Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I`m having a very difficult time with shipping and packaging.  I`m selling furniture units on line... some are oversized like the desks 30x80, then I have one unit that is 47.5x14x5.75, so I can`t go to uline and get a stock box for these units.  We`ve finally decided to try and make our own crates... it`s more labor intensvie, but it`s cheaper then having to have a diecut made for each box and then having to purchase 100 of each box... It was going to cost me about $25000 for one diecut and each box was $30 each if I purchased in lots of 50... That`s one size box! The thought of spending close to $100,000 for boxes when it took $4000 to start my business is mind boggling to me!  If anyone has any suggestions or companies I can check into, please share...

Then there`s shipping.  I just shipped my 1st set of desks.  The box company that quoted me those outrageous prices gave me sample boxes that were made to fit my desks.  My customer rec`d one of her desks today and and 2 of her corners were damaged slightly.  She said the box was not in bad shape, so it had to be the way fed ex handled it.  But I can`t do anything with fed ex, (the box is ok)  We packed it with 1/2" styro foam all they way around and put peanut (foam) all around.  I thought that would be plenty... but they had to have really been rough with the handling of the unit to damage it like that! ANY suggestions on packaging?

I really look forward to hearing suggestions...

Thanks Marcy 

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Marcy Shuler
www.ScrapbookSpaceStation.com
Scrapbook Furniture and Organizers

Is everything pre-assembled?

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http://www.nysportsgear.com

yes, that is one of my features... everything ships assembled... since I`m catering to mostly women...  I know I hate (mainly) my husband hates to put together the sauder units etc... I know, people will say, why don`t you ship flat packed... well, the desk, is as flat as you can get... it`s a simple rectangle with four legs that screw on... you can`t get more flat then that, and it arrived slightly damaged, on the corners... I`m so upset... there has to be something?  I know there are companies that ship larger items like this...

The thought, though, of spending thousands of dollars just for packing and boxes makes my brain hurt.  I feel I have a product that could do really well, but I feel `stuck` because of the shpg and pkg issues... I`d love more input...

Thanks Marcy

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Marcy Shuler
www.ScrapbookSpaceStation.com
Scrapbook Furniture and Organizers

Marcy,

Ahhh, the joys and learning experience of a startup business. Keep smiling ... every bump in the road is another opportunity to learn something to make you and your company better.

Speciality boxes are expensive to have made. Have you researched trying to find a box supplier with a box size(s) close to what you need? I don`t believe your products are the first in these sizes. There are other companies that ship large desk/organizer pieces. It`s just a matter of tracking down some of these companies and finding out who  produces their shipping boxes - most will share this info. In this day and age, most everything has been done at least once. If your box source is not helpful, move on. I have to believe there is a supplier out there with a solution ready for you.

Shipping. Look into common carrier frieght services - LTL (Less than a load). Many times, common carriers are better setup to handle large, bulky items than FedEx or UPS. It may add a day or so to your delivery time, but I don`t see where most people ordering your product have to have it ASAP. These freight carriers handle large bulky items all the time and most have smaller trucks that even do intown services to homes. Something to look into.

Making your crates is not a bad idea either. Once again, seek out professionals in your area. You may be surprised - there are people and companies out there that make a living doing nothing but building special shipping crates. Might be someone who builds trade show crates. Or maybe a cabinet maker filling in slow time. Point here is this: these people can probably help you find better solutions to your packing issues - quicker and better. Network - you don`t have to do everything yourself. There are lots of people who can help.

R@

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Richard Arnold · Key Concept Writers · Business Communication: The "Key" To Success· Law of Attraction Blog · Life Ain`t Brain Surgery Blog

it is always tough to follow Richard,  alway great information. 

Here is my input completely unrelated to boxes.

I currently work in retail office supply industry and we sell office furniture,  they indeed do come in a flat box.  I tell customers there are two main reasons for this,  the additional cost that would be added to the selling price would be substantial and the damage and additional wear and tear that the product would realize would be much more than most consumers would want.

Your niche of shipping assembled products  is great as long as you can manage those two factors.

If people are willing to pay the added cost of the assembled product, which I believe there is a market, you have half of the game beat.   You have created added value, thus greating a premium for your products.  Great Job

The damage and wear and tear, is the second factor.  I guess if you find a carrier that is willing to ensure that the product is handled properly  you have a winning combination because like Richard stated  it is just a matter of finding the proper pakaging.  It took us 4 tries to get a package shiped one particular time because  UPS shiped it damaged  everytime.  I do not believe they care enough.  We use another carrier now for our furniture deliveries.

 Good Luck,  

Mike

Hi Marcy,

I have a friend who specializes in this type of shipping and handling....his company is very well respected. (and can sometimes get me superbowl tic. lol)

Seriously,  I will put together the information for you and get back to you...I just want to make sure I have his correct contact info...

Marcy,

When you get a moment, contact:  http://conejocourier.com/  I`m sure they will be able to help you.

KB

Kim,

is this company just out of Ca?  I`m in N FL... so how could they pick up freight if they don`t have a facility here?

Mike,

I have to tell you... I`m so depressed right now! Just had 4 units delivered damaged... one of them, I thought would be perfect, ended up being the worst.  My mfr actually made crate... out of heavy duty corrugated sheets and framed it with a 1" wood... so six sides framed, so on all seams, there were 2 1" pieces of wood... it arrived in a different box that had no pkg in side... the unit was torn from top to bottom!  I insure all my units, I`ll be calling fed ex tomorrow to see what needs to be done...thankfully, she said I can try again... so she`s willing to give me another chance... but I have to figure out how to get the carrier not toss it around like it`s a rag doll!  I`m looking into the insta pack foam... what do you think about that? I`m called sealed air tomorrow to find out more info. 

As for calling furniture companies, most of these furniture companies, purchase their furniture from overseas...

Mike what are you using to ship your furniture?

Thanks Marcy

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Marcy Shuler
www.ScrapbookSpaceStation.com
Scrapbook Furniture and Organizers

Marcy,

We currently use Velocity but I do not think they will be able to help you out delivering assmbled pieces of furniture.  Im not sure  getting them there already assmbled is feasable, cost effective for the shipper,  or at least the ones that try to do it by volume.  Please let me know when you do find a carrier that truly cares.

Im wondering if it would be better to find a someone to assemble the product after it arrives to your customer. An expense that you would pay.

I won`t  go into details  about possibly starting a national chain of some sort where you have distributors in every city  that will assemble the merchandise and then deliver it.  maybe even expanding your product line  or starting new brands for the differant product lines  , allowing you to keep your image of specialization.

just another possible avenue for the future.

sorry off on another tangent.

Mike

Marcy:

They are like UPS for large shipments:

http://conejocourier.com/services.html  they will pick up from anywhere in the U.S.