Why your first online orders need planning
Your first online orders tend to expose gaps quickly: a box that is too large, a label that will not print, or a parcel nobody has weighed before collection. Before you buy anything, decide what you sell, how heavy and fragile it is, and roughly how many orders you expect in a typical week. Those answers shape almost every other purchase.
Start with the basics that touch every parcel: suitable boxes or mailers, protective filling, strong tape, a reliable way to print address labels and accurate scales. Keep a small reserve of each so a busy afternoon does not stall dispatch. Then work out how your parcels will travel, so you can compare services and collection options before the first order arrives.
How to choose the right supplies
Begin with the size, weight and fragility of what you sell. A small, sturdy item needs a different box and filling from a heavy or breakable one, and the right box size affects both protection and the cost of postage. Think about how many orders you expect to pack in a week, too. A low volume may suit small packs of supplies, while a steady flow of orders justifies buying in larger quantities.
Every purchase involves a trade-off. Cheaper boxes and filling can be fine for light, robust goods but may fail with heavier or delicate items. Bulk buying lowers the cost per unit but ties up cash and storage space, which matters in a spare room or small unit. For printer consumables, compatible cartridges may suit everyday printing, while original cartridges can be the safer choice for a machine that is under warranty. Check your printer manual before deciding.
Measure your heaviest typical parcel before you buy a single box, and let that size decide your packing, labels and delivery service.
From the editors
The most common mistake is buying boxes before measuring the products. Another is ignoring label size, so the rolls do not fit the printer. Many first-time sellers also forget to weigh parcels with packaging included, which leads to inaccurate postage. Finally, check whether the courier you choose has size and weight limits that suit your packaging. Testing your full packing process with a few sample orders will reveal problems before customers do.
What you really need first
For each item we name a store where you can start comparing.
Mailing boxes in a few standard sizes
Choose two or three box sizes that cover most of your products rather than one size for everything. Buying a small stock of each keeps packing quick and reduces wasted space in the parcel.
Search termsmailing boxes · postal boxes · cardboard boxes for parcels
Our recommendationviking-direct.co.ukWidest workplace rangeProtective filling and packing tape
Void fill, bubble wrap or paper filling stops items moving inside the box, and strong packing tape keeps the parcel closed in transit. Both are cheap to stock and used on almost every order.
Search termspacking tape · void fill · bubble wrap · protective packaging
Our recommendationviking-direct.co.ukWidest workplace rangeLabel printer consumables
Address and postage labels need the right roll or paper for your printer, so check the label size before you buy. Keep a spare roll so a shortage does not hold up dispatch.
Search termsshipping labels · label rolls · printer labels
Our recommendationeuroffice.co.ukStationery and printer suppliesPrinter ink or toner cartridges
Your everyday printer will run out of ink at the worst moment, so keep a spare cartridge that matches the model. Check the cartridge number against your printer before ordering.
Search termsprinter ink · toner cartridges · compatible cartridges
Our recommendationprinterinks.comPrinter ink backupCourier comparison and booking
Compare services for your typical parcel weight and destinations before choosing a regular courier. Booking collections in advance can reduce last-minute stress on busy dispatch days.
Search termsparcel delivery · courier services · shipping labels
Our recommendationuk.interparcel.comBest for comparing couriers
Where to start shopping
Start with your packing kit at viking-direct.co.uk. Buy one or two box sizes that match your heaviest and most common products, plus tape, protective filling and a postal scale. Keep the quantities modest until you have seen how many parcels you actually pack each week.
Next, look at label and printer supplies at euroffice.co.uk. Check that label rolls match your printer, and keep a spare set of consumables so dispatch is not held up by a shortage.
Finally, use uk.interparcel.com or parcel2go.com to compare delivery options for your typical parcel weight and your main destinations. Choose a service you can book comfortably on busy days, then run a few test orders from start to finish.
Before you order
- Measure your most common product and its packaging.
- Weigh a sample parcel with packaging included.
- Check the label size your printer needs before buying rolls.
- Confirm the ink or toner number matches your printer model.
- Decide on two or three standard box sizes to start with.
- Compare courier services for your usual destinations.
- Pack two or three test orders from start to finish.
- Keep a small reserve of tape, filling and labels.
The stores at a glance
uk.interparcel.com
Best for comparing couriersUseful for comparing parcel services and arranging collections once you know your typical parcel size and weight.
Recommended for Courier comparison and booking
parcel2go.com
Quotes before bookingLets you check delivery prices across several couriers before you commit, which helps you set realistic shipping costs from the start.
viking-direct.co.uk
Widest workplace rangeCovers packing tape, mailing boxes, postal scales and general business equipment, so you can buy the core packing kit in one place.
Recommended for Mailing boxes in a few standard sizes and Protective filling and packing tape
euroffice.co.uk
Stationery and printer suppliesHandy for label paper, printer consumables and everyday stationery that keep your order admin running smoothly.
Recommended for Label printer consumables
printerinks.com
Printer ink backupHelpful for keeping a home or office printer for labels and paperwork supplied with compatible or original cartridges.
Recommended for Printer ink or toner cartridges
amazon.co.uk
Marketplace optionWorth a look for packaging accessories sold by many sellers, though you will still need your own delivery plan and packing setup.
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Frequently asked questions
How many box sizes should I buy at the start?
Two or three sizes usually cover most products. Measure your best sellers first, then add sizes only when you see a clear need.
Do I need a postal scale?
A scale helps you weigh parcels with packaging included, which gives more accurate postage and avoids surprises when a courier collects.
Can I use any printer for shipping labels?
Not always. Check the label size and printer type, such as inkjet or thermal, before buying rolls or sheets.
Should I compare courier services before my first order?
Yes. Comparing services for your typical parcel weight and destinations helps you choose a sensible option and avoid paying more than necessary.
TransparencySome links to stores may be partner links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission – the price stays the same for you. We choose the stores independently. How we make money
