Case (goods)

A "case" of goods generally refers to a standardized quantity of packaged products contained within a protective outer container, most commonly a box. The primary purpose of a case is to facilitate efficient storage, handling, and transportation of those products. Cases are typically made of corrugated cardboard, but can also be constructed from other materials like plastic or wood depending on the contents and requirements.

The number of individual items within a case varies widely based on the type of product. For instance, a case of canned goods might contain 24 individual cans, while a case of bottled beverages could hold 12 or 24 bottles. Standard case sizes often exist within specific industries to optimize palletization and truck loading.

Using cases simplifies inventory management by allowing businesses to track and manage products in bulk. This is particularly beneficial for retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers. Cases also offer protection against damage during shipping and storage, helping to minimize product loss.

In some contexts, "case" can also refer more broadly to any type of container used for transporting goods, even if it doesn't contain multiple units of the same product. For example, a musician might refer to a "case" for their instrument, regardless of whether it contains other similar items. However, when discussing goods in a commercial setting, "case" almost always implies a multiple-unit quantity within a larger container.