Shipping supplies come in all shapes and sizes. That much seems obvious. However, sometimes it’s helpful to take things to the next level, and I’m not suggesting you try this tip on your significant other later on. Remember, this post is about shipping supplies, which is almost at the complete opposite end of the spectrum from romance. I repeat: do NOT take anything that I say here and try applying it to your love life. That might seem obvious, too, but they tell you not to put your hand under the running lawn mower for a reason, right?
Because someone, somewhere, at some time tried it, right? And then probably sued the lawn mower company and so now the lawn mower company, and every company from napkin manufacturers to the greenhouse up the road come completely laden with disclaimers of every kind. That’s just the kind of world of we live in. As for taking things to the next level in the world of shipping supplies, that looks like identifying some different categories and explaining them in a bit further detail.
Boxes: these are the most obvious, but don’t be fooled. A box isn’t a box isn’t a box. That is a really complicated way of saying that there are many different kinds of boxes for many different kinds of needs. Heavy duty boxes, not-so-heavy duty boxes, and even boxes with specific qualifications for shipping hazardous materials. Because apparently sending chemicals and bodily fluids in the mail is something that actually happens. And enough that simply anyone can buy a box to do so with.
Tape: these are also an obvious member of the shipping supplies family. Once again, don’t be fooled. Not all tape is meant for sealing a package. Some kinds of tape are actually not designed to hold a box together. Your scotches, ducts, and maskings are good go-tos as far as this is concerned.
Labels: the most important part of sending something is displaying where it is supposed to go. It is also helpful to display where it came from, so that your friends know they aren’t getting a box from a creepy stranger, or a customer can know that their order has gotten in before they even open the package, or even just so that it can make it back to you if the recipient can’t be found. Instead of scribbling on the actual packaging, use a label to display the return and forwarding address.
