Everyone is looking to take their business to the next level. What if we told you that shipping mailers are an often-overlooked innovation that can save you time, money, and energy? It's true, but if you need more convincing, stay with us as we show you the top ten reasons poly mailers are going to be a game-changer for you and your business this year!
But first, let’s lay the foundation, explaining what a poly mailer is, what types of poly mailers are available to you, and why you need to adopt them to revolutionize your shipping game this year.
What are Poly Mailers?
You've probably heard the term "poly mailer" before, but do you know what it is, and better yet, what sets it apart from other shipping mailers? A poly mailer is a lightweight envelope made from polyethylene, also known as plastic. This simple fact makes these shipping mailers weather-resistant and the perfect packaging for small to medium items that aren't fragile. From shipping apparel like t-shirts and sweatshirts to jewelry and other small items, poly mailers are an ideal alternative to cardboard boxes for many reasons, which we’ll explain in more detail below.
What Are the Main Poly Mailer Types?
Poly mailers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, designs, and colors. If you choose to make the switch, it won’t be difficult to find a poly mailer that's perfect for both you and your business needs. But what are the main types of poly mailers, and what are the differences between them? Take a look below as we outline the most common poly bags and the advantages of each.
- White Poly Bags
The most traditional poly mailer available, the white poly mailer, combines the durability and protection you come to expect from a poly mailer, all while saving you money. These sturdy, yet lightweight white mailers come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, allowing you the peace of mind knowing your shipments will arrive at their final destination safe and sound.
- Color Poly Bags
The protection you expect from a traditional white poly mailer, but with fun colors and designs to make a statement with your shipments. These poly bags deliver the same durability of conventional poly mailers, all while allowing you and your business a bit more individuality when it comes to your shipments.
For example, these pink polka dot poly mailers feature a stylish design sure to catch the eye of customers, while also saving you time thanks to the hassle-free self-sealing adhesive that makes packaging a breeze!
- Designed Poly Bags
These expertly printed poly bags feature one-of-a-kind designs and phrases that can set your packages apart from all the other mail your shopper receives in their mailbox. These fun, yet functional designs don’t lack in the protection that a white poly mailer offers, either!
- Clear Poly Bags
Perfect for the brand or business that wants a durable shipping mailer, but wants to ensure their branding shines through, these clear poly mailers are an excellent choice! Clear poly bags can protect your items from dust, dirt, and debris, just like their counterparts. Plus, you can use them to package your products inside an outer poly bag for extra security!
Why Should I Make the Switch to Poly Mailers?
Now that you know a little more about what a poly mailer is, let's talk about why you should make the switch to poly mailers for all of your shipping needs! Whether you’re a new startup or you’ve been in business for years, you know that saving money where you can without skimping on quality is essential to a successful business.
Let’s check out the ten reasons why shipping mailers can be a game-changer for you and your business.
- Poly mailers are 100% recyclable
- Poly mailers take up less space than traditional shipping supplies
- Packing poly mailers save time
- Poly mailers are much more cost-effective to ship
- Poly mailers are available in a variety of patterns and colors
- Poly mailers are durable
- Poly mailers are weather-resistant
- Poly mailers are reusable
- Some shipping mailers come with built-in bubble wrap
- Poly mailers are lightweight
- Poly Mailers Are 100% Recyclable
Everyone knows that cardboard boxes can be broken down and recycled, but did you know that poly mailers are recyclable, too? The reason shipping mailers and other packaging like bubble wrap (which is also 100% recyclable, FYI) are not recycled and instead end up in landfills is because they cannot be thrown in with plastic bottles and boxes. Because they'll get caught up in the machinery, recycling these products requires a little extra effort, but it's worth the effort to protect our environment!
By going to this website and entering your zip code, you’ll find locations where you can recycle not only your used shipping mailers but other plastic-based shipping materials. This includes plastic bags and other items typically not accepted in your regular curbside recycle bin.
- Poly Mailers Take Up Less Space Than Traditional Shipping Supplies
Whether your stockroom is a warehouse or just the spare bedroom in your home, storing shipping supplies can simply take up too much space if you’re not careful! If the majority of your products are small and not fragile, you can switch out larger cardboard boxes for shipping mailers that take up much less space and require less packaging, as well.
Just say no to the fight with the dreaded tape gun and embrace the ease of self-sealing poly mailers that take the stress and frustration out of packing up your merchandise! You can thank us later!
- Packing with Poly Mailers Saves Time
In any business, big or small, time is money. Why not save time when packing up orders, eventually passing on those savings to your customers, cutting down the time it takes for an order to arrive on their doorstep? Because most shipping mailers feature a handy easy-peel and self-adhesive strip, sealing the mailer securely and quickly has never been easier — no tape or frustration required!
