Storage Needs for Online Shops and Mail Order

by Wiepa Team on Jun 24, 2026

Warehouse supplies for online shops and mail order businesses

In short

A fixed range of packaging in suitable sizes prevents both material waste and transport damage. For online shops, shipping is a direct part of the customer experience, which is why clean organization is particularly worthwhile.

Online shops and mail order businesses need a warehouse that operates quickly, clearly and reliably. Particularly important are clear storage locations, suitable packaging, labels, document pouches and consumables for outgoing goods.

Important areas

  • Shelves and storage spaces for products
  • Boxes and shipping bags in suitable sizes
  • Labels and address stickers
  • Document pouches and delivery note pouches
  • Adhesive tape, dispensers and void fill
  • Stretch film and strapping for pallet shipping

Why suitable packaging is important

Overly large boxes waste material and void fill. Packaging that is too small or unsuitable increases the risk of damage. A fixed range of packaging helps to organize shipping faster and more uniformly.

Sustainability in shipping

Companies can also become more sustainable in shipping, for example by using more suitable packaging sizes, recycled materials and reuse. You can find more information in the article Organizing packaging and shipping more sustainably.

Frequently asked questions

How many box sizes should an online shop stock?

Usually three to four standard sizes are sufficient to cover the most common product range well; more variations increase the administrative effort without much additional benefit.

How can packaging material waste be avoided?

By using custom-fit box sizes instead of uniform large boxes and by reusing used cardboard as void fill.

What is the basic equipment for outgoing goods?

Boxes, adhesive tape, labels and void fill are the most frequently needed items for daily shipping.

Further Wiepa guides

Shipping and outgoing goods: Which items belong in the warehouse?
Reduce packaging costs: How companies can meaningfully reuse cardboard waste

Conclusion

For online shops, warehouse supplies are a direct part of the customer experience. Clean organization, suitable packaging and stable processes make shipping more reliable.

More on this: Warehouse supplies and warehouse equipment and Shipping supplies for businesses.

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