As a Vancouver box manufacturer, we at Racer Boxes were curious about the origins of our namesake holiday. Generally, everyone recognizes Boxing Day as the day after Christmas. For some, it’s a time to the purge the house of post-holiday boxes and wrap. Others use it as an opportunity to return and swap unwanted boxed gifts—and a few use it as post-holiday recovery time after “boxing” with querulous family members.
Obviously, there are a lot of definitions. However, charity seems to be a common thread from a historic point of view. For example, Boxing Day, also known as St. Stephen’s Day, is mentioned in the carol “Good King Wenceslas,” who sets out to do some charitable work “on the Feast of Stephen.”
However, that’s all that is known for certain. The true origins of the modern day moniker is lost to the shrouds of time, although there are a few prevalent theories. For example, one is the idea that the holiday stemmed from the tradition of giving boxed gifts to important service providers—like the milkman and paperboy who would be off on Christmas.
This could be tied to an older tradition when affluent families would gather on grand old estates for Christmas and donate unwanted good to servants and other members of the household. For ease and convenience, these allotments would be placed in boxes that were easy to take away, hence boxing day.
Another prominent theory is that the box was something employees would carry to work. This was essentially a cash donation box that employers would put money into—this would become the origin of the Christmas bonus.
The most elaborate theory involves boxes that were kept on ships. These boxes were charitable donations to a church that would be offered in exchange for conducting a mass onboard before a major voyage. The boxes would only be opened when the ship returned in a mass called the Christmass.
Regardless of the holiday’s origins, generosity of heart and spirit seems to be a common thread for Boxing Day. It’s a nice thought, and certainly one to keep in mind over the holiday season. We at Racer Boxes wish you happiness and safety in this season of light and splendour. Enjoy your holidays, and when you need corrugated cardboard boxes manufactured at wholesale prices—for Boxing Day or otherwise—give us a call.
On any given week, you’ll find social media jam-packed with buzzwords on new and emerging trends. Unsurprisingly, this even extends to design and packaging. Right now, words like flat design and minimalism are all the rage.
For business owners who need to stay in the public eye, keeping their brands current and fresh can pose a challenge. Luckily, Racer Boxes can help with their box printing services.
Freshening up a stale design doesn’t necessarily mean undergoing the tedious rigmarole of rebranding. Consider Starbucks’ holiday cups. While the company brand doesn’t change, they find new and innovative ways to update and share their image every year. The cups even garner a fair bit of publicity. Everyone wonders what the design and message will be each year.
A professional designer can suggest ideas about how to introduce small changes that freshen up your business and look. And Racer Boxes, with its in-house printing facilities, can help execute that iconic new look on your packages.
Remember, it’s important to match the expectations of your customer base. For example, if customers are getting into recycling and other green trends, why not package your products in durable, recycled cardboard?
Whether your products are budget, luxe, mass-produced, or handcrafted, the right kind of packaging helps tell your story. From durable corrugated cardboard boxes to delicate small cut die mailers, working with a box manufacturer like Racer Boxes means you can upgrade your packaging easily and stay on top of the latest trends.
When you’re ready to execute something new and fresh, Racer Boxes can help customize packaging, labels, branding, displays, gift boxes, and more. Then get ready to deliver a personalized experience that shows clients you’re an outside-the-box kind of company.
With the start of November, the holiday and gift giving countdown is officially underway. As a wholesale cardboard box manufacturer, the team at Racer Boxes has compiled a blog of useful delivery tips. For anyone who has ever stressed about a gift arriving intact and on time, these simple suggestions from Canada Post can help keep the season jolly.
Shipping Package Tips
- Double Check That Address
Make sure the complete address is printed clearly and located on the largest side of the package. Don’t neglect the postal code, which assists with the sorting process.
