When you run a small business, you will need to always make sure that you are doing everything that you can to get your goods in the hands of the people who mean the most—your customers. To be able to compete, you will need to factor in some shipping tips that will help you use the highest-quality shipping and packaging equipment. To do this, read on and follow these tips as you acquire the materials and packaging equipment that you need. 

Tip #1: Invest in Some Quality Filler Materials

 Any time that you are looking to put together some shipments, there are quality filler materials that will protect your inventory. You can cut some costs by creating your own air pillows and bubble wrap. If you purchase an industrial air-filling machine, you will be able to fill sheets to create your own bubble wrap and air pillows at a cost of between $0.24 and $0.27 a sheet. You can also purchase styrofoam peanuts or starch peanuts at a cost between $0.30 and $0.37 a unit. If you would like to go the do-it-yourself route with the air bubbles, an air-filling machine can cost between $1500 and $3000.

Tip #2: Choose the Best Tape Materials and Methods for the Shipment

In order to not lose inventory unnecessarily due to damage, you must secure your packages by taping them with the most useful tape for each shipping job. One of the best investments you can make is in pressure-sensitive plastic tape. When using this type of tape, use three strips—one down the middle, and one along each seam. You can also invest in water-activated paper tape, which can be thick and durable. Any time you are using this tape, make sure that it is no less than three inches in width and at a 60-pound grade. 

Tip #3: Select the Best Boxes for Each Shipment

When you are putting together shipments, put some time into trying different sizes of boxes  to make the most out of each shipment that you make. A box that is too small will cause damage due to a lack of a barrier between the contents and outside forces, and a box that is too large can allow damage when another box crushes the extra space inside. Always select a box that is durable and rigid. 

Keep these three tips in mind to get the most out of all your shipments.