In the last couple of decades, the way we shop has changed as online shopping gained popularity. One of the biggest selling points of online shopping is the convenience at a small fraction of the shipping fee. This is why we developed an Ultimate Guide for Ecommerce Packaging. This guide will include tips and other options that are beneficial for any business that is selling and shipping products out to customers.
The rise of social media outlets also gave way to the rise of small businesses. Entrepreneurs can promote their products for free and reach consumers all over the country or the world, without the traditional advertising expense.
For a business to thrive it is important to give special attention to customer experience. This experience is not just about reeling in a customer to check your social media page and purchasing the product, it includes the presentation of the product when the customer opens the box at their doorstep.
Ultimate Guide for Ecommerce Packaging
More than anything, a product must be safely delivered, undamaged to the customer. Does not matter if the box has cool logos. If the product is not delivered in one piece the customer will most likely not be a returning shopper.
But the cool logos and amazing colors do add to the look. The packaging completes the customer experience. If done right, the packaging beautifully compliments the contents and adds value to the product. It legitimizes the customer’s decision on this great buy and opens the door to potentially buy again.
Ecommerce’s percentage of total retail trade throughout the world – Statista image
According to Statista, e-commerce sales represented 14.1% of all worldwide retail trade-in 2019. By 2023, it is expected to reach 22 %.
According to The Ultimate Guide for Ecommerce Packaging, Ecommerce companies’ rapid growth, it’s more important than ever to make a lasting impression on your customers and effectively reach to new clients. To gain trust and loyalty, it is crucial to deliver your product undamaged and the presentation of the product with the unique packaging just adds to a companies’ validity.
Brand Reputation
As mentioned earlier, it is important to deliver a product in one piece. But it is not always your package’s fault. Mishandling at the sorting station or delivery service is a common factor. Unfortunately, the blame is passed to the vendor. As suggested previously, unboxing the product is part of the customer experience. As per a Smithers Pira poll, 58% of respondents said packaging damage might discourage them from purchasing items from that very same seller again. But, by anticipating this problem and ensuring you have the best packing materials that are strong and durable, breaking the item to pieces may be avoided.
Product Promotion
It is important for a company to convey the product and packaging’s intention when a customer receives the box in the mail. Choosing the right print, texture, logo, and colors will enhance the product. Thru packaging it allows the vendor to showcase their brand or spark emotions as the vendor intended.
Safety
Nobody appreciates flimsy boxes. Whenever you receive dented packages, you always think that the service is subpar as you hurry to open the box, hoping the item inside is not damaged. The packaging plays an important part in the item’s safety from the time it leaves the warehouse until it is received by the client. Your item packaging should be durable enough to withstand minor wear and tear without compromising the product.
Packaging improves the Perceptions of the customers
As noted on Dotcom’s Distribution Packaging Report 2016, “Half of the customers (50%) think that using branded, especially gift-like wrapping for online purchases make a person more inclined to suggest the product to others, up from 40% in 2015.” As a result, to make a lasting impression upon the consumer, your packing must be top-notch.
Publicity through Customers
According to the Dotcom research, 39% of respondents have posted a photo or clip of purchases made, with the most popular platforms being Facebook (84%), Twitter (32%), Instagram (31%), YouTube (28%), as well as Pinterest (28%). (20 percent). Personal experience is not only shared with family and friends but extended to friends of friends of friends.
Based on The Ultimate Guide for Ecommerce Packaging Here are Noteworthy Options
There are various e-commerce packaging choices to choose from. Here are a few options to choose from based on your company and product needs:
Mailers
Soft items sellers should use mailers since their products are typically light and smaller. Mailing envelopes/bags take less space and are easier to manage during transit so the cost would be a lot less compared to a box.
There are a few options for Mailing Envelopes:
Weight Pricing based on The Ultimate Guide for Ecommerce Packaging
The type of shipping container you choose is influenced by dimensional price. This approach is used by carriers such as UPS, FedEx, as well as USPS to determine package delivery charges, a strategy that allows courier firms to punish shippers that use large boxes.
The dimensional weight pricing (DIM) model was launched in 2015, and it determines transportation rates depending on the number of space goods take up on courier tracks rather than their weight.
You may calculate the dimensional weight of your shipment by multiplying its height, length, plus width in inches. After measuring, make sure to pick the longest position on the sides and account for any bulges or oddly shaped sides.
Types of Packaging Materials
Outer Packaging:
This is the main packaging that carries your product and gets transported from one location to the next. Bubble mailers, kraft mailers, poly mailers, and padded mailers are just a few examples under this category.
Inner Packaging:
The accessories used to protect the contents inside boxes or mailers are called Inner Packaging. Flap Seal Bags, Vela Tissue Bags, and belly bands like our EnviroBand are good examples of inner packaging that help with organizing and protecting the contents of a shipment. Besides preventing product damage, some inner packaging materials may avoid item tampering.
Steps to Package your Product according to the Ultimate Guide for Ecommerce Packaging are as follows
- Analyze
Carefully examine the item to be shipped. Take note of the product’s height, weight, fragility, and value. From this point, you can determine the appropriate container, like a box or mailer, the correct size and material weight or durability of the container. Also, consider the type of product to ship, such as liquids or powder that require additional protection. Check your selected courier’s packing guidelines and package your cargo accordingly.
- Pack
Select the appropriate packing materials and insert your product inside. Choose well-lined cartons or envelopes. If necessary, use void fill like SpiroPack or a Flap Seal Bag for added protection in case the external packaging gets compromised. Place the object at a 6cm separation from the package’s wall. Add fillers as needed to avoid shifting during transit.
- Seal
Completely close the package across all sides. Use pressure-sensitive or water-resistant adhesives. The package’s edges should be firmly wrapped, and it must be solid on all sides. If you’re using more than a layer, ensure every side of the packaging are well sealed. When sealing boxes, use the H-tape method.
Shipping Label
The Shipping Label serves as the package’s identification. All the shipping information, such as the name of the person, address, tracking# need to be accurate. Attach your shipping label and/or documents to the container’s top surface, making sure it’s easy to read or scan.
Considerations for Packing a Product based on The Ultimate Guide for Ecommerce Packaging
Weight:
The product’s mass must be identified to determine the required packaging type, size, dimensions, and materials to ensure the product and container are delivered in perfect shape.
Size and Shape:
Besides the product dimensions, consider the item’s shape. The traditional packaging containers may not be suitable for the contents and may require a custom-made box.
Product Types:
Specific products, like liquid, require a different approach to pack to avoid spills during transit. Ensure that product containers are properly sealed, or fillers are used to avoid damages.
Product Value:
Expensive and important items require special care. If necessary, use the Box-In-Box method or add fillers to ensure items are safely delivered.
