So, you are beginning the journey of seeking out a contract packaging company because you’re considering outsourcing your supply chain needs. In this situation, it is normal to have a lot of questions about the process. But, for most people, the number one question is, how much does it cost? This is a very good question. However, most businesses are hoping to get a universal ballpark figure right off the bat. That’s totally understandable - you want to have this information to figure out if this is something you can afford. You want to know if the cost justifies the investment. Many buyers go to the internet and punch in some variant of that question. They hope that the information will be front and center. After clicking through a host of articles on Google, many buyers get frustrated. Most of the articles and other content you’ll find does not usually have this information. The reason for this is because the answer is extremely case sensitive. The cost for contract packaging is going to be very different from one company to the next. The reason for this is because your costs relate to your labor force, packaging machinery, packaging materials, warehousing space, logistics, and the other variables that change from one company to the next. The total cost for a contract packaging agreement for you, is not going to look anything like the one that is appropriate for your competitors. Unless of course, all the variables above are nearly identical for each company, of which, they rarely are. With all of that in mind, it is important to understand one thing. There is an answer to your question and it can be provided by a contract packaging company. But, they will need to analyze your unique requirements to produce a close approximation of the total cost. Industrial Packaging has done this kind of analytical research for countless companies. We can do this for your company as well if contract packaging ends up becoming the best option for your company. In this article, we will explain the elements that go into calculating an estimate for contract packaging. We will explore the different elements we need to analyze before we can answer the question, how much does it cost?

So, you are thinking of buying some new shrink packaging machinery? And, you are doing all the required research beforehand. Perhaps you have actually been to this blog before. Or, maybe you have read about spare parts kits elsewhere, and your journey has brought you here as a result. These kits are an additional item when purchasing a machine that many buyers do not consider. In many cases, buyers might not even know that such a kit is an option. However, forgoing this additional option can be costly. Are you buying a new shrink wrap packaging machine? If you do not buy a kit, you are setting yourself up for a host of serious problems. Most notably, short or extended periods of unexpected downtime. Downtime equates to lost dollars, time, and productivity. Downtime is the bane of any company attempting to be efficient, optimized, and zoned into success. Any instance of downtime is the most unwelcome guest for any company. Especially companies trying to run a world-class packaging line. Industrial Packaging has been offering these kits as an option for our shrink wrap machine buyers over the years. We always suggest buying at least one kit for all our packaging machinery clients. This article will explore why you should buy one or more kits for your shrink wrap systems. We will explain why they are a requirement for packaging machinery purchases. For instance, say your machine goes down. And, you have no parts on hand. How long will you have to wait to get the replacement parts? In this case, a spare parts kit increases the likelihood that you will not have severe downtime. The spare parts that a vendor has determined necessary should be on hand. This is due to the frequency at which parts need to be replaced. It should be noted, no major or severe downtime is going to be alleviated by a kit. That is of course unless it contains the parts that need to be replaced. Ask your vendor which parts they feel should be included in the kit.

When you buy packaging machinery, it can be tempting to try and buy the machinery with the lowest price tag. But, this kind of practice can often lead to spending more money. How is this possible? Four words. Total cost of ownership. The TCO (or total cost of ownership) is the full price you pay for a piece of machinery. This price includes all the associated costs. For example, things like materials, parts, and labor all affect the total cost you’ll pay. A more affordable machine that has unforeseen extra costs can be more expensive in the end. Having helped many clients buy packaging machinery, Industrial packaging is uniquely situated to assist you in buying the right machine for your products and packaging line. In this article, we will teach you how to calculate the total cost of ownership so that you can compare these costs directly - versus just the sticker pricing. This will prepare you to make the best buying decision that you can.

Are you shrink wrapping products? Then, chances are, you currently have or will be purchasing a shrink wrap sealer. Shrink wrappers play a part prior to a heat tunnel on your packaging. They are a required element for properly shrink wrapping your products. Unless of course, you are wrapping a smaller number of products. If that is true, then you are likely using a heat gun instead (OK) or a hairdryer (please don't). In that case, this article will only be of use to you if you plan to expand production and upgrade to using a heat tunnel. Suppose you happen to be in the first situation and are, in fact, in need of a sealer of some type or another. Then you’re in the right place. Industrial Packaging has helped countless clients purchase, install, and optimize their sealers. And, we can help you choose the right sealer. This article will review the most common types of sealers. And, we will explore their related materials, applications, and uses. By the end of this article, you should have a solid understanding of the different types of sealers. Then, you will be one step closer to choosing the right machine.

Are you thinking about purchasing a cheaper piece of packaging machinery from overseas in an attempt to save a few thousand dollars over buying domestically? Here is a bit of advice. Don't do it unless you have to. While it may seem like a good idea at first, it will most likely end up costing you way more in the long run. While foreign made packaging machinery may cost less at the initial purchase of the machinery itself, there are often times unforeseen additional costs that come along with the total cost of ownership associated with buying equipment from overseas. From quality issues to the ability to source quality manuals in a language that you understand, there are some risks involved when trying to save money by purchasing machinery made overseas. Repair services and preventative maintenance options can be slim and often costly for what ultimately started as a way to save money. Items such as parts availability, electrical requirements, and material options can all impact the cost of the machinery and the ease of procurement. Now, this is not to say that buying packaging machinery from overseas is a bad idea. Instead, it is a process that can often be complicated and includes potentially unwanted headaches. Regardless of where you buy your machinery from, these helpful tips and tricks will help you make the right choice regarding buying packaging machinery. Here at Industrial Packaging, we’ve been selling machinery from various geographical locations for decades. In this respect, we can help you navigate the challenges of purchasing packaging machinery from sites outside of the USA. In this article, we will give you some useful information that will help you to figure out if buying packaging machinery from another country makes sense for you or not.

So you have decided to buy some packaging machinery. You have done your homework and sent out an RFP to at least three vendors. You have reviewed each of the proposals, met with a representative from each vendor, and negotiated with them. You’re finally at the point where you have chosen a vendor to buy from. You have the exact make and models that you want and have the additional options for each piece of machinery chosen. You are ready to cut a check or finance the equipment. So, you are now prepared to take the plunge and buy the machinery, plan your installation days, and move forward with the closing of the sale, right? Wrong. While you’ve done a monumental amount of work to get to this point and applied your due diligence, there is one thing that you are lacking. What exactly is this one item you have failed to consider as you stand on the precipice of this significant purchase for your company? Questions. Questions, that when answered correctly, could very well save you thousands of dollars and, in some cases, perhaps more. Industrial Packaging has been helping countless clients for decades in the process of not only buying the right packaging machinery and materials for their needs today, but also those needs of the future. A future that all too often comes with unexpected events, complex product changes, black swan events, and a host of other often unforeseen changes and challenges. This article will help you identify a list of questions that are often not even considered until it is too late. With this information added to your research, you will be fully and thoroughly prepared to make the correct buying decision. One of which will ensure your ability to evolve with the changes that the future will almost certainly bring.