Boxes, crates, pallets, and even packing tape are flying off the shelves at a faster rate than ever before. That’s because consumers have become spoiled by online shopping and expect their purchases to be delivered to their doorstep overnight and for free.
It’s called the “Amazon Effect”, named for the giant online retailer that is single-handedly changing the face of many industries.
Now practically every other business — from longtime retailing giants like Sears and JCPenney’s to the tiniest startups — are scrambling to catch up, seeking ways to provide fast, free (or at least affordable) delivery to their customers.
The Delivery Challenge
Getting deliveries to customers quickly with the lowest cost possible can be a big challenge for many businesses. Should you create your own delivery infrastructure or rely on UPS, FedEx, or even the US Postal System? And how can you pass delivery expenses on to customers directly or seamlessly build them into the cost of the products themselves?
However packages are delivered, they need to arrive at their destinations intact, without damage or wear. Purchases need to arrive on customers’ doorsteps in exactly the same condition they left the warehouse or distribution center.
A single package may travel hundreds or even thousands of miles. During that time, your products may in the hands of third-party logistics providers and completely out of your control. To ensure they are delivered safely, it’s critical to package them properly on your end.
Proper Packaging Essential
The key is to use high-quality packaging materials, be careful when wrapping products for transport, and be smart about how, where, and when you deliver your products.
Unless you own a multi-billion dollar conglomerate with unlimited infrastructure, you probably aren’t going to be able to create your own delivery system outside of your zip code. That means you will need to depend on outside companies that specialize in deliveries.
Most shippers charge by the package’s weight, its size, or a combination of both. So it is important that you keep your packages as small and light as possible while still providing adequate protection from damage during transport.
Using reinforced cardboard boxes, light filler materials, and state-of-the-art packaging equipment will help keep your freight charges down as well as the number of products returned due to damage during transport.
Bahrns.com offers a wide variety of packaging materials, supplies, and equipment to keep your business competitive in the age of fast, cheap delivery. To learn more about how Bahrns.com can help improve your product packaging, visit our website or call our helpful customer support.