Determine your needs for stretch wrap film

Take note of the volume of merchandise you are wrapping each day. Then calculate that into monthly and yearly figures, adding in projected growth. This will give you a good estimate of the volume of stretch wrapping supplies you need. Decide how often you will purchase stretch wrap supplies and you will have what you need to find the best stretch wrap supplier.

I recommend: Provincial Paper & Packaging Ltd. offers a stretch film calculator on their site, to help with the ordering process. They also have warehouse clearance prices to help your dollar go farther. International Plastics is one of the industry's leading providers of stretch film. They offer great information on how to choose the right style, size and thickness of stretch wrap for your business.

Learn the difference in services provided by suppliers versus manufacturers

Decide the best deal and method of attainment for your stretch wrap needs. Direct from the manufacturer will often save you money, but suppliers are more prevalent and often located in large cities for easy distribution.

I recommend: ThomasNet offers a listing of stretch wrap providers with links to online catalogs to help you make the best decision based on the products offered. Pierce Packaging Equipment Inc. offers a variety of pallet wrapping equipment including table top strapping machines and vertical strapping machines.

Build a solid relationship with your provider of plastic wrap film

Keep vigilant communication with the supplier or manufacturer you choose. This is important to the future reliability of the company. You may also be able to negotiate discounts, additional services, higher security options and the stretch wrap film supplier will grow to anticipate your needs.

I recommend: Pliant Corporation offers industrial pallet wrapping supplies, as well as food safe stretch wrap. They also developed a wrap embedded with radio frequency tags offering package tracking and tamper detection technology. IBM Global Business Services offer this wrap through their company as well.