Best Small Business Shipping Supplies (for Etsy Sellers & Online Shops)
Over the years, I’ve conducted a great deal of study on small company shipping supplies, and I wanted to share what I learned with you!
Online enterprises require the use of shipping goods. You must have a shipping container to put your nice goods in, right?
The appropriate item, not simply something (like a box or an envelope).
But it doesn’t end there. A few more components are necessary for transporting your goods effectively and safely.
Why should I care about shipping supplies?
In addition to being necessary for shipping your goods, supplies are the only barrier between your goods and the perils of the outside world.
I’m referring to the chaos you have no control over, including shoving, rain, and irate postal workers.
For instance, I used to mail many books since I had a long-running online bookstore. Though I wasn’t aware of it at the time, when I initially started my firm, I made the terrible error of purchasing subpar shipping tape.
I receive a note from a client one day informing me that the post service delivered an empty package I had sent her. She included a post office letter and a photo with her message.
Do you have any idea how awful I felt?
Sure, it’s conceivable that the post office handled it improperly and that my tape wasn’t to blame. But following that incident, I wanted to be sure I was taking all reasonable precautions to safeguard my goods and provide a positive client experience.
(Of course, I also gave the order a complete refund. Good customer service is a priority, regardless of whether it was my error or that of the post office.)
In other words, high-quality shipping supplies are a must. There is no way to ensure that an item won’t be damaged or lost in the mail. However, you may try to avoid it!
So, to assist your items arriving at your clients’ doorsteps securely, here is a list of the top small business shipping supplies (and with where to purchase them).
Several of the links on this page are affiliate links, so take aware. You won’t pay more if you use an affiliate link to purchase since I could get a tiny compensation. I receive compensation on qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate. See my whole disclosure statement here. I appreciate your help.
Essential Shipping Supplies
I researched to locate the highest-quality items at the most affordable pricing. You don’t want to spend more money than you have to since you’re trying to operate a business.
Remember that prices might fluctuate, so feel free to quickly check to see if you can get it cheaper somewhere else.
You’ll also discover some significant advice on purchasing and storing shipping goods after the article.
1. Corrugated Shipping Boxes
You’ll need cardboard boxes if any of your items are too big to fit within a bubble mailer envelope.
If your items come in a variety of sizes and forms, you might need to purchase numerous measurements.
To discover the finest, most economical site to buy boxes, I had to do a lot of research. I ultimately chose Office Depot. Simply enter “Boxes” in the search field and click on “Shipping Boxes” in the categories list.
Their rates are the best I’ve discovered, especially considering how frequently they provide discounts & coupons. Make sure you purchase enough to qualify for free delivery.
It’s equivalent to throwing your money in the garbage to pay to ship your shipping goods (repeat that five times fast). If you can, avoid it!
2. Bubble/Poly Mailer Envelopes
Bubble mailers are the best choice for sending smaller, non-fragile objects. They are less expensive, easier to handle, and use less tape than boxes.
Just be sure you choose ones of a good caliber that won’t fray quickly.
To discover the ideal fit for your items, you might need to try out a few different sizes.
Instead of the standard orange or white mailers, you may get metallic, patterned, or multicolored ones for something a bit more eye-catching. It’s a fantastic approach to increasing brand recognition.
3. Shipping Tape
Shipping tape is not only required to seal your boxes but it may also be used on shipping labels.
To prevent the paper from being wet or damaged, be sure to completely cover the label. Protect that address at all costs—it is valuable!
I suggest investing in a fantastic portable dispenser. When I eventually acquired one of them, I was SO happy. Finally, I was done battling with shipping tape.
All you need to purchase after purchasing a dispenser are replacement tape rolls. saves you time AND money!
4. Scotch Tape
If you want to purchase Scotch (standard) tape wisely, invest in a reusable weighted tape dispenser. In this manner, you will just need to purchase more tape rolls, saving you money on the throwaway dispensers (do you sense a pattern here?).
Additionally, using a weighted dispenser with just one hand can save you a ton of trouble. You’ll see the difference, I promise.
5. Printer Paper
To print your shipping labels, you need paper. Buy in quantity as well. There isn’t much more to say about this one!
6. Ink
I’m sorry, but I can’t advise you on which ink to purchase because it depends on the type of printer you have. But you’ll undoubtedly require it!
The bigger sizes are frequently the best choice since you may print more pages from them. You get a cheaper cost per page as a result.
7. Digital Scale
If you want to be able to print your shipping labels at home (hint: you do! ), you’ll need a digital scale.
To purchase the label from Stamps.com, PayPal, or your selling platform, you will need to know the weight of your packaged product, which this will provide.
8. Scissors
If you can, spend money on a good set of scissors.
Years ago, if someone had said it to me, I would have laughed. Why should I spend cash on something I already own?
Well, I became tired of using a worn-out set of scissors after using them for far too long, so I bought a new pair.
9. Protective Wrapping
This doesn’t only apply to delicate goods like porcelain. However, if you’re shipping pottery, you’d better wrap it up tight!
Inside the box or envelope that most items are transported in, there should be at least one layer preventing damage from wear and tear.
There are several types of protective wrapping. Use Kraft paper that can be recycled instead of bubble wrap for a more ecologically responsible option.
To prevent wear and bending to the edges and corners, I covered my books in thick Kraft paper.
I made careful to include crumpled paper or recycled bubble wrap if the interior of a box is vacant enough that the books will be thrown around.
To save money, you could purchase a huge roll or box of protective material if you have a storage room.
10. Individual Product Packaging
It could be difficult to wrap your things in paper or bubble wrap if they are little. Individual packaging fills that need.
Here are a few illustrations:
- cardboard jewelry boxes in miniature
- little satchels with drawstrings
- smaller envelopes
These are crucial for safeguarding your goods, but they also enhance the unpacking experience for your customers. They’ll think they’re getting a present that was specially packaged for them.
For additional inventive product packaging ideas (stickers, twine, stamps, etc.) and information on why it’s important for your company, see this post.
Final Tips for Buying Small Business Shipping Supplies
Invest in Amazon Prime
I get the majority of my shipping goods from Amazon. It’s not just practical; it may also be quite economical.
Nevertheless, if you’re paying for delivery, that’s not necessarily the case!
Ensure that the materials you choose come with free shipping, or get an annual Amazon Prime subscription. Receive a free trial here.
My subscription has more than paid for itself. The holidays are a particularly fantastic time for it.
You won’t have to be concerned about delivery expenses if you have Prime. Additionally, Prime products often arrive within 2 days.
This has been helpful a lot of times when I’ve almost run out of something and forgot to stock up!
Always Buy in Bulk
Since I’ve emphasized this so frequently, you might feel as though I’ve hammered you over the head with it.
However, in all seriousness, you receive far more value that way.
Start with an estimated 1-month supply if you’re unsure of how much you’ll need. You may then determine if purchasing a larger amount is reasonable for you after that.
Get Creative With Storage
I found out how to store all my shipping materials behind the pool table my parents gave us while my husband and I were living in a small, one-story house. They didn’t occupy any room we would have needed otherwise this way.
It was like trying to play Tetris while trying to cram everything into that tiny area. But once I had a system in place for organizing, it became a lot simpler.
So take action and use your imagination!
Once you’ve chosen your small business shipping supplies, read this article for tips on product packaging to distinguish your items and brand.
