Between 2021 and 2026, estimates show the packaging industry in the U.S. will grow by a compound annual growth rate of 3.5%.
COVID-19 in 2020 created a surge in packaging and shipping out of necessity. Now, in 2021, people want and expect that continued convenience.
The importance of packaging cannot be overstated. Without the appropriate packaging, products can’t reach your customers or could become damaged during transit.
So, how do you ensure your products continue shipping out to customers safe and sound? By choosing a packaging service that’s right for your business.
Here are 6 tips to narrow down your options for packaging suppliers!
- Quality Packaging
You want to make sure that whichever supplier you go with, they offer high-quality packaging material options. For example, for some products, you might want to use a corrugated box to have extra protection for delicate items. If the supplier doesn’t offer corrugated boxes, then you know they aren’t a good option for you.
- Business Budget
Take careful stock of what your budget is for your business. Packaging for products is vital, but so too is not breaking the bank.
If you’re working on a product packaging budget, look into whether the supplier only sells in bulk quantities. If they do, that sometimes isn’t great for your bottom line. Instead, look for a supplier who offers low order minimums to keep costs low.
- Customer Service
We’ve all had to call customer service at least once in our lives and know of the intense frustration one feels when they aren’t helpful. You don’t want a packaging supplier with terrible customer service who won’t be able to help you with any problems.
Reading online reviews can help you discover issues with a packaging supplier, such as bad customer service. Look for a supplier that focuses on exceeding your expectations.
- Storage Space
Do you not have sufficient space to stack and store your packages? If that’s the case, you can look for a supplier who offers low order minimums. This will allow you to ship out packages fast and not have them start to stack up.
- Custom Packaging
You may not want to use custom branded packaging right now but never say never. You may change your mind in the future as your business grows. Once that happens, you’ll want a packaging company that can adapt with you.
- Business Operations
Make sure that the packaging company uses rigid guidelines and follows production standards when manufacturing their packages. Materials should also arrive to you on time as promised.
At some point, you might end up having ongoing orders. You want to ensure that the packaging company you work with doesn’t ever have its production line backed up by other clients. So, be sure to lay out your requirements with the packaging company to make sure their workflow will always align with your inventory management.
Do Your Research When Choosing a Packaging Service
In the end, the best advice we can offer for choosing a packaging service is to always do your due diligence. Research your options and look at prior client testimonials to get a feel for a supplier. Make a list and then work at narrowing down your picks until you find the one that best fits your business.
We hope you found this article helpful. Before you go, browse this site for other informative reads!
