The Evolution of Mailing Tubes and Their Applications

Saving on the purchase of corrugated boxes involves strategic planning and smart sourcing to ensure you get the best value without compromising on quality. By exploring bulk purchasing, negotiating with suppliers, opting for standard sizes, and considering lightly used or recycled boxes, businesses can significantly reduce their packaging costs. Bulk Purchasing One of the most straightforward ways to save on corrugated boxes is by buying in bulk. Manufacturers often offer substantial discounts for large orders due to the lower logistics and handling costs involved. Bulk purchasing not only reduces the per-unit cost but also minimizes the frequency of reordering, saving additional time and shipping expenses. It’s essential, however, to have adequate storage space and to ensure that the bulk quantity aligns with your usage to avoid unnecessary stockpiling. Supplier Negotiation and Comparison Establishing a good relationship with suppliers can open the door to discounts, especially if your business is a repeat customer. Don’t hesitate to negotiate prices or ask for special deals. Additionally, regularly comparing prices from different suppliers can uncover more competitive rates or better terms. Keep in mind that the cheapest option is not always the best choice if it compromises box quality, which can lead to product damage and higher costs in the long run. Recycled and Lightly Used Boxes For businesses committed to sustainability and looking to save on costs, recycled or lightly used corrugated boxes are an excellent option. Many suppliers offer high-quality recycled boxes at a fraction of the cost of new ones. These boxes can be just as durable and reliable as new ones, especially if they have only been used once or twice. Moreover, opting for recycled boxes reduces your environmental footprint and supports circular economy practices. Efficient Design and Material Use Work with your box supplier to design packaging that uses material efficiently. Reducing material waste not only lowers costs but also benefits the environment. Consider lighter-weight corrugated options that still provide adequate protection for your products. Innovations in corrugated box design can result in the use of less material without sacrificing box integrity or performance. Inventory Management Effective inventory management can also lead to savings. By carefully monitoring your box usage and inventory levels, you can avoid rush orders, which often come with premium shipping costs. Predictable ordering patterns can also strengthen your negotiating position with suppliers, potentially leading to better prices or terms. Conclusion Saving on corrugated boxes requires a multi-faceted approach that includes smart purchasing strategies, supplier negotiations, and a commitment to efficient design and sustainability. By adopting these practices, businesses can significantly reduce their packaging expenses while still ensuring their products are well-protected. Remember, the goal is to find a balance between cost savings and maintaining the quality and integrity of your packaging to support your brand’s reputation and customer satisfaction. If you are interested in corrugated boxes, then partner with Brown Packaging today to get started. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Corrugated Boxes Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts

Holiday demand starts long before December. So should your packaging. For B2B and D2C brands alike, Q4 is the most critical—and most chaotic—shipping window of the year. Lead times stretch. Material availability tightens. Freight costs spike. And late packaging decisions almost always translate to missed revenue. The summer months are your opportunity to lock in inventory, fine-tune designs, and ensure packaging won’t be the reason you fall behind when holiday orders start flooding in. Production and Lead Times Are Already Under Pressure Holiday packaging needs to be ordered, produced, and delivered well before peak season begins. But many businesses underestimate just how early they need to act. Custom corrugated orders can carry lead times of 6–8 weeks by late summer, with delays compounding as demand surges across print vendors, die cutters, and fulfillment partners. Waiting until September or October often means settling for compromises in design, quality, or cost. Early preparation lets you finalize specs while lead times are shorter and production capacity is still available. Whether you’re running custom-printed RSCs, branded folding cartons, or seasonal POP displays, June–August is the window for stress-free production. Design Revisions Take Time—Don’t Rush Them Holiday campaigns usually require refreshed branding, new inserts, or modified packaging configurations to accommodate limited-time products or bundles. But packaging design is a technical process. Structural testing, prototyping, dieline creation, and regulatory compliance all require coordination—and last-minute updates can introduce unnecessary risks. Summer is the time to work through revisions carefully. It ensures you don’t rush through decisions that impact protection, retail appeal, or brand perception when it matters most. Lock in Materials Before Seasonal Shortages Hit Packaging material supply is cyclical. By fall, board mills and film suppliers prioritize large Q4 contracts, often pushing out smaller runs or limiting availability of specific substrates and coatings. In 2023, certain grades of white corrugated and foil-lined board were backordered for weeks by early October. When you plan in summer, you avoid price hikes and limited availability. You also give your packaging partner time to source cost-effective materials with enough buffer to meet demand. Peak Shipping Costs Can Be Reduced with Smart Packaging Smart packaging design finalized early can help you avoid excess freight charges later. Optimizing box dimensions, reducing cube size, and minimizing overpackaging helps reduce parcel volume and weight—which directly translates to savings during the holiday shipping crunch. Start those conversations in summer, and you’ll have time to test structural changes and confirm compatibility with carriers before rates spike in Q4. Final Takeaway: Summer Planning Is a Competitive Advantage If you want to avoid rush fees, stockouts, design errors, and missed retail windows, start your packaging preparation now. Whether you need custom printed corrugated boxes, retail-ready displays, or e-commerce inserts, the businesses that act in Q3 are the ones best positioned to capitalize in Q4. Need help getting ahead of the holiday packaging curve? Contact Brown Packaging to start planning your seasonal packaging strategy today. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts