Ian Nairn / September 26, 2025

Still using packing peanuts? You may be frustrating your customers.

Packing peanuts are a staple for businesses that need to send potentially fragile or breakable products to customers. They’re inexpensive, efficient, and lightweight. In today’s economic climate, those are some considerable pros. But what if the cost is customer satisfaction? In this article, we take a look.

People don’t like packing peanuts.

Whether it be the traditional kind or the newer, more eco-friendly versions, customers aren’t fans of packing peanuts. Below are a few reasons why:

They make a mess: They easily scatter and are difficult to clean up.

Hard to dispose of: Due to static cling, they stick to every surface, and their lack of recyclability makes disposal complicated.

Environmental impact: While some versions are biodegradable, the environmental cost is still significant. Non-biodegradable versions remain in the environment for a long time, generating a substantial amount of waste.

Health impact: Traditional foam peanuts production methods can release carcinogenic fumes that could be harmful to workers handling the material.

Increase in shipping costs: For businesses, the biodegradable option can also increase shipping costs since they have a higher weight than traditional packing peanuts.

The impact on customer experience

When a customer receives a package filled with packing peanuts, the unboxing experience, which for many is a highly satisfying moment, quickly turns into frustration. They may even need to spend more time than expected cleaning up the mess and getting rid of the peanuts. This doesn’t only affect the perception of the product but also the company’s image.
More than that, many businesses today are concerned about the environmental impact of their products and processes. If a customer encounters packaging that is harmful to the environment, it could affect their brand loyalty and even damage the company’s reputation.

Alternatives to packing peanuts.

The good news is, there are more modern, eco-friendly packaging alternatives available. Some options include:

  • Recycled paper fill (Kraft Paper): Recycled paper fibers are a popular choice as they are easily recyclable and biodegradable. Plus, customers may feel more satisfied knowing the material doesn’t pose a threat to the planet and is easy to dispose of.
  • Shredded paper: Another eco-friendly alternative, shredded paper is a good filler option that can be recycled and composted. It’s also easy to handle and dispose of.
  • Cornstarch foam: A biodegradable alternative that dissolves easily in water. While more expensive than traditional packing peanuts, this option has grown in popularity due to its lower environmental impact.
  • Air pillows: Some companies are opting for recyclable air bubbles or inflatable air bags. While lightweight and effective, they are also less likely to scatter or cause a mess.
  • Cardboard inserts: Custom-cut cardboard inserts are another sustainable option, as they securely hold products in place without the need for filler material. They can be recycled easily and offer a more structured and neat solution for packaging.
  • Custom fit solutions: Packaging made to measure for products ensures that the item doesn’t shift and doesn’t require extra filler material. Although they require a higher initial investment, custom solutions can be more efficient and provide a better unboxing experience.

The shift in consumer mindset.

As consumers become more aware of their purchasing choices, the demand for sustainable (and easy-to-handle) packaging is growing. They want to know their purchases aren’t contributing to a larger environmental problem. Companies that adopt eco-friendly practices not only gain in terms of brand image but can also stand out as leaders in innovation.
Furthermore, customer experience is becoming increasingly valued. Customers who have a positive unboxing experience are more likely to share their impressions on social media, influencing other potential buyers. A well-thought-out package can be an excellent competitive differentiator.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, while packing peanuts may be cheap and functional, the hidden costs to customer satisfaction and the environment are significant. Businesses that prioritize eco-friendly and user-friendly packaging not only reduce waste but also create a better experience, strengthen their brand, and show they care about the planet. Choosing smarter alternatives is an investment that pays off in happier customers and a stronger reputation.

Ian Nairn / August 25, 2025

Should your business use a VPN?

If you’re a casual internet user in your personal life, you may not feel the need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in your day-to-day use. However, for business purposes, a VPN might be a critical tool you could be missing out on. In this article, we take a look at VPNs and why you may want to consider investing in one if you haven’t already.

What is a VPN?

A virtual private network (VPN) establishes an “encrypted tunnel between a device or endpoint (like a laptop, mobile phone, or desktop) and one or more internet-facing servers.” This technology has been around since 1996, when it was created by a Microsoft employee. It assures businesses extra privacy and security when their employees connect to their Wi-Fi.

How do they work? As one security software developer explains it, when connected to the VPN ‘tunnel,’ “an end user sends their data through that tunnel where it’s encrypted, and at the end of the tunnel, the data is picked up and metaphorically wrapped in a blanket of an organization’s security measures (e.g., a firewall). Once the data is safely nestled in that blanket (a security blanket, if you will), it’s rerouted to wherever it needs to go.”

