When considering packaging solutions for your business, you are likely to ask yourself all kinds of questions. How can I save the most money on packaging? Can I afford a more premium packaging experience? What difference, if any, does it make if I cut corners on packaging? Is it actually worth it to upgrade to a higher-quality packing tape for shipping, or to invest in an industrial-grade dispenser? Be careful not to make assumptions when weighing your options. The packaging industry is full of misconceptions and misguided opinions, and if you’re a business owner, you’ve no doubt fallen victim to one or two packaging myths. In this article, we unpack 5 of the most common packaging myths you probably believe.

Myth: Customers don't care about packaging; they just want the products inside.

Some brands view packaging as a mere wrapper and assume customers only care about the product inside.

Fact: Packaging is a critical part of the customer experience that influences first impressions and brand loyalty.

Good packaging reinforces a premium brand image, even for smaller companies. It doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy; a little intentionality goes a long way for customers. Sometimes it’s not about what, but how. Inventory neatly wrapped in a layer of kraft paper can be enough to remind your customer of the care and attention taken to fulfill their order. To take it a step further, think hand-written thank you notes, care cards, and aesthetically pleasing void fill, like Honeycomb Wrapping Paper.

Creating a memorable unboxing experience can increase your customers’ perception of the value of your brand. Your packaging can do more than protect your inventory in transit — it can tell a story about your brand, inspire customers to create content about their unboxing experience for social media, and increase brand loyalty and recognition.

Myth: Great packaging is only for large companies.

Smaller brands often assume that custom, high-quality packaging is a luxury reserved for big corporations.

Fact: Innovative and memorable packaging can help small brands stand out in a competitive market.

Many smaller companies are at the forefront of packaging trends, and creative, cost- effective solutions are more accessible than ever, allowing them to make a big impact without a massive budget. For instance, many small businesses and solopreneurs are seeing the massive value and versatility of thermal label printing, using it for everything from shipping labels to branded stickers to QR codes. Direct thermal labels don’t use printer ink or toner, making them a cost-effective printing solution for a variety of uses. In a competitive market, it’s important to take every branding opportunity, so your business can stand out from the crowd and be remembered by customers.

Myth: All packing tape is the same.

Many mistakenly believe that any packing tape will work for any box, regardless of the box's weight, contents, or shipping environment.

Fact: Not all tapes are created equal. The proper tape choice is crucial for ensuring a package arrives sealed and secure.

Factors to consider include:

  • Weight of the package: Heavy boxes require a higher-grade tape with strong adhesive. Water Activated Kraft Tape is specially formulated to keep its strong hold, even on boxes with heavy contents. It has a “destructive” bond, meaning it bonds instantly to porous surfaces and stays stuck for the long haul.
  • Shipping environment: Shipping in extreme heat, cold, or humidity requires a tape specifically designed to hold up in those conditions. Hot Melt Tape is specifically designed to maintain adhesion in a range of hot and cold temperatures.
  • Branding and security: Custom-printed tapes not only enhance branding but also deter tampering, as would-be thieves would need to have an identical roll of tape to reseal the box.


Myth: Sustainable packaging is always expensive.

Many businesses believe that transitioning to eco-friendly packaging will be prohibitively expensive.

Fact: The benefits of prioritizing sustainability in your packaging can outweigh costs.

Customers are often happier to purchase from a company that uses sustainable packaging, and that brand loyalty can far outweigh the initial costs of investing in sustainable packaging supplies. But you may not even need to invest in anything extra; in fact, some sustainable packaging solutions are ultimately cheaper. Simply using less and right-sizing your packaging can make a difference. For example, switching to Kraft Bubble Mailers instead of corrugated boxes can reduce void fill waste and save money on dimensional weight shipping fees.

Myth: Cheaper packaging always saves money.

Many business owners cut costs on packaging without much consideration, treating is as a low-priority expense.

Fact: Investing in higher-quality packaging can save money in the long-run.

Packaging shouldn’t be an afterthought or a low priority. Opting for the lowest-cost stretch film, tape, mailers, and labels often results in higher overall costs from wasted material, damaged goods, and inefficient processes. Upgrade your packaging supplies and you’ll see how fulfillment runs more smoothly, orders are delivered safely, shipping and refund rates drop, and customer satisfaction increases.

5 ways investing in high-quality packaging can save money long term:

  • Reduced Damage and Returns: Stronger, more durable materials, such as high- gauge, puncture-resistant stretch films, prevent product breakage during transit. This reduces the rate of returns, refunds, and replacements.
  • Optimized Shipping Costs: Higher quality, right-sized packaging design eliminates excessive voids. Smaller, lighter, and stronger packages lower shipping fees.
  • Improved Efficiency and Labor Savings: Utilizing better materials and tools, such as industrial-grade tape dispensers, can reduce fulfillment and processing time. This increases efficiency, lowers labor costs, and simplifies processes.
  • Lowered Warehousing Expenses: High-quality, stackable, and compact packaging uses less storage space, reducing inventory costs.
  • Enhanced Brand Protection and Customer Loyalty: High-quality packaging creates a positive unboxing experience, increasing brand awareness and encouraging repeat purchases.


Be Packaging Savvy

Looking for packaging solutions for your business? Look no further. At PackagingSuppliesByMail, we have hundreds of packaging solutions to accommodate a range of needs and applications, including the highest quality Stretch Wrap Films, Tapes, Mailing Envelopes, Poly Bags, Labels, and more. Check out our range of packaging supplies with free shipping at packagingsuppliesbymail.com.