Packing Supplies and Solutions

Graphic designers and marketers today are working together to gain more sales by introducing an artistic way to present their products through clever packaging supplies. With an inventive mind, hundreds of new packaging ideas can be generated. Here are some of the best packaging ideas that can be used by marketers and product manufacturers:

1. The packaging should be usable, and the consumers should be able to recycle the packaging for other uses. Examples of this technique can be found on ball-shaped packaging designs that have the product placed inside. If the packaging is in a shape of the ball and the product inside are made of candies or chocolates, the children purchasing it would be eager to finish all of the sweets inside because of the toy that they can use later on.

2. The packaging should also be product friendly, and it should reflect a great relationship with the product. Examples would be ketchup bottles. Since it tends to become sticky when placed in traditional containers, an upside-down bottle of ketchup makes it easier to release the product. The sales of a popular ketchup brand rose significantly after they introduced this kind of packaging to their products.

3. Special edition packaging would give the buyers an impression that the product is unique, and they would be purchasing the product because of its rarity. Companies could also team up with special events to make a tie-in packaging that would get the attention of consumers. The most common events where special edition packaging becomes prevalent are during the Olympics or the World Cup.

4. Packaging designers should also think about being unique and creative. They should try breaking the rules that confined specific products to their repetitive packagings, like toothpaste and shoes, and use their creative skills to redesign the packaging for these products. The packaging would either be a success or a failure, but at least, they have tried.

5. Packaging designers should also consider the fact that most people would not want a product that would require them to put an extensive effort to open it or a product that has too many words printed on it. The consumers only need the simplest presentation, and they are looking after the convenience when considering the products that they would want to buy.

6. Product marketers should also be an active social media user because their primary goal is to make their product trending and viral. If they gained too much attention on social media, the product would create a hype that would increase the possibilities of a sale. This would also draw the attention of the public, and many would start getting curious if the product made that much attention.

7. The packaging of the product should also consider the plight of the consumers who are going to use it. We can see that this idea applies to chips and snacks manufacturers, in the sense that a lot of people tend to finish only half or a quarter of the food inside. Products that give the consumers an ability to seal off the packaging has more chances of selling them to the public.

8. The packaging should also include humor, and the consumers should think that it is fun. If you placed together two products, with one being boring and the other one being funny, people would choose the latter.

Moving during the winter can be scary, until you find out it can actually be beneficial for you and your family. The majority of people move during the summer, making moving companies busier and harder to book. Prices are at a premium and good luck finding cheap shipping supplies. That being said, take this winter move with stride with these 10 quick tips for moving during the winter:

1) The Earlier the Better
Winter means we have limited daytime light and it is typically a tad chillier come nightfall. Do yourself a favor and start packing as early as possible. This will allow you to fully take advantage of the sunlight throughout the day.
2) Salt is your Best Friend
The winter typically comes with snow and ice. To make your move as smooth and safe as possible coat the walk and driveways with salt the days leading up to and the night before your move. This will make it easier to clear them of any snow and ice. The last thing you need is a broken bone and a trip to the ER on move day!
3) Layer it Up
You never know how hot or cold you are going to get while moving all of those boxes. Wearing layers will give you the freedom to add or remove clothing when you get too hot or cold.
4)Get the Car Ready
The moving truck is ready to go, but is your own vehicle equipped to handle taking you and your family to your new home? Make sure you have checked your tire pressure, engine, and pack an emergency kit just in case.

5) Pack the supplies
Speaking of your own personal vehicle, don’t forget to pack important winter supplies in their too. These items can include gloves and the windshield scraper. Don’t pack these guys in boxes in case you need them on the way. The weather can be unpredictable in the winter.
6) Check your Weather App
Perfect segue to our next tip…watching the weather will be key during a winter move. In the weeks leading up to your move, be checking the forecast for any weather changes or possible winter storms. Be flexible if unforeseen weather comes about on the day of your trip. Always have a back up plan.
7) Keep Some Cocoa on Hand
Or coffee if hot chocolate isn’t your thing. Your family and the movers may be needing something warm to drink during this winter move. Keep something warm on hand to make the move more enjoyable for everyone.
8)Let the Pros Do it
This is the best and safest option during a winter move. A professional will be able to navigate the truck in winter weather and will make your move more seamless then if you were to attempt it yourself.
9)Keep It Clean
Make sure to pack carpet remnants or lay down broken moving boxes as to not track ice and snow into your pretty new home during the move. The last thing you want to worry about is having to clean your brand new home right after you move in.
10) Wrap Your Goods
The winter weather can cause issues when it comes to damaging your possessions. Make sure to protect the items with the potential to be water damaged in stronger shipping supplies.

