Q: Is there a minimum dollar amount for orders of Ready-To-Ship items?
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 provide you with a quote.
Q: Do you accept credit cards?
A: We accept Visa and MasterCard.
Q: How do you ship?
A: We have found that in most cases, UPS Ground is the least expensive way to ship our products. In the case of our Gift Packs we will contact you after you order, to determine the best 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: How much will my shipping be?
A: The shopping cart will automatically calculate your shipping cost once you enter customer details, including your zip code. Be sure to click the box indicating if your shipping destination is a commercial location. You won’t be prompted for payment information until after you have reviewed your order. When ordering Gift Packs, we will contact you to determine the shipping cost.
Q: Why is my shipping cost higher than the item(s) I have purchased?
A: Cost of shipping is based on the size of the package. When shipping lightweight foam packaging materials, often oversized packages are necessary. UPS and other shippers use the billable (not actual) weight for these oversize units.
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: For orders of our standard products all sales are final. If an order arrives damaged, please call us toll free at 800-752-7836 for further instructions.
Q: How do I measure a box?
A: Inside dimensions are always used in 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 lightweight 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 mold.
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 it's original shape quickly. It's 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 it's density it is generally very rigid, with less give in it then 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 do I need to think about when packaging my item for shipment?
A: There is a basic starting point for any packaging project.
- Select the right outside container. Use a rigid box with suitable strength for the contents you are shipping. Be sure to provide for at least two inches (5cm) of cushioning material around each item, with at least 2 inches (5cm) separating the item from the walls of the box.
- Cushion the contents from shock and vibration. Use enough lightweight foam packing material so that contents do not move when the box is shaken.
Q. How do I choose the best packaging for my product?
A: Every product has special requirements. As a starting point, consider the following questions before you contact us to request a quote.
- What is the cost of the product to be shipped?
- How will the product be shipped, UPS, common carrier, etc?
- How important is the price of the packaging in relationship to your product's value?
- Does your product require custom packaging?
- Does your packaging need to be designed to fit an existing box?
- How important is the labor cost of packaging your product?
- How will the product be stored, assembled, packed and closed?
- How breakable is your product?
- Are there problems with current packaging?
- What are your concerns about shipping your product?
- How many items are you going to ship and in what frequency?
- Does your product require customized packaging?
- Does the product require anti-static packaging?
- Does the product need protection from moisture?
- What is the weight of the shipping box when filled?
- Does your product require the maintenance of a certain temperature?
