When you stop to think about everything packaging does, from protecting a product to contributing to efficient distribution to making storage straightforward and conveying vital handling info, to potentially promoting your business, it’s far more important than you may have appreciated. Indeed, it can go a long way to creating an excellent first impression and encouraging lasting brand loyalty.

By using a professional supplier, you can save both time and money, while protecting your products and ensuring they arrive in tip-top condition. Equally, a good organisation will offer the best advice on the available options for wrapping your items.

But how do you go about choosing the right one for your needs? Here, we provide an overview of some of the things to take into account.

• Delivery

We know that, these days, everyone expects everything ‘yesterday’. And even a minor hold-up in getting the items you need can affect productivity and prove expensive. So you need to be sure your order of packing materials will arrive on time. Be aware of shipping times, and ask whether next-day delivery is available. (This is especially important in sectors like electronics, tech and telecoms, which are particularly fast-paced.)

• Pricing

As with anything else, clearly the price has to be right. However, consider value rather than just plumping for the lowest price. Think of the long-term costs of damaged returns, for example. Also, will your supplier offer tailored pricing and set future costs in advance, so that you always know what you are paying?

• Product range

Look closely at the line-up of materials a potential supplier offers, and the quality of their products. Do they have everything you need under one roof and are they good at staying across stock levels? (This can seriously minimise delays.) If you’re switching suppliers, ask about the new provider’s onboarding process, for a seamless transition.

Also ask about any Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs). This could be key if you’re a smaller or newer operation; equally, bear in mind that MOQs can be higher for branded materials. Choose a supplier that offers as scalable service as your business grows. And low MOQs could allow you to try out seasonal packaging options.

• Industry expertise

There are literally thousands of packaging products in today’s marketplace. Go for a supplier which has a good understanding of both packaging and your own industry, and will recommend items best suited to your needs. They should be able to recognise common challenges you may face, and come up with efficient, cost-effective solutions.

• Customer reviews and service

Don’t overlook this side of things when doing your research. After all, dealing with your supplier should be straightforward and hassle-free from start to finish. What level of customer service can you expect from your packaging supplier? Find out what they offer in terms of communication – do they prefer to be phoned or emailed and how long does it typically take for them to reply? Will you have a single point of contact and dedicated account manager throughout? What processes do they have in place for resolving any problems you may come up against?

As with any other service you’re considering using, think of the questions you need to ask and put them to your potential provider. At the same time, check out a selection of online reviews.

• Understand your own needs

Finally, it’s important that you understand your own needs and the role packaging will play in your operation. Does your packaging need a protective function? What materials specifically are you interested in using? Do you want custom boxes with your own branding on them? How important is sustainability to you?

What we offer

AirPack Systems is the multi-chamber inflatable packaging specialist. For two decades, our factory has manufactured the highest-quality products possible. Our custom packaging can protect everything from electronics and glass bottles to mirrors and fine art.

Talk to us today about your needs, or find out more about our custom packaging options here.