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Whether your small business operations involve delivering merchandise to clients, safeguarding important files, or relocating to a new office, boxes play an indispensable role.
However, the cost of these boxes and accompanying packing materials can steadily accumulate, often making a noticeable dent in your company’s profit margin.
As a means to counteract this expense, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide, spotlighting the most economical sources to purchase boxes and shipping supplies.
We’ve also peppered this guide with invaluable tips on how to procure free boxes for shipping and office use so as to amplify your savings even more!
The shipping box universe is quite diverse, offering a broad spectrum of shapes, sizes, and designs to cater to varying shipping requirements.
These range from your everyday square or rectangular corrugated cardboard box to specialized, custom-branded boxes that add a touch of personalization. Here’s a brief rundown of the most commonly employed varieties.
Affordable shipping boxes are not as elusive as one might think. It’s about dedicating some time to conduct your research and identify companies that offer the most value for your money.
If you’re looking to save a few dollars, this guide lists ten of the very best places to buy boxes and small business shipping supplies cheap. Options include online and in-store retail.
AmazonOffers a vast selection of shipping supplies, available for Prime members.25-pack of 9 x 6 x 4" white boxes for $21.99.UlineWholesale company offering same-day shipping with orders before 6:00 p.m.25-pack of 8 x 4 8" boxes for $0.56 per box when bought in bulk.WalmartOffers in-store and online purchases with free shipping for orders over $35.25-pack of 10 x 6 x 4 cardboard boxes for $17.70.Lowe'sWide selection of box sizes in-store or online.8 x 4.75 x 11.75" box for 98 cents.TargetBrick-and-mortar locations with affordable rates.Scotch brand 9.5 x 6 x 3.75" box for $1.79.eBayE-commerce site with a store for eBay branded supplies.200 8.5 x 12" bubble padded mailers for $33.06.Packagingsupplies.comSpecializes in selling shipping supplies at wholesale prices.10 x 10 x 10" boxes range from $18.75 to $31.50 for a set of 25.StaplesOffers expert advice and customizes a program to fit shipping needs.20 x 14 x 14" box costs $42.08 for a bundle of 20.The BoxerySpecializes in boxes and shipping supplies.25-pack of 8 x 8 x 8" cardboard boxes for $0.43 per box.U-HaulWide variety of products for sale, suited for moving and storage.Large moving box, 18 x 18 x 24" for $1.99 each.Online ordering from Amazon is one of the most popular online shopping companies for several reasons: free two-day shipping for Amazon Prime members, tons of vendors to buy from, and customer reviews on every product, just to name. a few.
Amazon carries all kinds of shipping boxes and supplies, including everything from poly mailers to packaging tape to boxes. A search on the term “shipping supplies” yields over 6,000 results.
Amazon price examples include a 25-pack of 9 x 6 x 4″ white corrugated cardboard boxes for $21.99, with additional savings if the purchaser chooses the available coupon.
A 15-pack of “Amazon Basics” moving boxes size 16 x 10 x 10″ is $28.66, and a set of 10 18 x 15 x 14″ “Bankers Box” file storage boxes will run you $34.99.
Uline is a wholesale company with 38,500 shipping and packing supplies to choose from covering several categories.
The company ships from 12 warehouses across North America with same-day shipping if you order before 6:00 p.m. Over 99% of the time, the customer receives the order in one business day.
If you buy in bulk, Uline can be more than 50% less expensive than Amazon. For example, if you buy a pack of 25 8 x 4 8″ boxes, we pay just $0.56 per box. You can also order in volumes of 100, 250, 500, and 1,000 plus.
Locations across the country make Walmart a convenient place to purchase boxes and other shipping supplies for a low price.
You can also order at Walmart.com for delivery to your door or pick up at your local store.
Prices are reasonable, too. A 25-pack of corrugated cardboard boxes 10 x 6 x 4 is $17.70 per case. A pack of 10 x 13″ 100 poly mailer bags runs $7.99. Free shipping is also available for orders over $35.
