We are frequently asked which water-activated tape dispenser is better - electric or manual. And there’s really only one answer - it depends. “Better” can mean a lot of different things to different businesses - better price point, better efficiency in application, better for traveling around the warehouse with...the list goes on.

You may be thinking that all tape is made the same as long as it's sticky enough to keep the corrugated carton shut. Although tape's main purpose is to adhere to and seal the carton, there are actually several differences between shipping and moving tape.

E-commerce selling has become increasingly important to customers and to businesses' revenue stream. This increase in revenue and shipping volume amplify the importance of making sure quality is paramount in all areas of the fulfillment process. Water-activated tape (also known as gummed tape, Kraft paper tape, reinforced paper tape) is designed to create superior seal on your corrugated cartons while providing advantages other carton sealing methods do not. Better Packages’ water-activated tape dispensers offer companies peace of mind in the packaging and shipping process and also ensure customer satisfaction upon delivery.

You may be thinking that all tape is made the same as long as it's sticky enough to keep the corrugated carton shut. Although tape's main purpose is to adhere to and seal the carton, there are actually several differences between shipping and moving tape.

A company’s shipping practices can have a significant impact on its success. From customer satisfaction to how shipping costs impact your bottom line, there are many factors to consider. This includes your choice of shipping materials.

If you use a Better Packages’ water-activated tape dispenser to seal your water-activated tape (WAT), you understand how well-constructed and durable it is. You also perceive the many advantages of the super-strong shipping carton seal that you get from using water-activated tape (WAT) — from better protection of package contents to increased security. But, did you know that to keep your dispenser humming, you need to use genuine Better Packages parts?

Are packing efficiency, productivity, and security important to your organization? How about brand awareness and customer satisfaction? It’s hard to imagine any company saying “No” to these questions, which is why it’s easy to understand that organizations looking to improve their financial performance and gain market share continue to switch to water-activated tape (WAT).

If someone told you that workplace injuries and illnesses cost U.S. companies over $1 billion per YEAR, would that number surprise you? How about if you learned from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that the actual number is close to $1 billion per week? That would surely get your attention! And those are just the direct workers’ compensation costs. On top of that, there are expenses associated with accident investigations and safety issue mitigation, hiring and training replacement workers, lost productivity, and more. If your company packs and ships products, your packing stations can be a hotspot for workplace injuries. Thankfully, there are steps that can help keep your organization from contributing to that $1 billion per week figure.

Water-activated tape (WAT) provides significant carton-sealing advantages. Also known as gummed tape, Kraft tape, paper tape, or reinforced gummed tape (when fiberglass is embedded), WAT provides a strong, tamper-evident seal that keeps cartons securely closed both during shipping and while in storage. WAT also delivers a clean, professional look and can even be printed with your logo or other graphics to help increase brand awareness. What’s more, sealing with WAT using an electric, water-activated tape dispenser, has been shown by independent testing to be 21 percent more efficient than sealing with pressure-sensitive plastic tape. What’s the key to capitalizing on all these benefits to improve your company’s profit margin? Knowing how to seal a package with WAT. While it’s a straightforward process, there are some proven tips that can help you maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of your packaging operations.

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.