Bulk bags, also known as flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs), are an essential part of handling bulk materials in different industries. Numerous benefits, such as their adaptable design, lightweight construction, and versatility for different product types, contribute to their appeal. However, their intrinsic cost-effectiveness is arguably the strongest argument in favour of using bulk bags.
FIBCs provide a more affordable way to store and move large quantities of commodities than rigid containers or smaller packaging units, which can have a big impact on a company’s bottom line. Asking the proper questions during the procurement process and interacting with your FIBC supplier are important steps if you want to optimise these cost savings even more.
Custom Bulk Bags is a leading manufacturer and supplier of bulk bags in South Africa. We produce up to 3.5 million units per year, and our products can safely hold between 500kg and two tonnes of material per bag. We offer various customisable bulk bags and aim to match your bags to your specific needs.

Three questions to ask your FIBC supplier
Businesses can lower their overall packaging expenses by asking three simple questions during the procurement stage:
1. “Can I get a discount for ordering a full container?”
Using economies of scale is one of the simplest methods to minimise the cost of your FIBCs per unit. When dealing with smaller order numbers, suppliers often pay higher shipping fees. The logistical costs per bag for the manufacturer can be greatly decreased by ordering a full container load. In essence, you are helping the provider expedite the shipping process by combining your order into a whole container.
Your chosen supplier can offer you a significant discount in exchange for lowering their shipping costs. It’s worthwhile to investigate the possible cost savings of a full container order and contrast it with the price of smaller, more frequent shipments, even if your immediate storage space is constrained. You can save a lot of money on your bulk bag purchases over time by carefully planning your inventory requirements to handle larger orders.

2. “Do you offer warehousing options?”
Ordering an entire container might save a lot of money per unit, but some companies may find it difficult to store their FIBCs. Asking your provider about their warehousing choices becomes essential at this point. By working with a manufacturer that offers warehousing services, you can benefit from the reduced pricing without having to immediately store the full shipment on your property.
Under this arrangement, the supplier usually keeps some of your bulk bag order in their warehouse and releases them to you when you need them in smaller, easier-to-manage amounts. Although there may be related warehousing charges, these expenses are often compensated for by the initial bulk order price and the savings on handling and storage space.
3. “Can I get my order shipped directly to my address?”
Your total expenses may also be inflated by the logistics of your bulk bag orders. You may be able to save money on transportation by asking about direct shipping options. The answer could allow you to cut out the middleman and the related expenses if your supplier can ship your order straight to the address.
You can also expedite your receiving procedure, save time, and lower the chance of damage from repeated transfers by using this direct shipping option. Optimising your supply chain and reducing logistical costs associated with your bulk bag order requires an understanding of the supplier’s shipping capabilities and direct delivery pricing structure.

Custom Bulk Bags can answer these three questions
One of the main reasons companies opt for FIBCs is cost-effectiveness. As a leading manufacturer and supplier of bulk bags in South Africa, we can assist with the purchase process to guarantee you get the most cost-effective solutions catered to your individual requirements.
To help you save as much money as possible, we provide flexible ordering alternatives, such as discounts for entire container loads. Additionally, we offer dependable warehouse services to guarantee that our customers are constantly stocked, enabling you to take advantage of bulk purchases without going over your storage capacity.
We can ship your bulk bag orders to any place in South Africa and its adjacent countries, thanks to our effective logistics network, which also streamlines your supply chain and lowers transportation expenses. For more information about our bulk bags or to get advice on the ideal designs, please contact us today.
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Custom Bulk Bags is a leading South African manufacturer of woven polypropylene bags for various industries, such as mining, chemicals and food. We are a Level 2 B-BBEE manufacturer and supplier and fall under the ownership structure of Deneb Investments Limited. For more information on our products, contact sales@custombulkbags.co.za. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for our latest news and industry insights.