- Poly Mailers Are Much More Cost-Effective to Ship
Not only do shipping mailers cost less on the front end—even well-made, quality poly mailers—but shipping them across the U.S. is often cheaper than boxes. When you run a small business, saving money matters! By utilizing shipping mailers, you’ll soon be saving a few cents with each shipment, especially if you research which mail carrier offers the best shipping costs.
Did you know that on average, cardboard shipping mailers can cost as much as $1.25 apiece, but when bought in bulk, a white poly mailer or even designed poly mailers can cost less than $0.25 per mailer? That's a no brainer, primarily if you sell non-fragile goods that fit well into these small to medium-sized shipping mailers.
- Poly Mailers Are Available in A Variety of Patterns and Colors
If you're worried that poly mailers may be too dull, you’re in for a huge surprise! Not only can you find uniquely designed poly mailers, but there are also plenty of solid color options beyond your basic white poly mailer. The possibilities are truly endless! No matter what the occasion, there is an option for just about any event!
Designed Poly Mailers Versus a White Mailer
Whether you’re shipping Valentine’s Day-themed goodies or just want to show a little extra love to your customers, these red and white heart poly bags make the perfect statement!
Speaking of making a statement, sending merchandise in these thank you shipping mailers is a great way to show your appreciation to your shoppers, both big and small!
However, if you want to maximize your budget, choosing a basic white mailer can be a great option! White poly mailer envelopes come in a variety of sizes, sure to fit whatever you're shipping and are great for keeping merchandise safe, secure, and confidential. Are you still worried about losing the personality of your brand when utilizing a white poly mailer? Have no fear! You can customize any white poly mailer with branded labels or stickers to maintain personalization while still saving big on shipping costs.
- Poly Mailers Are Durable
Whether you choose a white poly mailer or a designed poly mailer, the benefits of polyethylene is that it's an extremely durable material, resistant to tears, rips and other damage you might worry about with traditional shipping materials like cardboard boxes.
You get what you pay for, remember? Make sure to invest in good-quality shipping mailers to ensure that your products arrive in your shopper’s hands without any damage. A good rule of thumb when it comes to shipping mailers? Choose a thicker mailer with secure seams and strong adhesive strips, keeping your packages from opening up on their way to their final destination.
- Poly Mailers Are Weather-Resistant
Have you ever arrived home to a sopping wet cardboard box on your doorstep? Avoid the hassle and stress of that by adopting weather-resistant shipping mailers! So long as they stay sealed, plastic mailers like this white poly mailer will never let in rain, sleet, or snow! Your product will arrive at your shopper's doorstep, looking just as good as it did when it left your business. What's better than that?
- Poly Mailers Are Reusable
Remember how most people don’t realize that shipping mailers, specifically poly mailers, are recyclable? Well, did you also know that they can be shipped more than once? After a shopper receives your white poly mailer, they can open it using the handy built-in tear strip that allows them to reseal and reuse the packaging thanks to the provided dual peel and stick tear strips!
- Some Shipping Mailers Come with Built-In Bubble Wrap
If you do need to ship fragile goods, you can purchase shipping mailers with built-in bubble wrap to protect your shipments more than your average poly mailers. Even bubble mailers take up a lot less space than traditional boxes, rolls of bubble wrap, and thousands of packing peanuts.
- Poly Mailers Are Lightweight
Going along with affordability, shipping mailers like poly mailers are an effective means for shipping small to medium products because of the savings you’ll gain on the lightweight nature of the bags themselves. While you might worry because the polyethylene material is so lightweight that it must be flimsy, you shouldn’t! Specially designed to withstand rips and tears, poly mailers make a great shipping option because they hold up well in postal machinery if appropriately packed. More on that in a moment!
Don’t Make These Common Shipping Mailer Mistakes
- Buying cheap poly mailers
One of the worst mistakes you can make when purchasing shipping mailers in bulk is buying cheap mailers just to save a few cents in the long run. Truthfully, rather than save you, it’ll likely cost you because these mailers are more likely to rip or break in the mail system, adding up to lost or damaged shipments. Make sure to do your research and know that you’re truly getting your money’s worth when placing your order. This tip alone will save you time and money in the future!
- Using improperly sized shipping mailers
Another mistake you can make is underfilling your poly mailers. Always ensure that your product fills your shipping mailer completely. Make sure there are no flat spots where the shipping mailers can get caught up in the sorting machinery of your mail carrier, whether it be UPS, FedEx, or the USPS. If your company sells a lot of smaller products, but you still want to make the switch to envelopes, picking a stiffer version like those lined with bubble wrap might be a better option for you, as they tend to get caught in machinery far less, even when not completely full.
Here at Shop4Mailers, we’re passionate about offering you a wide variety of mailing products at the right price for your home or business. Find out how we can partner with you and make the most of your shipping budget this year. From a white poly mailer to designed poly bags and shipping labels, we’ve got you covered!
