Best Packing Materials for Shipping

As an online business owner, every package you ship is a reflection of your brand. That being said, you must have the best shipping products to guarantee the safety of your packages throughout the shipping journey.

From the moment it leaves your hands to when it lands on your customer's doorstep, your packaging needs to keep things:

• Safe
• Professional
• Cost-effective

This blog will help you learn the best packing materials for shipping—so you can ship smarter and leave a great impression.

Key Takeaways

• The right packaging helps you prevent damage, returns, and bad reviews.
• Your choices should depend on your products, shipping methods, and budget.
• Efficient packaging keeps customers happy—and can even save you money.

Where to Buy Cheap Shipping Supplies in Canada?

Finding affordable shipping supplies in Canada is easy when you know where to look. Here are the best places to buy cost-effective packaging materials:

1. Online Marketplaces. Amazon and eBay are among the most accessible options to buy cheap shipping supplies in Canada. They offer various packaging materials, including boxes, bubble mailers, and thermal labels. These platforms are ideal for small businesses since you can easily compare prices and delivery options.
   
   
2. Office Supply Stores. Staples and Walmart are also reliable sources for affordable shipping supplies. These stores stock shipping boxes, envelopes, and tapes. They're convenient for those who prefer to shop in person or need materials quickly. Plus, they frequently offer promotions that benefit small business owners.
   
   
3. Packaging Wholesalers. These sellers are excellent options for bulk purchasing and a more extensive product range. They specialize in serving businesses that need large volumes of packaging materials. Often, they provide better unit pricing, fast delivery across Canada, and even eco-friendly or custom packaging solutions tailored to specific branding needs.
   
   
4. Discount Stores. Places like Dollarama are a great choice for extremely low-cost supplies for light or occasional use. Their selection is more limited than the other options. Still, they carry basic items like padded envelopes, tape, and small shipping boxes at affordable prices. These stores are best for those just starting with low shipping volumes.
   
   
5. Couriers and Shipping Providers. Another valuable option is sourcing materials directly from shipping companies, like Stallion. They offer low-cost shipping supplies when you use their services. These often include branded mailers, flat-rate boxes, and shipping labels. This option can be convenient and cost-effective for businesses with courier accounts.

What Type of Packaging Products Are Used for Shipment?

In eCommerce, your packaging is more than just a box or a pouch. It represents your brand. Here's what you should know about the types of products to use:

Cushioning Items

Cushioning materials help absorb shock and keep items safe during transit. These inserts are important for fragile or valuable orders. Here are some of the examples:

Bubble Wrap

It is one of the go-to protection for delicate products because of various reasons:

1. It provides a bubble cushioning that absorbs shocks and vibrations during shipping. You can use this for items like glassware, electronics, or anything that can crack or shatter.
   
   
2. It's lightweight—so it won't hike up your shipping costs.
   
   
3. It's easy to cut to size and wrap around just about any product.
   

Plus, if you want to go greener, you can just use recycled bubble wrap to align with your sustainability goals. Note: Just make sure to clean the bubble wrap before using them for sanitary reasons.

Packing Peanuts

Packing peanuts is a great solution when you need to fill those awkward gaps inside a shipping box. They help prevent movement and minimize impact from all sides. For some, traditional foam peanuts are messy and not the most eco-friendly.

However, these days, you can find compostable versions made from cornstarch and other soluble products, which easily dissolve in water and break down naturally. If you're sending oddly shaped or lightweight items, these fillers can be a real game-changer.

Just be sure to let your customers know so they can dispose of them properly.

Foam Sheets

Foam sheets are great for laying or stacking items like dinnerware sets or picture frames. Like bubble wraps, they are also flexible, lightweight, and easy to cut into custom sizes. If you're an online store selling handcrafted or boutique items, foam sheets are a must-have.

They help add that extra layer of care and polish that customers notice and appreciate.

Wrapping Items

Wrapping items can act as both protection and presentation. Good wrapping can make unboxing feel like an experience. Some of the examples are:

Stretch Wrap

Stretch wrap, or a stretch film, is one of those underrated packing tools that’s incredibly versatile. Its primary purpose is to:

• Bundle smaller boxes.
• Stack items on a pallet.
• Secure loose parts inside a package.

However, it also offers a layer of protection from dust, scratches, and light moisture. This can be super helpful if your orders sit in a warehouse or delivery truck for any length of time.

Kraft Paper

If you don't want any plastic-based packaging, Kraft paper is an excellent alternative. It offers various purposes, including:

• Wrapping individual content
• Filling empty spaces in boxes
• Adding a natural touch to your brand's unboxing experience

Plus, if you want to give your packaging a branded custom feel without spending a lot, Kraft paper works great with stamps or stickers, too.

Corrugated Wrap

A corrugated wrap is thicker and more structured than standard Kraft paper. So, if you want an extra layer of protection for products with corners, edges, or unique shapes, this can be a better choice.

Typically, it's made of fluted cardboard that bends easily but holds its form. Therefore, it's great for wrapping oddly shaped or slightly heavier products. On the other hand, if you sell handcrafted goods, tools, books, or anything that needs more than just a basic pad, it can reduce damage without bulking up your package too much.

Box and Container Options

Choosing the most suitable outer packaging is more than just being a container. It is a key to balancing protection, cost, and aesthetics. Here are some of the options:

Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard boxes are the workhorse of eCommerce shipping—and for good reason. They are sturdy, stackable, and available in every size and style you can imagine. You have two options for your shipments:

1. Single-wall boxes for lighter shipments.
2. Double-wall for heavier, more fragile items.

You can also customize it to boost the customer's unboxing experience. Plus, they are relatively affordable, easy to label, and recyclable.

