Boxes vs. Poly Mailers: What do I use for shipping my products?

by: William Solomon | Jun 15, 2023

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Last updated on September 28th, 2023 at 08:29 pm

Boxes vs Poly Mailers

How you ship your packages is as crucial to your brand identity as your product. Especially in this day and age of e-commerce, receiving things through the mail is fast becoming one of the main brand touchpoints for businesses. It’s up to you to pull out all the stops to ensure that your packages arrive in pristine, tip top condition that will leave a lasting impression.

The best way to protect your items while in transit is to use protective packaging such as poly mailers and custom boxes. But how would you know which one is suitable for your products? In this article, we explore the key differences between the two types of packaging and how they protect your products.

Why Use a Poly Mailer for Shipping?

Flexible fit – The poly mailers are versatile and can fit a wide variety of products. You can use them to ship nonperishable products such as clothes, apparel, and shoes. Pro tip: You can also use poly mailers in tandem with boxes to protect delicate and small items such as remote controls, batteries, and small electronics.
Space saving – This packaging type doesn’t take up a lot of space. There’s no need for assembly or tape, just pick, pack, and seal.
Budget-friendly – Poly mailers are significantly more affordable than custom boxes. Plus, having less weight and bulk when you ship your packages helps minimize your shipping costs.

Why Use a Box for Shipping?

Increased protection – Boxes are one of the best ways to ship fragile items. The impact-resistance of corrugated cardboard helps buffer potential damage.
Versatility – You can order cartons that are measured to the exact dimensions you need, which helps minimize rattling inside.
Branding – Boxes can be custom printed on every side in full color, giving you a large canvas for branding opportunities.

Poly Mailers vs. Boxes: The Pros and Cons

	Pros	Cons
Poly Mailers	– Cost-effective	– Limited protection
	– Lightweight	– Limited branding opportunities
	– Flexible	– Less environmental friendly
	– Space-saving
Custom boxes	– Increased protection	– More expensive
	– Big branding opportunities	– Bulky
	– Versatile	– Higher shipping costs
	– Professional look	– Needs tape for tamper protection.
	– Reusable / recyclable

Making the Right Mailing Decision

At the end of the day, how you ship something is just as important as what you’re shipping. The choice between poly mailers and custom boxes boils down to the specific needs of the business and the nature of the products contained in the packaging. Remember the pros and cons of both packaging options and consider these factors when you choose which option works best for your brand.