Shoppers can find a broad selection of sizes in-store or online at Lowes.com. A couple of examples: An 8 x 4.75 x 11.75″ recycled cardboard moving box sells for 98 cents per box, while a Lowe’s branded medium TV or picture box size 36 x 21 x 6.5″ is $17.98. It comes with four protective corners and a foam bag.
Target may not be the first company that comes to mind when you think of boxes and shipping supplies, but don’t be misled.
They have brick-and-mortar locations across the country and offer products at affordable rates. Plus, many consumers prefer the shopping experience to that of Walmart.
As to prices, a Scotch brand 9.5 x 6 x 3.75″ moving or storage box is $1.79. A pack of Scotch brand 125 sq. ft. cushion bubble wrap is $26.99. And you can get a roll of Scotch heavy-duty shipping tape with a dispenser for $3.29.
Online auction and e-commerce site eBay has a shipping supply store that sells eBay branded supplies. While it provides a welcome option for eBay sellers short on shipping supplies, it may not be the best choice where the price is concerned.
For instance, a set of 100 6.5 x 9.25″ padded bubble mailer envelopes will run you $31.21. Twenty-five 12 x 10 x 8″ cardboard boxes are $31.74.
To find more affordable supplies requires some search. You can take the long route, starting with “Business & Industrial” in the main menu, and work your way from there.
However, typing “shipping supplies” in the search field takes you directly to the “Packaging & Shipping” section, where you can find everything you need, from poly mailers to bubble wrap to boxes and more.
Here, 200 8.5 x 12″ Kraft bubble padded shipping mailers are just $33.06. A 50-pack of 4 x 3 x 2″ corrugated delivery boxes is $28.90 (that’s less than 58 cents each). You won’t find the eBay logo on the box, but it will save money on the purchase!
You could argue that the best place to buy boxes, packaging, and shipping supplies is from a store specializing in those products. Packagingsupplies.com is just that, an e-commerce site that sells packaging supplies and shipping supplies at wholesale prices.
One unique feature is a search engine where you enter the box dimensions, and it finds options for you. A search for 10 x 10 x 10″ box, for example, returns a half-dozen products ranging in price from $18.75 to $31.50 for a set of 25.
Click “shipping supplies” from the menu, and you get more than 40 categories of products —everything from shipping envelopes to packing peanuts to hazmat products. Packagingsupplies.com is ideally suited for high-volume shippers.
The office supply store Staples distinguishes itself by offering expert advice to help you accomplish your shipping and packaging goals, and customizes a program to fit your needs.
You can also find a wide selection of necessary products (bubble wrap, boxes, and other shipping supplies) and get access to material handling equipment, including pallet jacks, hand trucks, and carts. Staples Rewards members get free shipping and delivery with no minimum.
As to packaging, a 20 x 14 x 14″ box costs $42.08 for a bundle of 20. Four rolls of Scotch heavy-duty packing tape is $25.99. Staples brand 12″ x 100′ bubble wrap costs $18.99.
The Boxery is another e-commerce store specializing in boxes and shipping supplies. Just to give you an idea of pricing, a 25-pack of 8 x 8 x 8″ cardboard boxes is 43 cents per box, while a 25-pack of 14 x 14 x 14″ boxes is $1.22 each. You can purchase in quantities of 25, 50, 100, 250, and 1,000 plus.
U-Haul has a wide variety of products for sale. Their boxes are branded, so they are better suited for moving and storage than shipping to customers. The company offers in-store purchases or online ordering with delivery.
Examples of products you can find include a glass pack kit for $10.95, a TV packing kit for $54.70, and large moving boxes, 18 x 18 x 24″ for $1.99 each.
Even when purchased at the most economical rates, boxes do come with a cost, so finding free shipping boxes is always a win. Major delivery service providers such as FedEx, USPS, DHL, and UPS offer free shipping supplies to their customers.
The savings accrued from such offerings can be substantial, especially when you consider the scale of shipping hundreds of products every month.