A business VPN differs from a VPN you might subscribe to for your personal devices at home. Though they both work by creating an encrypted connection between your devices and a remote network, there are some key differences to be aware of:

A business VPN:

  • Is meant to support many employees by securely connecting to a company’s internal network
  • Allows for the secure transfer of sensitive data over the internet
  • Allows a company to manage employee access levels
  • Supports multiple locations/offices by creating a secure tunnel for employees to connect to from several places
  • Isn’t primarily used to hide a user’s geographic location or protect oneself when using public Wi-Fi, like a commercial VPN is

Why are VPNs critical for businesses?

Cybersecurity is no small consideration in the increasing digital age. With ransomware and malware posing a real threat to many organizations, a VPN is an extra, often necessary step to protect your data.

A VPN helps secure your company’s data by:

  • Guaranteeing security even in a hybrid or remote working model
  • Guaranteeing security even when employees are traveling and using public or hotel Wi-Fi connections
  • Preventing malicious outsider activity from reaching your network
  • Allowing for more resources to be accessed from the cloud
  • Allowing multiple types of devices to connect, including mobile devices
  • Allowing for companies it utilize bring your own device (BYOD) policies safely
  • Meeting some industry compliance requirements, such as healthcare providers storing patient information in the cloud

Providers often offer customized solutions.

This isn’t just a solution for large enterprises. Organizations of all sizes, across all industries, should consider investing in a VPN, if they have any sensitive financial or client data that needs protecting. Some larger organizations can host VPN infrastructure themselves. However, providers also offer solutions and pricing models to fit different budgets and capabilities. For very small operations, there are limited, free or cost-effective VPNs out there that might suffice.

Things to keep in mind with business VPNs.

Not all VPN solutions are built equal, and the cost of employing a below standard option can be considerable. Not just in the monetary cost, but in employee productivity as well. A VPN that isn’t running with modern, expected speeds can create significant lag and frustration for users. In some cases, employees will resort to abandoning the VPN for productivity, which then compromises security.

Are you looking for cybersecurity insurance?

As mentioned, ransomware and malware are a rising threat. Many organizations are considering cybersecurity insurance to protect themselves, financially, in the case of an attack. However, many of these insurance providers will require your business to be using a VPN.

In conclusion…

A VPN, when using the right solution, is a critical tool for a business’ cybersecurity. Investing in one should be a serious consideration for any organization with sensitive data to protect or with employees who work remotely.

Ian Nairn / July 3, 2025

[Webinar] The Era of Tariffs – June 19, 2025

Tariffs continue to impact the cost structure and profitability of businesses across both the U.S. and Canada. With the right strategies, you can reduce exposure, maintain competitiveness, and protect your bottom line.

Watch Schooley Mitchell’s free, value-packed webinar where we’ll break down:

  • The current tariff landscape and what’s likely ahead
  • How tariffs are affecting supply chains and pricing
  • Actionable steps to mitigate cost impacts
  • Tools and services available to help you navigate these challenges

Who Should Watch: Business owners, CFOs, operations managers, procurement professionals, and decision-makers concerned with cost management and global trade.

Ian Nairn / June 17, 2025

The classifications for LTL shipments are changing – here’s what you need to know

The National Motor Freight Classification system has made some updates on how it classifies less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping. The changes go into effect on July 19th.  If your business or organization uses LTL services to move your product, here’s what you need to know about these new classifications.

Who is the National Motor Freight Traffic Association?

The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) is a nonprofit membership organization and the world’s leading organization representing the interests of LTL carriers. The association’s membership is comprised of motor carriers operating in interstate, intrastate, and foreign commerce. Meaning, their membership may include your LTL vendor. Therefore, their new classifications could impact your services.

The changes you need to be aware of.

Industry experts are expecting the NMFTA’s changes “to streamline classifying LTL Freight.” Its classification system – The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) – has been critiqued in the past for being very confusing, and the aim is to simplify it. Its goals are to:

  • Simplify the classification using a “standardized approach based on density, handling, stowability, and liability.”
  • Enhance user experience, by making the classifications easier to understand.
  • Increase efficiency, by making freight classifications more accurate.

This will be accomplished by introducing:

  • A standardized density scale for LTL freight with no handling, stowability, and liability issues
  • Unique identifiers for freight with special handling, stowability, or liability needs
  • Condensed and modernized commodity listings
  • Improved usability of the ClassIT classification tool

What does any of this actually mean for shippers?

If you’re not sure what any of this means, that’s okay. Industry jargon can be hard to understand from the outside. But if your business uses LTL for operations, here are the important things to keep in mind. NMFTA says that, for shippers, “identifying your freight class will be easier, but you may need to provide handling unit dimensions and weight.”

Meaning, that in the long run, this should make your life easier, however, if you fail to be proactive about the new classification systems, it may result in misclassified shipments, which could then cause unexpected charges, delays, and disputes. These changes are being implemented July 19th, so theoretically, charges and delays could begin as soon as then if you don’t take the time to review the new classifications and ensure all your shipments are in order.  It’s also a good idea to contact your provider and ensure all the classifications and changes are made on their end as well.

