Top Places to Buy Packing Tape: A Shopper's Guide

Finding the right packing tape is essential for secure shipping, moving, and storage. Whether you need heavy-duty options for relocating or standard clear tape for everyday packages, knowing where to buy packing tape can save you time and money. This comprehensive guide explores the best retail locations, online platforms, and specialty stores where you can purchase quality packing tape for any purpose.

Retail Options for Buying Packing Tape

When you need packing tape quickly, retail stores offer immediate availability without shipping delays.

Office Supply Stores

Office supply retailers like Staples, Office Depot, and OfficeMax carry extensive selections of packing tape varieties. These stores typically stock:

• Clear packaging tape in various widths
• Brown kraft paper tape
• Heavy-duty shipping tape
• Dispensers and applicators

Most locations offer both name brands like Scotch and Duck, as well as store brands at lower price points. The advantage of office supply stores is their consistent inventory and frequent sales events.

Big Box Retailers

Walmart, Target, and similar big box stores provide convenient access to packing tape in their shipping or office supply sections. While their selection might be more limited than dedicated office supply stores, prices are often competitive, especially for standard clear packing tape. These retailers are ideal for basic packing needs when convenience is a priority.

Online Marketplaces with Extensive Tape Selection

Online shopping offers greater variety and often better pricing for packing tape purchases.

Amazon

Amazon features perhaps the most extensive selection of packing tape available anywhere. Benefits include:

• Customer reviews to guide purchasing decisions
• Subscription options for regular users
• Bulk purchasing discounts
• Next-day delivery in many areas

The platform carries everything from basic clear tape to specialized options like water-activated tape, custom printed tape, and eco-friendly alternatives.

Specialized E-commerce Sites

Websites dedicated to shipping supplies like Uline and ShippingSupply.com offer professional-grade packing tape. These sites cater to businesses but serve individual customers as well. Similar to how specialized suppliers provide premium packaging solutions for specific industries, these sites offer expert recommendations and quantity discounts on high-quality tape products.

Wholesale Suppliers for Bulk Purchases

For businesses or large moving projects, wholesale suppliers provide significant cost advantages.

Warehouse Clubs

Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's Wholesale Club sell packing tape in bulk quantities at reduced per-unit prices. These clubs typically offer:

• Multi-packs of standard shipping tape
• Commercial-grade options
• Tape dispensers and applicators

Membership is required for these stores, but the savings on bulk purchases often offset the annual fee for frequent buyers. Similar to other packing supplies, buying tape in quantity provides substantial savings.

Restaurant and Janitorial Supply Stores

These unexpected sources often carry packaging tape for commercial use at competitive prices. While primarily serving business customers, many will sell to individuals without requiring minimum purchases.

Specialty Stores for Premium Packing Tape

For specific tape needs, specialty retailers offer products not commonly found elsewhere.

Moving Supply Stores

Dedicated moving supply companies like U-Haul and Budget Truck Rental sell heavy-duty packing tape specifically designed for moving boxes. These tapes typically feature:

• Stronger adhesives that withstand temperature changes
• Thicker backing material for durability
• Specialized dispensers for efficient application

While prices may be higher than general retailers, the quality difference can be significant for heavy items or long-term storage. This approach to specialized supplies mirrors what we see with decorative tapes like washi tape, where specialty stores offer premium options.

Craft and Art Supply Stores

Retailers like Michaels and Hobby Lobby carry specialized packing tapes for creative projects, including patterned tapes, colored options, and archival-quality products. These stores are ideal for custom gift packaging or decorative shipping needs.

Cost Comparison Across Different Retailers

Price variations for standard clear packing tape (55 yards) can be significant across different purchasing channels:

• Office supply stores: $3-5 per roll
• Big box retailers: $2.50-4 per roll
• Online marketplaces: $2-3.50 per roll (often lower with bulk purchase)
• Wholesale clubs: $1.75-2.50 per roll (in multi-packs)
• Moving supply stores: $3.50-6 per roll (premium quality)

For specialty tapes like water-activated paper tape or custom-printed options, prices can range from $8-20 per roll depending on quality and quantity. Similar price variations exist for other utility tapes like duct tape, with specialty retailers charging premium prices for professional-grade products.

Smart Buying Recommendations for Different Needs

The best place to buy packing tape depends on your specific requirements:

• For moving homes: Big box stores or moving supply companies offer the best value for heavy-duty tape in moderate quantities.
• For business shipping: Online wholesale suppliers or warehouse clubs provide the lowest per-unit cost for regular usage.
• For gift wrapping or light packages: Office supply stores offer convenient access to standard clear tape.
• For specialty packaging: Craft stores or specialized online retailers provide decorative or custom options.

When purchasing packing tape, consider not just the immediate price but also the tape quality, adhesive strength, and appropriate width for your needs. For moving or shipping heavy items, investing in premium tape can prevent package failures and protect valuable contents.

Just as finding the right packing paper matters for protecting fragile items, selecting appropriate packing tape from the right source ensures your packages remain secure from origin to destination.