Moving is stressful, especially in the winter. Fortunately, you can make your move go as seamless as possible by following these 10 tips.

A smart entrepreneur will sometimes use their product’s packaging as a trick to gain new customers. They would only have to be creative, and they need access to packaging supplies that would give them the best deals. In the 21st century, because of the existence of technologies that allow the creation of these items, many businesses have shifted from using the old packaging style to using a fancier packaging that would leave their customers in amazement.

They wanted they products to become a viral hit, and business people will be investing a lot to make sure that their products will provide a lasting impact to the public. Some of the examples of these newer packaging styles are the following:

1. An egg carton which uses the picture of a female chicken, giving an optical illusion that it is laying eggs.
2. A white gum arranged in the same manner as the human teeth, and then it is covered with lips.
3. A swimwear that is tied to a picture of a woman’s back. When the product is removed, it emulates how women are removing their bathing suits.
4. A pickup that is printed on a matchbox. When the matchbox is pulled out, it shows that the truck extends in size.
5. Peaches from China that were given a set of lingerie, to give the optical illusion that these are the tiny back of a woman.
6. An earphone that is arranged in a manner that will provide the buyers an illusion that it is a note.
7. A tea bag that is shaped like a goldfish. When the tea bag is dipped in a cup, it will look like a fishbowl.
8. Waterproof watches that are packed inside a pouch filled with water.
9. Sugar cubes that are arranged like a jigsaw puzzle.
10. A box of spaghetti pasta that is arranged like the Empire State Building in New York City.
11. A stick of parmesan cheese that comes with a sharpener. Applying it as a garnish to dishes would require an individual to sharpen it, just like a pencil.
12. Tetra packs fruit juices that are packaged using printed fruit skins.
13. Cupcakes packaged in a small cardboard oven.
14. Native American teas that are packaged in sachets shaped like a teepee.
15. A baguette shaped like a gnome’s hat, packed inside a piece of paper that depicts a gnome in it.
16. Beer can that provides an illusion that is a mix between a factory and lingerie.
17. A tea that looks like a t-shirt, hanged inside the box.
18. Body soap packed in plastic containers that are shaped like the human body.
19. Cookies that are packaged in a cardboard oven.
20. Paper bags that are printed with a beer case. This gives an illusion that the person carrying the paper bag is carrying a whole case of beer with them.
21. Toilet papers that are packed to mimic fruits.
22. Tissue papers that are arranged in a fashion that would make it look like a smoke coming out from a house, a paper coming out from a typewriter, and a waterspout coming out of a whale.
23. Buns that looked like abs.
24. Pastas that looked like blonde hair.
25. Air fresheners which have caps that look like an actual fruit or ice cream.
26. A sparkling wine that looks like an upside down bouquet.
27. A grape wine that is packaged inside a container that is shaped like the human heart.
28. Nails that are packed like a matchbox.
29. Cookies packed in a can which depicts a bear with a big mouth.
30. Paintbrushes that looked like human hair.

Stress should be avoided when moving to a new home. A reputable moving company will make the experience easier. They should have credible reviews and a lot of experience. There are tips to help with the additional preparation and planning. The best way to plan, pack and sort is to ensure time has been set aside specifically for the move. Sometimes this can be accomplished on the weekend and sometimes it is necessary to take time off work. Talk to friends, family or a babysitter to ensure the children and pets are taken care so the focus can be placed on the move. Packing is more consistent without distractions. Friends and family may be willing to offer assistance with the move. The schedule must be clear to avoid stress and rushing at the last minute.

Allow several weeks prior to the move to sort everything out room by room. Decide what will be moved and what is unnecessary. The unnecessary items should be placed in piles for selling, throwing out and donating. Take the donations to the desired locations because they may be tax deductible. Some charities will pick up the items. This eliminates furniture, home goods and extra clothing. Many people will benefit from what is no longer needed. A yard sale will eliminate old belongings or items can be advertised online. Remove any clutter by recycling or throwing away anything that cannot be used such as broken or damaged appliances. This will reduce moving costs and make the move easier.

