Guide to Boxes for Packaging, Shipping and Storage

Who knew that simple boxes could have so many important uses in your business? Packaging boxes and shipping boxes are essential to most companies. Without them, your goods might be damaged while in transit to customers - and that wouldn’t be good for business. Retailers can benefit from retail gift boxes that make a strong marketing statement. Boxes also come in handy for storing files, documents and other materials. With hundreds of suppliers and box configurations, you have a dizzying array of choices when it comes to packaging boxes, shipping boxes, retail gift boxes and storage boxes. To zero in on the right boxes for your business:

1. Determine the types and sizes you need most in cardboard boxes or plastic boxes.
2. Analyze your shipping volume to determine if you should be buying shipping boxes in bulk.
3. For shipping boxes, consider the fragility and weight of the products you’re sending.
4. Select retail gift boxes that fit your company image.
5. Choose storage boxes designed for the items you’re storing.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Go to the specialists for shipping boxes, packaging boxes and storage boxes

For the widest variety of shipping boxes and storage boxes, go to shipping supply providers and packaging suppliers. These retailers offer cardboard boxes and corrugated boxes for bulk cargo, hazardous shipping, mailers, storage and more.

I recommend: For hundreds of types of shipping boxes and sizes of packaging boxes, including economy options and heavy-duty varieties, see Uline Shipping Supplies, PackagingPrice.com and Paper Mart. Find more suppliers of mailing boxes at Business.com.

Look for cardboard boxes in special sizes

Just because cardboard boxes in basic sizes are the cheapest doesn't mean they'll be the most economical for your business. If you send items that are tall or flat, choose cardboard shipping boxes that are designed specifically for those types of items - they'll protect your products and will eliminate additional and costly packing materials needed to fill boxes that are too big for your goods.

I recommend: Rand Materials Handling offers specialty boxes, such as tall boxes, long corrugated boxes, side-loaded boxes, flat shipping boxes, corrugated boxes for literature mailing, and more.

Choose custom cardboard boxes

If the cardboard box sizes you need aren't readily available, look for a custom box supplier that offers custom shipping boxes, custom packaging boxes and custom storage boxes.

I recommend: PackNBoxNow.com lets you choose the box style, box dimensions and box strength you need with no minimum quantities required.

Get free shipping boxes from FedEx or UPS

Cut costs by ordering free shipping boxes from the major delivery services. Of course, you'll need to ship your products using that shipping service to take advantage of the free boxes.

I recommend: Sign up for a business account with FedEx or UPS to get free shipping boxes in a variety of sizes.

Find cheap cardboard boxes

Opting for gently used boxes can save you lots of money if you do high-volume shipping.

I recommend: Used Cardboard Boxes offers a variety of used boxes, misprinted boxes and overrun cardboard boxes at reduced rates.

Select retail gift boxes

Many upscale retailers use retail gift boxes to wrap and protect purchases. Retail gift boxes can lend an air of distinction to your products. They can also boost your marketing efforts if the retail gift box is re-used for gift-giving.

I recommend: Find dozens of retail gift box styles at The Box Depot.

Source product packaging boxes

Make a great first impression with shoppers; get product packaging boxes that will move your product off the shelves.

I recommend: Find a packaging designer at Guru.com and a contract manufacturer of product packaging boxes at Contract Packaging Design Magazine or Business.com's packaging directory.

Consider plastic boxes

Plastic boxes are often ideal for business storage and shipping needs. Plastic protects materials during shipping and long-term storage.

I recommend: For a vast selection of plastic storage boxes and plastic shipping boxes, try U.S. Box Corp. or check the listings for plastic boxes at Business.com.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Buying shipping boxes and packaging boxes in bulk can reduce costs, but make sure you have adequate space to store them.
• If you need shipping boxes only infrequently, look for vendors that have low minimum quantity ordering requirements.
• Reorder cardboard shipping boxes and packaging boxes, including retail gift boxes, before you run out so you always have adequate supplies on hand.

The official source of Boxes for Packaging, Shipping and Storage is
the Boxes page at Business.com