Starting an ecommerce business can be stressful, but having the right packaging supplies in place saves time and prevents last-minute scrambles. Stocking the essentials early helps create a smoother fulfillment process and improves the unboxing experience for customers.
The Must-Have Basics
Begin with the basics: boxes in the main sizes you ship, plus poly mailers, bubble mailers, and padded envelopes for smaller items. Buy a few common sizes rather than many rare sizes to avoid wasted stock. Keep rolls of clear packing tape, a reliable tape dispenser, label rolls, and a supply of void fill like crinkle paper, paper pads, or air pillows on hand.
Also prepare a small assortment of labels for addresses and returns, and consider pre-printed or blank postage options if you ship small, light items frequently. Stock basic tools — a cutter, shipping scale, marker pens, and a label printer — to speed up packing and improve accuracy.
Branding Options
Branding improves perceived value. If custom boxes are out of budget, start with lower-cost branded elements: stickers, tissue paper, custom tape, or a simple printed packing slip. These small touches create a memorable unboxing without a large upfront cost. When your volume justifies it, scale to custom-printed boxes or custom mailers for a more professional look.
Storage Efficiency for Small Spaces
Startups often work from small spaces, so storage efficiency matters. Keep bulk items boxed and stacked neatly on shelving. Maintain a small “pack station” with the daily-needed quantities within arm’s reach while the rest stays boxed on shelves. Use inventory cards or a simple spreadsheet to track usage so you know when to reorder and can avoid running out during busy periods.
By stocking essential supplies, prioritizing a few branded touches, and organizing a compact packaging workflow, ecommerce startups can ship professionally, save time, and scale packaging as they grow.
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