How this flexible shipping option has gained popularity in e-commerce and why it may be best for your business
So long cardboard boxes. Hello poly mailers!
As an online order fulfillment company, Fulex knows first-hand how the e-commerce world is constantly evolving, with businesses competing to get consumers the best quality product in the most efficient manner at the lowest possible cost.
But did you know that paying too much for shipping is a mistake many e-commerce businesses make? Perhaps you’re struggling with this realization now. Although seemingly trivial among the laundry list of tasks required in running a successful online store, choosing the right product packaging determines everything from shipping costs to product arrival.
If you’ve been researching the best shipping method to meet the high product demand of your business and still maintain a ROI that doesn’t eat into your profit margin, keep reading.
WHAT ARE POLY MAILERS?
Lightweight and durable, poly mailers are a great alternative for products that don’t require a box. They have a self-sealing fold and come in a variety of styles and sizes designed to protect merchandise from the sometimes turbulent journey from distributor to consumer.
BENEFITS TO POLY MAILERS vs BOXES
Save money: Poly mailers reduce shipping costs by taking up less space on delivery trucks. This is because a major factor used by shipping carriers is a pricing technique referred to as “dimensional weight,” which allows them to surcharge companies for lightweight packages in boxes that take up more room in vehicles. Poly mailers are also easier to store at warehouses.
Variety: There are four main options when it comes to poly mailers. They include: standard (most cost-effective but have no padding), bubble-wrapped (cushioned on the inside and used for fragile items), expanded (designed with stronger and thicker materials to withstand outside elements and are also tamper-resistant) and eco-friendly (biodegradable and recyclable) for environmentally-conscious companies and customers looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Reduce product theft and increase product security: Whenever possible, don’t give people and opportunity to steal from you. Poly mailers can fit safely into mailboxes, significantly reducing theft and alleviating the fear of buyer satisfaction.
Customization: Poly mailers can be easily designed with the company logo to achieve a professional look and remind the customer of your brand.
WHEN SHOULD I USE A POLY MAILER?
Poly mailers are appropriate for items that won’t easily damage or break. There are obvious items that you wouldn’t use a poly mailer for such as sunglasses, hats or food items like chips.
However, apparel including clothing, undergarments and socks, and in today’s mask-wearing world-facial coverings, are products that can typically be shipped via poly mailers. In addition, items such as books, health and beauty products like nutrition supplements and some cosmetics are also good selections for poly mailers.
WHERE TO BUY POLY MAILERS AND HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?
Poly mailers can be purchased at most places that sell shipping supplies including USPS, UPS, FedEx, Office Depot as well as large and small retail stores. They are frequently shipped with USPS First Class and Priority or Media Mail.
Cost can vary from zero (yes we said free) to a few dollars for a package of two dozen. For example, if you’re a Fulex customer poly mailers are provided at no additional cost.
THE CHOICE IS YOURS BUT CHOOSE WISELY!
Poly mailers are literally a flexible packaging option that give e-commerce businesses the ability to maintain the integrity of products and ensure customer satisfaction. Remember, you not only want repeat customers, but customers who will refer your business to others.
Using your best judgment in using poly mailers or better yet, test your theory by mailing yourself a product. Doing this could save you unnecessary hardship upfront and potentially avoid customer loss in the long run.
Simply put, when it makes sense to do so, using poly mailers to ship products that are small, lightweight and not fragile is in a company’s best interest.
COMPREHENSIVE PRODUCT PACKAGING WITH FULEX:
At Fulex, what we offer is based on marketplace demand because we want you to have the tools you need to simplify your business and succeed in this competitive e-commerce world. That’s why Fulex prides itself on providing its partners with a comprehensive and efficient order fulfillment process so that you can focus on marketing and selling products! We offer same day shipping, notifications and alerts, lot control, rate shop shipping costs, brand building and many other features to help your e-commerce business outfront.
For more information on order fulfillment solutions and how Fulex can help grow your e-commerce business, click here.