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Selecting the right shipping bag size is a crucial part of packaging. Using an appropriately sized bag not only ensures that your product arrives safely but also saves on shipping costs and enhances the customer’s unboxing experience. This guide will teach you how to accurately measure your products and choose the perfect shipping bag to meet your needs.
Shipping bags that are too large can lead to wasted materials, higher shipping costs, and a less professional appearance. On the other hand, a bag that is too small risks damaging your product or creating packaging inefficiencies. Proper measurement ensures:
Reduced Shipping Costs: Smaller bags weigh less and take up less space, keeping shipping fees low.
Product Protection: Ensures a snug fit that prevents movement or damage during transit.
Professional Presentation: Properly sized packaging reflects positively on your brand.
Before you start measuring, gather the following tools:
Measuring tape or a ruler
A scale (for weighing your products)
Calculator (optional, for volume or dimensional weight calculations)
Pen and paper or a spreadsheet for recording measurements
Having these tools ready will make the process quick and accurate.
Follow these steps to determine the right size for your shipping bags:
Begin by measuring the three key dimensions: length, width, and height. Here’s how:
Length: Measure the longest side of your product.
Width: Measure the second-longest side perpendicular to the length.
Height (or Depth): Measure the vertical distance from the base to the highest point.
Record these dimensions in inches or centimeters, as they will determine the bag size.
If your product requires protective padding, such as bubble wrap, add an additional 1-2 inches to each dimension to accommodate the wrapping material. This ensures the product fits comfortably without straining the bag.
Shipping bags often have adhesive strips or sealing mechanisms that require extra space at the top. Add 1-2 inches to the height measurement to account for the closure.
Different types of shipping bags cater to different products. Here are some popular options:
Poly Mailers: Ideal for flat or soft goods like clothing, bedding, and books.
Bubble Mailers: Best for fragile items like electronics or jewelry, offering built-in padding.
Paper Mailers: Suitable for lightweight and eco-friendly packaging.
For poly mailers, use the product’s dimensions directly. For bubble mailers, add additional padding to your measurements.
Dimensional weight is an important factor for shipping carriers. To calculate it:
Multiply the length, width, and height of the product (including padding) to get the cubic size.
Divide the cubic size by the dimensional weight factor (typically 139 for domestic shipping in the US).
Compare the dimensional weight with the actual weight to determine which will be used for shipping costs.
Once you have your dimensions, check the size charts provided by shipping bag suppliers. For example:
Betckey’s Poly Mailers offer various sizes perfect for small to medium products.
iMailer’s Poly Mailers provide sleek options with multiple size variations.
Before committing to a large order, order sample bags in different sizes to test the fit. Place your product inside the bag to ensure there’s enough room for padding and closures without excess space.
Failing to account for protective materials like bubble wrap can lead to bags that are too tight, risking product damage.
Oversized bags result in higher shipping costs and wasted materials. Avoid overestimating your measurements.
Always include an extra inch or two for the bag’s adhesive strip or closure mechanism.
Accurate measurements are essential. Don’t rely on estimations; always measure and test.
Go for Versatility: If you’re shipping a range of products, choose bag sizes that accommodate multiple items.
Consider Branding: Opt for custom-branded poly mailers to enhance your company’s image. Check out options from Betckey and iMailer.
Think Sustainability: Choose eco-friendly or recyclable materials to appeal to environmentally conscious customers.
Order in Bulk: Save money by ordering commonly used sizes in bulk quantities.
For reliable and high-quality shipping bags, explore these options:
Betckey’s Poly Mailers: Durable and available in various sizes, perfect for non-fragile products.
iMailer’s Poly Mailers: Stylish and functional mailers designed for eCommerce businesses.
For irregular shapes, measure the longest points of length, width, and height. Treat these dimensions as if the product were enclosed in a rectangular box.
Add 1-2 inches to each dimension to account for protective materials like bubble wrap or foam inserts.
Not always. Different bag styles (poly mailers vs. bubble mailers) may require slight adjustments to measurements, especially if one includes built-in padding.
By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure your products fit perfectly into their shipping bags, resulting in cost savings, enhanced protection, and a better experience for your customers. Start measuring today to find the perfect bag for your shipping needs!