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Off-The-Shelf vs. Custom Mailing Boxes: Which Is Better for E-commerce?

March 10, 2020   Business

If you have an online business, one of the major decisions you make every day is about allocating resources. Regardless of how well your company is doing, unnecessary spending could hurt your bottom line. That is why every aspect of running your enterprise matters. One such essential aspect is the packaging. Since there are many options available to choose from, we will take a closer look and compare custom boxes and off-the-shelf boxes.

What are off-the-shelf boxes, and what are the advantages?

Standard packaging or mailing boxes are available from many suppliers. According to www.ukplc.co.uk, the main advantages of using stock mailing boxes are:

  • Availability
  • Variety
  • Convenient inventory management
  • Affordable cost

Many suppliers offer a broad range of options specifically designed for e-commerce merchants. Since these are ordered off-the-shelf, they are available right away with minimal wait times.

When are stock mailing boxes the better option?

To determine whether buying stock mailing boxes is a better option for your business, the first thing to consider is your budget. Most start-ups use off-the-shelf packaging options because they are cheaper than having one custom made for you. However, choosing stock packaging doesn’t mean you are sacrificing quality. If you take the time to find an excellent supplier, you will find that these mailing boxes work fine every time.

Another consideration is the type of products you are selling. If standard packaging sizes are sufficient, there is no need to go the extra mile of having one made for you. But, do make sure that you can at least have your brand printed out on the boxes if possible. Lastly, consider whether you have different products that would fit using the same standard-sized box. If so, then ordering them in bulk will help save you time and money.

Indeed, stock mailing boxes are popular because they are convenient and easy to use. Choosing to buy from a packaging supplier depends on your needs and your business requirements. Take the time to list down the advantages of buying pre-made packaging before you decide if it’s the more suitable option.

What are custom mailing boxes, and what are the advantages?

Custom or bespoke mailing boxes are specifically made according to the design and specifications required by the client. One of the main advantages of custom packaging is branding. Since you can choose the colour and style, you have the opportunity to showcase your brand using the packaging. Many high-end brands use custom packaging for their products precisely because of this reason.

However, bespoke packaging will cost more than stock mailing boxes. The supplier will also need time to fulfil the order; hence, it may not be the best choice if you need them for rush orders. But as a marketing strategy, it is perhaps an excellent idea to consider having them in your inventory for special product offers. Your customers will surely appreciate it when your items come in a custom and unique mailing box.

Our key takeaway here is that both of these options have advantages and drawbacks. Once you identify your needs as an e-commerce business, you can decide which packaging option is the better choice.

 

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