Paper and Packaging Prices Increasing, Report Finds

• In the corrugated boxes market, take advantage of the commoditized nature of the product and shop around for the cheapest price.
• For molded fiber packaging, look to viable substitutes if you feel your supplier is charging too much.
• Buyers in the packaging services market can leverage the price competition that comes from low market share concentration.
• Bundle purchases with other paper and packaging goods (e.g., tape, cushioning, stationery) from the same supplier to help secure a lower price.
• Inquire about volume discounts as well as the benefits of entering into a longer-term contract with your paper supplier.

I'm curious as to whether you've seen steadily increasing prices for your paper and packaging products? And if so, what have you done — if anything — to offset those rising costs? Let us know by posting your thoughts in the comments section below. I'd love to get a dialog going on this important topic.