jayadiaz
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posted on January 10, 2001 02:06:09 PM
Hi folks,
For some time I've been thinking of offering an alternative to Priority Mail to my customers, especially now with the increased cost. I don't want to bring home boxes from the supermarket as I think they just look tacky. There's nothing that bothers me more than when I pay good money for a piece of china or christal (or anything for that matter), and then receive it packed in an applesauce box wrapped in newspapers. I think presentation of what you sell is everything even on delivery. Sorry, I didn't mean to get on a box but hoped someone had a good wholesale source for strong boxes that could be ordered in bulk.
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eauctionmgnt
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posted on January 10, 2001 02:09:27 PM
javadiaz: If you're looking to order large quantities of boxes, try Quill.com. They are a leader in the shipping/office supply industry. I've been buying from them for the past couple of years and have been VERY satisfied. They have great products, great prices and great service! (their products are usually shipped within 1-2 business days). I hope this helps!
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mrpotatoheadd
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posted on January 10, 2001 02:19:56 PM
papermart.com has lot of stuff.
I give up- url link won't work.
[ edited by mrpotatoheadd on Jan 10, 2001 02:23 PM ]
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bkmunroe
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posted on January 10, 2001 02:42:35 PM
http://www.papermart.com
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mrpotatoheadd
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posted on January 10, 2001 02:47:21 PM
Well, apparently url links do work. What else can I blame it on?
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vargas
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posted on January 10, 2001 03:02:21 PM
I don't know if you live in an area that has one, but I buy in bulk from a local box company. The prices are cheaper than any I've found online and I don't have to pay shipping charges.
If you really want to save, ask about misprinted boxes.
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birdwatcher-07
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posted on January 10, 2001 04:03:09 PM
uline's carton sale is on until the end of January. The prices are very good. If you live near one of their distribution centers, you can pick up your boxes and save a ton of money. they are at www.uline.com. And yes, check your yellow pages for a purveyor of misprinted boxes. They are VERY cheap, and are brand-new and sturdy.
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darcyw
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posted on January 10, 2001 04:18:40 PM
jayadiaz
I am like you. My antique china goes out double boxed and in nice looking boxes.
I can tell you what I do. The yellow pages for your area will list packaging supply warehouse companies and box manufacturers (as another post stated.) You will get cheaper prices in your area versus online prices.
I own a long bed Ford pickup with a canopy. Twice a month I visit the packaging supply warehouse, buy my packaging peanuts, various sizes of bubble wrap, tape, etc. On the boxes, once you get to a bundle of 25 the warehouse will start discounting. The bundle doesn't have to be all of the same size boxes. The more boxes you buy the larger the discount gets. I buy boxes in 2 inch increments from 12x12x12 all the way up to 24x24x24. The workers at the supply warehouse load the back of the pickup for me.
You are correct in your assumption that many customers won't do business with a seller of fragile antiques who packaged in newspaper and used a grocery store box. If a customer spends $300 on one dish, the customer expects the dish to arrive packaged carefully and looking professional.
Darcy
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jayadiaz
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posted on January 10, 2001 04:49:15 PM
Thank you all very much, all good ideas I'll check them out and compare. Thanks again
Jay
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cassiescloset
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posted on January 10, 2001 05:29:45 PM
I work in a hospital and we have boxes of every type every day.
Ask one of your friends or relatives to bring some boxes home to you. I just toted home some smaller boxes to use instead of priority. Box cost me nothing.
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mrssantaclaus
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posted on January 10, 2001 09:13:40 PM
Please see post on Dumpster Diving.
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libra63
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posted on January 10, 2001 09:22:41 PM
What about your local Hallmark store. They must get medium size boxes all the time. If you don't like the looks of the box why not wrap it in brown paper seal it good then mail it. It makes the box look good. If you save postage by doing this I don't think your buyer would be to upset.
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hcross
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posted on January 10, 2001 09:23:39 PM
www.brasspack.com
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dijoy
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posted on January 11, 2001 05:49:07 AM
I found a box manufacturer in Colorado a couple of years ago and bought overruns from them. They were printed boxes, but never used and very strong.
I don't have their contact info any longer, but it's the least expensive way to get boxes, if you can find them or a company like them.
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cix
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posted on January 11, 2001 06:07:16 AM
As far as I am concerned. A seller can send my fine china in an old tampon box !!!
I do not care what my items are shipped in or how they are shipped as long as they are shipped and arrive intact!!!!
If I buy something online I do not expect the seller to send me a pretty box. If I do recieve a pretty box I assume the cost of that box was passed on to me in the price of the item and I do not want to pay for pretty boxes !
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TOLEART
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posted on January 11, 2001 06:32:55 AM
I ship 99% USPS so I use their shipping materials. If I can't fit a picnic basket in the #7 box, I will "reconstruct" and make a box out of 2 #7's. I will NOT resort to using "used" boxes and last weeks newpapers. You only get one chance to make a first impression. My descriptions state "new materials" and I won't scrounge other business for their throw-aways. Storage space was a big consideration and I can fit 25 #7's from the PO in the same space as one used spaghetti carton. I guess it's pride......for me.
Now, from a buyer's viewpoint.......I resent a seller charging me $7 for a 1-lb. item and then it arrives wrapped in maybe, 2 layers of the Toledo Blade (a year old!)and crammed in a grocery carton, taped like crazy because the box cutter went wild with the lid, and reeking of cigarette smoke. They are off my sellers' list permanently.
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keziak
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posted on January 11, 2001 09:32:44 AM
birdwatcher: great tip on uline.com. I called them up, they answered on one ring, and the lady was super helpful. I will be ordering soon! I get boxes from the library where I work but I am planning to make changes in my job and may not be able to scrounge here after next month.
keziak
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