FedEx provides a variety of ready-to-use, self-sealing packaging, available in multiple shapes and sizes, completely free of charge. This offer stands when you entrust your shipments to FedEx, effectively reducing the overall cost of your delivery process.
USPS provides a wide array of free shipping supplies, easily accessible at your local post office or through the USPS website. They offer free bulk shipping supplies in sets of 10 or 25 for several items.
Their offerings include various mailing options such as Priority Mail boxes, Priority Mail Express, and more.
DHL offers a suite of free shipping supplies that include shipping labels, envelopes, mailers, waybills, padded pouches, tube mailers, boxes, and more. These supplies can be ordered directly from their website at DHL.com.
UPS provides free shipping supplies including express envelopes, shipping forms, stickers, pouches, and even some HAZMAT supplies. You can easily acquire these at the nearest UPS store or by placing an order from the UPS website.
In today’s eco-conscious market, incorporating environmental considerations into packaging choices is not just a moral obligation but also a business strategy that resonates with a growing segment of consumers. Small businesses have the unique opportunity to lead the way in sustainable practices, starting with their packaging.
One of the key elements of environmentally friendly packaging is the use of sustainable materials. Recycled cardboard and biodegradable packing peanuts are excellent examples. These materials break down more easily in the environment, reducing long-term waste. Additionally, using recycled materials can often be cost-effective.
Another aspect is the minimization of waste. This involves evaluating the necessity of each component of your packaging. Can a smaller box be used? Are there eco-friendly alternatives to bubble wrap? Businesses can adopt minimalistic packaging designs that use fewer materials and are more compact, thereby also reducing shipping costs.
Educating your customers about the recyclability and compostability of your packaging can be an added value. Including instructions on how to recycle or dispose of packaging materials responsibly can enhance your brand’s reputation as an environmentally conscious entity.
Local sourcing of packaging materials offers several benefits, both environmentally and economically.
Sourcing boxes and packaging materials from local suppliers drastically cuts down on the transportation required, thereby reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping.
Purchasing locally not only helps reduce environmental impact but also supports the local economy. It fosters community growth and can build valuable, mutually beneficial relationships between your business and local suppliers.
Local sourcing often means faster procurement times and greater flexibility in supply chain management. In case of last-minute needs or adjustments in order requirements, local suppliers can often respond more quickly than distant ones.
For e-commerce businesses, packaging plays a crucial role not only in product protection but also in customer experience and brand perception.
One unique aspect of e-commerce is the frequency of returns. Designing packaging that is easy to open and reseal can make the return process more convenient for customers, enhancing their overall experience with your brand.
Reducing shipping costs is a major concern for e-commerce businesses. Using lightweight yet durable packaging materials can help keep these costs down. Materials such as corrugated bubble wrap or air pillows offer protection without adding much weight.
E-commerce businesses have a unique opportunity to use their packaging as a branding tool. Customized packaging that reflects your brand’s personality and values can create a memorable unboxing experience, encouraging customer loyalty and social media sharing.
Optimizing the size of your packaging is another important consideration. Custom-sized boxes mean less need for additional packing materials and can lower shipping costs. Automated box-sizing technology can be a worthwhile investment for businesses with a high volume of shipments.
Several sources offer free used shipping boxes, albeit with the caveat that you need to be discerning regarding their condition – you certainly wouldn’t want to dispatch a product in a severely damaged box.
Nevertheless, the potential cost savings that used boxes present make them a worthy consideration. Here are six options to start your search:
Amongst the various sources to purchase boxes and shipping supplies, Amazon could arguably be the most cost-effective. If you are an Amazon Prime member, you get the additional perk of free 2-day shipping and delivery, adding to the savings.
The platform’s vast catalogue of boxes and packaging items ensures that you can compare multiple options in terms of size, price, and durability to find the one that suits your needs best.
Also, customer reviews on each item can serve as a guiding light, helping you make more informed, value-for-money purchase decisions, thereby maximizing your savings.
The most economical packaging material is one that costs you nothing. Repurposing available materials such as crumpled or shredded newsprint, tissue paper, or strips of cardboard can serve as effective, cost-free packing materials.
