The logistics department is incredibly difficult. It deals with safely shipping products to customers and plays a major role in creating a good or bad last impression on your customers before they open the box and reveal the contents inside. Thus, your packaging supplies and cardboard box should be top quality and align with the company’s branding. For this, you need a reliable packaging supplier.
Now, you might be thinking, “with so many local vendors available, how can I find reliable packaging supplies near me? Don’t worry. Our comprehensive guide covers all the points you must consider when finding a local packaging supplier.
Research and Compare Suppliers
The first thing you need to do when finding packaging supplies is research local suppliers and compare them. You can list potential supplies and narrow the list based on your specific needs and requirements.
For instance, do they offer customized cardboard boxes? Can they work as a courier for your business? You can ask for referrals from friends and companies dealing with similar products.
Check Their Product Variety
Another sign of a good packaging supplier is its product variety. Check what kind of products they offer. Do they only deal with cardboard boxes or other packaging supplies, such as tapes, adhesives, bubble wraps, etc.? The wider the product list, the better the company. It also shows they can handle large orders and benefit your business as you scale.
Request a Quote
Request a quote for the minimum order value from each vendor. Compare their prices and see what is included in their package, such as whether customization will cost extra or be included within the deal. Can the minimum order value be increased or lowered according to your requirements? What is their turnaround time? Do they offer technical assistance? These are just some of the questions you need to ask before choosing a packaging supplier.
Look for Additional Services
Many packaging suppliers offer additional services, such as packing and delivering orders. This can be useful when you are in a time crunch or short on staff and need professional help. It is also better to work with people you trust rather than outsourcing work to a third party.
Check Customer Reviews
One of the essential factors determining whether you should pick a packaging supplier is their reputation. Check their customer reviews online on multiple social profiles and see what they have to say about their product quality and customer service. How do they handle urgent orders? Do they offer 24/7 customer service? Do they have a portal for easy ordering and status checks?
If the customer reviews are mostly positive, but there are still some mid-tier and negative reviews, you can trust those reviews. Read through them and make your decision.
Conclusion
With all the information given in this blog post, you now have the answer to the question, “how do I find reliable packaging suppliers near me?” It takes research, time, and consideration. Set a budget and look for competitive prices, positive customer reviews, and additional services to get your money’s worth.
You should also consider a company’s minimum order value and return policy. Choosing the right packaging supplier, like The Boxery, can help improve branding and customer experience.