Poly Mailers

Poly mailers are ideal for mailing and shipping soft, non-breakable items like clothing, accessories, or small beauty products. They make the packing process quick and easy because of these three main features:

• Lightweight
• Waterproof
• Usually self-sealing

Plus, these packaging supplies take less space than boxes—which can help reduce shipping costs. Many online stores have made the switch for their day-to-day orders because they're cost-effective and protective enough for items that don't require cushioning.

Wooden Crates

Wooden crates aren't your everyday packaging. However, they are as essential as other shipping materials, perfect for large, heavy, or high-value items. These crates provide the ultimate protection and support, especially for international or long-distance shipments.

Unfortunately, they are more expensive and heavier than standard boxes. But they can be a wise investment when product integrity is non-negotiable.

Envelope

While envelopes may appear small, they are perfect for flat, lightweight items like:

• Documents
• Gift cards
• Stickers
• Prints
• Thin accessories

This packaging comes in different types, but the most common ones are:

1. Standard paper envelopes for basic mailing
2. Bubble or padded envelopes for a little extra protection

Padded mailers are a great in-between option when a box feels overkill but you still want protection. If your store sells items like notebooks, small books, or jewelry cards, envelopes are a must-have in your packaging lineup.

Sealing and Labelling Items

This step matters more than you might think. For one, poor sealing or missing labels can cause delays, damage, or even lost packages. Whether you're shipping small products or larger items like furniture, how you seal and label your package matters.

Using the right tape and shipping tools will protect your items and present your business as professional and detail-oriented. For online sellers, investing in the right shipping packaging is just as important as the product insider.

Note: This is particularly important when offering perks like free shipping where margins are tighter!

Packing Tape

Always choose heavy-duty tape to secure your packages. This may come in handy especially when you're shipping boxes over far distances or during peak seasons.

Cheap tape may seem like a good way to cut costs. But trust us, it can easily pop open or weaken during transit—leading to product damage or returns. These are the two things you need to stay away from if you wish to stay longer in the business.

Many moving supplies kits include high-quality tape options that are perfect for eCommerce use.

Fragile Labels

If you're packing fragile items—never skip the fragile labels! These labels alert carriers to handle the package with care and can reduce the chances of rough handling or impact damage.

Pro Tip: Including shipping labels that clearly identify the contents or add "This Side Up" indicators is also helpful.

Beyond protection, using labels shows your customer that you value their purchase and have taken the extra step to keep it safe.

Tamper-Proof Seals

For higher-value items or anything that requires a bit more security, tamper-proof seals are a smart addition. These seals are commonly used in various packages, including:

• Tech
• Beauty
• Subscription box deliveries
• Luxury goods
• Custom orders

They're a great way to give your customers peace of mind, letting them know that their package hasn’t been opened or tampered with in transit. Plus, they add a sleek, professional layer to your overall presentation that pairs well with other branded packaging elements.

Also Read: Foolproof Ways to Prepare Your Packages: A Comprehensive Guide

Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Supplies

What are the best DIY Packing Materials for Shipping?

Recycled newspapers, shredded paper, old kraft wrap, even clean fabric scraps—these are all solid options if you’re trying to cut costs without sacrificing protection. These DIY fillers can double as padding and a unique touch to your packaging. Just make sure everything is clean and free from ink smudges or odours.

What is the Cheapest Packing Material for Shipping?

Kraft paper and poly mailers are usually your best bet when it comes to affordable shipping materials. Kraft paper is cheap, recyclable, and can be crumpled for padding or used as wrapping. Poly mailers are lightweight, waterproof, and cost less to ship than boxes.

What are the Common Packing Supplies?

The most commonly used packing supplies include:

• Cardboard boxes
• Bubble wrap
• Tape
• Shipping labels
• Fillers (e.g. packing peanuts, Kraft paper, shredded paper)

Factors to Consider When Choosing Packaging Materials

When you're picking your materials, keep these things in mind:

• Fragility of the item. Fragile items need more protection—think double layers of bubble wrap or sturdy boxes.
• Shipping distance and handling conditions. Longer routes or rougher handling call for better cushioning and stronger sealing.
• Cost-effectiveness and sustainability. Try balancing protection and price. Bonus points for using recyclable or biodegradable materials!

Final Thoughts

Good packing is more than just a box and some tape. With the right materials and a bit of care, your items can arrive safely every time. As a business owner, this kind of attention to detail can seriously boost customer satisfaction.

Purchase Affordable Shipping Supplies through Stallion Express

Stallion is more than just a Canadian parcel delivery company. We also offer affordable shipping supplies!

• Do you need help choosing the right shipping supplies?
• Do you need help figuring out how to properly pack your items for safe, cost-effective delivery?

We have your back!

Whether you're shipping locally or cross-border, Stallion is here to support your business every step of the way. From selecting the best packaging to dealing with carrier options, our team is available around the clock to answer your questions.

Let’s make shipping simpler, faster, and stress-free—reach out to Stallion today and ship smarter!

Claudine Joy Rada

Candy Rada is a dedicated professional with tons of experience in content writing for the shipping industry. As a literature degree holder, she excels in creating engaging content with strategies that enhance brand visibility. She enjoys playing with her cats, reading dystopian books, and joining trivia games in her free time.