Making Changes In The Business World

If you haven’t noticed, the world is going absolutely insane. COVID19, which is a flu-like pandemic that allegedly came from Wuhan China and spread to the rest of the world, runs rampant in the world and creates a lot of havoc for pretty much every single country in the world. Thankfully, things are finally starting to get under control a little bit (at least in America). I for one got my COVID vaccine and am pretty happy with it. A lot of people are refusing to get the COVID vaccine because they are afraid of the potential side effects, which I understand. I mean, it makes sense that there could be some risks associated with the vaccine since there was only a 14 month testing period, but if you look at the ingredients for the vaccines then you’d notice that they aren’t super complicated. They don’t really contain a lot of weird chemicals or substances, and so I feel pretty confident about getting mine and don’t feel worried about it. I do know people that are worried about it though, and I can’t say I blame them. Either way, the world is starting to slowly become more vaccinated to the point where things can finally open back up again. Hopefully we will see more good news about the pandemic continuing in the future, and I hope one day we can all put this behind us.

One thing that has been absolutely crazy in our world because of the pandemic is the world of business and marketing. Since COVID hit and everything was shut down, it is true that there has been a great shift to online shopping and all kinds of eCommerce. I can guarantee you that if our Nation’s internet had shut down at some point during the pandemic, our economy would have completely tanked, and honestly our society may have just collapsed altogether.

Thankfully that didn’t happen, and we continued to fulfill our consumerist hearts and minds with the vice of online shopping. Amazon made an insane amount of money during COVID, and there is no way around that simple fact. I mean, I can personally attest to ordering at least $1000 worth of products and goods from Amazon over the course of last summer, and I would consider myself as pretty low on funds at all times; so I can’t imagine what some of the wealthier people were spending on Amazon. 

ECommerce just seems like the way to go right now. I think that, in the next 10 years, the world will start to shift more and more to an online form of commerce. It is crazy to think that we are constantly pioneering into uncharted territory with technology, since we are living at the most modern of times. All in all, I suspect that Amazon will eventually take over the world and we will all be forced to load cardboard boxes into robots for the rest of our days. I mean, who else is going to stop Jeff Bezos from doing whatever he wants? The man is building a rocket to go to space, and is now the richest guy in the world I’m pretty sure. All of that was started from selling books in cardboard boxes online. Honestly, I think Jeff Bezos will take over the world and cause the downfall of the human species, and that’s a fact.

Understanding the Rising Cost of Plastic Packaging

Since last September, the prices of plastic packaging materials has gradually increased. The slight and sustained price increase has affected all plastic packaging materials, including resin-based plastic packaging and shrink plastic films. The price changes might have piqued the interest of many customers, with some wondering how the situation will pan out in the future. At Industrial Packaging, we believe in being straightforward with our clients on such critical issues. We anticipate that the price shifts will continue well into 2021. This article sheds light on these price changes and offers advice on how to respond. 

By last October, manufacturers were expected to increase the rice of resin-based plastics and other related supplies by 3-12.5%. The changes in the resin market will inform this decision. Such price adjustments are expected to continue well beyond October 2020. 

What are the drivers of price increment for plastic packaging and supplies?

A complex mixture of market forces drives the price increase currently being experienced in the resin market. One of the leading causes of the price increase is the disturbances in the resin market supply chain. The resin market has been adversely affected by the ravaging coronavirus pandemic and extreme weather conditions. These factors have driven up demand for plastic packaging while putting a strain on the supply chain. Growing demand and declining supply usually drive up prices. 

Over the past months, the industry has also witnessed a steady increase in the cost of raw materials globally. The materials needed to manufacture, transport, and transport resin-based plastic packaging has increased. The price of fuel used in industrial machines and processes has also gone up. The logistical challenges have further compounded the situation. The logistics cost associated with manufacturing and supplying plastic packaging products has also risen over the past few months. 

With economies around the globe still battling restrictions to contain the pandemic, plastic packaging products inventories will continue to dwindle. We expect the inventory challenges and growing demand to continue pushing the prices higher and hold steady up to the summer of 2021. The anticipated weather changes, improving economic activities, and declining gas prices will likely improve supply and decrease prices in the coming months. 

How do you respond to these price changes and the resin market situation?

