3 Things to Keep in Mind When Purchasing Plastic Totes

container exchanger stacking plastic tote

Plastic totes can be a valuable asset for any business. They help you store and organize your goods and materials into a series of accessible, lightweight containers. From office supplies to shelves of consumers goods, you can use plastic totes in all kinds of ways. There are several different sizes and styles for you to choose from, so you can find the right container for your business needs. Bright, colorful, and built to last, plastic totes are a wise investment for your office or warehouse. Keep these three things in mind when you invest in plastic totes.

1. Budget

Keep an eye on your overall budget as you start exploring different sizes and styles of containers. You should have a clear idea of how many you need for your business and how they will factor into your operations. If your business is processing hundreds of orders and deliveries, you may need to invest in a few extra in case any of these totes get lost or stolen.

You should also consider how often you’re going to reuse these totes and whether they need to be cleaned after every use. If you’re transporting dirty, hazardous materials, you may have to take some of your totes out of operation during the sanitization process. You can also recycle your plastic totes if you are not able to reuse them.

Figure out how you’re going to put the totes to work for your business before you settle on a final budget. You can then compare different manufacturers and resellers. Be wary of sacrificing quality for price, especially if you’re transporting heavy or valuable goods. You don’t want your tote falling apart on you at the least opportune moment.

yellow plastic bin trays in warehouse

2. New vs. Old

When you shop plastic totes on sale, you’ll also have to decide if you want new or used totes. If you’re looking to save money, used plastic totes will trim a little off the top of your budget. Make sure you buy used totes from a verified vendor that has a long history of serving their customers well. You don’t want to get stuck with a tote that’s on its last leg.

New totes are a great investment as well. You can rest assured they’ll serve your business well for years to come. New totes also tend to be easier to find, so, if you plan on ordering new totes on a regular basis, you might find yourself choosing new instead of used.

3. Function

Choosing what kind of plastic tote to buy all depends on how you plan on using it. There are several different options to choose from in terms of size and style. It’s usually best to find a container that’s close in size to the products it’ll be used to store. If you’re storing fragile items, find a smaller container so your goods won’t get crushed underneath all the extra weight.

Different Types of Plastic Totes

Hopper Front Container: These are a great choice for metal shelving units and small items and supplies. They have an open front, so you can easily grab whatever you need.

Uniform Height Container: Just as the name implies, these have a uniform height for carrying and transporting. You can fill them near the top for maximum storage space.

Stacking Totes: Like the Hopper Front but with the ability to stack on top of themselves, stacking notes are great for organizing dissimilar items and office supplies.

container exchanger plastic tote

Nesting Totes: A uniform height container that fits into others of its kind when it’s not in use. You can quickly fold up your containers if you don’t need to use them for a while, helping you make the most of your warehouse or office space.

Labeled Containers: Some plastic totes come with a place for you to label the container. Just write on the small paper card in the slot, and everyone will know what the container is for, helping you keep your office or warehouse organized.

Plastic Totes Are Totes Useful

With so many different kinds of plastic totes to choose from, you can find the right kind of container for your business. They’re perfect for so many different uses, including storage, organization, and transportation. Research these different types of containers and try one out before you invest in an entire fleet. Regardless of what you choose, you’ll have a sturdy, reliable container that will help you get the job done right.