Reasons to Work with a Packaging Distributor
Whether you’ve just started your business or you’ve been in operation for decades, there’s one thing that every company always needs at one point or another – packaging supplies. When the time comes to find boxes, mailers, tape, and more, you need a reliable source that can provide high-quality goods quickly and for a reasonable price. Even better if they can provide an outstanding shopping experience with expert level knowledge of the products and services they have available. So where do you go to find all of this? The answer is a packaging distributor. There are many reasons to work with a packaging distributor and we’ve taken the time to break them down below. Check it out!
Product Neutrality and Availability
If you’re on the hunt for a new item, you probably like to do a little research first. Maybe you look at all the reviews for new bicycles or check out every last technical spec on the latest sound systems, but you almost always do your due diligence before spending your money. Why should that be any different for 
packaging supplies?
One primary reason to work with a packaging distributor is their neutrality in terms of both products and brands. Unlike a manufacturer, the distributor has access to a huge range of different materials and can make recommendations based on what works best for your precise needs, instead of being pushy about a specific item. Packaging distributors have access to a huge inventory of different supplies, automated equipment, and more. Instead of sourcing your poly bags from one place, your boxes from another, and then buying a piece of machinery from a third place, you can simply go to a packaging distributor. They’ll be your one-stop shop for all things packaging, and oftentimes can give you a much better lead time because they have so many options to choose from.
A Personalized Experience
While their prices may be attractive, many manufacturers and big box retailers tend to make you feel like just another number on their list of buyers. Sure, they’ll take your money, but they generally aren’t all that helpful and leave you to do all the legwork when it comes to your research and purchase.
When you work with a packaging distributor, you’ll receive a highly personalized shopping experience. Dedicated, knowledgeable account managers and customer service representatives learn the ins and outs of your business as a unique organization. They take the time to truly understand your company and its individual needs, rather than just make assumptions and try to get you to spend as much money as possible. That means these account managers and customer service reps do their very best to find you the packaging supplies and equipment that’s right for you, not the materials that cost the most.
Not Just a One Trick Pony
No matter what kind of products you’re looking for, purchasing can sometimes get exhausting. Maybe you can get all the packaging supplies you need from the manufacturer, but what happens when that exciting new strapping tool needs maintenance or you realize your products need a customized corrugated box to keep them safe during shipping and handling?
Thankfully, a great packaging distributor can help with all of this and then some. When you work with a company like IPS, you’ll get much more than just access to packaging supplies and equipment. A packaging distributor who knows their industry inside and out also has a staff of highly trained parts repair staff, service technicians, and packaging engineers who are all on hand to assist with your every packaging need, no matter how obscure it may be. A great packaging distribution company can help you customize your boxes, repair your tools, and integrate a fully automated packaging line for incredible long-term savings.
Industry Expertise
Especially when your business is just starting out, it can be tough to find a reliable source for packaging materials. When a quick Google search won’t do the trick, you need a little help from someone who knows exactly what they’re talking about. Someone who knows the difference between cardboard and corrugated material, all the intricacies of HDPE and LDPE plastics, and what type of void fill would work best to protect your goods.
That’s where packaging distributors come into play. You’ll work with individuals who have years and years of experience in the packaging industry and who have received comprehensive training on the products they sell. They can answer all of your questions about the various types of packaging materials, automatic and semi-automatic packaging equipment, custom packaging design, and much, much more.
Competitive Pricing
We’ve all been there before. Like it or not, you need to stick to a budget, especially when you’re purchasing for a business. If you go over that budget, you’ll be sure to hear about it from the higher ups and that’s just about the last thing you want when you’re trying to bring supplies in so you can ship your products out the door.
The good news is that in addition to all of the previously mentioned advantages, competitive pricing is yet another reason to work with a packaging distributor. We’ve already discussed how distributors have access to a huge variety of packaging materials from a wide range of manufacturers. This brings the added benefit of being able to help you stick to your budget. If one brand’s supplies are simply too expensive, they can help you find a cost-effective alternative or even work with the manufacturer on securing a better price.
IPS Packaging & Automation is the Packaging Distributor You Need
Now that you understand the many reasons to work with a packaging distributor, let our team help you take the next step. IPS offers a diverse range of different packaging supplies and equipment, and also employs a dedicated team of knowledgeable account managers, engineers, service technicians, and more. Contact us today to get started!
