An old saying regarding economics reads “Every dollar counts,” and even more so in the bustling world of entrepreneurship all around the United States. Small businesses and individual sellers often face tight margins, making cost-saving measures crucial for success.
One area where costs can quickly add up is shipping supplies. Shipping envelopes, shipping labels, boxes, and other packaging materials, although seemingly insignificant, can accumulate significant expenses over time and give you an unexpected higher-than-expected bill. However, there's a hack that can save you substantial money: some carriers offer free shipping supplies.
Shipping supplies are essential for safely delivering your products to customers. They include various boxes, envelopes, labels, and other packaging materials designed to protect items during transit.
For small businesses, the cost of these supplies can become a burden. Fortunately, major shipping carriers like FedEx, UPS, and USPS provide free shipping supplies, helping you cut expenses. In this blog, we'll explore how you can get these supplies for free and give tips to maximize this opportunity.
Several major carriers, including FedEx, UPS, and USPS, offer free shipping supplies. These carriers provide a range of supplies, from boxes to envelopes, all available at no cost. Here's a brief overview of what each carrier offers and how to access these supplies.
FedEx Shipping Supplies
FedEx offers a variety of free shipping supplies, including:
- Boxes: Different sizes, including small, medium, and large.
- Envelopes: Ideal for documents and small items.
- Labels: Adhesive labels are used to print shipping details.
You can order these shipping supplies online through the FedEx website, which will be delivered to your address. Additionally, you can pick them up at local FedEx offices.
UPS Shipping Supplies
UPS also provides free shipping supplies, such as:
- Boxes: Various sizes for different shipping needs.
- Envelopes: Suitable for documents and lightweight items.
- Labels: For printing shipping information.
These supplies can be ordered online via the UPS website and delivered to your location. Alternatively, you can collect them from UPS stores, ensuring easy access to shipping supplies nearby.
USPS Shipping Supplies
The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a wide range of free shipping supplies, including:
- Boxes: Priority Mail and Flat Rate boxes in multiple sizes.
- Envelopes: Priority Mail and Flat Rate envelopes.
- Labels: For printing shipping information.
USPS allows you to order these supplies online, which can be delivered to your address. You can also pick them up at your local post office. Just search on Google: USPS shipping supplies near me and you’ll find the nearest post office to get everything you need!
Comparing Free Shipping Supplies from FedEx, UPS, and USPS
To help you decide which carrier's free supplies are best for your needs, here's a comparison table highlighting the options:
| Carrier | Types of Free Supplies | Order Online | Local Pickup | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx | Boxes, Envelopes, Labels | Yes | Yes | Wide variety of box sizes |
| UPS | Boxes, Envelopes, Labels | Yes | Yes | Large selection of packaging options |
| USPS | Priority Mail Boxes, Envelopes, Labels | Yes | Yes | Flat Rate options |
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Free Shipping Supplies
FedEx
- Visit the FedEx Website.
- Select Your Supplies: Choose the types and quantities of boxes, envelopes, and labels you need.
- Add to Cart and Checkout: Add the selected items to your cart and proceed to checkout. You'll need a FedEx account to complete the order.
- Delivery or Pickup: Choose whether you want the supplies delivered to your address or prefer to pick them up from a local FedEx office.
UPS
- Visit the UPS Website: Navigate to the supplies page.
- Choose Your Supplies: Select the necessary boxes, envelopes, and labels.
- Add to Cart and Checkout: Add your items to the cart and complete the checkout process. A UPS account is required.
- Delivery or Pickup: Decide if you want the supplies delivered or if you'll pick them up from a UPS store.
USPS
- Visit the USPS Website
- Select Supplies: Pick the Priority Mail and Flat Rate boxes, envelopes, and necessary labels.
- Add to Cart and Checkout: Add the items to your cart and check out. A USPS account may be required.
- Delivery or Pickup: Choose home delivery or local post office pickup for your supplies.
Tips for Choosing the Right Shipping Supplies
- Appropriate Sizes: Select boxes and envelopes that best fit your shipping items frequently to avoid overpacking and extra costs.
- Multi-Ordering: Order in bulk to ensure you have enough supplies and reduce the frequency of orders.
- Keep Track: Maintain an inventory of your shipping supplies to avoid last-minute shortages.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-Ordering: Only order supplies to avoid clutter and potential wastage.
- Wrong Sizes: Ensure you order the correct sizes to fit your products perfectly, preventing damage during shipping.
