Eight Benefits of Working With Packaging Consultants

When searching for cold chain packaging, it can be tempting to order from a catalog. Especially if it’s a weekend or evening, the allure of adding items to a cart and calling it a night is undeniable. However, packaging is not one-size-fits-all. There are several key benefits to working one-on-one with a consultant to find your perfect fit. Below, we outline the advantages of working with a packaging consultant instead of ordering from big catalog distributors.

All liners are not created equal.

When it comes to cold chain shipping, your specific industry, product, location and the time of year all influence your packaging profile. Someone shipping cupcakes doesn’t have the same packaging needs as someone shipping aquatics. Even if both companies are using the same type of liner, the specific details – including the thickness, amount and products used with it – will not be the same. While it may be easy to order from a catalog, it’s not always the best option. 

Less expensive doesn’t equal more effective. 

In a catalog you might find something cheap, but if it doesn’t work for you, it won’t do you any good. Shipping perishables with improper insulation creates the risk of your product arriving melted or damaged, leading to wasted products and disgruntled customers. What saves you money in the short term might cost more in the long run, and even compromise your brand image. 

A catalog doesn’t include personalized expertise. 

What sets us and other smaller packaging companies apart from the big catalog distributors is that we're a voice on the other end of the phone. We take the time to learn about your business – who you are, what you do and what you are trying to accomplish – and make personalized product recommendations. At PeriWrap, we use testing and optimization tools like a dimensional weight calculator and temperature cards to make specific recommendations that can help you save money while increasing performance. We also offer thermal test chambers which will simulate summer shipping conditions to ensure your packages are ready for summer. These resources and expertise come at no additional cost and can save you money in the long run by ensuring you order the right products. 

Catalogs don’t include engineers on-hand. 

As we’ve mentioned, liners are not one-size-fits-all, which also means sometimes the standard size won’t physically fit in the box you’re using. When this happens with a catalog product, you’re out of luck and will have to return the product and start over. A unique benefit of PeriWrap is that we have a team of packaging engineers who can adjust specs exactly to meet your needs. Sometimes it comes down to tweaking a liner to be 1/8” less thick, while other times it means additional rounds of samples and testing to solve performance issues. Check out this case study to learn more about the ways we work closely with our engineers to develop the most effective packaging solutions for our customers. 

You can ask for what you want when working with a consultant. 

Catalogs have set options to choose from with little to no room for customer feedback. Meanwhile, working with a packaging consultant opens an ongoing dialogue that allows you to ask for what you need. We always tell our customers, if you don't see something you're looking for, please ask. We'll do everything we can to get it for you or recommend alternatives.  

Consultants educate and empower you to make informed decisions. 

We’ll be the first to admit, cold chain packaging can be complicated. With all the different products and specs, it can be overwhelming, especially for small businesses who don’t have in-house experts to manage the buying process. Packaging consultants have specialized knowledge and take the time to educate customers so when it comes time for you to decide which products to buy, you have the knowledge to make an educated decision. This knowledge will also help as you develop your packaging strategy going forward. 

Catalogs make sustainability less accessible. 

While some catalogs stock eco-friendly options, they’re usually not featured front and center, and they’re often more expensive.  It’s important to know there are many sustainable packaging options that cost the same or even less than other products. As an ecommerce shipper, your carbon footprint matters. Not only is it imperative for the future of our planet; it is also one of the best ways to remain competitive as more and more consumers demand businesses go green. Sustainability is one of our core values at PeriWrap. Our consultants prioritize developing packaging solutions that are friendly to both the environment and your budget. 

Packaging consultants will grow with your business. 

Catalogs are a one-and-done solution, but when you work with a packaging consultant, you’re choosing a partner invested in your business’ growth. As your business expands, consultants will continue to check in and help evolve your packaging to fit growing volume and demand. They'll also work hard to find ways to save you additional money in the long run.   

Still debating whether you should work with a packaging consultant or order from a catalog? See what we have to offer by scheduling a free packaging evaluation. We'll make recommendations specific to your business’ unique needs so that you have the power to make an informed decision.