Why you should place your corrugated packaging orders early before the Q4 rush

In Q4, businesses are preparing for one of the busiest times of the year. For many, this means forecasting stock requirements and sales for immediate seasonal demands and the next financial quarter. This can include making sure the right quantity and range of products are available and that they can be found and bought easily. But being able to package those items properly is essential. If those orders can't be fulfilled in good time in the right size and style of packaging, customers may end up disappointed.

Have you shared your forecast with your supply chain? This is one of the easiest ways to make sure your suppliers are in the best position to make sure you have the right packaging at the right time. At this time of year, it’s important to think about ordering your packaging as soon as possible. Ordering early means getting the right packaging when you need it most. In Q4, packaging demand surges, making it crucial to plan ahead and place orders early.

At ASC Direct, we want to ensure your business has the packaging it needs without delays. Here’s are 3 questions to ask to make sure you are ordering your packaging in good time for a smooth, successful and profitable quarter. 

1.Will the lead time be too long when you come to order?

The demand for packaging increases significantly in Q4, as businesses across many different industries order what they need. Inevitably this means longer lead times and potential delays in delivery for those who wait too long to place their orders.

By securing your packaging early, you avoid the bottlenecks that come with last-minute requests and ensure your business is well-prepared for the influx of orders. Whether you need standard shipping boxes or custom-designed corrugated packaging, planning ahead guarantees that your packaging will be ready when you need it most.

2.Will your supplier be able to get the board grades you need when you need it?

As more businesses order their packaging, so certain types of material can become harder to source or the lead time becomes longer. It’s better to have these discussions now and not wait until the last minute and be disappointed or find you can’t get the packaging you need. Start your order now and it will be easier to secure the best material for the packaging you need.

3.Would a review improve your packaging or save you money?

With new stock items, or changes to existing products, so your packaging requirements may have changed. It's damaging to a business to gain lots of new customers and then not have the necessary packaging or to have to send valuable products in ill-fitting boxes.

Many businesses prefer to use custom-branded packaging to make their products stand out. However, this can take more time to produce. During the rush, lead times for custom orders can lengthen, making it challenging to get exactly what you need in time.

By placing your custom packaging order early, you give yourself enough time for design adjustments, production, and delivery. You can ensure that you have the best packaging for your products.

Lead Time Alert

To help our customers in this busy period, we’re introducing a weekly Lead Time Alert email so our current lead time is clear. We’ll be starting this soon so look out for it.

Don’t Wait, Act Now!

At ASC Direct, we’re ready to help you meet your packaging needs. By placing your orders early, you can avoid the headaches that come with the Q4 rush and ensure your business is fully prepared to handle the busiest shopping season of the year. Speak to the team now to discuss your packaging requirements and secure your supply before it’s too late.

Stay ahead of the rush and ensure your packaging is one less thing to worry about!