While zip bags may not be at the top of the radar screen when you're planning your business budget, they are very useful items to have and may even be a necessity. Just think about how often you use plastic zipper bags in your daily life, whether for storage, for sanitation or for convenience.

On top of plastic zip bags you find in the grocery store, there are dozens of other bags: zipper types and styles. Some of the most relevant types for business owners are:

1. Night deposit bags, which are zip bags used to transport money from the safe to the bank;

2. Food and utility storage bags that keep items organized, clean and easy to carry;

3. Promotional zip bags, which you can distribute to customers and potential clients to raise brand awareness.

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Look at the different varieties of night deposit zip bags

Night deposit zip bags are opaque in nature and do not reveal what is inside them. This is important because they are meant to hold money and, unfortunately, there are some that look to steal from the small business owner or employees. It's important to get sturdy bags that you know will remain closed when carried.

I recommend: Look at Office Depot's site to see their lockable extra secure deposit bags. These bags require two different keys to open them. Then look at the bags that BankSupplies offers. You can zip them shut and then seal them with tamper evident zip ties.

Check out plastic zipper bags for storage purposes

The plastic zipper bag is available in lots of different sizes. And, there are many uses for them besides storing food. In fact, they are just as common in industrial settings because they keep small items together and keep items that need to be separate safely apart, such as different types of metals.

I recommend: Go to Webster Industries' website. This company, which is one of the more prominent zipper poly bag manufacturers, offers various sizes of plastic zipper bags, with push-to-seal closers and slide closures. Also check out Ziploc, the brand leader, which is owned by S.C. Johnson Brands. Long known for its sandwich bags, Ziploc has greatly expanded its line of clear plastic zipper bags.

Consider using the zipper bag as a promotional product

The zipper bag is not one of the most popular promotional products out there. It seems that many businesses don't think of all of its positive points. Since the bags are useful, either as change purses or wallets, customers may keep them on their person at all times. Plus, they are fairly inexpensive, cheap to ship and very easy to have imprinted.

I recommend: Visit MMF Industries' website. The company has several different types of promotional zipper bags they call "zipper wallets." Also look at the zipper bags Quality Logo Products sells. These smaller bags make perfect change purses.

When you need resealable packaging for nonperishable products, accessories or even food items you manufacture, use plastic zip bags. Zipper bags provide easy access for you and your customers while working effectively for your packaging and storage needs. A clear plastic zipper bag also offers fast recognition of what's inside, and you can reuse the bag for a different reason after it outlives its initial purpose.

Besides letting zipper bags make your customers' lives a little easier, use clear plastic zip bags to store items you buy in bulk for the office but don't use all at once. As you begin your search for the bags that most satisfy your needs, consider the different types of bags available:

1. Buy general purpose zipper bags that can house many different types of products.

2. Use zip bags that satisfy specialized requirements for packaging certain items.

3. Order customized zipper bags as part of your marketing effort.

4. Order plastic zipper bags with a hang hole to display your product in store.

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Buy general purpose zip bags to hold all types of items

Fill bags with excess paper clips, pens, erasers or other supplies until you're ready to restock. In a restaurant, use them to seal up shrimp shells or other smelly scraps you need to discard.

I recommend: Visit the Plastic Bagmart website to order zip lock bags. This company originated more than 25 years ago and boasts wholesale pricing, discounts for multiple cases and free UPS shipping. Check out the large selection of color or clear plastic zip bags at BuyPlasticBagsDirect.com. Purchase reclosable economy plastic zip bags from Anchor Box. Just ensure you meet the minimum purchase amount for UPS shipments. Their 2 mil clear plastic zipper bags range in dimensions from 1 1/2" x 2" up to 13" x 15".

Rely on plastic zipper bags designed for specific purposes

When necessary, order bags that help prevent metal corrosion, keep out moisture or meet other special requirements.

