Buying wholesale non-woven bags for your business is supposed to be easy, but there are some small details that can make or break your order. Materials weight, bag size, printing quality – every option you choose will affect bag strength and durability, comfort, customer perception, and print longevity. Most B2B customers receive bags that are subpar because they were unfamiliar with checking these specs beforehand. Luckily, by simply confirming these basics before placing an order, you can save time, avoid unnecessary waste, and ensure you get quality Non woven bag that fit your brand's needs right from the start.
Bag size, handle type, and load requirements
When ordering non-woven bags, there are a few essentials to confirm beforehand. First thing to verify is the size of bags you'll need. Take a look at the products or average package that your customers will be carrying around. If your bag is too small, it might put more strain on the stitches when filled or not be able to fit your product. Too large of a bag may look awkward when filled. Take out a tape measure and compare dimensions of your product/package with the bag sizes. Another detail to not overlook is handles. Handles aren't just for design purposes; they play an important role in comfort and strength. Flat handles are easy to manufacture and sew onto most bags but can dig into hands when lifting heavy weights. Rope style/reinforced handles are great for heavier items. Also, pay attention to the length of the handles. Some bags are better left with short handles to be hand carried. If you plan to have the bags slung over shoulders, you may want to look into longer strap options. Consider who will be carrying the bag and how much weight it will hold. Last but not least, check the load requirements. Non-woven bags come in varying thicknesses and will hold different weights. The material is measured by GSM (grams per square meter). A heavier bag will withstand heavier loads and tear less over time but will cost more money. Make sure you find a happy medium when choosing bag material. A great way to test this is by requesting a sample bag and filling it with your average product to see how it holds up before placing your order.
Packaging, carton size, and shipping efficiency
As you've settled on the bag specs, it's time to check the small details regarding packaging and carton sizes. This includes how your bags will be folded and packaged. Some manufacturers fold and package bags one by one, while others may bundle them in stacks of ten. Bag bundles are great because they save space and make bag counting easier. However, you should double check that bags won't be creased or damaged by sitting in bundles. If your bags require printing or custom design, packaging can ensure they arrive crisp and new to your warehouse or client. Check in with your supplier to see what carton size will be used when shipping your bags. Oversized boxes take up more room on a shipping container and cost more money to freight. Small shipping cartons can potentially damage your bags if they are squeezed in too tightly or become difficult to handle. When discussing quantities with your supplier, ask how many bags will fit in a single carton. Try to find that sweet spot between maximizing space and damaging your merchandise. Let's say you want to order 1,000 mid-sized retail bags. Your supplier may offer to send you ten cartons containing 100 bags each or twenty cartons with 50 bags per carton. While the former sounds better for storage and bag counting, the latter may help reduce your overall freight costs. Shipping efficiency isn't just about dimensions, it also includes weight and stackability. Non-woven bags are extremely lightweight so don't fret about the bag itself being heavy. However, if your cartons are oddly shaped or too big, you may run into issues with freight companies, especially when shipping overseas. Inquire how bags will be packed, how many cartons fit on a pallet, and how the pallets will be loaded onto a shipping container. If anything sounds unusual, ask your supplier for a sample carton or a diagram of how they will pack your order. It's always better to be sure than to face unexpected challenges once your bags are in transit. Confirming packaging details and carton size ensures that your order will arrive safely, keeps your freight charges low, and allow for easier distribution of bags upon arrival.
Customs declaration and HS code considerations
When importing non-woven bags into your country, don't forget about customs declaration forms. Every order being imported needs to have a detailed customs declaration to ensure it won't get held up at the port, hit with unnecessary fees, or face rejection. Part of that declaration includes an HS code, short for Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Every country in the world uses HS codes to identify products for customs reasons. Making sure you have the correct code can mean the difference between your shipment sitting in customs for weeks or arriving on time. Before you place your non-woven bag order, confirm with your supplier what description and HS code they will be using on the customs declaration. For retail bags, most fall under “plastic articles” or “textile articles”. This varies on bag material and construction method. Double check with your local customs office or freight forwarder to ensure the HS code they provide will work with your country's requirements. Incorrect declarations can lead to major setbacks and unwanted costs. Also take note if your bags will need any country of origin labels, material specs, or warnings. Some countries require this information printed directly on the product or bag packaging. Confirm with your supplier that they are able to provide this information if needed.
Keep in mind there will be duties and taxes when your bags arrive. By confirming the HS code ahead of time, you will be able to properly calculate your cost of goods and avoid surprises when your bags arrive.
Lead time planning for promotions and events
Another thing to consider when ordering non-woven bags is planning lead times. Whether you need bags for an event or special promotion, running out of time can cause you to lose valuable marketing opportunities and leave your customers with an incomplete experience. Lead time is the total amount of time it takes from when the order is placed to when you receive your goods. Your supplier should be able to provide information on their production calendar. Some bag factories can produce small quantities within a couple weeks, but custom bags with printing may take upwards of a month. Production time doesn't include printing time if you desire your logo or colors to be matched. Many printing companies require multiple rounds of color approval which can eat away at your time. Don't forget about shipping times either. If you are ordering domestically you may be able to get away with a quick courier service. International shipping requires more planning if you wish to receive your order on time. Factor in extra time for holidays and custom clearance. It's always a good idea to plan backwards. For example, if you need 2,000 customized non-woven bags by May 15 for a trade show, ask your supplier how soon they can begin production and how long it will take. If the production will take 20 days and shipping another 7, you should order at least one month in advance. Build in extra days for inspection once the bags arrive. Consider potential setbacks such as material shortages, high-volume seasons, or printing errors. The more lead time you allow yourself, the better chances you have of catching issues before your event. Some businesses will even order extra bags to ensure they have enough in case of loss. Planning ahead for lead time is essential to receiving your bags on time to meet the needs of your event or promotion.