The difficulties in the production of plastic packaging will also affect the prices of other related supplies. This trend is anticipated to hold steady for several months. The best move right now is to increase your inventory levels for these supplies to cushion against paying even higher prices in the coming months. Therefore, countercheck your inventory and stock up if you have the funds. 

Moreover, the industry’s supply chain has been disrupted by lockdowns due to the pandemic and bad weather. These logistical challenges translate to delays in deliveries for ordered products and raw materials. Trucking and delivery delays mean more money paid for logistics. Avoid passing down these additional costs to your customers by placing your orders well in advance. Such a proactive approach is the key to cost reduction and stabilization for these plastic packaging products and supplies. 

Bottom Line

The price of plastic packaging products and resin-based plastic packaging materials is expected to rise. The global pandemic and extreme weather conditions have disrupted the entire supply chain and manufacturing processes. A packaging professional can help you understand these market shifts and steers towards the right direction in making informed ordering decisions. Speak to us, and we will walk with you throughout this journey. 

Custom Packaging For Your Brand

Packaging plays a crucial role in your product sales. It can encourage or discourage your customers to buy.

An example of the impact of packaging is the banishment of branding images on cigarette packaging in Australia. It resulted in an overall drop in cigarette sales across the country. In other words, the Government of Australia was able to reduce smoking in the country with plain packaging.

Getting started with custom packaging

Remember, badly designed packaging can cause people to turn away from your product and brand. On the other hand, well-designed packaging can attract those people.

The product packaging is the first thing your customers see. If you are promoting your product among an audience that doesn’t have first-hand knowledge of your brand, the only thing you can use to convince them to purchase from you is the product packaging.

So, it doesn’t matter whether you run a small business or an enterprise, custom packaging will help you enhance your sales significantly.

Another example that people are attracted towards an attractive product packaging is the rising popularity of unboxing videos. While the product itself is the central attraction of those videos, viewers also love to see video influencers removing the layers of packaging.

In most videos, influencers take some time to open the product box and make comments regarding the overall appearance of the package.

Type of custom packaging to choose

Not only does good packaging enhance your brand image but also justifies the price tag. That means your choice of product packaging is as necessary as the product itself. Sometimes, you have to leverage the emotions of your customers to sway them into choosing your product. With the help of the right packaging, you can dictate purchasing decisions to some extent.

• With the help of product boxes, you can define your brand in the best way possible. A product box contains branding elements along with information about the product. This box also protects your product from damage during shipping.
• If you are selling promotional kits or subscription boxes, you will need high-quality, sturdy mailers to protect your products from damage. These boxes remain ideal for selling stationery, jewelry, and other small items. Mailer boxes are usually made of corrugated cardboard, which continues to be a staple of the packaging industry due to its strength and reliability.
• Not many people think of shipping boxes for the branding of their products. But, these boxes provide entrepreneurs with an incredible opportunity to promote their businesses. You can print the inside and out of these boxes to tell people about your products and brands.

Choosing the box

It is necessary to get your product safely shipped from the factory to the store and then to your customers. At this point, you will also have to think of the size of the packaging box. A box that is too big for a product will occupy extra space in the truck and freight. As a result, you will have to pay extra for product shipping. On the other hand, a box that kills the breathing space for a product might end up damaging your goods. So, be sure to use a box that protects your product in the best possible way without occupying extra space on the truck.

Why Personalized Pizza Boxes

Pizza boxes are super fun, and in a lot of cases, they become just as important, sometimes more, than the content inside.

There’s a reason why a lot of shop owners are looking to add a new type of way to get your attention.

Regardless of the discount and other matters, having a personalized pizza box is a simple, yet effective way to help you save the most money possible.

Here are a few reasons why you should go for personalized pizza boxes. 

They’re Economical 

A lot of pizza boxes tend to be economical, especially when you factor in the costs, due to the smaller sizes of this. They allow for the owners to pack all of this in, and also save all of this together from the environment that’s there.

[they now have mini options so that you can keep everything in a small place. You can put little spice packages, and other condiments in there too, pop it in the box, and then there you go, you’ve got it all together. 

It’s great for Transportation. 

