10 Reasons Why You Should Buy Your Bulk Packaging From a Distributor and Not a Manufacturer

Bulk packaging distributors are a vital component in the manufacturing supply chain. That said, new customers often dismiss buying bags and shipping supplies from a bulk packaging distributor. Many think there is an advantage to working directly with a packaging manufacturer. 

These days, this is rarely the case. Buying packaging from a packaging distributor can be a convenient and cost-effective way to obtain a wide range of industrial packaging solutions. Distributors offer technical expertise, competitive pricing, and a high level of customer service. This can help businesses streamline their operations and reduce costs.

10 Reasons You Should Buy Bulk Packaging From a Distributor

Here are 10 reasons why you should consider working with a reputable packaging distributor when sourcing bulk bags, industrial bags, and bulk shipping supplies.

1. Manufacturers Produce Single or Limited Categories of Packaging

Industrial packaging distributors typically offer a wider range of products than manufacturers. They source packaging solutions from a variety of high-quality manufacturers. This means they can offer a broader range of options to customers. 

This can be particularly beneficial for businesses that require a variety of packaging solutions for different products, as vendor consolidation promotes efficiency in the procurement process.

Southern Packaging provides 10 major categories of bulk packaging: 

• FIBC bulk bags
• Container liners
• Multi-wall paper bags
• Plastic bags
• BOPP bags
• Plastic pallet covers
• Slip sheets
• Stretch film
• Dunnage
• Void fillers

2. Manufacturers Produce in Significant Volumes With High Minimum Order Quantities

Often customers do not require large quantities of high-quality packaging. Packaging distributors aggregate the smaller volume requirements of these accounts to meet the high production hurdles set by large manufacturers. 

3. Manufacturers Don’t Have the Support Staff Needed to Meet Customer Service Demands

Distributors are customer focused-organizations. Because they do not bear the burden of manufacturing their own products, they can spend all their time, effort, and attention on getting the right product into the hands of the right customer.

Distributors can assist with order management, logistics, and inventory management, which can help businesses streamline their operations and reduce costs. 

Southern Packaging has a team of more than 20 sales staff that are happy to assist customers.

4. Certain Types of Packaging Are Only Produced Overseas

Oftentimes, overseas manufacturers have no sales representation in the U.S. These companies rely on U.S.-based distributors for sales support and warehousing.

5. Manufacturing Lead Times on Most Bulk Packaging Are 4 to 16 Weeks

Buying from a packaging distributor can be more convenient than purchasing directly from a manufacturer. Distributors typically have a large inventory of products on hand, which means customers can get their orders fulfilled quickly and efficiently. This can be particularly useful for businesses that require fast turnaround times on their packaging orders.

Additionally, distributor warehouse facilities serve as local fulfillment points to provide just-in-time delivery. Vendor-managed inventory programs allow customers to receive their packaging when they need it and at the right level.

Southern Packaging maintains one of the largest inventories of bulk bags and paper bags in the United States. We can fulfill orders large and small in 24 hours or less.

6. Distributors Leverage Their Buying Power to Provide Competitive Pricing

Packaging distributors often have greater purchasing power than individual businesses, which allows them to negotiate better pricing with manufacturers. This means that customers may be able to get better pricing on packaging products by going through a distributor rather than purchasing directly from a manufacturer.

For example, a distributor buying 100 truckloads of product from a manufacturer carries far more purchasing power than a customer that buys one. The distributor can pass on volume discounts to the end user. 

Furthermore, distributors are able to provide flexibility through inventory programs, just-in-time delivery services, and custom packaging design services.

In 2022, Southern Packaging purchased over $30 million worth of bulk packaging products.

7. Distributors Can Provide More In-Person Customer Support

As customer-service-focused organizations, distributors employ significantly more outside sales staff that spend their time in the plants they support. Outside sales staff are instrumental in solving technical problems, identifying areas for improvement, and creating trust with the customer.

8. Doing Business With an Unknown International Manufacturer Can Be Risky

Distributors comb through hundreds of global suppliers to validate world-class manufacturers for the benefit of their customers. 

On the other hand, buying from unknown suppliers carries risks such as receiving inferior-quality materials, limited accountability, potential fraud, compromised security, legal non-compliance, and poor communication and support.

9. Distributors Speak the Technical Language of Their Manufacturers and Customers

Packaging distributors often have a team of technical experts who can provide guidance and support to customers. 

They can help businesses select the right packaging solution for their specific needs, as well as offer advice on how to use the packaging effectively. This can be particularly useful for businesses that are new to packaging or have complex packaging requirements. 

Southern Packaging employs a full team of experts that have significant experience in the industrial bag field. Members of executive management have been in the bag business since the 1980s.

10. Distributors Answer the Call When You Need Them

Distributors work with vendors located domestically and abroad. Success as a distributor requires timeliness, responsiveness, and a 24/7 approach to business.

Are You Considering Doing Business With a Bulk Packaging Distributor?

Southern Packaging has grown to become one of the premier bulk packaging distributors in the country. We have succeeded by listening to our customers, identifying their needs, and delivering on our promises.

Strategically located near Dallas, Texas, our company buys, sells, and delivers more than 1,100 different industrial packaging products to nearly 900 locations across the U.S. We support accounts large and small, from large multinational publicly traded companies to small family-owned businesses. 

Our goal has always been to provide high-quality products and phenomenal service at a competitive price. Contact us today to discuss your shipping needs with our customer service team.