A well-stocked mailroom is essential for any organisation, serving as the central hub for efficiently managing incoming and outgoing mail, packages, and deliveries. Whether it’s a startup, small business, large corporation, or government agency, having the right supplies in the mailroom can optimise operations, ensuring prompt and accurate handling of mail.
As businesses in Australia face logistical challenges due to geographical distances, a well-organised and stocked mailroom becomes even more invaluable for overcoming these hurdles and maintaining operational efficiency. According to a Deloitte study, 60% of Australian businesses believe that effective mail management positively impacts their financial performance. Here are some must-have mailroom supplies, covering everything from essentials to specialised tools.
TAPE
Tape is an essential tools in the daily operations of a mailroom for the secure and efficient handling of packages, parcels, and envelopes. Different types of tape can serve distinct purposes to in the mailroom environment.
Here’s an overview of various tape types commonly used:
- Packaging Tape: Known for its durability and strength, packaging tape is the go-to choice for securely sealing your cardboard boxes and delivery packages. Crafted from robust materials like polypropylene, packaging tape boasts a powerful adhesive, ensuring packages remain intact throughout their journey from mailroom to destination.
- Masking Tape: This easy-to-peel and apply tape offers versatility and utility in labelling packages for temporarily sealing envelopes or bundling items together. Its ability to be written on and cleanly removed from surfaces makes it an adaptable option for basic tasks.
- Duct Tape: Duct tape is well-known for its durability and adaptability, making it excellent for securing heavy or irregularly shaped items. It is commonly used to reinforce packages or repair broken boxes since it’s strong adhesive and waterproof properties ensure packages withstand the rigours of transit.
- Double-Sided Tape: This type of tape includes adhesive on both sides, making it ideal for adhering documents, photographs, or small items to surfaces effortlessly. Its ability to leave no visible trace makes it an excellent choice for maintaining a neat and professional appearance.
- Cloth & Repair Tape: With the constant flow of items in and out of the mailroom, wear and tear are inevitable. To keep operations running smoothly, it’s essential to have the right supplies on hand, including cloth and repair tape. Clothe tapes have a strong adhesive and are sturdy enough to seal packages and mend torn envelopes. The moisture and weather-resistant properties cloth and repair tape make them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. Repair tape is specifically designed to patch tears and holes in packages and envelopes, providing a temporary barrier with for heavy packaging and industrial applications.
MAILROOM PACKAGING SUPPLIES
A crucial aspect of ensuring the safe shipping and storage of items lies in the effectiveness of their packaging. A wide range of packaging solutions serves not only as protective enclosures but also caters to the specific needs of different industries and products. Packaging is essential for maintaining your mailroom, product integrity and brand identification while ensuring safe delivery and an appealing customer presentation.
Here are several types of packaging options that are commonly used:
- Cardboard/Carton Boxes: Cardboard boxes stand as a versatile solution ideal for shipping a wide range of items, spanning from equipment and furniture to small appliances. Available in an assortment of sizes and strengths, these boxes can be customised to precisely match the specific requirements of your business. By opting for sustainable packaging solutions, your organisation can demonstrate commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and mitigating environmental impact.
- Courier Satchels: In addition to their practicality, courier satchels also contribute to a professional and polished image for businesses. They can be easily customised with company logos or personalised designs to serve as a visual representation of your organisation. These durable, water and tear-resistant satchels ensure complete protection from any type of handling.
- Bubble Mailers: Bubble mailers offer a convenient and efficient packaging solution that saves both time and effort. Whether it’s small electronics, documents, or samples, bubble mailers ensure that items arrive at their destination intact, minimising the risk of breakage or mishandling during transit. One of the key features of bubble mailers is their Peel N Seal strip, which allows for swift and secure closure, ensuring a pleasant experience for both senders and recipients.
