How to Reduce Shipping Costs

Shipping costs can quickly eat into your profits, whether you’re running an e-commerce business, a wholesale supply business or just sending out occasional packages. But here’s the good news—by optimising your packaging, you can significantly cut costs and improve efficiency. The solution? Choosing the right box size and packing smartly!

1. Use the Right Box Size 📦

A common mistake is using boxes that are too big for the items inside. Shipping carriers often charge based on dimensional weight (DIM weight), meaning larger boxes cost more—even if they’re light! To avoid this: 

✔ Measure your product dimensions accurately.
✔ Choose a box that fits snugly without excessive empty space.

Did you know? Cardboard Box Shop doesn’t just sell boxes – we make them! So if you have products that need specific packaging – we’ve got you covered. We have a huge range of stock size boxes and cartons, mailer boxes, and can even make  custom size and shape boxes and inserts to order.

2. Use The Right Packing Material 🎁

Selecting the right packing material to wrap and secure your products for transit can make a huge difference. Bubble wrap, air pillows, or void fillers provide security for your products whilst keeping your package light weight.

✔ Other lightweight and protective materials such as kraft paper and corrugated cardboard are flexible and ideal for wrapping your products for shipping.
✔ Pack strategically to prevent movement without overfilling.

3. Flat-Pack When Possible ✉️

Not all items need a box! For small or flexible items:

✔ Use padded mailers or utility mailer bags.
✔ Ship flat-packed products like apparel, books, or documents in maxi-pack bags.
✔ Compress items where relevant safely to fit into smaller, cheaper shipping categories.

4. Buy Shipping Supplies in Bulk 💰

If you ship regularly, purchasing packaging materials in bulk can save you a significant amount.

✔ Order boxes, tape, and mailers in bulk to save time and cost.
✔ Investing in custom packaging can also help keep shipping costs down.

At Cardboard Box Shop we offer discounts for many products when you purchase in bulk. The discount is calculated when you select the quantity you’d like to order. The higher the amount, often higher the discount that applies. However we also welcome small quantity orders and our pricing is competitive.

6. Optimise for Returns & Reuse 🔄

If your business handles returns, consider dual-use packaging:

✔ Use mailers or easy-open tear strips.
✔ Reduce unnecessary packaging to lower return shipping costs.
✔ Cardboard Boxes are ideal for recycling.

Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Savings! 💡

Reducing shipping costs doesn’t mean compromising on product safety or presentation. By choosing the right packaging and optimising space you can cut down on expenses and keep customers happy. Ready to start saving? Stock up on the perfect packaging today!

📦 Need the right boxes? Shop now at Cardboard Box Shop.