Do you have a variety of customers? Well, don't worry. Personalized boxes are perfect for this. If you place the pizza inside, lock this up with some tape that’s transparent, and then deliver this, it’ll keep everything nice and fresh. The owners will utilize these boxes to transport everything, and for customers, you’ll be able to store that pizza in the boxes for a little bit. They’re a great combination for both storing and moving, and also is a winning combo that you can enjoy.

Better Protection 

You can actually get these with different protection, in a way that’s more extensive, and also is great was well from protecting the pizza from heat, moisture, and also retaining the flavor and texture that’s there. 

It’s Recyclable 

You’ll be able to use these for other sorts of decorations, and other fun ways to recycle this.

Many of these pizza boxes are made with eco-friendly materials, but some have even been able to be further recycled into puzzles, wall décor, a clock, a plate to use, and even costumes. With a unique design like that, there are a lot of fun ways for you to use pizza boxes and are more sustainable than just a generic white box. 

Better Pizza Better Value 

It also enhances your market value in terms of the pizza that you offer.

It does trick the brains of others. You feel like you’re getting something different and unique, when the formula may not be. But, with the attractive features, it can help to make the pizza feel a lot more delicious, and look delicious too.

They’re Always Available 

They’re great because no matter when you need this, they’re available. You can get these during the holidays, for holiday specials. Or you can get these when you’re ready to start out a new type of marketing campaign. This is a great way to truly enhance the company, and make it the best that it can be as well. 

Great for marketing 

They’re also wonderful for marketing. With the high-quality and other brand printing that’s there, you can get these indifferent sizes, and they’re great for different needs. In a way, it’s instant marketing of people. They see the design, know that you have pizza, and they’ll come to you.

So yes, there are a ton of great ways for you to use personalized branding in your pizza, and it’ll be a great way for you to get the most that you can, without any other problems as well for your brand. 

Office Supplies

In order for your business to run smoothly, it is imperative that you have the proper supplies on hand. From my own years working in the industry at a corporate level, with office views that you couldn’t even possibly imagine, I know from first hand experience that having the right office supplies for the job is crucial to the success and well being of your business. Employers that equip their employees with proper office supplies and equipment can keep their employees much more satisfied and productive at their job. I am going to provide you with a small list of office supplies that are always good to have on hand; whether you run a small business with a brick and mortar store, an ecommerce business online, or work from a high-rise corporate office, this list will be helpful for you!

The first thing I want to let you know about is the importance of having proper shipping materials on hand, including cardboard boxes. These are important to have because you never know when you’re going to need to be shipping things to different customers or clients. I know from personal experience that it is crucial to be on top of your game when it comes to office supplies. Sometimes there are things that need to be sent out on short notice and there is not necessarily a lot of time to be wasted ordering more cardboard boxes and packaging supplies. Having your shelves stocked with these supplies beforehand can make the office run a whole lot smoother.

Another tip is to improve your office supplies in the apps and software department. What I mean is this; we all know technology is now a crucial part of all of our lives, including just about any and every type of business imaginable. Using technology to effectively and efficiently communicate with customers and employees is crucial to the success of your business. If you are in an industry that works with a lot of different customers on a more personal level, then you might take advantage of a CRM system. CRM stands for ‘customer relationship management’ and is a staple in the world of interacting with customers on a daily basis. CRM systems can help you keep track of customers and clients, their information, and histories of purchases and other interactions. Investing in assets like a CRM system are critical for the success of your business. The CRM system that we use at my job is called Klaviyo, and it is very effective in analyzing how we are interacting with our customers and in what ways we can be improving. 

A final tip is to take advantage of supplies that will help with planning and tracking. As your business grows and things get crazier, it can get hard to keep up with all your new business developments and ideas. Having a way to keep track of things is crucial! Online calendars like Google calendar are really good at scheduling things with other people in your business, and that way everyone can see the same schedule online and look at what’s going on for themselves. Having a personal planner (I like a literal journal) is extremely helpful for keeping track of your own tasks, meetings, goals, and other important events in your life. I hope this list was helpful, it took me a long while to come up with these!