- Confirm the Postage
Since shipping rates depend on the size and weight of a parcel, as well as the destination, channel your inner Santa and check it twice. The Canada Post mobile app (or Canadapost.ca) is a convenient resource for gift givers who need a little extra help. To avoid overpaying, stop in at the local post office and get help from a trained customer service agent. For commercial enterprises that may be shipping large volumes during the holiday season (or any other time) a cardboard box manufacturer like Racer Boxes can create custom box sizes to help minimize freight charges.
- Keep Deadlines in Mind
Canada Post provides a convenient list of dates as a general guideline for holiday mail:
Canada: Make sure any parcels are in the mail by Dec. 10th at the latest. Local cards should be mailed by Dec. 19th while any out of province deliveries should be en route by Dec 17th.
US: Send parcels by Dec. 10th, and cards by Dec. 14th.
International: This varies greatly depending on the destination. As a general rule, allow about a month for parcels, and three weeks for cards. This, of course, is for the most cost-effective delivery. Remember that premium mailing services cab shorter delivery times, so don’t panic too much if a deadline is missed. Ask a customer service agent for their recommendation if time is at a premium..
- Packaging
Wrapping paper looks great on gifts but it’s not ideal for shipping. If the delicate paper tears away taking an address with it, there’s going to be a problem. Avoid loose paper and string or ribbons that can get caught in processing machines! Instead put the fancy wrapping inside serviceable brown paper packaging or a cardboard box and secure with packing tape.
As Vancouver’s wholesale box manufacturer, the team at Racer Boxes ell wholesale cardboard boxes at affordable pricing and superior quality for low, mid, and high volume requirements. To learn more about wholesale carboard box services in Vancouver, call (604) 270 – 8205
In an age of low emissions, green energy, and reduced waste, packaging can seem like an egregious faux pas. However, it’s important to be practical and look to the big picture when it comes to environmental awareness. For example, corrugated cardboard box manufacturing is far more environmentally responsible than most people realize.
This is important for environmentally savvy business owners looking for delivery options and solutions. If going green is important to you, consider going brown. We’ve got all the reasons box manufacturing works right here.
1: Cardboard is made from renewable materials
Corrugated cardboard is mostly made of pine or birch pulp, which are fast growing and hardy trees compared to hardwoods. In other words, much of the raw material can be sustainably harvested from well-managed forests. On top of that, cardboard is also recycled and recyclable.
2: Low waste
As mentioned above, corrugated cardboard boxes are extensively recycled. This means fewer trees are required to produce it. Even better, the recyclable nature of cardboard means less energy and resources go into harvesting and processing. Most boxes these days are comprised of between 70% and 90% recycled material. This makes corrugated packaging one of the greenest solutions around—and when they reach their end-of-life usefulness, cardboard boxes are fully biodegradable.
3: It’s reusable
Most corrugated cardboard boxes are easily reusable. Strip off the old tape and labels and they can probably be used again. This doesn’t just benefit consumers, but also cost-conscious companies that actively reuse boxes within their own businesses. Every box that’s reused or repurposed means one less to buy, and in a small business those savings can add up fast.
4: Cardboard is energy-efficient to create
Since so much of it is recycled, not much is spent acquiring fresh materials. This also means reducing the waste and costs of transportation. When it comes to using cardboard, there’s a positive ripple effect that affects the whole box making process, from manufacturing to end-of-life disposal.
For companies that need to offer delivery while still following green practices, cardboard is an excellent option. Racer Boxes in Vancouver specializes in box manufacturing and printing for a wide variety of businesses and purposes. Companies can even request custom sizes to save on courier costs and box printing is available for those who want to emphasize brand recognition.
As a Vancouver-based box manufacturer, Racer Boxes can assist businesses with all their box needs. Contact us at (604) 270–8205 or racerboxes@gmail.com
Fact. There are businesses that run through a lot of boxes. To take advantage of bulk prices from either overseas or Vancouver box manufacturers, they typically have to sacrifice floor space or invest in storage. In cities where space runs at a premium, this can be a serious problem. However, as a Vancouver-based box manufacturer, the team at Racer Boxes has a come up with an innovative solution— flexible box delivery.
