eBay

jt-libra · ‎03-28-2013

Can anyone recommend a company that sells shipping supplies at reasonable prices -- bubble & poly envelopes, bubble wrap, small boxes, etc. I checked the ULine catalogue but I'm hoping that I can find something a bit cheaper. I got my last big order from ChitChats Express but they no longer ship supplies; it's pick-up only. 😞

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

jt-libra · ‎03-28-2013

Thanks I*m-still-here. TopSource Supplies did have the Kraft bubble envelopes for a good price but I prefer the white poly ones. However, they're very limited in the supplies they carry.

I do get tissue paper at the dollar store. Their padded envelopes are not as sturdy as I would like. And as far as boxes go, because I sell cosmetics, costume jewellery, tote bags, etc., I like to pack them in nice boxes that don't say Deodorant or Ivory Soap on them. I'm pretty fussy about the way I package. I always include a gift with every purchase and I have found some cool things at Dollarama.

Thanks again.

i*m-still-here · ‎03-28-2013

I would like to find a source for boxes that size as well.

That's the gap I have too.

Most boxes that size are just too expensive to make sense, and cutting liquor store boxes down takes too much time.

pjcdn2005 · ‎03-28-2013

I've ordered from a company in BC that has reasonable prices for poly bubble mailers. canadamailers dot ca

bcbeautiful · ‎03-28-2013

I buy my poly mailers from poly_usa right here on eBay. Great service, usually get them in a week.

inuk_the_polar_bear · ‎03-28-2013

I buy sheet cardboard from a box company and make my own boxes. Bubble mailers are not cheap, but, super easy to use. I buy industrial grade plastic cling wrap by the roll at Rona. for bubble wrap there is a guy who advertises on Kijiji working out of his garage.

For bubble mailers, I wrap the part in the plastic first, then fold an invoice over that. Zero problems. I am convinced bubble mailers get through the mail faster as they are easier for the posties to grab.

For boxes I have not found anywhere cheaper than uline and their shipping doubles the cost. Still cheaper than local.

pierrelebel · ‎03-28-2013

For over ten years, I have been using Staples Industrial (formerly Chiswick Packaging).

jt-libra · ‎03-28-2013

Thanks everyone. I now have some options 🙂

weaversofspeech · ‎03-28-2013

If you have a Office Supply Store near you go and talk to them to see if they would give discounts if you buy in quantity monthly, yearly etc

I deal with a place here that gives me discounts on bubble envelopes I use alot of them over a year period

About 7 years ago I approached them about buying these envelopes in quantity over a year period I told them approx how many I would need each year and how many I would purchase about every 4 to 6 weeks from them

They gave me a great discount on these This is the same rate they charge their larger customers, IE: larger industries and businesses in the city I get these for a rate I cannot get anywhere else

I don't get discounts on other items but their retail rates for other things are quite reasonable.

Totaling everthing I buy them from them yearly with the savings I get from the envelopes reduces my costs overall and I get everthing at a reduced rate when combined

They may or may not but can't hurt to ask

weavers

kays_place · ‎03-29-2013

Checked them out but no listings on their eBay site or their store. 😐

pierrelebel · ‎03-29-2013

Staples Industrial (formerly Chiswick Packaging of Midland) is a division of Staples, the largest retailer/wholesaler of office supplies in North America. They do not have a store but sell from their website, their printed catalogue and their toll-free telephone line.

They do not sell on eBay.

For example, a box of 250 Pull-tape Bubble Mailers #0 (outside dimension 6"x10") sells for $ 51.60 ($0.21 each)

Corrugated boxes are sold in bundles of 25. A size I have used regularly is 14" x 12" x 6". A bundle costs $ 18.99 ($0.76 each)

tobyshitzu · ‎03-29-2013

uline is $45 for 250 #0. Though in 2013 staples still hasn't managed to have a shipping calculator Im pretty certain they will end up higher

pierrelebel · ‎03-29-2013

The thing with Staples Industrial, they often offer $40.00 OFF or $100.00 OFF on larger orders.

I have regularly taken advantage of these disounts, reducing my bill by 20% or 25%.

rosscd57 · ‎03-29-2013

Boxes - there are three drug store in town that throw thier boxes in a bin. They are all shapes and sizes and most do not have to be turned inside out. I check about once week or so and fill up my SUV.

I buy a bag of styrofoam peanuts for $25.00 from a local industrial supplier - I would estimate the amount at close to 2 square yards - the bag is six feet high. This is enough for darn near a whole year.

Good packing tape - Costco is the cheapest at about $8.00 for a package of 12 and there is a lot on each roll.

I also buy 1"x8'x4' board Styrofoam for packing at Home Depot - this is for specialty packing only.

__________________________________________________________

Old enough to know better. Young enough to do it again. Crazy enough to try

007steveb16 · ‎03-29-2013

I use dollarama for all my envelopes etc..

I use their recycling dumpster for all my box needs 😉

007steveb16 · ‎03-29-2013

uline is $45 for 250 #0. Though in 2013 staples still hasn't managed to have a shipping calculator Im pretty certain they will end up higher

Toby is that taxes/shipping included?

tobyshitzu · ‎03-29-2013

No, just the envelope price to compare to staples site. Its about $16 to ship to me (im close) 1 case at a time

jt-libra · ‎03-29-2013

kayjay_treasures, if you're talking about poly_usa, I checked them out too -- no listings because they're on vacation until April 3rd. From their feedback, it looks as though they sell the poly flat envelopes, but not the bubble ones.

"uline is $45 for 250 #0"

I noticed that too but don't know what their shipping is.

Also, I checked Canada Mailers -- $55.87 for 250 (white poly bubble).

Not a bad price for corrugated boxes at Staples Industrial.

It would be nice to get everything from one place -- cheaper shipping than buying from 2 or 3 different suppliers.

I never thought of negotiating with office supply stores. Good idea.