A strategic plan is required for packing. The easiest way is a systematic approach from room to room. Each room should be completed before moving on to the next room. This will waste valuable time and is not efficient. Use shipping supplies to make certain every box has a clear label. Rooms can be color coded to make the process easier and more festive.

Boxes containing valuables and breakables should be labeled as fragile on the label. A short description of what is in the box can also be included. This will provide organization and let the movers know where to put the boxes while unloading. Pack a suitcase with essentials such as clean clothing and a toothbrush. This includes any items that require immediate access. Place the suitcase in the car so it can be easily located. This is especially helpful when moving long distances. Having to dig through numerous boxes the day of the move to locate soap and a toothbrush is unnecessary.

Always remember the reason for the move because it is usually exciting. Moving is not easy and requires a great deal of work. This is even more difficult if the individual is not sleeping due to worry. The work becomes even harder if lack of sleep leads to crankiness and exhaustion. It is important to take the time for consistent breaks.

Make certain to remain hydrated and ensure snacks and meals are consumed on a regular basis. This will help provide a feeling of relaxation and refreshment through the course of the move. Rushing at the last minute can be avoided when preparation is done in advance. When a person is rushing it will increase the feeling of stress. The key is to remain organized and prepared, avoid rushing and take a calm and steady approach.

It is not just about the product anymore. It is also about the package design. You need to have an excellent packaging design to get your core customers interested. Think of it as another form of marketing. Market strategies come in different ways and packaging supplies are one of them.

How can your company make the most of their packaging supplies? How can your company entice an already skeptical audience that their company will fit their needs?

1) The first thing you need to do is study your industry. It is one thing to say your product is unique. It is one thing to say that you offer something no one else is? It is quite another to prove it. You need to put your money where your mouth is. The only way to do that is to study the demographics.

Study other products that are similar to yours. Find out what packaging has worked in the past for others and then tweak it. There are industry standards that need to be followed. That is part of what makes the product a success.

2) Okay, so you are ready to hit your market with your product brand? What is your market? Did you even define it? You need to before you move forward. That is probably the biggest issue for any startup. It is one thing to define your product and what it does. It is quite another to find your niche market and capitalize on it.

Another thing you need to consider with your packaging is your end goal. Do you want to tailor your product and packaging for people who shop at Walmart? Do you want to tailor your packaging to someone who shops at Saks Fifth Avenue? There is a big difference in the quality and the customers.

3) The next step is to figure out who is going to buy your packaging. This is sort of like what I mentioned in number 2. Do you want to reach high-end shoppers? Do you want to reach out to general shoppers who are just ordinary people? You can do one or both, but you need to decide. People who shop at a high-end store are going to perceive your product to be of higher quality versus a simple drugstore brand.

The products in the high-end and drugstore may be the same thing, but the perception is different. Your packaging needs to reflect the perception of the value. The two are not always mutually exclusive, contrary to popular belief.

4) You should consider your price point and how it reflects your value. You price it too high. You may not have many takers. Your price it too low. You may lose some money in the process. You need to know how much your customers are willing to pay for the value you offer.

You should keep in mind that a product worth only a few dollars will require different packaging versus a product worth a few hundred. You should also note that not all expensive products are worth the price you pay.

5) You also need to recognize when your product is ready to be shipped versus when it is in the prototype stage. Not all prototype products are fit for consumption.

Have you ever received a gift (or even a package), only to realize that it had shipped broken, wrinkled, or was just trashed beyond recognition? If you are going to be sending an important gift that took forever to pick out for a client, it will be really horrible if that client receives a gift that is just a broken mess. The correct packing and shipping is certainly need for these types of things. So, here are some tips for shipping and packing.

It doesn’t matter if you have been shipping packages for years now, it is always a possibility that you have been packaging the wrong way or not as well as you could have been doing.

Removing Older Shipping Labels

Are you someone who makes use of your older shipping labels. It is a good idea to save money. It is a very frugal and ecologically responsible idea. The real question is going to be: are you someone who removes the old shipping labels or barcodes? You should really try to remember that the older barcodes or addresses that are left on your box are able to make it so that your package is delivered to a location you might not have wanted it to go to. You will notice that this at least causes confusion, and could possibly cause the shipping process to be slowed down. Also, another thing to consider is the fact that old labels make it seem as though you are not someone who cares.

