or FEDEX.
 
When dealing with large orders or bulky items, it is generally beneficial to use freight.
Besides for the financial benefit, items are able to retain more of the original manufacturer packaging and increments.
We even have something called “flat rate freight” which means your price is capped at a designated amount no matter how many items you ad to your order.
 
The catch is that you need a commercial address.
You also need a way to get the pallet of the truck container, this is either by having a loading dock (where the truck pulls right up to) or you have a forklift to remove the pallet.
Depending on the freight company and the size of the pallets you might be able to find an alternative method to remove the items. Otherwise the freight companies will charge you (or the company you ordered with)  a “liftgate fee” which means they need to use their liftgate on the back of the truck to lower your items to ground level.
 
You can always ask us about our freight shipping tiers.

Paper Mailers

7/10/2019

 
If your business ships anything or you’re selling stuff online you've probably heard of a “mailer” before.
There are many different types and they have many names.
Mailers envelopes, padded envelopes, mailer bags, poly mailers, even poly bags (though it's technically not a mailer.
They are one of the most common forms of packaging items next to boxes. Most of the time  they are used for smaller or lightweight objects that don't need the protection of a box.
First thing to clarify before we get started is the name. They are called poly mailers or mailers bags.

Generally if something is called a mailer, it’s usually the outer packaging and it's something that  you can put a label or stamp on. This is where many people get confused, people tend to call “poly mailers” and “poly bags” but a poly bag isn't something you can really put a stamp or label on.
Mailers are more durable, they are not see through like poly bags which are more like glorified plastic bags or plastic wrap.
Bag mailers are not corrugated mailers, thats a whole different story. 
All of our mailers bags ship for free!:)
We will divide mailers into two categories
1.Paper
2.Plastic
In today's post we are going to be covering your paper options. With your paper mailers you have a few options, Flat or chipboard mailers and Kraft bubble mailers or “padded envelopes as some call them.
Here’s some information and how to use them.
1.Flat Mailers - These are flat cardboard mailers. Great for shipping flat items that need a  little more protection. The kraft board lining helps protect items from bending, and there are many different options and sizes. They are also environmentally friendly!
Best used for packing:
Photos, important documents, fancy birthday cards to your grandma, books, DVDs, Video games. Etc
2. Kraft Bubble Mailers - These are the most common paper mailer. They look like monella envelopes on the outside and have an inner lining of protective bubble padding.
Best used for packing:
Jewelry,small electronics, phone cases, accessories. trinkets, but don't put anything too fragile in it unless you double up on the bubble.


In the next post we will cover Poly mailers!
Stay tuned!

How to make a box.

6/24/2019

 


ChecSo this my seem pretty simple and not worthy of its own blog post, but you would be surprised at how many people get this one wrong. Well, to be honest there is actually no “wrong” way to tape a box just “better” ways.
There are countless videos and tutorials that show you the simple fold and tape, but there are much better ways to reinforce your box and even specific shipping standards.
The main difference is the method of taping the bottom. Take a look at how we broke it down.
1.
Unfold your box
Boxes come flat because when buying more than one at a time it's just easier for transporting and saves a ton of storage space.
2.
Bottoms up.
Flip your box over. Make sure you're taping the bottom. Essentially it doesn't make a big difference on most boxes but there are a few where it does (moving boxes, or printed boxes) so it's worth it to pay attention
3.
Folding
Fold the shorter flaps inward first, then the taller ones. This gives your box stronger durability because the taller flaps can cover the full length of the shorter slaps and help reinforce them and the box as a whole.  
4.
Tape time.
Firstly make sure you are using the right tape and a good dispenser.
Apply tape across the length of the box, in the middle where the two taller flaps meets. Try and get the flaps as close to each other as possible, and make sure they are aligned evenly. You can double it if you need that line of tape by simply applying tape on top of it.
5.
The “H” method.
This is the part most people overlook.
Reinforce your box with 2 lines of tape across the edge of the width.
This is known as the “H” method and is used in many fulfillment and shipping center.
Do the same thing to the top of the box after its packed and if you have a shipping label without a packing slip, its a good idea to cover that with a  few pieces of tape as well. 

Hope this helps! get packing! 

Check out this helpful video on our youtube channel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmHug2it5lI

Why packaging means something.

5/2/2019

 
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In an age of online shopping and eCommerce, consumer experience is slowly declining.
Thanks to packaging design, it still has a fighting chance against sinking with the brick & mortar ship.

In 2018, 14.3% of all annual retail sales were done online. So how do you bring the in store feeling to those consumers?
The answer is simple. Packaging

Think about it like this, your product integrity and customer service obviously need to remain the same if not better when dealing with online shoppers. So how do I give my consumer the in-store experience? Besides of course your product and your website, the only connection they will have to your brand as a whole is something they will actually take into their home,
that is your packaging.

That’s right, those simple shipping boxes can go a long way. It is literally a physical representation of your brand and culture that can be sitting on someone’s kitchen table.
It goes beyond the product, the packaging is the brand itself.
That is why it’s important for you to have the right packaging design or logo printing, it is a way to bring the store to your consumer.
Yes, it will cost a little more but this raises your brand as a whole and gives your buyer a better experience. Instead of unpacking your amazing product in simple brown box, you can print a beautiful packaged box for properly nesting your product.