If purchasing is the only option, packing peanuts tend to be one of the most budget-friendly choices. For instance, Uline offers a substantial seven cubic foot bag for just $17.00.
It’s worth noting that the packaging material you choose should strike a balance between cost-efficiency and the ability to adequately protect your items during transit.
When you have an item with unique dimensions and can’t find a commercially available box that fits, making your own box for shipping can be a smart solution.
This DIY approach requires a few basic supplies: sharp scissors, robust glue or staples, sturdy tape, a marker, and a piece of cardboard large enough for your needs. Start by measuring the item you need to ship and draw a template on the cardboard.
Proceed to cut, fold, and glue or staple it into shape, and then reinforce the edges with tape. This method can save you money, while also allowing you to create a box perfectly suited to your item.
Here’s a quick guide:
While eBay doesn’t directly provide free boxes, they offer a significant benefit to their store owners. If you run an eBay store, you receive a shipping coupon each quarter.
This coupon, which can range from $25 to $150, can be used to buy eBay branded shipping supplies. This perk essentially translates into a discount on your shipping supplies, helping to reduce your operational costs.
With multiple delivery services like UPS and FedEx offering various shipping options, it can be challenging to find the most cost-effective method.
Factoring in size and weight, USPS often turns out to be the least costly way to ship a package. Not to forget, the post office also supplies free shipping materials, providing further cost savings.
USPS’s first-class mail services are a budget-friendly choice for shipping lightweight envelopes and packages up to 13 ounces. Prices commence at a mere $3.80 for the lightest packages. This pricing significantly undercuts FedEx and UPS’s flat-rate pricing, making USPS an attractive option for small shipments.
Delivery times are typically between one to three business days. For domestic shipments weighing under 70 pounds, Priority Mail begins at $7.50. However, for larger packages such as furniture and appliances, UPS or FedEx would be the preferred choice.
Cost-Effective Procurement: A Vital Business Strategy Shipping boxes and supplies, seemingly mundane, are crucial for business operations like merchandise delivery, document safety, and office relocations. Their collective cost, however, can impact a company’s profit margins, underscoring the need for strategies that balance quality packaging with cost savings.
Exploring Types and Uses of Shipping Boxes
Top Cost-Effective Places to Purchase We’ve identified ten sources offering value for money:
Accessing Free Shipping Boxes Methods to obtain free boxes can lead to significant cost savings:
Packaging Materials: Cost-Effective and DIY Options
DIY Shipping Boxes: An Innovative Approach Craft custom boxes using simple tools and cardboard to fit unique product dimensions, offering protection and cost savings.
eBay’s Shipping Coupon for Store Owners eBay offers a quarterly coupon ranging from $25 to $150 for eBay store owners, aiding in the purchase of branded shipping supplies and reducing costs for e-commerce businesses.
In this guide, we’ve navigated through the varied landscape of shipping boxes and supplies, providing insights and practical solutions for small businesses to manage their shipping needs effectively and efficiently.
Image: Depositphotos
More than 150 years ago, a pair of Englishmen came up with an invention that would forever change the shipping industry. They created wave-shaped (or pleated) paper, originally used as lining to reinforce top hats. Since then, the material and its use has evolved into a now familiar shipping product: the corrugated cardboard box.
Today, this pleated paper found in certain protective product packaging has become standard in the shipping industry. Cost-effective, sturdy, environmentally friendly, and easily recyclable, the corrugated cardboard box is a popular pick for small businesses when shipping products. Here are the types of cheap shipping boxes available, and where you can go to find them.
There are several options for boxes when it comes to shipping your goods. Here are a few choices:
The worldwide corrugated box industry is expected to reach $107 billion by 2028, according to a recent report by Zion Market Research. This means there are plenty of places to buy boxes for your business, including:
Amazon has a variety of shipping supplies, including shipping boxes. The online retailer has a wide range of box sizes and shapes (there are roughly 9,000 results for a search of “shipping boxes”). It offers shipping directly to your door, as well as free two-day shipping with an Amazon Prime membership. Prices range from a couple of bucks for one box to several thousand dollars for bulk orders.
