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Packaging 101

Confused About What Packaging is Best to Ship Your Product In?

Ever been worried about shipping something, wondering if it would get damaged during transit or if you’d end up overpaying on shipping? I used to feel the same way. In fact, I’d go so far as to only buy gifts online so the vendor would handle the shipping! Ridiculous, right? But if you’re an online retailer, you don’t have the luxury of shifting that responsibility. You need to make sure your customers receive their items in perfect condition without overspending on shipping. Luckily, I now work in the packaging industry, and I’ve got tips to share! 😉

Hardcover Books or Fragile Items

If you’re shipping hardcover books, a standard poly bubble mailer might do the job, but a mailer with larger ½” bubbles—like our Jumbojackets—provides extra edge protection. The same principle applies for smaller fragile items like jewelry. All our poly bubble mailers are water-resistant to keep contents dry and are 100% recyclable.

Clothing or Soft Toys

Lightweight items, such as apparel or soft toys, don’t need as much padding, making our regular or recycled flat poly mailers ideal for these items. Flat poly mailers are water-resistant, lightweight, and fully recyclable.

Large, Heavy Items

For heavier items like cookware or gallon jugs, mailers aren’t suitable. These items should be shipped in a durable, corrugated box for support. If you’re aiming for sustainability, consider using recycled corrugated boxes, like those from Eco Enclose.

Shoes in a Shoebox

Contrary to popular belief, shoeboxes don’t always need an outer box for shipping. Our Xpandojacket mailers are bubble-lined for edge protection and gusseted to accommodate larger items like shoeboxes. Plus, they’re water-resistant and 100% recyclable.

Photos, Documents, or Calendars

To avoid bending, use a rigid paperboard mailer for shipping photos, documents, or calendars. PAC’s Mailjackets are perfect for this, made from 100% recycled paperboard and fully recyclable.

Hardware, Tools, and Electronics

For smaller hardware, tools, and electronics, poly bubble mailers work well. Items like pliers, wrenches, or headphones ship securely. However, avoid using Kraft bubble mailers for electronics, as they aren’t water-resistant, and water + electronics = bad news. For a breakdown of poly bubble versus Kraft mailers, check out my previous post on Making a Smarter Choice: Poly Bubble Mailers vs. Kraft Bubble Mailers.

Ready to ship your next order? If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! Call us at 1.800.535.0039 or email [email protected]. Pack it right. Pack it light.

Are You Looking For Cold Chain Packaging?

CoolPAC product logo - PAC

COOLPAC® packaging ensures optimal thermal protection for perishable goods like food, flowers, and pharmaceuticals. Featuring a peel-and-seal liner for easy closure and made with FDA-approved materials, COOLPAC® reduces heat transfer with specialized film. Available as box liners, mailers, and roll stock, COOLPAC® keeps temperature-sensitive products safe during shipping.