Imagine this.
You have two stores in front of you.
One store is selling the product you want at a reasonable price, but the store is messy and has terrible customer service.
The second is selling the same product just a tad more expensive but if you walk in they will treat you like you own the place. The cleanliness of the second store is also of much higher standard.
Many consumers are willing to pay for the more expensive option because they know they are getting a better experience.  

Beautiful packaging says a lot about your company. It says that you care about going the extra mile for customer care and experience, and that you care about all the details.
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To sum it all up.
Here are a few reasons branded packaging is a must.
  1. Brand Recognition - This is how consumers interact with your brand as well as the general status & image. Your packaging will portray your brand.
  2. Customer experience - The most important, you are giving them a chance to relive that in store experience or create a new one. When packaging is done right it's like entering that clean fresh smelling store.  - always try and add a personal touch either a note for the buyer or even printed tissue paper.
  3. Advertising - Your package goes through many steps to get to your buyer, think about all the free advertising opportunities if your logo was printed on that package!   ​  

How strong is your box?

4/18/2019

 
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How much weight can my box hold?
If I put something really heavy in it will it break?
Should I use extra tape? 
​These questions come up all the time in the packaging industry.

It would not be fun to put a whole package together and wrap it and tape it, only to find out later that it broke during shipping.
Thankfully there are guides to help clarify what weight increments your shipping box can handle.
 
There are two guides to figure out the strength of your box.
  1. The Mullen test/bursting test
  2. The Edge Crush Test (ECT)
 
Essential they both tell you the same thing “ how much weight can your box hold before breaking”,
But they get there a little differently. You can find them both on the bottom of your box inside the box certificate. 
The bursting test - is just how it sounds, how much pressure can be applied to a square inch of your box before puncturing.
The edge crush test - tests how much force can be applied to the box as a whole before breaking. It works by applying pressure to one of the corrugated sides and seeing how much pressure it can withstand when vertical before collapsing. 

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There are about 15 different test outcomes per box but you rarely see all them.
An average user will encounter 3 basic tiers. For standard , Heavy duty and Heavy Duty double wall. Here is map that you can use to see the loading limit per each grade of box and test. Notice the numbers for a Mullen test will be in the hundred and 200 range while ect usually stays under 100.

This was a basic guide to help you start off, so get packing!  ​

Mailers Vs. Boxes

3/26/2019

 
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Poly mailers are an extremely lucrative source for efficient packaging. It's like your products getting in the perfect Uber, saving you money and time in so many ways.

​Here’s a few reasons you might want to use a poly mailer

1. ​Shipping costs.

​As we discussed in our post about shipping boxes, most postal delivery service or ground carries charge by weights and dimensions. That being said a poly mailer and all mailers for that matter (unless they are corrugated) ship flat, meaning until you pack your product in, it's about 3 or 4 millimeter in height. So that's already a huge save there as far as dimensions, but the main saving will be on the weight of a mailer compared to a box.

2. ​Aesthetics.

​When a consumer first receives & opens your package, it’s essentially like them walking into your store for the first time. This is your chance to make an impression and unless you’re going to customize and brand your boxes for a better user experience, poly mailer come off a lot more pleasing when unwrapping. Poly mailers have a much sleeker and cleaner look over any basic box. Think about it, it's not bulky and covered in tape it’s a simple and clean opening experience for your consumer, ‘nuff said.

3. ​Packing time.

Time is money, so let's save some. 
Poly bags don’t need tape! That’s right you heard it here first, most poly bags are self-sealing they have an adhesive strip that seals once you apply pressure and you don't need to bother applying tape!
They come ready to pack and don’t need to be folded and assembled, just slip your package or item right in and send.
Another great way to save time on sending fragile items is by using poly bubble mailers. They are a poly mailer or Kraft mailers that are pre-lined with bubble protection. They save you a lot of packaging time without needing to wrap each item in bubble just slip it in and send. 
Your time is valuable save it when you can.

4. ​Storage space.

​Boxes and mailers both store flat, but 25 flat boxes averages about 7.5 inches and you can store about 76 mailers in that same size.
Think about it like this, when it comes to storing pallets of supplies, your smallest box of 4x4x4 will be 5,000 boxes per pallet but your smallest mailer of 6x9 can be 80,000 per pallet!
If you don't have a warehouse for storing supplies, mailers can be a real space saver. 

5. ​Sustainability.

​In general poly mailers are pretty durable and the higher mil per bag the stronger the durability. You’re pretty safe to go with sending anything and not worrying about it ripping the bag unless  its a sharp or jagged item. In that case you would either want a really strong bag or wrap the item in foam or bubble.
Another plus, the poly materials ensure you package stays dry on the inside as opposed to corrugated materials which absorb moisture poly mailers protect against it. Many people will even send boxes covered in large poly mailers just for weather protection. 

6. ​Custom Printing.

​Another great way to give your consumer a great face value experience with your brand, printed mailers.
Whether you're simply printing your logo on the bag or want a full blown design a poly mailer is always going to run cheaper than any box. Firstly because of the price per unit but mainly because the printing plate fees on mailers run significantly lower than on a box.
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