What You Should Know About Shipping Supplies

Question: We need shipping and packaging supplies in multiple sizes and shapes to get our products safely across the country. We're even seeing a few overseas orders online, so we need international shipping stuff too. And we want to experiment with different types to see what works best. Lastly we want it cheap. Have I asked too much?

Answer: No, you haven't asked too much. Shipping supplies are an overlooked area that can be important to a small business in several ways. Image, for example. If your products arrive looking like second-hand store rejects, customers will notice. The outer package of whatever you send is a chance to make a good first impression. Inappropriate box sizes, haphazard wrapping and the like can signal a lack of professionalism. But even a home-based biz can display a slick image with a small investment in the right materials.

Cost is another reason shipping supplies count. Many small businesses overspend on shipping supplies because they simply are not paying attention. Buying the right sizes in the right quantities from a shipping supply specialist can save you money and make you look good.

But finding the bags, boxes and other materials that work best for you might require a little experimentation. Try ordering small quantities to test. If they don't look or work like you hoped, some suppliers will take them back. Shipping supply specialists also offer a far greater selection than do general office supply outlets such as Staples or Office Depot. Here are some resources that can satisfy just about any packaging need or issue your business may have:

• Uline is just plain stunning for its completeness and efficiency in the shipping supply business. This family-owned and operated company was started by Liz and Dick Uihlein from the basement of their home in 1980. Today they are tops in the country. Their selection includes thousands of items - over 1,000 sizes of shipping boxes alone. Uline has distribution centers near Chicago, Minneapolis, Newark (NJ), Los Angeles, Atlanta and Dallas, so your supplies get to you fast and at a low cost. Dick and Liz say they won't carry anything they wouldn't use themselves. Ordering is easy by fax, phone or Internet. You can talk to a live person 24/7 to place an order. And 99.5 percent of orders placed by 6 p.m. are shipped the same day. They'll let you try any product for 30 days. If you're not satisfied, return it for a full refund. Free sport-themed hat or clothing item with orders over $300. Call (800) 958-5463 or visit www.uline.com.
  
  
• Paper Mart is another family-owned (4th generation) shipping and packaging supply business that has grown into a major national supplier. Need boxes? Paper Mart has standard cartons and mailing boxes, plus boxes for gifts, storage and food, as well as custom and die-cut boxes. Their folksy Web site includes photos of their offices and founder G.A. Frick with his first truck in 1921. Visit www.papermart.com or call (800) 745-8800.
  
  
• VeriPack carries a wide range of industrial and retail bags, boxes, wraps, cushioning, gift basket goods and holiday products. They occasionally offer free shipping promotions for orders over $100. A good place to compare prices. Warehouses in MA and GA. Visit www.veripack.com or call (800) 388-4344.
  
  
• PackingSupplies.com offers a "lowest price" guarantee and quick shipping nationwide through distribution centers in Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Greenville (SC), Los Angeles and New York. Visit www.packagingsupplies.com or call (800) 536-3668.
  
  
• If your supply needs lean toward the industrial-strength variety, Grainger can help. This company is the leading North American provider of maintenance, repair and operating supplies to business. Their packaging and shipping products cover all kinds of bags, boxes, strapping, padding, scales and seals. The Web site has a handy search tool to help you find what you need. Visit www.grainger.com or call (888) 361-8649.
  
  
• Need temperature controlled materials? TCP/Reliable Inc. is a specialist in this area. Visit www.tcpreliable.com or call (888) TCP-3393.