Figuring out the space solution can be a serious Catch-22 for box-reliant business owners. Is it more prudent to order small batches that cost more, or do you sacrifice the space you can’t afford to lose and stock up to save money? Sometimes, crunching the numbers is the only way to arrive at the answer.
Buying in bulk certainly isn’t cheaper if it means paying storage fees. This was the conundrum for Paolo’s Perogies, who suddenly found themselves pressed for space when a new pasta machine arrived. Predictably, the only available space in their warehouse factory was occupied by pallets filled with boxes.
Racer Boxes to the Rescue
Moving the boxes off-site would eat up any savings on bulk box purchases (and then some). Instead, Racer Boxes came up with an innovative solution. By arranging for weekly deliveries, the team at Paolo’s Perogies could still enjoy considerable savings without sacrificing so much floor space. This meant there was now enough room for their brand-new pasta maker.
When it comes to business needs, it’s important to weight both costs and objectives. Cheaper isn’t always better—and in some cases it might not even be cheaper! For small businesses with big box needs, Racer Boxes offers scheduled small deliveries. In other words, you get space, savings, and convenience in one neatly wrapped box.
Most people share a single concern when sending a package—will it get there in one piece? Was it packed to tightly or loosely? Maybe the address might get confused with another label, or the tape will come apart? Well, stressing about a potential scenario is no help at all. Instead, we’ve come up with seven box shipping tips to help you mail with confidence.
1 – Remove Any Old Labels
The last thing you want is for someone at the post office or parcel service to hold the box the wrong way and see the wrong address. If you’re re-using a box and it has old labels on it, peel them off, or thoroughly cross them out with a black Sharpie. The same goes for any bar codes you might see. These days a handler is more likely to scan a bar code than read the label.
2 – Tape it Right. Tape it Tight. Make an H.
If you don’t want your package coming undone mid-trip, you have to tape it right. The H-tape method is where you don’t just tape down the middle, but along the sides as well, sealing the top up tight and leaving no room for movement. Make sure you’ve made an H on the top and bottom and you should be in good shape!
3 – Don’t Cheap Out on Tape
That bargain tape you got might not have what it takes to keep your package together. You want a plastic or reinforced tape that is specifically designed for packages (2 inches wide preferably) and is able to take at least 60lbs. Using regular home tape, such as Scotch or masking tape, is just asking for an accident to happen.
4 – Lessons from a Russian Nesting Doll
If you’ve got something especially fragile, consider putting your box inside a box. First nest your precious item in a box with your packing materials (ie foam peanuts), then get a larger box (at least 6 inches larger on all sides) and put that box inside it, also stuffed with packing material. Pack it tight in both boxes—restricting movement is the key to the cushioning effect.
5 – Using Newspaper? Beware of what it’s up against!
There’s nothing wrong with using crumpled newspaper to pack materials in. For many, it’s a means of recycling something they have on hand. But be mindful of the fact that ink can rub off onto other surfaces, so make sure it’s not going to smudge on something important.
6 – Provide an Inside Label or Business Card
Sometimes the unthinkable happens, and a package is damaged or the label is otherwise made unreadable. Adding a second label along with shipping information to the contents, or even just a business card, will allow the shipper to still deliver the package, or at least get in touch with you if there is a problem.
7 – Take Advantage of Tracking Services
All major shippers offer free tracking these days, so make use of it. You can track its progress online or get updates sent directly to you via email or text. This is by far the easiest way to get some piece of mind if you or an impatient client is waiting for your package to reach its destination.
With a little care, you can help make sure your package will arrive at its intended destination exactly as intended. At Racer Boxes, we can reduce packaging and overhead costs by manufacturing custom box sizes specific to your needs. Forget about unnecessary oversize costs and extra padding. Combine these helpful box shipping tips with the right sized box to keep items safe and secure.
Contact us at (604) 270 – 8205 or racerboxes@gmail.com to learn more.
For businesses and individuals mailing merchandise to clients, it’s important to ensure that goods arrive as intended. Merchandise that’s been crushed, soiled, battered, or broken will likely be returned, potentially impacting bottom line profits—and maybe even your reputation. By mastering the basics of box packing, you can help deliver a better customer experience to your end user.