Snagging Free Boxes From Your Shipper

You will find that the most important shippers along with the U.S. postal service are all going to be providing you with free boxing and packaging choices. So, this means that if you are sending a reasonably sized item you might be able to get some free boxes for shipping.

Making Use of The H-Tape Method

This is a method that is a proper way of applying tape to a package. Now, you may be thinking, but that is stupid, or who doesn’t know how to tape a package? However, if you are not in the know on how to tape a package properly you might find that it opens up when you are shipping it, and that could end in damaged or lost items. To use this method simply use the tape along all of the seams that are open at the time that you are sealing it. That’s all there is to it.

The Tape That You Are Using Does Make a Difference

You will find that when you are sealing your packages the tape you use does change the outcome. If you make use of plastic or reinforced paper that has been designed for shipping supplies, the tape should work fine. This means that you are going to have to get tape that is around a min of 60-lbs grade. You may think that normal tape would work just because that’s what you would use when you are moving somewhere, but it takes longer than a couple of hours for an item to reach its destination and that is why it is so important to find the right tape.

Be Wary of These Common Scams from Movers

We have all heard it, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.” Still, we cannot help it when someone presents us with an offer that seems like the deal of the century. It is like hitting the lottery without having to purchase a ticket. The problem is that someone else won the lottery by preying on our naïve or greed intentions.

There are too many dishonest movers in the industry that preys on people who do not know any better. These unethical companies often lure their customers with websites that look legitimate. Potential customers contact them and receive quotes that beat out the competition. Thinking that they have gotten a bargain, they schedule an appointment. When the representative from the moving company shows up at the customer’s home, they load up their furniture and leave. Unfortunately, that is often the last time the customer will ever see their property.

You can protect yourself from this type of unscrupulous activity. Before committing to conducting business with any company, do some research to find out everything you can about the company and their reputation. To help you determine whether a moving company is legitimate here is some information to be aware of about dishonest moving companies.

1: They do not have a business license.

The government has no information on unlicensed companies. Therefore, the government does not monitor them, nor do these companies follow any governmental regulations. Since there is no regulatory oversight, there is little recourse for the customer who hires them.

2: Extremely low prices.

Operating a moving company is expensive. Moving companies must pay for skilled drivers, trucking and fuel expenses, warehouse and storage fees, and taxes. These companies charge the rates that they charge because of the cost of operating a business. If they set their prices too low, it will be impossible for them to remain in business. Therefore, if this one company beat the competition by hundreds of dollars, it should be cause for concern. Companies that outbid their closest competitors by unrealistic margins are not more business savvy. They are most likely thieves.

3: They are uninsured.

Inquire about the company’s insurance options. An unscrupulous moving company may present a flimsy certificate of insurance. Check with the supposed insurance provider to get more information on the coverage. If your property becomes damaged during transit, you will need to be able to file a claim.

4: There is no physical address.

A moving company without a verifiable physical address is not a legitimate moving company. Illegitimate moving companies that don’t maintain a physical address can quickly close their website, disconnect the phone, and leave town. Think about all the equipment, trucks, and shipping supplies that it takes to operate a moving company. If you locate the company in cyberspace, but can’t find a physical location, they probably don’t exist.

Another thing to consider is whether the moving company belongs to any industry organizations, such as the American Moving & Storage Association, it is probably not legitimate. The American Moving & Storage Association requires moving companies to be licensed, have a good reputation, and maintain high standards.

Are you overwhelmed trying to keep your entire home better organized? Are you also struggling to find storage solutions to streamline the messiest spots?

If so, here are some decluttering tips and ideas for organizing kitchens, closets and other rooms in your home.

By fastening little jewelry boxes together you will be able to craft divided storage
partitions for lipsticks, fragrances or any messes in the drawer.

Another plan for jewelry would be to hang necklaces and bracelets on a coat rack mounted to the wall. Jewelry can be hung from corkboard and straight pins as an alternative. And to keep handbags and purses better organized, shower curtain hooks could be draped across a closet bar.