- Ignoring Carrier Requirements: Each carrier has specific guidelines for using their supplies (UPS, USPS, FedEx). Make sure to follow them to avoid issues with shipping.
Securing free shipping supplies from FedEx, UPS, and USPS can significantly reduce business expenses. Following the steps outlined in this blog, you can easily access these resources and ensure your shipments are well-packaged and protected. Remember to choose the appropriate sizes, order in bulk, and keep an inventory to avoid common pitfalls.
Free Supplies: Cases
Case 1
Let’s picture Sarah, an artisan candle maker based in New York City, who has a growing online business. She sells her handmade candles through her website and various online marketplaces. As her orders increase, so do her shipping costs, especially for packaging materials.
Sarah is spending a significant portion of her profits on shipping supplies, which affects her overall profitability. She needs to find a way to reduce these costs without compromising the quality of her packaging.
She discovers that major carriers like FedEx, UPS, and USPS offer free shipping supplies. By ordering free boxes and envelopes from these carriers, she can save a considerable amount of money each month.
With the money saved on shipping supplies, Sarah reinvests in her business, purchasing higher-quality wax and fragrances. She also expands her product line, offering new candle scents and sizes. As a result, her sales increased, and her business continued to thrive.
Case 2
Imagine this case: Jake, a jewelry designer, sells his handcrafted pieces on Etsy. He prides himself on providing beautiful and secure packaging to enhance the unboxing experience for his customers.
His packaging costs are eating into his profits. He uses high-quality materials to ensure his jewelry arrives safely, but the expenses are adding up. Jake learns about the free shipping supplies offered by USPS, particularly their Priority Mail and Flat Rate boxes. He starts using these free boxes for his shipments, which are both sturdy and professional-looking.
By switching to free USPS boxes, Jake significantly reduces his packaging costs. He can now offer free shipping to his customers, making his shop more competitive. This change leads to an increase in sales and positive reviews, helping him grow his Etsy business.
Case 3
Maria runs a monthly subscription box service that delivers curated wellness products to her subscribers. Each box contains a mix of health and beauty items, which require careful packaging to ensure they arrive in perfect condition.
Her subscription service is expanding rapidly, and so are her packaging expenses. She needs a reliable and cost-effective way to source her shipping supplies.
Maria discovers that UPS offers a variety of free shipping supplies, including boxes and labels. She orders these supplies in bulk through the UPS website, ensuring she always has enough on hand for her monthly shipments.
With the savings from using free UPS supplies, Maria invests in better marketing and customer acquisition strategies. She also uses the extra funds to add premium items to her subscription boxes, increasing the perceived value and customer satisfaction. This leads to higher subscriber retention rates and a steady growth in her business.
Now, we want you to discover the advantages of using shipping supplies with our comprehensive guide featuring the top major carriers (UPS, USPS, and FedEx). To access this valuable resource, simply visit our website and leave us your email address. Once you do, you'll receive an email with a link to download the guide for free. Don't miss out on this opportunity to streamline your shipping process and save money—get your free guide today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much are shipping boxes?
Shipping boxes can vary in price depending on their size and type. However, you can save on these costs by utilizing free supplies from carriers like FedEx, UPS, and USPS.
Are shipping supplies free at USPS?
Yes, USPS offers a range of free shipping supplies, including Priority Mail and flat-rate boxes and envelopes.
How much are shipping boxes at FedEx?
FedEx provides free shipping boxes, so you don't have to worry about additional packaging costs.
How much are shipping boxes at UPS?
UPS offers a variety of free shipping boxes and other supplies, helping you save on packaging expenses.
How much are packaging supplies?
Packaging supplies can vary in cost, but you can get them free from major carriers like FedEx, UPS, and USPS.
Where to buy shipping supplies?
Suppose you need additional supplies beyond what is offered for free. You can purchase them from office supply stores, carrier websites, or online marketplaces.
Where to get free shipping boxes?
You can get free shipping boxes from FedEx, UPS, and USPS by ordering online or at local offices and stores. Remember that you’ll need to create an account in order to place your order.
Where to order UPS shipping supplies?
UPS shipping supplies can be ordered online through the UPS website or picked up from UPS stores.
How do you get free shipping supplies?
Follow the step-by-step guides provided in this blog to get free shipping supplies from FedEx, UPS, and USPS.
By leveraging the free shipping supplies from these major carriers, you can effectively manage your shipping costs and enhance your business operations. Visit Airpals for all your shipping needs, and start saving today!