Mailer Boxes vs Shipping Boxes: Which is best for your business?

In the US, more than 1,500 different types of packaging are used and as new packaging concepts and materials are created by the market, the number keeps growing. Most people believe that standardizing containers is a good method to cut costs, but lately, the pattern has been to offer a greater variety of packaging to satisfy the demands of consumers, wholesalers, services, and processors alike.

When it comes to shipping, choosing the right mailing boxes can work wonders for your business. Not just will it protect the items from spill or damage during transit but will also provide an absolute experience for your customers.

With so many choices available, it is crucial to visually differentiate yourself and create a desire in your target audience to stand out. Everyone likes pretty, nice, and attractive things. If one is offered two packages- a beautifully packed one and a not-so-attractive box, he/she will likely choose the first package. Quality is a key factor that influences a person’s purchasing choice. Thus, it is essential to deliver a trustworthy experience that provides comfort, happiness, and satisfaction to your consumers.

Importance of choosing the right packaging

Packaging serves a variety of roles, whether it be for food, clothing, cosmetics, or electronics. These include protection, safety, improved use, visual appeal, or special client requirements. Choosing the right packaging also gives an enhanced brand experience to your users.

Packaging is a crucial component of a brand's marketing plan. Packaging design and materials in today’s times are expected to meet high standards, and companies are envisaged to be familiar with the latest technology and trends and choose packaging that takes into account a multitude of factors, including usability, security, durability, and shelf appeal. In addition to confining or preserving a product, modern package designs also aim to inform, raise customer expectations, and then fulfill those expectations.

Difference between mailers vs shipping boxes

Shipping boxes:

• Shipping boxes are sturdy and strong. Corrugated shipping boxes are secure and are built solid.
• These boxes are designed to hold bulky products. They may be used to carry heavy goods securely and reliably when sealed properly. However, one can also opt for custom shipping boxes as per their need. They are available in various sizes to accommodate both small and relatively large items.
• These boxes are great for multiple-item shipment and a large number of different things can be shipped in one box when the items are adjusted properly.
• While most shipment packaging is for single-use, these boxes are perfect for reusing. Before recycling, these boxes can be reused until they are sturdy enough.

Mailers:

• Generally, mailers do not require any external packaging or adhesives and tapes which makes them cost-effective.
• The advantages of corrugated mailer boxes over other paper packaging are their durability and shipping resistance.
• Mailers are designed for insubstantial and easy-to-carry items and are available in built-in cushioning. However, in the case of shipping fragile items, one can consider placing extra layers of padding in order to avoid damage.
• For e-commerce and subscription businesses, custom mailer boxes are ideal since they can be used to display a company's aesthetics through printed logos, images, artworks, or deliver brand messages. People can also use mailer boxes to send gifts.

Should I choose a mailer box or a shipping box?

There has been quite a debate regarding the efficacy of mailer boxes over shipping boxes. While most prefer a mailer box for its convenient usage, a shipping box is one of the most popular choices due to its adaptability. However, both mailer boxes and shipping boxes are excellent choices for shipping products and provide a whole host of uses; they are reliable, durable, and affordable. Both have their sets of characteristics, strengths, and limitations.

While one may be suitable for sending lightweight products, the other may be better for huge consignments or to send multiple products. Depending on your business, product, and shipping, you can choose whether to opt for mailers or shipping boxes.

However, these points can help you make an informed decision when it comes to packaging.

- The convenience of shipping: In comparison to a shipping box that can transport heavy fragile items hassle-free, a mailer box can hold smaller and fewer goods. They are also easy to carry which gives customers a delightful experience.

- Material and quality: The same board is used for making shipping and mailer boxes. But unlike a shipping box, the corrugated board used to make bespoke mailers is usually of a thinner grade. Nonetheless, mailer boxes offer plenty of space to communicate a brand’s message. You can design both the outside as well as the inside of a mailer box. They are also trendy and eco-friendly. Custom corrugated mailer boxes come in a variety of materials, including the traditional whiteboard, the artisanal kraft board, and the eye-catching super gloss.

- Size and weight of products: If you are shipping a heavy or bulky item or multiple products, consider a shipping box instead of a mailer that is frail and may not hold heavier items. Custom shipping boxes can stand on a costlier side but they will carry more weight and commodities and can prevent damage to the items.

- Usability: Factories and industries typically use shipping boxes to transport goods to the merchants and wholesale stores. The vendors ship the goods to the clients in batches after packing them in the shipping boxes. On the other hand, custom mailer boxes are likewise used by store owners to deliver orders placed by customers.

- Unboxing experience: Custom mailboxes offer customers an amazing experience when unboxing their packages. When your customers receive their mailer box, they will feel as if they are receiving a gift. Incorporate additional items like void fillers, inserts, custom stickers, or even your design to further enhance the unwrapping experience.

Where can I find mailers or shipping boxes?

Most post offices sell boxes and mailers in a variety of sizes. Several packaging companies also provide custom designs or printed mailers or shipping boxes as per one’s needs. Packwire has some of the finest experts on board to assist you in your packaging journey.

From helping you choose your ideal box and guiding you through the process of packaging, sealing, labeling, and other important details, you will get everything in a single spot.

Besides, Packwire can also help your brand set a benchmark with custom designs and personalized packaging solutions. Packwire specializes in shipping, mailer, folding and rigid boxes.

The procedure is quite simple and barely takes a few minutes to start. Among the many different boxes, you can choose a style and size that best meets your brand’s persona and requirement and design it in 3D. Once done, it is time to unleash your creativity and design the box with logo, colors, prints, texts, and whatever you want to make it look appealing. Now, place your order and checkout. Before printing, our team of packaging experts will thoroughly inspect your artwork to make sure everything is exactly as you wanted.