A desk organizer might be just the right method to sorting cookie sheets, cutting boards or kitchen pans or it could also be used to hold bathroom essentials, such as cotton swabs or combs and brushes.

Another trick, which involves the use of glass jars underneath a shelf or table, works in the garage, the basement or possibly a home office. Simply nail the lids of the jars to the outside part of the surface and twist the jars into place. You can add nails, wood screws or post its.

Clear-topped spice containers can also be utilized to hold office supplies such as rubber bands, paper clips and more.

The use of velcro tape can hold on to electronic cords after a small hook has been added to keep bundled wires out of sight. An alternative would be to attach adhesive file-folder labels with the tag of the cords devices, such as TV or DVD.

Another tip would be filling empty tissue boxes or a cardboard paper towel tube with plastic grocery bags and store them under the sink to remove them when you need a bag.

Place a tension rod to keep pot lids from clattering in kitchen drawers. And place napkin sets and mats in large zipper-sealed plastic bags.

By making the most of a paper towel holder, gift wrapping can be trouble-free. Simply slide spools on to the post stacking them from largest to smallest.

For children’s art supplies and coloring books, a dish drying rack may just be the answer. Load up the books, similar to loading plates while storing crayons and markers in the utensil holder.

A unique way to store wrapping paper or gift bags would be to clip individual sheets to a pants or skirt hanger. A shoe organizer is an excellent place to put away scissors, tape and gift tags.

A pegboard, with various sized holes, can be quite the place to keep sports equipment such as helmets, gloves, balls and more.

And clear plastic boxes or containers provide a great place for packaging supplies, storage and combining children’s crayons, glue sticks and more.

Filling votive-candle holders with small items such as paper clips or bobby pins gives them a useful function or filling them with toothpicks and serving them with appetizers gives them an alternative function.

What’s more, using colored bins for each member of the family is a great organizational idea. For example, the purple bin or basket can hold mail or keys so they are easy to take hold of.

While it may seem there is always more organizing to be done, these tips should let you know storage just got easier.

Moving to a new home can be an exciting time in your life. From picking the perfect size home, the location and any modifications that you may want or need to putting the final signature on your new abode can be mind boggling. Next comes the sorting, the packing and the preparation for the actual move. But what about your pet fish?

There are some very careful steps that should be taken in transporting your pet fish from your current destination to your new home. These include for the actual fish themselves as well as their own home, the tank. Moving for fish can be quite stressful as their aquarium is not just their home but their entire world. By following the list below this will help you with making the transition as smooth as possible for your aquatic friends.

1. Be prepared. Having the necessary supplies for your fish to move is essential. Clean leak proof 5-gallon buckets with lids that you can poke holes in for ventilation are specifically needed for moving the fish. You will also need a water siphon and a fishing net to catch the fish. Shipping supplies such as bubble wrap, packing paper and packing tape will help with the securing of their tank. Do not feed your fish for 24 hours prior to the move, as this will help keep the water in the buckets clean while in transport.

2. Use the siphon to drain water directly from the first tank into a few of the 5-gallon buckets filling them approximately two-thirds full. By only filling them up two-thirds of the way this will help avoid any spill disasters along the way.

3. Count the number of fish that are in your tank. Very carefully gently catch each fish one by one with the fishing net, transferring them from the net to one of the buckets of water. Depending on the the number of fish that you have more than one bucket may be need for this. Use your best judgement, as you don’t want your fish to be overcrowded during the move. After you have transferred all of the fish from the tank to the buckets count them again to make sure that you have the same number of fish that you had when they were in the tank. Put the lids on top of the buckets securely, making sure there are holes in the top of the lids so that the fish can still breathe.

4. Take out all decorations and accessories such as heaters, filters, rocks and plants and dry them off. Wrap these items in bubble wrap and packing paper and pack in a box.

5. Now it’s time to drain the water that is left in the aquarium. As soon as it is empty, wipe the inside down with towels to dry it as much as possible. Wrap the outside with bubble wrap, the air filled protective material with tape, then wrap again with thick moving blankets. It’s always a good idea if possible for two people to move a fish tank. Make sure that the tank remains flat while being transported.

6. Once you have arrived to your new destination it is best for your fish if they are the very first thing to be unpacked. Set up the aquarium first, then move your fish back to their home.

Happy moving!