Greater than 150 years ago, a pair of Englishmen got here up with an invention that might without end change the shipping industry. They created wave-shaped (or pleated) paper, originally used as lining to strengthen top hats. Since then, the fabric and its use has evolved right into a now familiar shipping product: the corrugated cardboard box.
Today, this pleated paper present in certain protective product packaging has turn into standard within the shipping industry. Cost-effective, sturdy, environmentally friendly, and simply recyclable, the corrugated cardboard box is a preferred pick for small businesses when shipping products. Listed below are the varieties of low-cost shipping boxes available, and where you possibly can go to seek out them.
Sorts of shipping boxes
There are several options for boxes in terms of shipping your goods. Listed below are just a few selections:
- Corrugated cardboard boxes. The most well-liked shipping material as a result of its strength and reliability, corrugated boxes contain multiple layers of paper in tight wave shapes, which creates a thicker, denser option for safeguarding worthwhile goods.
- Cardboard boxes. Regular cardboard boxes are thinner, generally produced from a single layer of paper stock or heavy paper pulp. These are still a versatile option in terms of shipping materials, although they are sometimes less durable or long-lasting than their corrugated counterparts.
- Poly boxes. Constructed of a polyethylene film, poly boxes are flexible and reusable options which can be low-cost, customizable, and reliable. They can even help protect contents through a mix of water resistance and padding.
- Insulated boxes. Combining the structure of a cardboard or corrugated box with a styrofoam or polyurethane interior, insulated shipping boxes are for shipping perishable goods resembling food, plants, or other temperature-sensitive items.
10 places to seek out low-cost shipping boxes
The worldwide corrugated box industry is predicted to succeed in $107 billion by 2028, in accordance with a recent report by Zion Market Research. This implies there are many places to purchase boxes for what you are promoting, including:
1. Amazon
Amazon has quite a lot of shipping supplies, including shipping boxes. The web retailer has a big selection of box configurations and dimensions (there are roughly 9,000 results for a search of “shipping boxes”). It offers shipping on to your door, in addition to free two-day shipping with an Amazon Prime membership. Prices range from a pair of greenbacks for one box to several thousand dollars for bulk orders.
2. Shipping firms
Large shipping firms resembling USPS, FedEx, DHL, and UPS all offer free shipping supplies, including boxes and mailers, for those who use their services. Although this limits you to using a certain company (like USPS for those who select to make use of their Priority Mail boxes), it may be an excellent strategy to lower your expenses in the long term. Prices range from free to around $100 for specialty boxes.
3. Goal
Goal has a big choice of a few of the most cost effective boxes and mailers available. Visiting any of their nearly 2,000 brick-and-mortar US stores can prevent money in comparison with ordering packing supplies online. Prices for boxes range from just a few dollars to several hundred dollars for bulk orders.
4. Walmart
You should purchase boxes online or in person at Walmart. Lots of their locations are open 24/7, making the retail giant an excellent selection in a pinch. Prices range from lower than $1 to around $100 for larger orders.
5. Staples
Although the corporate has limited retail locations, Staples offers loads of options in terms of mailing supplies, including shipping boxes. For those who buy boxes online, you possibly can sort them by size, shape, and box type. Prices range from $1 to tons of of dollars.
6. Home Depot
Home Depot has a wide array of professional quality boxes, including large boxes and specialty moving boxes, resembling wardrobe and TV boxes. Home Depot also sells kits that include quite a lot of various kinds of boxes and packing materials. Although typically used for moving, they may also be used for shipping. Prices range from $5 to around $500 for packs of 90 boxes.
7. Lowes
Lowes has a large choice of boxes and a few mailing supplies. The house improvement store carries Duck, Bankers Box, and its own store brand of boxes as well. Prices range from $1 to about $1,000.
8. U-Haul
Generally known as “the moving experts,” U-Haul sells a spread of specialised packing materials, like packing peanuts, bubble wrap, corrugated paper, storage boxes, and box kits. These could be ordered online or purchased in person. Prices for boxes range from around $1 to $500.
9. Packagingsupplies.com
A specialty online retailer specializing in boxes and other packaging supplies, this site sells quite a lot of products that could be delivered straight to your door. You may shop by dimension and shape, making it easy to seek out the proper box. Prices start at just a few dollars for the smallest sizes.
10. Grocery stores
An unexpected—and readily accessible—stop in your seek for shipping boxes must be your local food market. It’s a convenient place to seek out low-cost—and even free—boxes. Many stores give away produce or other food boxes earmarked for recycling. During your next visit, ask a manager about stock delivery days so you possibly can schedule pickup when there’s a big selection to select from.
The best way to save on shipping boxes with Shopify
Shipping boxes for what you are promoting could be expensive depending on the sort, size, and weight of the box, shipping fees, and lots of other aspects. Understanding the fundamentals of shipping will allow you to reduce shipping costs and remain competitive as a small shop.
Those that partner with Shopify can cut their shipping costs. By utilizing Shopify Shipping, merchants have the flexibility to save as much as 88% on shipping costs within the US, and may send products all over the world.
Shopify merchants based within the US or Canada can receive pre-negotiated discounted shipping rates from major carriers resembling USPS, UPS, DHL Express, Canada Post, and Sendle. This implies you might offer cheaper (or free) flat-rate shipping to your customers, supplying you with a leg up on the competition.
Through Shopify’s dashboard, you possibly can manage your products, customers, inventory, and shipping. This includes purchasing and printing shipping labels to send out orders faster. Shopify Shipping also offers discounts on international shipping, and may robotically generate customs forms.
Streamline and save with Shopify Shipping
While you ship with Shopify Shipping, you get access to pre-negotiated rates with carriers within the US, Canada, and Australia and you possibly can manage your entire shipping process in a single place.
Start with Shopify Shipping
Low cost shipping boxes FAQ
Are boxes free at USPS?
Yes, their signature boxes, resembling Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes, are free for those who ship them through USPS. Flat rate options, like those offered by USPS, is usually a cost-saver for firms since the shipping prices are predictable and won’t fluctuate as a result of dimensions or weight. These costs could be reduced further by working through Shopify Shipping, which offers discounted rates on USPS shipping.
Are UPS boxes free?
UPS’s branded boxes (like UPS Worldwide Express) are free for individuals who use UPS shipping services. The corporate makes money by charging for shipping. Nonetheless, these costs could be offset through the use of Shopify Shipping, which offers discounted UPS shipping rates within the US and Canada, and internationally.
Are there any environmentally friendly options for affordable shipping boxes?
Generally, shipping boxes are environmentally friendly. Based on the American Forest and Paper Association, as of 2021, the recycling rate for old corrugated cardboard boxes—was greater than 91%. There are also several online retailers, including EcoEnclose, that sell specifically eco-focused shipping materials, including boxes.
Can I buy low-cost shipping boxes preassembled or do I actually have to assemble them myself?
Typically, you should have to assemble shipping boxes yourself, as they’re sold broken down.
