Save time, money and hassle with Walmart Business!
What is the first thing a customer will notice about the item they ordered from your organization when it arrives at their front door? The packaging. Its quality, its condition, signs of the way in which it was handled.
Customers care about these details. Since they expect their orders to be safely delivered, the packing and shipping materials you use can have a big positive impact on your organization’s success.  Â
This handy guide will help you understand what you need to consider when buying professional packing and shipping materials, and why you should buy them at Walmart Business. Let’s get started.
Why Are Packing and Shipping Materials Important?Â
For organizations that ship products to customers, the right materials make all the difference. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider investing in proper packing material.
Product protection and loss reduction
Whether your organization ships fragile items or bulk goods, the right materials matter. They can prevent avoidable damage to your products, improving the odds that your customer receives their order in good condition.
The right materials make for a better customer interaction. They help your organization avoid the financial and reputational loss from customers who want a refund for receiving damaged goods.
Better, more efficient delivery
Stocking up on boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and labels can help your team pack and ship products faster, reducing labor costs and saving valuable time. The more you invest in efficient packing and shipping materials, the more time you save on potential bottlenecks so you can focus on growth and customer service.
Industry standards and regulations
Depending on what you are packing and shipping, you may need to buy certain kinds of materials, like insulation for perishable goods or padding for hazardous items. Using professional-grade materials helps your organization stay within industry regulations, so you can avoid penalties and maintain customer trust.
Cost savings and investment returns
Investing in durable packing materials may lead to long-term savings. High-quality materials do a better job of preventing orders from being damaged in transit, minimizing returns and improving customer satisfaction.
Professionalism and brand image
Thoughtful packaging makes for a better brand image. It reflects your organization’s professionalism and attention to detail. Custom boxes, branded tape, or premium packing solutions create a memorable unboxing experience for customers, reinforcing your brand identity and boosting customer loyalty.
What Packing and Shipping Materials Do You Need?
No matter what industry you work in, there are some basic packing and shipping materials you’ll need if you want to ship products to customers. Here are just a few.
1. Boxes and Cartons
Corrugated boxes and cartons are the backbone of shipping operations. Available in various sizes and strengths, they accommodate products ranging from lightweight items to heavy-duty goods.
Want to add a bit of flair to a brown cardboard box? Put your organization’s logo on it. You would be amazed how even little details like that can impact a customer’s response when their order arrives.
2. Bubble Wrap and Cushioning Materials
Fragile items need lots of protection during shipping. Bubble wrap, foam rolls, and air pillows provide cushioning to prevent damage. These materials are ideal for electronics, glassware, and other delicate products.
3. Packing Tape and Dispensers
Essential for securely sealing boxes, heavy-duty tape ensures packages remain intact during transit. You can add a little more personality to your packaging by using tape branded with your organization’s logo and slogan.
4. Shipping Labels and Stickers
Shipping labels and stickers are essential for any well-run delivery business. They help identify packages, track shipments, and ensure proper handling. Thermal labels are also important; their durability makes them ideal for high-volume delivery organizations.
5. Mailers and Envelopes
Poly mailers, padded envelopes, and flat mailers are budget-friendly materials perfect for shipping lightweight items such as clothing, documents, or small accessories.
6. Stretch Wrap and Pallet Covers
For bulk shipments, use stretch wrap and pallet covers. They can secure items on pallets, preventing them from moving during transit and protecting goods from dust, moisture, and other elements.
7. Void Fillers
Packing peanuts, crumpled paper, and air pillows stop items from sliding around inside boxes during transit. This is particularly useful for shipping fragile items or items with unique shapes and dimensions.
8. Shipping Scales and Tools
When you’re trying to figure out how much shipping your products will cost, you need to be able to accurately weigh and measure them. By doing this, you are ensuring that your organization is in line with industry rules and requirements.
Digital shipping scales and measuring tools can help your organization avoid overpaying for shipping, making your deliveries more efficient.
Which Brands Offer Packing and Shipping Materials for Businesses?
When you’re shopping for your organization, make sure to do some research about the brands that make the products you need. Here are just a few to get you started.
Great Value
Walmart’s own brand offers affordable packing materials such as boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. Great Value products are perfect for organizations looking to save a little more on top-notch materials.
Scotch
A household name, Scotch is renowned for their durable packing tape and secure sealing for all types of packages, making them a reliable choice for your organization.
3M
Celebrated for the reliability of their products, 3M provides innovative packing solutions, including industrial-strength tapes and protective films. If your organization needs heavy-duty options for shipping and storage, their products are a great place to start.
Duck Brand
Offering a wide range of packing tapes, bubble wraps, and mailers that combine affordability with quality, Duck Brand products are beloved by small businesses and startups.
Bubble Wrap
No wonder Bubble Wrap has become so iconic. Their cushioning materials offer such great protection for fragile items that they have become an industry standard.
Why is Walmart Business the Right Place to buy Packing and Shipping Materials?
Shopping for packing and shipping materials is easy with Walmart Business+. As a member, you can enjoy over $500 a year in savings1 and exclusive limited-time offers. Plans start at just $98 annually and offer key features that simplify your search, such as:
- Free delivery from store, $35 minimum2: Save time in your calendar when you let us drop off items at your workplace.
- Free shipping, no order minimum3: Relax! Walmart Business will ship to you at no extra cost.
- Earn 2% back in Walmart Business Rewards4: Get big rewards to go along with your big-ticket items. Save up rewards and use them towards your purchase, so you can stock up the budget-friendly way.
- Access to Spend Analytics: This handy tool will automatically itemize your purchases, track how much they cost and record how many times you’ve bought them.
- Mobile Scan & Go: Purchase packing and shipping materials in-store by scanning them using your Walmart app and bypass the checkout line, so you can a little extra time on your shopping runs.
A Walmart Business+ membership isn’t just a better way to shop for your organization. It’s a way to save time, money and hassle getting the packing and shipping materials you need.
So, what are you waiting for? Learn about all the ways Walmart Business can help you when sign up for your free account.
Disclaimers
1 Savings based on 1 free delivery $35+ order vs. $9.95 fee and 1 free shipping order under $35 vs. $6.99 fee biweekly, plus 2% Walmart Business rewards on monthly order >$250 (average value $400).
2 Restrictions apply.
3 Excludes most Marketplace items. Freight & location surcharges may apply.
4 Rewards can only be used towards future purchases on Walmart Business. Maximum earned or redeemed rewards per day is $1,000 per organization. Total rewards balance cannot exceed $2,000 at any given time. Only the primary account administrator can redeem rewards.
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