Mailer Boxes vs. Shipping Boxes
When it comes to packaging, it's critical to choose the right type of box to protect the product from the rigors of transit and to provide an excellent unboxing experience for your customers.
Today, the most popular options are mailer boxes and shipping boxes, both typically made from corrugated cardboard that gets its strength from the flutes between liners. However, they are different in terms of design and function; as a result, they have distinct usage and applications.
What are mailer boxes?
Mailer boxes are primarily used for brand-centric presentation and elegant packaging, making them a popular choice for direct-to-customer businesses. These are typically made from durable corrugated cardboard with a self-locking design that eliminates the need for additional tapes and adhesives.
Key Features:
- Interlocking flaps for easy and quick assembly
- Sleek and compact design
- Typically smaller than shipping boxes
- Highly customizable designs
- Available in various sizes
Usage and Applications:
- E-commerce Deliveries – They are ideal for small items like fashion accessories, cosmetics, electronics, clothing, and other retail products.
- Sample and Promotional Kits - Excellent for sending kits to potential customers
- Gift Packaging – They are perfect for sending corporate gifts and customer giveaways, ensuring a memorable unboxing experience for recipients.
- Subscription Boxes – They are ideal for sending curated subscription boxes, a common marketing strategy of companies selling artisanal and unique products.
- Retail Displays - Great for creating an elegant product display in stores
What are shipping boxes?
Shipping boxes are also made from corrugated cardboard and are primarily designed to protect goods during transit, especially long distances. Nevertheless, you can still print elegant designs on these boxes.
Key Features:
- Extra durability to protect goods from the rigors of shipping
- Require the use of additional adhesives and tapes
- Available in various sizes and weight capacities
- Often used with packing peanuts, bubble wraps, and foam inserts
- They cost less per unit because they offer more interior volume for less material.
Usage and Applications:
- International Shipping – Ideal for long-distance transport in which goods may be exposed to crushing and external impact
- Bulk Shipping - Excellent for transporting large quantities of goods
- Industrial Goods - Suitable for transporting machinery, accessories, and other industrial products
- Bulky Items - Ideal for shipping oversized furniture, sculptures, and chandeliers
- Fragile Items - Suitable for transporting glassware, porcelain, and other delicate products
Why is it important to choose the right packaging?
The right packaging is critical because of these reasons:
- Product Protection - The main goal of any packaging material is to protect the goods during transit. Choosing the right type of box reduces the risk of breakage, damage, and customer returns.
- Customer Experience - The aesthetic appearance and durability of your packaging play a critical role in delivering an excellent unboxing experience to customers.
- Cost Efficiency - Choosing the correct type of box and size can help save on shipping costs.
- Branding - Customizing your packaging to reflect your brand identity is a great way to boost brand recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mailer Boxes and Shipping Boxes
Can you ship a mailer box without any external packaging?
Yes. You can ship mailer boxes as is because they can withstand the rigors of transit. However, some companies still prefer adding an outer layer of packaging (e.g., poly mailers) to preserve the box's design and protect it from tampering.
Which type of box is ideal for elegant packaging?
If elegant presentation is your utmost priority, mailer boxes are the best option because of their sleek and compact design. For this reason, they are the popular choice for gift packaging, subscription kits, and retail displays.
What is the ideal packaging option for fragile items like ceramics?
Shipping boxes are perfect for fragile items. However, to prevent them from moving inside the box, wrap them in bubble wrap or fill the gaps with foam inserts or packing peanuts.
Can I print my logo and brand designs on mailer boxes and shipping boxes?
Yes. You can customize mailer boxes and shipping boxes to reflect your brand identity and to match your product's shape and size.
Conclusion
Although both packaging options are made from durable corrugated cardboard, mailer boxes are primarily designed for elegant presentation, while shipping boxes are more focused on functionality and protection.
Understanding the key differences between mailer boxes and shipping boxes will help you choose the right packaging solution based on your products and goals and, in turn, optimize your shipping processes, reduce damage and customer returns, and deliver a memorable unboxing experience to your customers.
