Making Packaging Decisions in the Mailroom
With so many packaging options to choose from, how do you select the right type of packaging? In terms of making purchasing decisions, there are three main factors: performance, total costs (including some hidden ones) and customer satisfaction.
Finding a Packaging Partner--
The right packaging company will partner with you to ensure that your packing selections correctly match your needs. Look for a company with consultative sales representatives who will help you determine the most cost-effective packaging method. Training should also be available for mailroom staff to ensure that the packaging products you choose are used in an effective and efficient way. And lastly, check to make sure that the company you use has local distributors that offer a full line of packaging materials and systems in case your needs change in the future. Your packaging partner can be a great asset to your mailroom operation while maintaining customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Hidden Costs--
Cost is always important when determining what types of protective packaging to purchase. Of course, you need to consider material costs as well, but there are other hidden costs associated with packaging that are frequently overlooked. For example, if you use bulky packaging, such as peanuts, you need to provide adequate storage space to accommodate it. If you are storing on the premises, that storage space is no longer available as workspace, which could mean having to move to a larger workspace in the future. If you need to store material off-site, you are not only paying for the storage space, but also the time and labor to pick it up and deliver it to the mailroom.
Always consider how easy the package is to assemble and open. Cartons need to be set up and taped together, which can mean added labor in the packaging process.
When shipping fragile items it is common to "overpack," or use excess material to protect the item. Significant cost savings may be achieved by using more effective and efficient packaging materials, since you use only the "right" packaging material and the amount required to protect the item. You also avoid paying for excessive material. Postage costs may drop as a result, because the item is lighter without the extra packaging. And, if the wrong type of packaging material is being used to protect a package, even "over packing" will not ensure the safety of the item during shipment.
The wrong packaging material can raise costs in other ways too. Many companies incur unnecessary costs by maintaining a large inventory of carton sizes and varieties. With the correct packaging, the process can often be streamlined to a minimum number of carton sizes which simplifies material handling. Additionally, smaller boxes are less expensive to ship.
Sealed Air Corporation, Park 80 East, Saddle Brook, NJ 07663. Tel: 800-229-4539; Fax: 201-712-7019.