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I've seen other threads regarding boxes but no one ever mentions Grainger. They have locations in nearly every state and usually a few locations in bigger cities. They don't beat Uline prices if you have to get your boxes shipped but if you have a location nearby and can pick them up they are usually far less expensive than anywhere I've checked. Uline is generally the cheapest if you get boxes shipped and like Grainger, they sell in batches of 25 per size. If you're like me you have some sizes you use regularly and if you sell breakables like I do, you prefer to use new boxes so they haven't been compromised from shipping. I'm in Phoenix and there are 3 locations I can pick up my boxes from so it's super convenient. You have to order ahead and sometimes it can take 3 days for your order to be ready for pickup. Just as an example, I ordered 25ct 8x8x8 32 ECT boxes and my total was $13.03. and another order was for 25 ct 10x10x10 boxes and those cost $17.64 total. It might be worth checking out.
Update on boxes from Grainger
Has anyone bought boxes from Grainger? Received First Order, Very Disappointed
Random Grainger Box from Corporate
Your store manager is like my wife
Drunk ordering packages that they donโt remember ordering
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The 4x8x6 Boxes are US made, the 10x8x6 boxes say Grainger, but made in China
The Chinese ones have this sickly green tint to them. Despite being 32lb ECT, China often lies on box certs. If you ever seen boxes of merchandise at dollar stores, you will know what kind of cardboard I'm talking about.
It has this kind of "softness" to it, that you do not want in cardboard.
You can see how easily the Chinese box crushes between my fingers. The lines for the flaps appear to be hand done, because they are "wavy" which results in the box looking like shit once taped up. Some of them have a very pronounced edge overlap that sticks out 1/4 of an inch.
When I first started my e-commerce business, I had primarily purchased my boxes from Uline. I've found them to be very good quality, but the shipping charges are expensive. I've been using a local supplier, but they have been having a number of supply issues. I recently learned that Grainger has a pretty big selection. I placed a test order last week and received the first set today. I had gotten 200# instead of 32 ECT, because the price difference was insignificant. I received them this morning, and I was surprised by the poor quality of the boxes. It seems like my local supplier's (and Uline's) 32 ECT is more durable than Grainger's 200#. I must have also gotten a defective set. The flaps on both the bottom and top do not touch each other. There is a 4" gap! I've never seen this happen with any of the boxes I've ever bought. Has anyone had any experience with their boxes? Any suggestions for a good alternative?