Select Your Packaging: Mailer Field vs. Delivery Field vs. Product Field

Last updated on March 26th, 2024 at 02:54 pm

In the bustling world of business, one seemingly small decision can have a significant impact on your brand’s reputation and your customers’ satisfaction. When it comes to sending your product to customers in shipping boxes versus mailer boxes, the right choice can make all the difference. 

Understanding Shipping Boxes and Mailer Boxes 

Let’s demystify these two packaging superheroes. Shipping boxes are designed to safeguard your precious cargo, especially when it’s hefty or fragile. On the other hand, mailer boxes are versatile and perfect for shipping several lightweight items as a set or simply for showcasing your brand’s personality. 

When to Choose a Shipping Box

Shipping boxes are designed with durability in mind. Their robust construction, often featuring multiple layers of corrugated cardboard, acts as a buffer against the bumps and jostles of the shipping journey. They also have spacious interiors for strategic placement of cushioning materials such as bubble wrap, foam, or air-filled pouches, providing an added layer of defense for fragile contents. Moreover, it costs less to ship fragile and bulky items in shipping boxes than mailer boxes because of the former’s lower material to interior volume ratio. 

 Here are a couple of instances when you need the level of protection offered by shipping boxes: 

1. For shipping fragile items such as glassware, ceramics, or porcelain
2. For shipping bulky items such as chandeliers or sculptures

When to Choose a Mailer Box

When you’ve got those not-so-bulky items that need to journey from A to B with flair, that’s where mailer boxes strut their stuff. Mailer boxes are tailored for lightweight items, meaning you can capitalize on cost savings in shipping, all while ensuring your products are securely packaged.  

The exterior of a mailer box also serves as a blank canvas for narrating your brand’s story. Customizable designs, logos, and vibrant colors turn these boxes into ambassadors of your brand identity, leaving an indelible mark on your customers. 

Mailer boxes can be used to ship a wide variety of products, especially if your business involves selling or trading the following: 

1. Artisanal jewelry, stationery, or items that require an equally elegant packaging
2. Products that are lightweight, flat, and compact – think apparel, cosmetics, and books.

However, the packaging landscape offers another contender – product boxes. These versatile packaging solutions deserve a spotlight of their own, providing a tailored approach that bridges the gap between the robustness of shipping boxes and the elegance of mailer boxes. 

Let’s explore when it’s fully acceptable to ship your items in its product box only. 

When to Use the Product Box Only

While product boxes are designed to enhance presentation, there are scenarios where they can serve as effective shipping containers on their own. However, only product boxes made from corrugated cardboard are acceptable for this purpose since cardstock product boxes do not offer enough product protection during transit.  

Consider using corrugated product boxes exclusively for shipping in the following situations: 

1. If your products come in unique sizes and shapes, custom product boxes can provide a tailored fit for secure shipping.
2. When shipping lightweight items individually like clothing, cosmetics, or small electronics, product boxes can offer sufficient protection without the need for additional packaging.
3. Using product boxes exclusively can streamline your packaging process, emphasizing your brand’s image through consistent and recognizable packaging.
4. Utilizing product boxes for shipping takes away the need to use packaging materials such as fillers, wrappers, and tape, thus contributing to lower packaging costs and your sustainability goals. E-commerce platform Amazon offers this option under its Frustration-Free Packaging (FFC) program — “Ships in Own Container”, or SIOC. Under this program, vendors must follow a set of requirements to get their product boxes certified, some of which are to use corrugated cardboard and to ensure that the product survives a drop test.

Costs and Eco-Friendliness: The Verdict 

Shipping Boxes: The durability of shipping boxes often translates into fewer replacements and returns, offering potential long-term cost savings. Compared to mailer boxes, shipping boxes also cost less per unit because they offer more interior volume for less material.  

Product Boxes: Custom-fit for your products, product boxes are all about optimizing material usage. Their streamlined design not only reduces costs but also lessens the environmental footprint. The savings extend beyond just monetary value; they contribute to a more sustainable future. 

Mailer Boxes: These lightweight champions not only cut down on shipping costs due to their compact size but also align perfectly with the eco-conscious preferences of today’s market. Their compatibility with sustainable materials resonates with customers who appreciate environmentally friendly choices. 

Customer Experience and Branding: The Verdict 

Shipping Boxes: Shipping boxes radiate reliability and security. They convey to your customers that your brand is committed to safeguarding their orders regardless of the distance. The substantial nature of shipping boxes adds an extra layer of trust, reassuring customers that their products will arrive intact. 

Product Boxes: With ample space for branding elements, product boxes offer an exciting opportunity to visually tell your story. Each unboxing turns into a memorable experience woven into your brand’s identity, creating a lasting impact on customers. 

Mailer Boxes: If ever there was a packaging option designed to delight, it’s the mailer box. The sense of anticipation as customers unwrap their purchase from a well-designed mailer box transforms an ordinary moment into a special occasion. This unboxing experience transcends mere transaction; it becomes a memory etched into the customer’s perception of your brand. 

 

Packaging is more than just a cardboard container; it’s a gateway to your brand’s world. From protecting delicate items to enhancing your brand’s identity, your packaging choices speak volumes about your business’s commitment to excellence.  

Remember, when it comes to custom boxes, make your choice wisely. Check out the wide range of custom packaging solutions that resonate with your brand’s vision and values here at UPrinting!