Navigating the intricate waters of e-commerce demands a keen eye for detail and a strategic mindset. Among the myriad decisions that impact the success of an online business, shipping supplies often play a pivotal yet overlooked role. This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on strategies for reducing shipping expenses and, in some cases, obtaining supplies for free.
- UPS: Unveiling the World of Free Plain Boxes and Labels
Shipping with UPS not only ensures reliability but also presents a cost-saving opportunity with free plain and unmarked box samples. These versatile boxes, available in two sizes (12 in x 10 in x 3 in and 9 in x 6 in x 3 in), can be used with any carrier, providing a flexible solution for various shipping needs. The only requirement is to set up a free business account with UPS.
Step-by-Step Guide to Acquiring Free UPS Supplies:
Account Setup: Initiate the process by visiting the UPS website and opening a free business account.
Profile Completion: Complete your business profile, ensuring accuracy and consistency with your Amazon seller account.
Payment Account: Navigate to account settings to add a business payment account, enabling you to access free materials.
Ordering Supplies: With an active account, go to the shipping tab, click Packaging and shipping supplies > Packaging, scroll to the bottom. The last to choices on the page will be the Small and Medium Security boxes. Check the boxes on the right for each and then click “Add Selected to Your Order.”
From there, it will bring you back to the top of the page and you need to use the drop-down menu that currently says “Packaging”. Select “Labels and Stickers”
Find the “Direct Thermal Label – Roll” and select it as you did with the boxes and add it to your order.
Submit Order: Click “View Your Supplies Order” and scroll to the bottom and select “Submit Order”. Your supplies will be delivered in a couple days.
- USPS: Leveraging Free Priority Mail Supplies
USPS introduces another dimension to the world of free shipping supplies, albeit branded and exclusive to USPS services, particularly, Priority Mail. To order these supplies, explore the “Shop shipping supplies” section on the USPS website, utilizing the filter for “free shipping supplies.”
Find the supplies that will be best suited for your needs, keeping in mind that anything that is labeled as “Flat Rate” MUST be used with that specific rate. For example, to use the Padded Flat Rate envelope, you must purchase shipping specifically for the Padded Flat Rate. You can’t use that rate for anything else, nor can you use another rate on that envelope.
- Box Shopping Wisdom for Oversized Items
Oversized items demand strategic sourcing, and retail giants like Walmart, Lowe’s, and Home Depot become pivotal partners. Walmart, in particular, stands out for providing reasonably priced regular boxes, with a crucial caveat: avoid the more expensive Extra Strength boxes unless explicitly required.
Consider the size, weight, and sturdiness requirements of your products before committing to specific box types. This thoughtful approach ensures not only cost-effectiveness but also the right level of protection for your items.
- Bubble Wrap and Packing Tape: The Guardian Duo
Beyond the realm of boxes, the protective duo of bubble wrap and packing tape deserves careful consideration. Bubble wrap serves as the delicate guardian of your products, balancing protection and cost-effectiveness. A reliable source for bulk purchases is American Bubble Boy, offering a 700 sq ft pack for approximately $45 with a subscription.
When it comes to packing tape, choose a quality option to ensure secure packaging and avoid the pitfalls of thinner tapes. The last thing you want is for packages to arrive with compromised seals due to subpar tape quality.
- The Grocery Store Sustainability Hack
While sustainability is a growing concern, repurposing single-use plastic bags from grocery stores becomes a practical and environmentally conscious solution. Collect these bags and repurpose them as filler materials for FBA shipments, providing a second life to these bags before Amazon recycles them.
Rather than just throwing them away or in the recycle bin, I like to stuff them in my FBA shipment boxes as I would packing paper. Careful though. You don’t want to do this on customer orders. It looks very unprofessional, but for and FBA box, Amazon doesn’t care.
Consider it a dual-purpose strategy – not only are you reducing costs by utilizing free materials, but you’re also contributing to environmental sustainability.
- Poly Bags and Packing Paper Symphony
Poly bags with a suffocation warning become unsung heroes for FBA shipments, offering versatility through various sizes. Pair these with packing paper, readily available at reasonable prices from retailers like Walmart, to complete the symphony of packaging materials.
Consider investing in different sizes of poly bags to accommodate a variety of products. I like using this multi-pack with 4 different sizes.
Having a diverse range of sizes ensures you’re prepared for different product dimensions. And, keep in mind, the suffocation warning is not just a requirement; it’s a crucial safety measure for customers.
Conclusion: Crafting a Strategy for E-commerce Brilliance
In the intricate dance of e-commerce, managing shipping expenses becomes an art form. By harmonizing free supplies from carriers like UPS and USPS with strategic shopping for larger boxes and astute sourcing of additional materials, businesses can not only optimize their shipping processes but also keep costs in check.
Quality packaging materials transcend being a mere cost; they are investments in ensuring products reach customers securely. Whether you’re a seasoned e-commerce entrepreneur or a newcomer setting sail, these tips act as guiding stars to navigate the world of shipping supplies efficiently.
Stay abreast of cost-effective options, be mindful of the environmental impact, and witness your e-commerce ship sailing smoothly, thriving while keeping shipping expenses under control.
If you would like to see more options for saving money when sourcing, check out this cash back guide next!