Online shopping has been increasingly growing throughout the years. Offering awesome profits, the e-commerce industry invites many businesses to join the competition. Thus, if you’re running an e-commerce business, you need a smart marketing strategy to win the race. This is where e-commerce packaging comes in.
What type of packaging is it, and how can it help your e-commerce business? Have a look at our ultimate guide below!
What Is E-Commerce Packaging?
E-commerce packaging is the packaging used by e-commerce brands to pack and ship their products to customers. To ensure safe delivery, e-commerce packaging is made of durable materials like cardboard, kraft, or corrugated.
Also, when speaking about e-commerce packaging definition, we must include the box along with any infill. Yes, this means the overall materials you use when packaging and delivering your products, such as boxes, wrapping paper, tape, and labels.
Your Packaging Says a Lot About Your Product
With more e-commerce brands competing, customers can get any product with a single click. Plus, customers are spoiled with various options, even for similar products. The one that makes a huge difference is how a brand packs and delivers its product to customers. Speaking of online shopping, the first impression matters. Accordingly, product packaging plays a significant role in this.
Yes, your packaging says a lot about your product inside – good or bad. Well, what does your packaging say when a customer receives your product?
Here’s one thing you must note; every aspect of your packaging conveys a message. The e-commerce packaging we’re talking about here includes the box or envelope. A well-packed product shows customers that you put effort into shipping their orders carefully. This is why e-commerce packaging is the packaging you must have. This modernly designed packaging is all about how you protect your product. Better yet, e-commerce packaging can help in establishing your brand identity. Moreover, this innovative packaging can help you control shipping costs. Plus, the extra touches you add to the packaging can help elevate customer experience.
Key Objectives of E-Commerce Packaging
E-commerce packaging fulfills several key objectives beyond protecting your product during transit.
Let’s break it down!
- Better Product Protection
The main purpose of e-commerce packaging is to protect your product from damage during shipping and handling. With its high durability, this packaging is ideal to ship fragile products that require extra care.
- It Helps in Brand Presentation
E-commerce packaging provides a unique opportunity to make a memorable first impression. How? By customizing it, this packaging will enhance the brand presentation.
- E-Commerce Packaging Acts as a perfect marketing tool
This packaging acts as a marketing tool that helps you communicate with customers. For example, you can add promotional materials or your brand’s messages. This way, your business can engage with more customers.
- Packaging That Facilitates Sustainability
Increasingly, many e-commerce packaging supplies today design premium packaging with sustainability in mind. This makes it easier for you to get eco-friendly packaging materials that reduce environmental impact. By going green, your business can meet the customer demand for sustainable practices.
- Delivers Customer Convenience
E-commerce packaging comes in easy-open packages that elevate the unboxing experience. Hence, making this packaging more convenient for your customers.
How Many Types of E-commerce Packaging Are There?
Having proper e-commerce packaging can help you protect your product and ship it safely. When you have excellent packaging, your product will surely look exclusive. Then, those customers will visit your official e-commerce website to purchase more products. Yet, to achieve all this, you should choose the right packaging type.
Here are the various types of e-commerce packaging you can choose from!
- Cardboard boxes
Currently, cardboard is the most famous e-commerce packaging material many businesses prefer. This material provides versatility, durability, and recyclability. Far better, you can customize cardboard boxes in any shape, size, and color. Plus, you can print them with your brand logo and design.
- Mailer boxes
The strength and lightweight features of custom mailer boxes make them preferable for shipping. These boxes are perfect for shipping products that require minimal protection. Same as cardboard, mailer boxes come with high flexibility. Yes, you can customize them with your ideas and print your logo professionally.
- Padded envelopes
Padded envelopes are perfect for shipping small products. These envelopes provide protection from scratches and minor impacts. The best part is that they take less space to help you minimize shipping costs.
- Bubble wrap and air pillows
Both bubble wrap and air pillows are ideal for cushioning your fragile products. With these materials, your products will be safe, even in a harsh shipping journey.
- Biodegradable packing peanuts
Biodegradable packing peanuts are made of organic materials like cornstarch. So, if you are into an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional foam peanuts, packing peanuts are perfect.
- Labels
Adding labels on your packaging is essential not only for product identification. Better yet, you can customize the labels with your brand logo and theme, too. This way, you can use labels to help your branding performance.
Designing Your E-Commerce Packaging
Alright, now it’s time to design your unique e-commerce packaging!
First, when designing ideal packaging for your business, there are some factors you must consider.
What are they?
- Estimate and decide your budget
- Add value to packaging by promoting and protecting your product inside
- Research your competitors on how they’re packing their products
To make it easier, below are some ideas to help you design your e-commerce packaging!
Make Your Packaging as Simple as Possible
E-commerce packaging should be user-friendly. This means that it should be easy for customers to open the packaging, access your product, and dispose of the packaging. So, make sure you don’t use excessive material when designing it. Instead, you should make your packaging as simple as possible.
The Importance of Durability
We know that the shipping journey can be challenging, especially for fragile products. This is why you should never ignore the importance of durability. So, remember to choose high-quality packaging materials when designing your e-commerce packaging!
Focus on Branding
When shipping products to customers, your packaging can act as your brand ambassador. To take advantage of this, you should focus on printing your unique brand logo, images, or graphics. For a more memorable unboxing experience, you can add a thank-you note or personalized message.
With branded packaging, you can excite customers when opening it and reveal your product inside.
Get Your Packaging in Accurate Size
The accurately sized packaging not only provides better product protection but also minimizes shipping costs when done correctly. You can ensure this by learning how to measure box dimensions accurately.
Make Your E-Commerce Packaging Informative
Don’t forget to provide the essential product details on your packaging. You can use labels to include handling instructions and your contact details. Through these details, you can make your e-commerce packaging informative and reliable.
Printing Techniques for E-commerce Packaging
Printing can significantly affect the overall look of your packaging. Speaking of e-commerce packaging, there are 2 printing techniques you can choose from!
- Digital printing
This printing technique is perfect for low-quantity orders. Besides, the digital printing technique is inexpensive as it doesn’t require printing plates and dies.
- Offset printing
This technique is ideal for printing the interior of the packaging or your packaging inserts. Offset printing provides optimal color output and excellent printing quality. This technique is best to print bulk quantity packaging.
Final Thoughts
Nevertheless, e-commerce packaging is all about how you protect your product. This packaging works well in establishing your brand identity and controlling shipping costs. Plus, the extra touches you add help in elevating customer experience. Although it may seem complicated to design your packaging, you don’t need to worry when you work with Custom Box Makers. Remember, your packaging says a lot about your product inside. So, make sure your e-commerce packaging presents your product as of excellent quality!
