Should you use boxes or mailers for shipping? It depends on what you're shipping, your budget, and your brand goals.
When to use boxes for shipping?
Boxes are best for:
- Fragile or heavy items: If your product could break, dent, or be damaged during transit (think ceramics, candles, or electronics), boxes provide the necessary protection.
- Multiple items in one order: Boxes offer more space and structure, making them ideal for bundling multiple products or larger items.
- Brand presentation: For high-value items or businesses focusing on unboxing experiences, boxes can elevate your brand. You can layer tissue paper, inserts, or even a personalized thank-you card, which is harder to execute in a mailer.
However, boxes tend to cost more—not just the box itself but the additional weight and dimensions they add to shipping fees. If your products don't require heavy-duty protection, boxes might eat into your margins unnecessarily.
Read more on: Shipment Weight: Actual Weight Vs. Dimensional Weight
When to use mailers?
Mailers are best for:
- Lightweight, non-fragile products: Apparel, books, stickers, or any item that doesn’t need rigid support can safely ship in a padded or poly mailer.
- Slim, compact orders: If your product fits snugly in a mailer, it’s more cost-effective because mailers are lighter and often fall under cheaper shipping tiers.
- Eco-friendly packaging: Kraft paper mailers or padded paper options offer sustainability and are easy to recycle, appealing to environmentally conscious customers.
Camelia Bloom Biodegradable Mailers 10" x 13"
Dependable and eco-friendly: Our most popular size, these 10x13 biodegradable mailers combine strength and sustainability, making them perfect for medium-sized shipments.
Versatile packaging solution: Great for clothing items such as t-shirts or artisanal crafts, providing ample protection and a sleek look.
Transit protection: This mailer safeguards your products against the rigors of shipping, with a strong adhesive strip to keep contents secure and protected from moisture and dirt.
Design: With its soft white background and intricate floral illustrations in earthy hues, the Camelia Bloom design offers a graceful and natural charm. The harmonious blend of colors and patterns evokes the peaceful beauty of a blooming garden.
What’s More Expensive?
Boxes, on average, cost more due to:
- Material costs: Corrugated boxes are pricier than mailers, especially if you add custom branding.
- Shipping rates: Carriers calculate shipping based on weight and size. Boxes are bulkier and heavier, leading to higher costs.
- Void fill: You’ll often need filler like paper, bubble wrap, or foam to secure products inside a box, which adds to the expense.
Mailers are cheaper upfront and help reduce shipping costs, but they’re not always appropriate for larger or fragile items. If you choose mailers for the wrong product, you might save on packaging only to face costly returns or complaints from customers.
Padded or Flat? Find the Perfect Mailer for Your Business at Impack
Need mailers for your business? At Impack, we’ve got you covered with both padded and flat mailers to handle all your shipping needs.
- Padded mailers are perfect for semi-fragile items like small accessories, cosmetics, or delicate stationery.
- Flat mailers are great for non-fragile items like stickers, clothing, or slim packages that don’t need extra protection.
Recommended Products
We also offer a range of pre-designed mailers to match your brand, whether you’re shipping small or medium-sized items. With stylish, ready-to-use designs, you can make your packaging look great without spending extra time or money on custom printing.
👉 Check out our mailer collection at Impack today!
FAQs