If your company uses LTL providers that operate in the United States, NMFTA recommends reviewing all the changes on their bulletin, found here.

In conclusion…

Proactivity is key. If you’re a business that ships products with LTL providers, be aware of the new classification changes, and ensure you’re not accidentally misclassifying your goods come July 19th.

[email protected] / May 29, 2025

Recommendation for Interweave Technologies

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to highly recommend Interweave Technologies, a distinguished IT management company based in Huntsville, Alabama. Since its inception in 2005, Interweave Technologies has established itself for providing reliable and innovative technology solutions.

Interweave Technologies specializes in a wide array of services, including IT infrastructure management, network security, cybersecurity protection, and all-in-one technology support, all designed to help businesses optimize their technological environments. It takes a client-centric approach, ensuring that businesses receive comprehensive, scalable solutions that enhance efficiency and productivity.

The team at Interweave Technologies is another key strength of the company. Composed of highly skilled and dedicated professionals, they work collaboratively to provide top-tier service and support. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and proactive approach to problem-solving is evident in the long-term relationships they build with their clients.

I wholeheartedly recommend Interweave Technologies to any organization in need of IT management services. Its expertise, dedication, and exceptional service makes it a standout choice for any technological need.

Sincerely,

Jason Fish
Strategic-Partner
Schooley Mitchell

Visit the website
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Keana Morrison / May 5, 2025

To lower costs, companies are focusing on reducing return rates

Product returns are always an unhappy expense to a business. But if that involves paying for a customer to ship the product back to you, that expense is amplified. Amid rising expenses, including climbing shipping rates, many businesses are looking to combat budget constraints by tackling return rates. In this article, we take a look at this predicament, and what can be done to avoid your shipped goods being sent back to you.  

How much of an issue are return shipments?  

In 2024, the average return rate for ecommerce was 16.9% of sales – though some retailers are looking at numbers closer to 30%, depending on the product. Clothing and shoes, as well as other items requiring specific sizing, are often returned at higher rates. This number is also climbing, more than doubling from an average of 8.1% in 2019.  

That’s a pretty staggering number, when you picture between 17 and 30 of every 100 e-commerce purchases being returned. Then, imagine the shipping costs and other expenses associated with that rate. In 2024, consumer returned products cost American businesses $890 billion. On average, the cost to process a return can be anywhere from 20%–65% of the item’s original value. 

Trends show brands are changing their return policies.  

The Reverse Logistics Association’s (RLA) returns index for 2024 found that major brands are strategizing against cost increases by addressing return policies. Among a selection of American top hundred retailers: 

  • 30% charged restocking fees 
  • 75% limited what could and could not be returned 
  • Many offered better return options through subscriptions and customer loyalty programs 

Likewise, a different study by ReturnPro found that “that nearly 60% of retailers have keep-it policies for items that aren’t financially viable to ship back.” 

This isn’t only because of rising costs. The rise of fraudulent returns is also on the rise, causing a “significant issue” for as much as 93% of retailers. Protecting yourself against this expense is an important part of your logistics and fulfillment strategy.  

How do you reduce your business’ return rates?  

Charging for certain returns or having no-return policies on some items are some of the strategies businesses are using to reduce return rates. Some practices you may want to implement, if possible, include: 

  • Directing customers to post returns to your warehouse, rather than a brick-and-mortar store 
  • Directing customers to drop off returns physically, rather than shipping them back 
  • Including clear limits and cut offs in your return policy – for example, clearly stating how many days the customer has, what condition the item must be in, and what can be exchanged versus refunded 
  • Including clear and easy-to-find product information to reduce the amount of unnecessary returns 
  • Investing in smarter packaging materials to ensure the amount of returns due to damage in transit is minimal  
  • Investing in third-party software that can help identify and blacklist serial return fraud offenders 

Of course, returns will never entirely disappear. Mistakes happen, both on the seller and buyer’s ends. However, there are steps that can be taken to reduce your rates, beating the 17 in 100 statistic.  

Keana Morrison / April 14, 2025

Better Business Bureau of North Alabama’s recent Shred Day

I’m thrilled to share the incredible success of the Better Business Bureau of North Alabama’s recent Shred Day!♻️ As a proud volunteer, I was honored to support our community in this impactful event. Together, we safely shredded thousands of pounds of sensitive documents and responsibly disposed of harmful waste, protecting identities and the environment. The turnout was amazing, and seeing everyone come together to promote safety and sustainability was truly inspiring! Huge thanks to the BBB team, fellow volunteers, and all who participated. Let’s keep making a positive difference!