Q: Is there a minimum dollar amount for orders of Stock Packaging Products?
A: There is no minimum amount. However all items have minimum order quantities, which are indicated on the product pricing pages.
Q: If I need large quantities is there a discount available?
A: If you require a large volume of any of our ready-to-ship items, please contact us and we will direct you to a distributor or we'll provide you with a quote, including shipping costs.
Q: Do you accept credit cards?
A: We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
Q: How do you ship?
A: For small quantities, UPS Ground is usually the least expensive way to ship our products. In the case of larger quantities and any of our Gift Packs we will contact you after you order to discuss the best shipping method based on your location and quantity ordered.
Q: Can you ship using a faster method?
A: UPS offers guaranteed faster service including next day delivery. You may select a faster option when checking out.
Q: Does someone need to sign for my order when it gets delivered?
A: We do not require a signature. UPS obtains a signature for commercial deliveries, but not for home deliveries.
Q: What is your return policy?
A: As most orders are custom fabricated, sales are final. If an order arrives damaged, it will promptly be replaced. Please call us for further information.
Q: What do I need to think about when packaging my product for shipment?
A: There is a basic starting point for any packaging project.
Q: How do I choose the best packaging materials for my product?
A: As a starting point, determine your major objectives.
Q: How do I measure a box?
A: Inside dimensions are always used when listing box measurements and given in the sequence of length, width and depth (height). A good “rule of thumb” is that the depth (height) is where the box opens, if you were to put a yard stick through the opening to opposite end; that is the depth. Of the remaining two dimensions, the length is the longest and the width is the shortest.
Q: What is EPS?
A: EPS is expanded polystyrene. It is a light-weight and rigid foam, which is produced from solid beads of polystyrene. An extremely cost effective packaging material, it is moisture resistant, a good thermal insulator, (insulation R-value of 4.0 per inch) and it is structurally strong (compression strength of 1000 lbs per square foot.) It is extremely versatile and may be fabricated into appropriate forms and customized shapes. Plastifoam's computer-guided cutting systems can duplicate any line pattern eliminating the need for expensive dies or molds.
Q: What is Polyurethane?
A: Polyurethane foam includes two types, flexible and rigid. The flexible foams that we use are open cell foams, used for packaging and available in a wide range of densities and colors. It has the ability to absorb shock from an impact and recover its original shape quickly. Its physical performance characteristics make it ideal for protecting fragile items. It can be cut or fabricated to many formats such as end-cap assemblies, top and bottom trays, convoluted (egg crate) or custom-fitted padding.
Q: What is Egg Crate Convoluted Packaging Foam?
A: It is flexible polyurethane foam which has interlocking peaks and valleys which gently cradle products, while firmly holding them in place. It is available in various densities and colors. The antistatic pink version is ideal for cushioning circuit boards and other static-sensitive items.
Q: What is Polyethylene?
A: Polyethylene is a plastic polymer extensively used as packaging foam. It is a tough, resilient, lightweight, closed-cell foam material commonly used for the cushioning of relatively high value and moderately fragile items. It is available in a wide range of densities and colors. It has high tensile and tear strength so that it withstands long periods of heavy use. Depending on its density it is generally very rigid, with less give in it than flexible polyurethane. It is a very strong and resilient cushioning material that is not damaged by initial impacts and recovers to maintain protection against repeated shocks. It can be cut into pads or blocks or custom die-cut to fit specific shapes.
Q: What is meant by Foam Density?
A: Density refers to the internal structure of a particular foam and is not a measurement of foam firmness. Firm foam is not always high density foam. Density is defined as the weight in pounds of one cubic foot of material, or pounds per cubic foot (pcf.)
Q: What is the difference between cardboard and corrugated?
A: Cardboard is a very general term that applies to a number of sturdy paper products. The two most common include the material your cereal box or jigsaw puzzles are made out of (paperboard) and the three-layered, sturdier cardboard that many boxes and packaging supplies are made out of (corrugated). Therefore, corrugated is simply a subset of cardboard. Most people refer to the three-layered product as "cardboard," whereas most manufacturers in the packaging industry call that combination "corrugated."
