Containers and packaging in bulk: boxes, film and bags from suppliers
Packaging is counted in small amounts but matters in every shipment
A difference of a few cents on a box is noticeable over thousands of pieces. The cost of goods broken in transit because the cardboard was too thin is even more noticeable. So the saving should not come from strength, but from things that do not affect protection: excess size, extra print colours, an awkward format.
What to look at, by type
- Corrugated boxes: 3-ply board suits light goods, and 5-ply is stronger for heavier goods and for stacking. Size is given as inside dimensions, length×width×height.
- Stretch film: the thickness in microns matters, and whether it is for hand or machine wrapping.
- Bags and sacks: material, thickness, width, heat-sealed seam or zip, and whether they are fit for food.
- Bubble wrap, tape, jars and bottles: size, neck, colour, quantity per carton.
How to get offers on BlaBlaPrice
You describe your need in one request, and suppliers and manufacturers reply on their own. You can add one photo, for example of a drawing or a sample. The request is checked, and you are told which parameters are missing.
Offers appear in the chat: the price per piece or roll, the minimum order, production time, delivery. Each one sees where their offer ranks and can improve their terms to win the request. The offer with the best overall terms is shown first, with reviews of the seller next to it. Your phone number stays hidden until you choose a supplier. The general principles are on the “How it works” page.
What to put in your request
- What you need — corrugated boxes, stretch film, bags, tape, jars.
- Sizes — for example, 40×30×30 cm.
- Quantity — in pieces, rolls or kilograms.
- Specifications — 5-ply board, film thickness in microns, density.
- Printing — a one-colour logo or plain.
- New or used — for boxes, used is sometimes acceptable.
- Regularity — a one-off batch or monthly supplies.
- Delivery city and budget, for example up to RM 20 per 10 boxes.
Example: “I need 1,000 new corrugated boxes of 40×30×30 cm, 5-ply board, with a one-colour logo. Delivery to George Town, with monthly supplies afterwards. Budget up to RM 20 per 10 boxes.”
How to compare offers
First make sure the sizes and the number of plies are the same. Ask whether there is a minimum run and whether the price depends on quantity: sometimes it differs for 1,000 and for 3,000 pieces. For printing, find out whether making the printing plates or dies is included and how long it takes. Ask for the production time separately from the delivery time.
Ask for a sample if you are buying a big batch: you can feel the board and test the fold at once. For strength, ask about a compression test or at least the grade of the board. For film, check the actual thickness and the weight of the roll: sometimes net and gross weight get mixed up.
Common mistakes
Ordering a box by outside dimensions instead of inside ones. Taking board that is too thin for heavy goods. Not allowing space for filler. Not agreeing that the size and strength of the batch will match the sample.
If you need packaging for other raw materials, see the “Raw materials” section and the related rubber, plastic and polymers.