- Envelopes: As businesses continue to rely on both traditional mail services and digital communication channels, the value of envelopes remains constant. One of the most common uses for envelopes in Australian mailrooms is to deliver sensitive information. Envelopes protect financial documents, legal contracts, and confidential conversations during transit. This is especially crucial in areas that value privacy and confidentiality, such as finance, legal services, and healthcare. As sustainability remains a priority for Australian businesses, using eco-friendly envelopes can allow your business to demonstrate commitment to environmental stewardship, potentially attracting environmentally conscious consumers and fostering brand loyalty.
CUTTERS
In mailrooms, cutters are essential for tasks such as package opening, tape cutting, and material trimming, contributing significantly to operational smoothness. Among the array of mailroom cutters, several types stand out as must haves:
- Box Cutters: Also known as utility knives or Stanley knives, box cutters, are designed to hold razor sharp blades that can slice through cardboard boxes and packaging materials swiftly and effectively. Box cutters offer manoeuvrability and precise cutting, making them indispensable for handling shipments.
- Safety Box Cutters: Designed with safety foremost in mind, these cutters are equipped with retractable blades. This feature significantly reduces the risk of accidental cuts or injuries. In busy mailrooms or warehouses, safety box cutters offer peace of mind while maintaining efficiency.
- Scissors: Beyond simply cutting paper, scissors play a pivotal role in streamlining mail processing. Whether it’s the delicate task of carefully opening envelopes or the precise trimming of labels, scissors offer both versatility and precision. The design of many forms of modern scissors enhances user comfort, reducing fatigue during prolonged usage.
SHIPPING LABELS
Shipping labels play a crucial role in accurately identifying and addressing packages during the shipping process. They typically include key information such as the recipient’s name and address, details of the sender, and any special instructions or handling requirements. In today’s eco-conscious landscape, businesses recognise the value of incorporating sustainability into all aspects of their operations, including packaging and labelling. By using eco-friendly shipping labels, your business can contribute to global efforts to reduce waste and encourage sustainable practices in the shipping industry. There are various eco-friendly shipping label solutions available, including compostable paper labels and biodegradable adhesive labels.
- Adhesive Labels: These labels come pre-printed with standard shipping information and can be easily affixed to packages. They simplify the shipping process by providing essential details such as addresses, ensuring packages reach their intended destinations efficiently.
- Thermal Labels: Utilising heat-sensitive paper and a thermal printer, thermal labels offer durability and smudge-resistance, making them ideal for high-volume shipping operations. The thermal printing process ensures clear and crisp printing, enhancing legibility and reducing the risk of errors during transit.
- Custom Labels: Custom labels serve diverse purposes, whether for branding initiatives or specific shipping requirements. They can be tailored to incorporate your company logos, branding messages, or barcode information, facilitating efficient tracking and identification of packages throughout the shipping journey. Custom labels not only promote brand visibility but also offer enhanced security measures by including unique identifiers or security features.
LABEL MAKERS
Label makers, also referred to as label writers or thermal printers swiftly and efficiently print clear and professional labels. When choosing a label writer for your mailroom, consider factors such as printing speed, label size options, connectivity (USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), and compatibility with existing software systems.
- Thermal Printing: Label writers harness the power of thermal printing to produce labels without the need for ink, ensuring smudge-free results and reducing ongoing maintenance costs.
- Customisation Options: Label Makers typically offer a wide range of customisation features. Your business can choose from various font styles, sizes, and formatting options, allowing you to tailor labels to suit their specific requirements. Whether it’s labelling file folders, organising storage boxes, creating product tags, or printing delivery labels compatible with all major carriers, label writers provide the flexibility needed for all your labelling needs.
- Barcode Printing Capabilities: Label writers excel in barcode printing, making them indispensable for shipping, inventory management, and tracking. With the ability to print clear and accurate barcodes, label makers can help streamline processes such as package labelling, asset tracking, and retail inventory management.
- Wireless Connectivity: Many modern label writers come equipped with wireless connectivity options, enhancing their convenience and accessibility. Through wireless connections, organisations can print labels from computers, smartphones, or tablets.
