As an e-commerce business, there’s a heap of things to take care of, from running ad campaigns to taking care of your inventory and shipping orders on time. Amidst all these things, you may overlook details like the quality of packaging material and forget to add a thank you note to show your appreciation to your customers for shopping with you.
Packaging is a way for your e-commerce businesses to deliver the shopping experience of a brick-and-mortar store; make sure to keep every minute detail in mind. This makes it essential to invest in high-quality padded envelopes, zip-lock bags, labels and strapping to ensure that your products reach their destination in pristine condition.
If you are still thinking about where to get started, know about these must-avoid packaging mistakes:
1. Choosing improper packaging options
While you can always send a thank you email once the order has been delivered, your product’s packaging experience will stay with your customers longer than you think. The packaging doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it is more about adapting the available options to secure the products to ensure that they withstand the turbulences of transportation.
For instance, using an overly large box for transporting a single perfume bottle is not ideal. Instead, using a smaller box with ample fillers will provide better support and cushioning to the bottle during transport. Similarly, padded envelopes can be great for transporting flat items like cards or small books.
2. Not investing in void fillers
When it comes to packaging, voids are the extra space left after the product has been placed in the packing material. Using void fillers ensures there is no space for your products to wobble around. Their cushioning action prevents the shock of falls or jerks from affecting the product.
Doing so is vital if dealing with delicate products that can break during transit or sharp products that can pierce through even the most rigid packaging boxes. Aside from this, these void fillers also add to the unboxing experience, as these fillers look aesthetically pleasing.
3. Not using appropriate labels
Labels are a great way to inform the logistics handling and distribution teams about how to handle your product with care to prevent damage. Notably, labels can be used for primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging to ensure everyone involved in the transportation process knows the product’s nature and handles it correctly.
In addition, labelling promotes your brand, provides essential information about the product, and conveys storage and usage information. Labels also help identify products from secondary packaging, primarily when multiple orders are delivered to the same location.
4. Poorly securing your products
Protective packaging is a sign that you are committed to providing an excellent unboxing experience for your customers. It also indicates that you care about your products and want your customers to feel happy and excited about their purchases.
Investing in securing elements like strapping, packaging tape, stretch film, bubble pouch, or packing peanuts will go a long way in protecting your products while also delivering a delightful experience.
5. Overpacking
While securing your packaging is one thing to be mindful of, avoid overpacking. Overpacking can result from using too much packaging material to cover the package or to secure the insides. Keep in mind that this is not environment-friendly as it creates excessive waste that could have been directed to secure other packages.
To avoid overpacking, invest in high-quality and reliable packaging materials that can withstand the dynamics of logistics without breaking. Additionally, avoid using regular tape to secure the contents of the package as these tapes are not meant to hold against turbulences; instead, invest in packaging tape. The adhesive used in these tapes ensures they do not tear or come off during transit.
Bottomline
Packaging plays a huge role in delivering an incredible shopping experience to your customers, regardless of any part of the world they are from. Sturdy and robust packaging will ensure your customers have a delightful experience unboxing their orders. It also fosters brand loyalty as people know they will receive the product in perfect condition regardless of what they order. Make sure to explore packaging options and prioritise top-notch materials that are also eco-friendly.
