July 09, 2018

Are You Paying Too Much For Shipping?

No one in the world wants to pay more for something than they need to, but we all do it at one time or another.  It takes some serious vigilance and research to make sure that you are always getting the best deal.  Shoppers drive from store to store, or more appropriately today surf from site to site, looking for ways to save a few bucks.  Shipping costs are no different.

But do you?

When it comes to your shipping charges, when is the last time you conducted an internal investigation to make sure that you are doing all the right things to keep your costs as low as they could be without sacrificing quality?

Here are a few things to consider as you assess your shipping behavior:

  1. Are you using the right container? Yes, we are in the business of printing and manufacturing boxes, but in some cases, a box is not your best bet. If your item(s) are fragile, stick with a box, but if not, a paper or plastic mailer envelope may satisfy the need and keep your shipping weight low. If you still find that you need a box, there are many alternatives to RSC’s (regular slotted cartons).
  2. Could you use a smaller size? – You may just be using a box that is a stock size or is the size “We have always used”, when a nonstandard size might save you money in the long run. It pays to have a professional look at your situation and do some calculations on your behalf. Also remember that the size of the carton can also effect the shipping costs!

 

  1. Could you use a different board grade? – Depending on your contents and application, you could benefit from changing to a different board grade. Or the board grade you purchase may be “the board grade we have always used”. Again, a packaging professional can assist you in determining the board grade that is best for your application.

 

As always, we are here to help you figure out what is best for YOUR scenario, and to help you find solutions as your needs change.  We would be honored to help you assess your current and future needs, and we are standing by and ready with our expert hats on and problem-solving brains at the ready.