I recommend: When you need bags that provide protection from multi-metal corrosion, consider the 10 inch by 12 inch VCI zipper bag from KPR ADCOR. The 4-mil thick volatile corrosion inhibitor (VCI) bags come in clear transparent, blue tint or custom colors and meet military specifications. To protect small components or products from dust, debris or moisture, purchase the zipper top shielding bags or zipper top pink anti-static bags from Bradley's. This company provides bulk discounts and can often ship next day. Order the zip top clear plastic bag from Hillas Packaging. A case includes 1,000 of the 100% virgin low-density polyethylene resin zip bags that meet FDA/USDA specifications. Store your company's food products in the BagCo Superior Zippit Colorline 2Mil resealable plastic bags from United States Plastic. The bags comply with FDA standards, come in several sizes and work with light and heavy-duty applications.

Give your product a stand-out look with customized zipper bags

Add your logo, different colors or a special design to your bags for added flair and easy name recognition.

I recommend: Look for zipper poly bag manufacturers like Excellent Poly for custom printed bags to help market your food product. Contact them for a quote or additional information. Visit Plus Packaging to start building your own custom zipper bags. The website lets you upload your company logo and view it on pre-selected bags. Go to GTZIP.com to buy ultra clear, standard, heavy duty or specialty zip lock bags. While you must order at least 1,000 bags, you can also customize them to use in tradeshows or place on store shelves.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't let 2 mil or 4 mil thicknesses confuse you when you look at the bag specifications. A standard household Ziploc brand sandwich bag equals 1.5 mil. Generally, heavier freezer zip lock bags equal 1.75 mil. For standard industry thickness, go with 2 mil zipper bags.

If you're in the market for zipper bags, you'll have a variety of choices. First, consider what the bags will be used for: Some have special handles to make them easier to hang; others come with white blocks printed on the front for writing information. You can also have bags custom printed with your logo and content information.

Zipper bags have a wide variety of uses. Those in the medical field will appreciate the special biohazard bags with an attached pouch, whereas eco-friendly businesses may choose biodegradable zipper bags. Some bags are specially treated to prevent the contents from corroding or tarnishing. Once you know what your product needs, enjoy selecting from the wide array of zipper bag choices.

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Biohazard specimen bags

Biohazard specimen bags protect health care workers from contamination. These special zipper bags seal tightly to prevent leaks and come with an attached pouch to hold medical information. Having everything in one unit means less lost paperwork. The bags also meet OSHA specs.

I recommend: International Plastics describes biohazard specimen bags and their advantages.

Biodegradable plastic bags

One of the concerns with using plastic for zipper bags is that when the bags have outlived their usefulneess, they add to the landfills and cause a major pollution problem. One way around this is to select zipper bags that are biodegradable. These zipper bags begin to break down within a specified amount of time, so be sure to use them only for products with a short shelf life.

I recommend: EF/Bags explains the differences between degradable bags, which break down within 18 months, and compostable bags, which break down within 30-60 days.

Anti-tarnish bags

Anti-tarnish bags contain a special film inside that prevents tarnish on platinum, gold and silver. These zipper bags are ideal for jewelry storage and sales because they neutralize the corrosive gases that attack precious metals. They can also be used for small metal parts.

I recommend: United States Plastic Corporation describes anti-tarnish zipper bags.

Barrier Film

Barrier film protects the contents of a zipper bag by reducing the amount of gases that flow through the plastic. Saran-PVDC, nylon, polyethylene and polyester can all be used as barrier film. Which film you choose depends on the product you are selling. For example, polyethylene provides a moisture barrier, whereas Saran-PVDC keeps out oxygen.

I recommend: For more information on the types of film available and the best uses for each, visit Bradley's Plastic Bag Company.

Static-shielding bags

One option when selecting zipper bags is the static-shielding bag. This zipper bag is made with a metal-based lining either closer to the interior or to the exterior. An interior shield protects against damage from electro-static fields, and the exterior shield neutralizes static charges when the bag is touched.

I recommend: Protective Packaging explains the uses of static-shielding bags.

Wicketed bags

Wicketed bags are handy if you or your customers are using zipper bags to hold products. Wicketed bags are held together on a wire wicket that holds the bag open so customers can easily insert items, then when they pull off their bag, the zipper bag behind it is ready for the next customer.

I recommend: KG Marketing & Bag Company and A-Pac Manufacturing have information on wicketed bags.