Buy Used Shipping Boxes in Sioux Falls

Save Money on Shipping: Your Guide to Buying Used Boxes in Sioux Falls

Why this guide helps your business: You'll discover how to cut shipping costs by 50-70% while maintaining professional packaging standards. Used boxes work just as well as new ones for most shipments, and buying them helps your company reduce waste.

What You Need to Know First

Used shipping boxes fall into two main categories that serve different business needs:

Large industrial boxes - These are big corrugated containers called "Gaylord boxes." They're perfect for shipping pallets of products or storing bulk inventory.

Standard shipping boxes - These are the everyday boxes you use for individual customer orders, ranging from small to large sizes.

Large Industrial Boxes for Wholesale Operations

These boxes work well if you ship products by the pallet or need bulk storage containers.

Box sizes available:

• 48x40x30 inches
• 48x45x42 inches
• Custom sizes available

What you can expect to pay:

• $5-$10 per box
• Minimum order: 500 boxes (one truckload)
• Free delivery within Sioux Falls area

Why businesses choose these:

• Cost savings: New Gaylord boxes cost $15-25 each
• Sturdy construction handles heavy loads
• Standard pallet dimensions fit warehouse equipment
• Suppliers often remove your old boxes for free

Standard Shipping Boxes for Daily Operations

These boxes handle your regular customer shipments and internal packaging needs.

Common sizes for business use:

• Small: 12x9x4 inches (books, electronics)
• Medium: 16x12x8 inches (clothing, small appliances)
• Large: 20x16x12 inches (multiple items, larger products)
• Extra large: 24x18x18 inches (bulk orders)

Typical pricing:

• Small boxes: $0.50-$1.00 each
• Medium boxes: $1.00-$2.00 each
• Large boxes: $2.00-$3.50 each
• Minimum orders start at $10

What to expect:

• 1-3 day shipping to Sioux Falls
• Mixed size bundles available
• Discount pricing on orders over $99

Free Box Sources That Work for Businesses

Smart business owners know where to find quality boxes at no cost:

Grocery stores - Visit early morning (6-8 AM) when they unpack deliveries. Produce boxes are especially clean and sturdy. Ask the manager about regular pickup arrangements.

Retail stores - Electronics stores, clothing retailers, and bookstores often have excellent boxes. Build relationships with managers for consistent supply.

Community networks - Local business groups often share surplus packaging materials. Join your chamber of commerce or business networking groups.

How to Choose the Right Boxes

For product protection:

• Check for tears, water damage, or weak corners
• Avoid boxes with strong odors
• Test box strength by pressing corners

For professional appearance:

• Choose boxes with minimal writing or labels
• Remove old shipping labels completely
• Consider boxes that match your brand colors

For cost efficiency:

• Calculate cost per cubic inch, not just per box
• Factor in your labor time for inspection and cleaning
• Consider storage space for bulk purchases

Making Used Boxes Work Better

Simple improvements that save money:

• Add new tape for stronger seals
• Use box liner bags for extra protection
• Apply your company labels over old markings
• Reinforce corners with extra tape on heavy shipments

Quality control steps:

• Inspect every box before use
• Set aside damaged boxes for light-duty shipping
• Train your packing team on box selection

When Used Boxes Make Sense

Best for these business situations:

• Regular shipping volumes over 50 boxes per month
• Products that don't require pristine packaging
• Internal transfers between locations
• Storage and organization needs
• Seasonal shipping increases

Consider new boxes when:

• Shipping fragile or high-value items
• Customer experience demands perfect presentation
• International shipping requires pristine condition

Getting Started with Your First Order

Step 1: Calculate your monthly box usage by size

Step 2: Contact suppliers 2-3 weeks before you need boxes

Step 3: Start with a small test order to check quality

Step 4: Build relationships with reliable suppliers

Step 5: Set up regular delivery schedules

The Bottom Line

Used shipping boxes can cut your packaging costs significantly without hurting your business reputation. Most customers care more about receiving their products safely than having perfect boxes.

For wholesale businesses in Sioux Falls, the savings add up quickly. A company shipping 200 boxes monthly could save $2,000-$4,000 per year by switching to quality used boxes.

The key is finding reliable suppliers who understand business needs and maintain consistent quality standards.