Small business shipping: tools, tips, and cost-saving strategies

For many small businesses, shipping stuff is at the core of what you do. That means it can also be one of your biggest expenses.

Here at Sticker Mule we're a growing business, like you. We asked our internal folks in charge of shipping what works best for them. All the products we mention here—including Sticker Mule's own products—are products we ourselves use as we ship thousands of packages every day.

Here's a breakdown of everything you need to create your own small business shipping department.

Small business shipping platform

Whether you run a small Etsy shop or a growing ecommerce business, you need a shipping solution that is fast, reliable, and easy to use. Most importantly, you don’t want to overpay.

Use a tool like Ship to save up to 80% on UPS shipping labels.

With Ship, you enter your destination along with the dimensions and weight of your package, then you’ll immediately see various UPS shipping options. Choose the one you want, then order your label. You won’t be charged until your label is scanned by UPS.

Best shipping scale to use

In order to get the right shipping label, you need to know exactly how much your package weighs. We recommend a shipping scale like the Accutek All-In-1. This is a lightweight, easy to use scale that you can plug in or power with batteries.

Best label printer to use

You can print your shipping labels on any office printer, but to increase efficiency and quality we recommend investing in a label printer. The Nelko Bluetooth Thermal Shipping Label Printer works great. And since it uses thermal printing, you won’t need to worry about ink or toner.

Small business packaging

Good packaging helps your products securely get to your customers. Great packaging helps build your brand.

When it comes to shipping packaging, there are 2 main options: mailers or shipping boxes. Mailers are typically smaller and cheaper to ship. Although boxes are often necessary for bigger or more fragile items.

Best shipping mailers

Mailers are the easiest way to ship items and typically include a self-adhesive strip, so you won’t need anything beyond the mailer itself.

Poly mailers

If you are shipping soft items, like socks or t-shirts, you can use a standard poly mailer.

Sticker Mule offers custom poly mailers with print runs starting at 10 units.

For an unbranded option, ULINE offers plain poly mailers starting at 500 units.

Bubble mailers

If you are shipping harder or more fragile items, you should consider using bubble mailers for the added protection.

Sticker Mule offers custom bubble mailers with print runs starting at 10 units.

For an unbranded option, ULINE offers plain bubble mailers in bulk.

Best shipping boxes

When using shipping boxes, you need to consider each of the following components:

• Shipping boxes (of course)
• Packaging tape
• Tape dispenser
• Bubble wrap

Shipping boxes

When deciding on a shipping box, you typically want to use the smallest box you can. This will minimize shipping costs, and help to keep your items secure.

ULINE offers plenty of corrugated boxes in bulk.

Packaging tape

To seal your boxes, you need packaging tape.

We recommend using reinforced kraft paper tape over standard clear tape since it is more secure, more efficient, and usually more cost effective in the long run.

Sticker Mule offers custom packaging tape with print runs starting at 100 feet. Or try a 24” strip for $4.

For an unbranded option, ULINE offers kraft sealing tape in bulk.

Tape dispenser

Unless you are doing very low volumes, we recommend using a water activated tape dispenser to help you apply your packaging tape.

Our overall recommendation is the BP 555. Check out our full tape dispenser review to see other popular options.

Bubble wrap

To secure the contents of your box, you may need to wrap your items in bubble wrap.

ULINE has several options for ordering bubble cushioning in bulk.

Conclusion

Although there is a lot that goes into creating a successful shipping operation for your business, it does not have to be complicated. And more importantly, it doesn’t need to break the bank.

If you are just starting out, don’t stress about over-optimizing your shipping operations. Instead make incremental changes over time to continually reduce shipping costs and improve your packaging.

Get started by sending your next package with Ship.