As of 2018, the United States Postal Service handled about 500 million packages per day. Meanwhile, shipping companies such as UPS and FedEx dropped off 34 million of their own.

Clearly, this country — and the world — rely on shipping companies to get what they need. But the deliverymen and women are only part of the puzzle. Packaging material plays a vital role in protecting shipped goods, too.

That’s why it’s essential to choose a quality packaging material supplier for your business. If you don’t know how to find one, read on — you should look for these five traits in a potential supplier.

1. Quality Packaging Materials

There’s nothing worse than receiving a package in a flimsy box or a ripped plastic envelope.

Before you sign with a packaging material provider, ensure that they use high-quality shipping materials. They should have sturdy cardboard boxes, as well as protective products that will further cushion the contents of the box.

2. Ample Stock

Next, you want to work with a packaging materials provider that has enough shipping supplies to cover your operation. Don’t be afraid to ask if they’ll be able to release the boxes and protective products you need to ship in a timely fashion.

Otherwise, you won’t be able to ship to your customers on time. This lag can affect your business’s reputation and customer base, which is the last thing you want. You can avoid it by choosing the right packaging materials supplier, though.

3. Experience

Benjamin Franklin served as the country’s first Postmaster General in 1775. Shipping has, of course, considerably evolved since then. And you won’t find anyone or any company with that much experience.

However, you can learn more about packaging materials companies to see which ones have history. Experience is an excellent thing for your chosen provider to have. There’s a reason why these businesses can stick around — they’re dependable, and their loyal customers keep them in business.

That’s a great reputation to have — and a great thing for you to look for in a provider.

4. Fair Prices

Before you sign with anyone, you should understand their pricing scheme and all that it includes.

Sometimes, an initially low base price will become more expensive with add-ons and extra services. Know what you’re buying into and then choose the company whose services validate the cost you pay.

You can get a better idea of the average or typical price by speaking to multiple providers before settling with one. Don’t be afraid to pay a little bit more for a reputable company with quality packaging material, either.

5. Efficiency

Finally, people want their deliveries quickly nowadays. You can’t work with a packaging materials provider who will lag in getting you what you need. They’ll stall your shipments, which will disappoint your clients.

Instead, find a shipping materials provider that has great speed to match their quality materials. Check reviews or speak to other clients to get a better idea of how fast they’ll get their products to you.

Choose the Perfect Supplier for You

Packaging materials are vital in today’s world of digital commerce. You can find the right supplier by pinpointing a company with the above five traits.

We think we fit that bill, too. Contact us today to learn more about our packaging materials and how we can help your business.