You have questions.

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What is the difference between LimeLoop’s reusable packaging tote boxes and LimeLoop’s reusable packaging mailers?

Whether you want your reusable packaging to be customer-facing or used in your supply chain/distribution operations, LimeLoop has a solution for you. 

LimeLoop’s reusable tote boxes are designed for distribution and store replenishment, replacing corrugated cardboard cartons to transport your product inventory from warehouse to distribution center (DC) to retail store and back. For more info on tote box sizing, see the FAQ below.

LimeLoop’s reusable packaging mailers are designed for ecommerce, replacing your need for polybags, paper or cardboard mailers to send orders to your customers. They offer a premium unboxing experience that stands out from other ecommerce orders. They also work well for smaller shipments, such as for sending samples and material swatches internally. For more info on our ecommerce reusable packaging, click here.

What size(s) are your reusable packages (totes)?

We have some standard box sizes at 20”x16”x14” (Medium),  24”x16”x14” (Large), and 24”x18”x18” (X-Large). We can also create custom sizes that work best for your products and any weight constraints for retail store handling.

How many totes will fit on a pallet?

For our medium box (20”x16”x14”), 300 nested boxes fit on a pallet (40”x48”x70”). For our large box (24”x16”x14”), 250 nested boxes fit on a pallet. They can be stacked 5 tall, if secured with pallet wrap or straps.

Where do we keep the empty tote boxes? We already have limited back room space at our retail stores

Our tote boxes are made to fold and nest, such that 9+ folded boxes fit inside a 10th box. In other words, 10 boxes now take the space of 1 box.

We know that back room space is often limited and storing 1-2 boxes may already be tight. If you already have a box for returns going back to the distribution center, you can replace that with one of the reusable tote boxes instead! We’ll also work with you to arrange a pick-up schedule that works for each store, whether that’s 1x/week or 5x/week, based on volume of shipments and back room storage.

How do the tote boxes get picked up and returned from our retail stores?

We work with you to determine the best solution, whether it’s using your existing carrier or LimeLoop’s managed reverse logistics service. If using your existing carrier, the nested tote boxes can be picked up the same time as shipments are dropped off.

If using LimeLoop’s managed service, we will work with you to establish a consistent schedule for the pick-ups. You can share any special instructions for the pick-up that we’ll relay to the carrier. Plus, you’ll get visibility into the status of the driver’s location and the location of the tote boxes as they make their way from your retail store back to the distribution center.

Will we get charged more for the dimensional weight of the tote boxes?

Our standard box sizes are designed such that the dimensional weight is close to the actual weight when the boxes are folded and nested. If you have a contract with a carrier such as UPS or FedEx, we can also recommend a dimensional divisor to optimize your shipping.

What changes would we need to make to the packout process?

Switching to reusable tote boxes can simplify your packout process. The tote boxes are quick and intuitive to unfold, open, and close. You’ll no longer need to assemble corrugated cartons and tape them closed. The tote boxes include two pockets, designed to hold the shipping label and any packing lists. No more need for those adhesive pockets for packing lists either.

Otherwise, pack as usual!

How do we know we’ll have enough tote boxes for fulfillment?

Our LimeLoop platform, augmented by data from each individual package, provides inventory management of the tote boxes and visibility into the locations and status of the tote boxes. If you prefer to use your existing WMS or OMS, we can also feed the data into your system where the tote boxes would be another SKU(s) in your system.

With this visibility, we will also ensure that you have enough tote boxes at your distribution center and can add additional packages during peak seasons.

What if our totes break or get damaged?

As part of our reuse service, we’ll replace any tote box that gets damaged. On our end, we’ll repair the tote box if possible. Otherwise, we’ll upcycle the materials into new products, such as smaller tote boxes or our ecommerce mailers.

Will using these reusable tote boxes take up more of our retail store associates’ time?

Retail store associates who have worked with our tote boxes love how easy and intuitive they are to use, plus the sustainability. In fact, we’ve had a retail store associate go ahead and unpack, fold, nest the tote boxes from a shipment – all before a planned demo and training with the tote boxes. It was the first time she had seen the tote boxes!

Our reusable tote boxes are also safer to use than cardboard boxes. They have handles for ergonomic lifting and no more need for box cutters to cut open and break down cardboard boxes. That also means no more hauling heavy piles of cardboard boxes and throwing them into the dumpster out back.

Does this mean we can cancel our recycling dumpster?

While we hope our reusable tote boxes are replacing all the cardboard boxes coming into your store, we imagine there may still be other recyclables in use. We do recommend downsizing or switching to less frequent pick-ups to save on costs. For example, switching from a large dumpster that’s emptied 2x/week to a small one emptied 1x/week can save a retail store in Georgetown $280 a month.

Have more questions on how LimeLoop works for ecommerce?
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