Broadly speaking, there are four basic steps when it comes to Box Packing 101. These are:
- Boxing
- Cushioning
- Sealing and
- Labelling
Boxing
The protective outer box works to protect items from becoming damaged or dirty during transport. Corrugated cardboard generally works well to protect non-fragile items while double-wall boxes may be required for heavy or fragile items to prevent crunching or tears. In either case, there should be no holes, tears, or corner dents—and the flaps should be intact.
Cushioning
Fillers like old newspapers, packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and foam work to fill empty spaces and prevent movement that could potentially damage the goods inside the box. Items should be individually wrapped and positioned away from the sides. For fragile items, FedEx recommends a minimum 3″ (8-cm) thickness of air-cellular cushioning material. There should be about 5cm thickness of cushioning on all sides, so the items are snug and secure within a corrugated cardboard box, or any other container.
Sealing
More commonly called taping, it’s important to ensure goods are protected both from theft and damage. Nothing good will result if a package of electronics or even a food box springs open mid-delivery. That’s why it’s important to use an appropriate sealant. For most boxes, a 60lb pressure-sensitive plastic tape is what’s recommended. In some cases, it may be possible to use a water-activated reinforced tape, but make sure it’s at least 5cm wide.
Labelling
This is the final step. All delivery information should be on the outside of the box, including an address for the recipient—and the sender. Make sure any old addresses are removed or crossed out. Additionally, make sure all labels and packing slips are facing the same direction on the same side of the package. For boxes, with fragile contents, the position of the label will often determine how the box is handled (i.e. this end up only).
A few thoughtful steps can significantly increase the odds that your package will arrive as intended. For additional tips, don’t be afraid to contact your shipper and ask for advice. To learn more about the different boxes available for shipping, contact Racer Boxes at (604) 270–8205 or racerboxes@gmail.com.
Who doesn’t love getting packages in the mail? Every surprise is a celebration, a well-deserved treat that offers some respite from the everyday humdrum. Considering all the joy and delight a surprise package elicits, the skyrocketing popularity of monthly subscription boxes is largely straightforward.
Notably, the most successful companies spearheading the subscription box trend pay meticulous attention to their packaging. This isn’t simply a cover for their box, but an attempt to sustain the excitement and anticipation that comes with opening every beautiful surprise. These boxes are works of art that delight the recipient even before they’re opened.
For anyone unaware of the subscription box phenomenon exemplified by companies like Nicely Noted, the premise is simple. A user signs up for a monthly fee and usually completes a short survey about their tastes and preferences. After that, the subscriber gets a box of personally selected goodies delivered right to their doorstep every month.
Each package is a tiny mystery, and the anticipation and suspense makes each surprise that much better. These packages are often a far better value than purchasing the items individually, and they offer chance to try sample exciting new products.
Most subscriptions cater to very specific interests. This allows brands to create experiences that will truly resonate and delight their buyer’s personalities—and their packaging is a big part of this. Take a look at five subscription with boxes that are almost as delightful as what’s inside!
5 Subscription Boxes People Can’t Resist
With Snack Boxes for $20/month, Pantry Boxes for $30/month, and Signature Boxes for $40/month, Try the World offers an assortment of mouth-watering gourmet snacks, drinks, and ingredients that are delivered to your doorstep every month.
Based on your Palate Profile, Club W delivers 3 bottles of wine, starting at $13 a bottle ($39 total) plus a $6 flat shipping rate. They work directly with winemakers to get you better quality at a lower price. Satisfaction is guaranteed and you can even manage your account via their phone app!
Unlike most subscription services, FabFitFun is a seasonal box sent out four times a year, but it packs a lot in its quarterly punch! For $50 each or $180 for a full year, FabFitFun delivers a mix of full-size beauty, fashion, fitness, wellness, and home treats for subscribers to enjoy. Each box touts a $200 value!
