Browse Category: Hardware

Packaging Foam is the best option for Shipping Electronics

For those in the e-commerce business, especially those who sell or ship electronics items, it is well known that the wrong shipping supplies and containers can create a poor customer experience. No one, neither the shipper nor the receiver, wants to be in a situation where the product, such as a laptop, set of speakers, or camera system arrives damaged in the package.

Today’s customers won’t stand for shipping damages that could have easily been prevented had the right packaging materials been used. Packaging foam, in particular, is essential for use in the shipping of electronics. Not only does it effectively protect your products from bumps and tumbles that are common in the shipping process, but it also helps to create a professional element that can speak to the quality of your brand.

If customers order a product online, regardless of price point, they want it to arrive quickly and safely. If when that product finally arrives it is ‘dead on arrival,’ especially if it appears that care didn’t go into the actual packaging of the item, it will lead to an unhappy customer, and likely either a return or a reship which will add costs for the shipper, taking away from the bottom line.

The foam packaging products that are available today come in a wide array of materials which are perfect for those selling products online on eCommerce platforms such as eBay, Amazon, Shopify, etc. For additional information about packaging foam options and the benefits that it can provide your electronics business, contact Foam Factory.

Tips to Freshen Up Your Backyard Quickly

Summary: Freshening up your backyard can be achieved in just a few easy steps. Your yard will be ready for spring in no time.

The weather is warming up and it is becoming the perfect weather for soaking up the sun. If your backyard is looking a little rundown and in need of some maintenance, you might be worrying about how much it will cost to freshen the area up. Fortunately, focusing on some key areas can very easily convert your backyard into a spot you can realistically see yourself spending more time in. These key areas have been chosen to save you as much time and money as possible, helping you get it ready for your next barbecue or dinner party in as quick as a few days.

Water pressure Cleaning

It is only natural that things will eventually get dirty in your backyard. Grime, dust, mud, and general dirt can start to build up on your furniture, fences, and other surfaces, unfortunately making your yard look messier and less inviting. Before you start the hunt for new cushions and other replacements you should first look into water pressure cleaning. There are tools that can shoot water out at such high pressures that they can wash long-lasting dirt away, essentially making the hard surface look brand new.

If you have a fence that you want to clean you can hire someone to take care of it for you. However, if you have come to the realization that many objects in your backyard are covered in grime, then it might be worth your money to invest in the high-tech gadget. If you do choose to purchase your own, you should be very careful about who you let operate it. The high water pressure can do wonders with stubborn filth but can severely hurt someone. For safety reasons, make sure only adults are able to use it.

More Plants

Plants can make a great addition to your backyard. Introducing more greenery to your yard can make a big difference. Just like how a new cushion from The Foam Factory can a couch look brand new, so can fresh plants. Studies have shown that plants can make an area look more inviting, can reduce stress, and make people feel calmer. Plants can make an otherwise plain setting look more lively and vibrant.

You do not have to be a seasoned gardener to experience the joys of planting. You can easily grow fruit, vegetables, and spices in the ground. Cherry tomatoes, basil, and mint are all relatively simple to maintain and can grow quite quickly.

Finding the Perfect Couch for Your House

Summary: Following some simple tips can make the process of finding a new couch to help tie your room together that much more manageable.

Finding the perfect couch for your house can be a huge decision. A sofa is an expensive piece of furniture that will hopefully be used for several years, which can make finding the right one all the more challenging. By asking yourself such things as where the couch would go and what purpose it would fill, you can get a better idea of what piece would make the perfect addition to your house.

Location

Even though you have not started searching for a new sofa yet, you likely have a good idea of where you would like it to go. Are you going to replace a larger sofa that can seat three people or are you purchasing an individual seat? The number of couch cushions you will be working with is important, because it can greatly impact where you would want to place the piece.

A larger couch that can seat multiple people usually looks best by a wall. Placing artwork on your wall, just above the couch, is a great way to make the space feel full. If you want more seating in a particular room by notice that there is only space closer to the edges, then smaller, individual sofas would work best.

Lifestyle

A couch is more than just a place to sit. Seeing as you likely will not move the sofa much, you need to think about how it will visually fit in your house. If you regularly have gatherings at your house, then a white cushion from The Foam Factory might not be the wisest investment. If you are going for a minimalist layout in your house you should find a low profile piece that is not too flashy.

Choosing foam for your seat cushions

The primary characteristics you want from a seat cushion are comfort and durability. However, different types of foam will suit a different range of cushions. For example, Dry Fast foam is perfect for outdoor use.

Important terms

When shopping for a foam cushion, there is some terminology that you will need to know. The first is the density of the foam. The density of the foam is the amount air trapped within the foam. The key metric for foam density is pounds per cubic foot. The higher the value, the higher the density, and the more durable.

The other property is the IDF (Indentation force deflection) value of the foam. It is the amount of weight it takes to compress the foam by 25%. IDF values range from 30 (soft) to 70(firm). A foam with an IDF of 40 will take 40 pounds to compress by a quarter.

Indoor foam cushions

The best foam for indoor use is the affordable polyurethane foam. It does not handle moisture well, which is why it is better suited for indoor use. Regarding density, polyurethane foam ranges from 0.8 to 6.

Outdoor foam

Open and closed cell foam both work for outdoor use. However, for seat cushions, open cell foam is a better option. An open cell foam like Dry Fast foam is the best. According to The Foam Factory: Dryfast foam is specialized for outdoor applications because of its superb ability to allow water and other liquids to flow through it very easily.