Billions of dollars’ worth of sporting goods are sold in the U.S. every year. Market and consumer data experts Statista estimate that sales will top $48 billion in 2018. While in-store purchases will account for a sizeable percentage of that volume, much of the merchandise will be bought online and shipped. Getting those items from the distribution point to the consumer safely is critically important to a sporting goods store’s success.

In today’s competitive business world, having a strong, recognizable brand is crucial to your success. Why does effective branding matter? People who become familiar with your branding can quickly spot it and will gravitate toward it. Seeing your branding recalls the positive interactions people have had with your company, and emotion helps close deals and maintain brand loyalty. Your branding is a source of pride and confidence for your employees and business partners. You brand your website, brochures, and other marketing materials. But, another excellent place to capitalize on your brand power is the water-activated tape you can use to seal cartons. Not every company thinks to do this. But those that do, often find it to be a powerful source of brand awareness.

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.

There’s still time to get out those business and personal gifts, but deadlines are looming. To make sure you can still delight your recipients, make sure you pack carefully and ship on time.

Sending holiday gifts to key clients and referral sources is a great way to show your company’s appreciation. Make sure these gifts survive the journey and showcase your good wishes by choosing, packing and shipping them correctly.

Shipping pharmaceuticals brings with it a unique set of risks. Shipments must arrive on-time, intact and at the right temperature. When a non-medical shipment goes wrong, a customer can be disappointed. But when a pharmaceutical shipment doesn’t go as planned, it can affect the health of a patient. Yet with all the advances in pharmaceuticals, not much has changed in the last 30 years regarding the way pharmaceuticals are transported. Many are still moved from warehouse to retail stores by small regional carriers.