How to Buy Cardboard Boxes in Bulk

Looking to buy a large quantity of cardboard boxes? Buying in bulk may be the right option for you. This guide will help you consider what you need and where to buy your bulk order of cardboard boxes, whether you’re an individual or a business.

Decide on Size and Shape

Cardboard boxes are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, from small squares to massive rectangles large enough to hold refrigerators. Some cardboard box suppliers may offer more than 1,500 size options, so it’s best to have an idea of what you’ll need before you start shopping. Have a range of suitable measurements in mind before you shop and look for boxes that come as close as possible to matching those dimensions. It may not be possible to place a bulk order for mixed box sizes and shapes. Instead, you might need to buy bulk quantities of boxes in a single size and shape.

Decide on Material

Cardboard comes in a variety of different formats. You can find standard corrugated boxes or heavy-duty cardboard meant to hold weighty materials. Some suppliers sell weatherproof cardboard, which may be useful if you plan to ship materials that cannot get wet. Others sell cardboard boxes designed specifically to insulate contents or to ship hazardous materials.

Decide on Quantity

In the context of cardboard boxes, “bulk” might mean different things to different people. An individual getting ready to move into a house might want a cheap cardboard box source for a few dozen boxes while a manufacturer or retail shipper might need to find a supplier for thousands of boxes. So, make sure the quantity you have in mind matches up with what the seller offers. Keep in mind that you’ll need to have room to store the boxes you order. You might want to find out what the estimated size of the shipment you’ll receive so you can ensure you have space in your warehouse or if they’re being shipped to your home, garage or basement.

Decide on Special Features

Depending on what you need the boxes for, it might be helpful to look for options with special features. These may include self-seal strips on flaps or white exteriors for better presentation. You can also find multiple-depth boxes that can be folded to become smaller as needed.

Comparison Shop

There are several different places to buy cardboard boxes in bulk, with plenty of online options and potentially even some local businesses you can deal with. Be sure to comparison shop between different companies so you can find the best rate for your purchase. Don’t forget to factor in things like shipping costs.