Large shipping companies such as USPS, FedEx, DHL, and UPS all offer free shipping supplies, including boxes and mailers, if you use their services. Although this limits you to using a certain company (like USPS if you choose to use their Priority Mail boxes), it can be a good way to save money in the long run. Prices range from free to around $100 for specialty boxes.
Target has a large selection of some of the cheapest boxes and mailers available. Visiting any of their nearly 2,000 brick-and-mortar US stores can save you money compared to ordering packing supplies online. Prices for boxes range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars for bulk orders.
You can purchase boxes online or in person at Walmart. Many of their locations are open 24/7, making the retail giant a good choice in a pinch. Prices range from less than $1 to around $100 for larger orders.
Although the company has limited retail locations, Staples offers plenty of options when it comes to mailing supplies, including shipping boxes. If you buy boxes online, you can sort them by size, shape, and box type. Prices range from $1 to hundreds of dollars.
Home Depot has a wide selection of heavy-duty boxes, including large boxes and specialty moving boxes, such as wardrobe and TV boxes. Home Depot also sells kits that include a variety of different types of boxes and packing materials. Although typically used for moving, they can also be used for shipping. Prices range from $5 to around $500 for packs of 90 boxes.
Lowes has a large selection of boxes and some mailing supplies. The home improvement store carries Duck, Bankers Box, and its own store brand of boxes as well. Prices range from $1 to about $1,000.
Known as “the moving experts,” U-Haul sells a variety of specialized packing materials, like packing peanuts, bubble wrap, corrugated paper, storage boxes, and box kits. These can be ordered online or purchased in person. Prices for boxes range from around $1 to $500.
A specialty online retailer focusing on boxes and other packaging supplies, this site sells a variety of products that can be delivered straight to your door. You can shop by dimension and shape, making it easy to find the perfect box. Prices start at a few dollars for the smallest sizes.
An unexpected—and readily accessible—stop in your search for shipping boxes should be your local grocery store. It’s a convenient place to find cheap—or 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 can schedule pickup when there’s a large selection to choose from.
Shipping boxes for your business can be expensive depending on the type, size, and weight of the box, shipping fees, and many other factors. Understanding the basics of shipping will help you reduce shipping costs and remain competitive as a small shop.
Those who partner with Shopify can cut their shipping costs. By using Shopify Shipping, merchants have the ability to save up to 88% on shipping costs in the US, and can send products around the world.
Shopify merchants based in the US or Canada can receive pre-negotiated discounted shipping rates from major carriers such as USPS, UPS, DHL Express, Canada Post, and Sendle. This means you could offer cheaper (or free) flat-rate shipping to your customers, giving you a leg up on the competition.
Through Shopify’s dashboard, you 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 can automatically generate customs forms.
Streamline and save with Shopify Shipping
When you ship with Shopify Shipping, you get access to pre-negotiated rates with carriers in the US, Canada, and Australia and you can manage your entire shipping process in one place.
Get started with Shopify ShippingYes, their signature boxes, such as Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes, are free if you ship them through USPS. Flat rate options, like those offered by USPS, can be a cost-saver for companies because the shipping prices are predictable and won’t fluctuate due to dimensions or weight. These costs can be reduced further by working through Shopify Shipping, which offers discounted rates on USPS shipping.
UPS’s branded boxes (like UPS Worldwide Express) are free for those who use UPS shipping services. The company makes money by charging for shipping. However, these costs can be offset by using Shopify Shipping, which offers discounted UPS shipping rates in the US and Canada, and internationally.
Generally, shipping boxes are environmentally friendly. According to the American Forest and Paper Association, as of 2021, the recycling rate for old corrugated cardboard boxes—was more than 91%. There are also several online retailers, including EcoEnclose, that sell specifically eco-focused shipping materials, including boxes.
Typically, you will have to assemble shipping boxes yourself, as they are sold broken down.
You can get free boxes by shipping through companies such as USPS and UPS.
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