Tips For Moving

If you’re like me, then you get pretty easily stressed. Stress can affect everyone a little differently, and there are so many sources of stress at any given time in someone’s life. I know from personal experience that moving homes can be a stressful time. Trying to pack up your entire life into cardboard boxes to move across the state or country will be a stressful time to say the least. Not only that, trying to work full-time and fulfill normal daily tasks and responsibilities on top of moving can be a real struggle. I am writing this article to hopefully provide you with some tips and tricks you can use while moving homes or apartments. Or even to and from college! These tips are aimed to help make your life a little easier and the moving process to go a little smoother. Hopefully this is helpful for you!

The first tip is to find free moving boxes at recycling centers around your area. Listen here; buying cardboard boxes online or at a store might be the stupidest thing you could possibly do during your moving process. You can find boxes just about anywhere that uses them, and most places are willing to just give them away. In highschool I worked at a grocery store, and a lot of our food and produce items came packaged in boxes. Most days we would either crush the boxes or keep them stacked up in a room hoping for someone to come get them. There were a lot of people who came looking for boxes to help with moving and such, and we were definitely okay with giving them away. This can save you some money during your move, which is already an expensive thing to do. Recycling centers, grocery stores, department stores, and other similar businesses are great resources to find boxes that you can just get for free. Don’t make it harder than it has to be, and don’t pay for boxes!

Another tip is to find the right movers for the job. If you are planning on moving by yourself or just with the help of family and friends, then this tip might not be super helpful for you. However, if you are looking to hire movers for the job, then keep reading! It’s important to find the right movers for the right price when you’re moving into your new home. Movers can make or break the experience and could potentially complicate your move more than it needs to be. Make sure to compare the prices and services of multiple moving companies, and feel free to ask them lots of questions during your research. For example, it might be beneficial to ask if they are licensed, have references, or customer reviews that are available for you to see. After all - this is your life being packed up in a truck! You want to hire people that you know will do a good job. 

The final tip for moving is to take photos of your belongings before and after packing them. This is especially important if you are planning on hiring movers. That way you have evidence if something were to break during the move and can fine the moving company any damages that might occur. I hope this article was helpful, good luck with your moving!

How To Order Stuff Online Like A Boss

What’s that? You’re still wasting your time, money, and energy searching around various department stores and supermarkets? Let me fill you in on something. The time for in-store shopping is no more. I would be ashamed of myself if someone ever caught me in a Walmart or something like that. And it’s not just Walmart - I’m talking about Target, Meijer, TJ Maxx, you name it. Oh and don’t even get me started on dollar stores. Dollar stores are perhaps the most despicable forms of retail that have ever come to exist in the history of our planet. Talk about food deserts, right?

If you don’t know what food deserts are, it is a term used to describe the lack of fresh food that can be found in poverty-ridden, inner city areas. Not a lot of people know about the concept of food deserts, but it has become a real problem in urban America. Under-privlaged families do not have proper access to fresh meats, produce, and other goods that we often take for granted in areas where a Kroger is just around the corner. That’s where dollar stores come in, because they just pop in any random place and sell little debbies for 99 cents. Sorry, I got a little off topic for a moment, but I’m really passionate about the injustice and improper distribution of healthy, fresh food in America.

The main thing that I want to talk about today is online shopping. What I was trying to say earlier is that, if you are still shopping in stores, you are wasting your time. Straight up, I only ever order things online anymore. Ever since I started working from home during 2020 due to COVID19 regulations, I honestly could just lay on my couch for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I no longer need to leave my house to try to get groceries, clothes, toilet paper, or whatever else I need. That’s right, you’re looking at somebody who orders literally everything off of the internet. I will never even have to set foot inside a grocery store, I just use delivery services that go shopping for me and bring me my groceries. After all, who really wants to go grocery shopping ever again? Not only are the grocery stores always busy because everyone is trying to get dinner after work, but they are also set up in really frustrating ways that make it really hard to find anything.

I also started paying for Amazon Prime, which has been the single best decision of my entire life. I’m not kidding you guys, once you get that sweet taste of free, 2 day shipping, you will never go back. There is a reason that other websites are now promoting free shipping on all orders and deliveries - it’s because Amazon is kicking everyone’s butts and delivering cardboard boxes at alarmingly fast speeds. Seriously, I have so many cardboard boxes at my house now that I have no idea what to do with them. If you or a loved one is in need of boxes, just hit me up any day of the week (after 5:00pm of course, I’m a working man after all) and I can get you the boxes that you need. Anyways, thanks for reading!