You might be ready to start buying in bulk
Buying packaging in bulk can be a smart move for small businesses but only if you’re buying the right products, in the right quantities, at the right stage of your business.
If you’re constantly running out of boxes, mailers, bags or other packaging supplies, it might be time to consider whether buying in larger quantities could save you money and make your fulfilment process easier.
📦 The benefits of buying in bulk
1. Lower cost per unit
One of the biggest advantages of buying packaging in larger quantities is the potential saving per item. The more you buy, the lower your cost per unit can become.
For businesses sending out orders regularly, those small savings can add up over time.
2. You’ll always have packaging on hand
Running out of your go-to box just when orders start piling up is the last thing you want.
Keeping a healthy stock of your most-used packaging means you can pack orders without constantly having to place emergency top-up orders.
3. More consistent branding
If you use the same boxes, bags or mailers for every order, buying in bulk helps you maintain a consistent look and feel across your customer experience.
And if you’re ready to take things a step further, bulk orders can also make custom-branded packaging more practical.
4. Less time spent reordering
Instead of regularly checking your stock and placing small orders, buying in bulk means fewer trips to your packaging supplier. This gives you more time to focus on your actual business.
🤔 But is buying in bulk always a good idea?
Not necessarily.
1. It ties up your cash
Buying 500 boxes might give you a better price per box, but you’re spending more money upfront.
If you’re still growing or have other important business expenses, that upfront cost may not be worth the saving.
2. You need somewhere to store it
Packaging takes up space!
Before buying in bulk, think about where you’ll keep your stock. If your spare room, garage or office is already overflowing with boxes, buying another 1,000 might not be the best move.
3. Your packaging needs could change
This is especially important for newer businesses.
If you’re constantly changing your product sizes, branding or packaging style, buying a huge quantity could leave you with packaging you no longer need.
4. Don’t buy more than you can realistically use
A cheaper unit price isn't necessarily a saving if the packaging sits unused for years.
The goal is to buy enough to benefit from the savings without overstocking.
💡 So, when does bulk buying make sense?
A good rule of thumb is to consider buying in bulk when:
✔️ You use the same packaging consistently
✔️ You have predictable sales and packaging requirements
✔️ You have enough storage space
✔️ The lower unit price makes a meaningful difference
✔️ Buying upfront won't put pressure on your cash flow
If you’re still testing products, changing your packaging frequently or have unpredictable sales, smaller quantities may make more sense for now.
Did you know that we have a bulk pricing structure?
+350 units = 5% less
+500 units = 10% less
+1 000 units = 15% less
Contact us at sales@in-the-box.co.za for a bulk enquiry
Ready to stock up?
Explore our range of packaging here and find the quantities that work for your business.