Poly Mailers vs. Shipping Boxes: Which One to Choose?
Product shipping packaging is a crucial item for the safe delivery of products. Shipping packaging serves more than the product’s safety purposes. High-quality shipping packaging reflects the effort made by the seller, and using custom poly mailers and boxes creates a memorable unboxing experience for customers.
Making a shipping package decision requires careful assessment of the tangible product features. Using an extra large corrugated box without fillers for a small and delicate item will result in damage during the shipping process, prompting bad reviews from distressed customers. Several factors need to be considered before choosing a shipping package for a product, as different products need different types of packaging. Besides, different shipping methods also play an important role in deciding the type of packaging due to extra affecting factors. Following are some considerations that will cover all the factors comprehensively.
Types of Poly Mailer Packaging and Their Benefits
The two most common packaging mediums are custom poly mailers, custom shipping bags with logos, and custom corrugated boxes. Poly mailers are flat bags made of plastic, which is ideal for shipping non-fragile items such as clothing and books. There are several types of poly mailers: normal poly mailers, bubble mailers, compostable/recyclable poly mailers, and kraft poly mailers. Each poly mailer has a different level of padding depending on the product’s fragility.
On the other hand, corrugated boxes are designed using cardboard with air columns between them. Corrugated boxes require fillers to occupy the empty space between the product and the box walls. Sellers should select one of the following tapes to seal and secure their packages: Water-activated or carton sealing tape.
Why Should Sellers Opt For Poly Mailers?
- Size and Quantity of the Product
The size and the quantity of the product influence the packaging type. Where the product is small and durable, and the package contains only one product, poly mailers are ideal as they reduce the size of the shipment. Smaller shipment sizes cost less than larger ones. Purchasing printed poly mailer bags in bulk costs 0.25 cents compared to corrugated boxes, which cost 1.25 cents, significantly reducing the shipping costs of the product.
- Eco-friendly
The world’s most sustainable poly mailer is made with 100% recycled content and 50% post-consumer waste. There is a general consensus that poly mailer is 100% eco-friendly due to the biodegradable nature of plastic. The same applies to printed shipping bags. More and more businesses are taking action to promote smaller carbon footprints. Plastic packaging is one of them.
- Easy Management: Space and Packing
Poly mailer is space-efficient, as it fits in the minimum amount of space required to house the package. Also, the poly mailers are easier to pack because all the person has to do is put the item in the bag and seal it. Packaging management that is more efficient saves money by requiring fewer packager hours.
- Protection from Mechanical Damage and Waterproofing
Selecting bubble wrap poly mailers for items like jewelry or other small, fragile treasures and trinkets can protect these items from mechanical damage due to sudden jolts and movements during the shipping process. Poly mailers are equipped with the ability to prevent water-related damages and any moisture that can compromise the quality of the product.
Why Should Sellers Opt for Corrugated Boxes?
- Easier to Customize
Customized packaging can fit the product perfectly in the shipment package. Using generic boxes that are not tailored to the product sizes is not just an eyesore for the customer during unboxing; the larger boxes unnecessarily occupy more storage space, leading to higher storage costs eating up some of the profit.
- Unique Branding
The customer experience is not limited to the usage of the product. The customer has a unique eCommerce experience because of every part of the buying process. Why not use branding on packaging to leave a strong impact on the customer? Taking advantage of the unboxing experience (as customers anticipate this part of the buying experience the most) can serve as a marketing opportunity and retain the buyer as a loyal customer. Incorporating the brand colors and the logo on the corrugated boxes can provide the customer with an exclusive experience.
- Even Stronger
The corrugated box is stronger than its poly mailer counterparts. Unlike poly mailers, there is little risk of the box tearing during the shipping process if the product does not have sharp edges. The air columns prevent moisture, making them the best option for perishable goods like food and flowers.
- Lightweight and Durable
Corrugated boxes are lightweight yet durable enough to withstand the weight of the heavier products inside. Paper fillings can be used to fill the extra space within the box. Paper fillings, including packaging paper, shredded cardboard, bubble wrap, and air cushions, are lightweight and protect the product in case it drops during the shipment journey. To create environmentally friendly packaging, paper fillings are also made from eco-friendly materials.
There is a rule of thumb to keep in mind while selecting the appropriate packaging, whether the seller wants to go for wholesale poly mailers or wholesale corrugated boxes for their products: the product is at the center of the packaging process. The quality and durability of the product decide the features included in the packaging of an item. The quality of the products can only be maintained if they are carefully packaged. Visit here to learn more about customized shipping packaging.