The one that started it all! Birchbox offers both a monthly women’s beauty box for $10, with 5 beauty samples, and a men’s box for $20 that contains 4 samples and a lifestyle product.
BarkboxWho says humans get to have all the fun? Barkbox will ship your furry best friend a monthly box of dog goodies, including toys and healthy treats for as little as $19 a month. All you have to do is pick your dog size and the duration of your plan (1, 3, 6, or 12-month), and it’ll be delivered to your doorstep.
Got Your Own Subscription Box Idea?
There are over 600 of these services today, with millions of subscribers eager to get a new surprise every month. However, the firms that are most successful are those who know how to think outside the box.
As a local box manufacturer and printer, Racer Boxes can create a small customized mailer that really delivers the unique experience you offer. Contact us at (604) 270 – 8205 or racerboxes@gmail.com to learn more.
BC is a major producer of fruits and veggies in Canada. Now that it’s spring, many growers will be getting ready to ship their bounty across the city or across the country. As a Vancouver-based box manufacturer, we know that shipping produce isn’t as simple as dumping it into boxes and hoping it arrives safely. Without proper packing, environmental conditions like humidity and temperatures can cause perishables to degrade, impacting your bottom line. That’s why we’ve created a special line of wholesale food boxes to help get your perishables safely from point A to Point B.
At Racer Boxes, we have created several types of wholesale food boxes, including a produce carton with die-cut holes, stackable cardboard fruit trays, potted plant display holders, and a cardboard floral tray.
Ideally, you’ll want to use a carrier who offers temperature-controlled freight to keep food and/or plants as fresh as possible. Sending perishable items using overnight delivery is recommended. It’s best to try to avoid sending items at the end of the week, as this means perishables could end up stagnating in a shipping facility over the weekend.
Remember to avoid packing moist fruit and veggies, as the condensation in an enclosed space is conducive to mould growth. Our produce boxes contain die-cut air holes for exactly this reason. It’s a simple design, but it helps keep food aerated, prolonging its quality and freshness during delivery.
Remember, if you’re shipping heavy items, like potatoes, the box should be sufficiently strong to avoid bursting. If you need help creating a customized solution for your produce, we’ll be glad to help. As manufacturers of corrugated die-cut boxes and cartons, Racer Boxes offers superior pricing and quality. We cater to customers with low, mid and high volume requirements—and we’re pleased to work with farmers and food producers all across the province.
At Racer Boxes, we know that how you present and package your goods is an important part of what makes your brand. As a wholesale box manufacturer, we create boxes right here in Vancouver. However, while we love all things related to packaging and cardboard, we’re also outside-the-box thinkers. We pay special attention to brand packaging, which is why we provide custom box printing to enhance the beauty of your products and brand.
While we believe that custom-printed boxes are the way to go for ultra-professionalism and flare, we understand that start-ups have to be budget conscious. For clients who need to pretty up their packages without breaking the bank, we recommend incorporating some customized stickers.
In packaging, stickers are most commonly found inside boxes—such as a seal on tissue paper. However, there’s no reason why you can’t use a customized sticker to enhance the beauty of your package on the outside, too.
The trick is to consider the design. Simply chucking a bunch of stickers on a box can look unprofessional. Instead, why not go for a label-like look that doubles as the sealing tape on your mailer box? Conversely, if a more traditional look is the objective, a metallic seal with a little embossing can be an inexpensive ticket to a classy look. For a more home-grown, grassroots kind of vibe, a label that incorporates space for a short handwritten message is sure to appeal to earthy lovers of kombucha and avocado toast.
There are many creative ideas out there. Try working with a designer to come up with a solution that’s both professional and affordable.
Then, when you’re ready to take your business to the next level (or when sticking 500 stickers to boxes every day is no longer a viable option), ask us how custom box printing and custom packaging can lend greater cohesion and polish to your brand. Don’t forget, we buy in tremendous volume at Racer Boxes, and pass our purchasing power onto you. That means bigger savings for small, medium, and large businesses.