warehouse and distribution consumables costs

One of those sneaky, annoying invoices that is an essential to running the warehouse, but basically giving packaging away.

Its important that all orders and packaged safely and securely for your customers, so we cant really skimp on the warehouse consumables.

BUT was is being used and how much is being used can be controlled for remarkable costs savings.

Machine pallet wrap, pallet top cover, corner boards, fragile labels, top stow labels, cellotape, the list goes on.... all at a cost.

The machine wrap should be controlled by the pallet wrapper, ensure settings are correct to maximise protection but not needlessly wrap the pallet. Ive seen some pallets with so much pallet wrap you could not make out what the product was.

Pallet top cover, this is professional and really is essential for most pallets being despatched.

Corner boards - again looks professional if applied correctly but at around .40 ea, maybe just select products and customers - if you need to fit corner boards to your products it maybe time for a chat with your freight provider.

Fragile and top stow labels - does anybody read them, or pay attention - some products do need specific labels however (dangerous goods, temp controlled etc)

In summary, consumable costs can be controlled and reduced with some simple process around what needs/does not need to be applied. Remember also to keep your consumables supplier honest and do/tell them you do regular price checks on the basic warehouse consumables.