A staggering number of packages are shipped by businesses and individuals every year. UPS alone handled 5.1 billion packages and documents in 2017. Regardless of the number your company contributed to that stream, when it comes to your packaging operations, you need equipment that increases both efficiency and effectiveness. For example, you want water-activated tape (WAT) dispensers that help your team get more cartons sealed faster, and ensures that they are sealed securely with a single strip of WAT for a professional appearance. These factors contribute to a better bottom line. However, bottom line considerations are never more important than the safety of your employees operating the machinery.

Shippers looking for product security, a professional image and packer productivity are turning to water-activated tape. In a recent interview with Jeffrey Deacon, Better Packages’ Sr. Director Global Business Development, Deacon shared customer feedback on why they switched from plastic shipping tape to water-activated tape. In Jeff’s role, he spends most of his time with customers; learning their businesses, coming up with solutions to improve their packing stations and helping them increase the efficiencies of their shipping processes.

Ten billion dollars. That was the aggregate spending on sporting goods online in 2015. For several years, the sporting goods industry has been one of the top industries involved in online purchases, according to US Department of Commerce. And there’s no sign of that slowing down. That means sporting goods retailers will be shipping a lot of athletic footwear, exercise equipment, licensed sports merchandise and athletic apparel in the years to come.

Drivers are holding onto their cars longer and that's creating more opportunity to sell replacement parts in general and online. According to a recent blog from the Hedges Company a marketing company specializing in automotive aftermarket sales, e-commerce auto parts are projected to grow 16% in 2016 and reach approximately $7.4 billion, excluding auctions and used parts). It was also noted that online sales in 2015 were double what they were in 2011. (“Auto Parts Marketing: Online Parts Sales to reach $7.4 B in 2016”, Hedges Company blog). Given the significant growth of online selling, it’s more important than ever for vendors in the automotive aftermarket to develop efficient shipping strategies. One complicating factor in strategy development is the fact that manufacturers and suppliers of aftermarket automotive parts face numerous shipping challenges. This post will share some of the challenges and how to address them with a few simple tips that help get your customer’s parts where they need to be, when they need to be there.

Would someone buy a 5 carat diamond online? Or a strand of pearls? Leading companies in the jewelry business like Tiffany, Harry Winston and Mikimoto say yes. And they are already positioning themselves to take advantage of this accelerating trend. Others in the luxury jewelry business are jumping on the bandwagon too, as industry insiders forecast a growing trend towards online luxury jewelry sales.

Repetitive motion injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome, are a common concern for shippers operating packing stations. These repetitive motion injuries are one of the 10 most common causes of Workers' Comp claims. They cost employers in all industries $1.8 billion each year, according to the Insurance Journal.

When e-commerce products are packed well for their journey, they make your customers smile. Products damaged in transit lead to frustrated and irritated customers who ultimately choose not to buy from you again.

Packing and shipping heavy items has its own set of challenges. Your packaging has to be stronger and more protective than for standard shipments. Why? Because heavier shipments are more likely to be moved by forklift rather than human power and to switch trucks several times on the way to their destinations.

The e-commerce supply chain, for all its sophistication, is a violent place if you are a carton that must get from point A to Point B. You are handled by many people who may throw you around without much thought to your importance as a customer’s “first impression”. This carton on your customer’s doorstep is his or her first interaction with your company – so make it a good one. Ship your merchandise in a sturdy and well-packaged container – a corrugated one.

Want to start the new calendar year with better throughput from your packing station? We assembled a panel of four packaging pros from Better Packages to share their expertise on making the most of a packaging station.