The growing popularity of online shopping has led to the importance of branding, which makes different products stand out. As customers interact with the image of the product first, before they even use the product, businesses need to customize their brand through e-commerce packaging that enhances the user experience as well as creates curiosity.
What is E-commerce Packaging?
E-commerce packaging is a comprehensive process that includes strategically using the materials and methods required to deliver the products safely and enhance the customer unboxing experience. It is an effective tool for businesses to deliver their products with a personal touch through brand colours, logos, etc. A well-designed packaging ensures product safety and durability and enriches customer unboxing experience, which creates customers’ trust in the brand.
Objectives of E-Commerce Packing
The primary objectives of E-commerce Packaging are as follows:
- Protection
The most essential motive of packaging is providing protection and safety to the product you are selling. If your product is well-packed, then shipping and delivery will be a hassle-free process. Furthermore, there are fewer risks of product return or product exchange if the product is packed thoughtfully.
- Marketing and Branding
The rise of online shopping has increased the competition among businesses, and in order to stand out from their competitors, a strong brand identity and mindful marketing are required. It gives the brand a unique perspective.
- Elevates the customer experience
A good product packaging will make the customer curious about the product. It serves as a first impression before the customer actually starts using the product. Whether it is a premium luxury product or a minimalist design, a good unboxing experience will enhance the customer experience and engagement with the product.
Different Types of E-Commerce Packaging Materials
The different types of e-commerce packaging materials are as follows:
- Tamper proof courier bags
The most commonly used packaging is courier bags, which are often known as the backbone of e-commerce logistics. They are lightweight and durable, which makes them convenient for delivery. They are available in different sizes, and the bags are secure and can be customised to your brand. If any one tries to use them or open them, their seal gets broken. It leaves a mark of loss in integrity. Hence they are safe packaging materials.
- Bubble Wraps and Air Pillows
If you are into the manufacturing of fragile products, then bubble wraps and air pillow packaging are the most convenient options. They absorb shock during shipping and transitions and ensure that the product is not damaged by acting as a cushion. It is widely used to package products like electronics, cosmetics and glassware.
- Paper Mailers
Another commonly used packaging material is paper mailers, which are durable, lightweight, waterproof and tear-resistant. They are available at cheap rates and can be customised easily according to your brand vision. As they are stored easily and require less space, they also save money for shipments and transportation. It is used to pack products like clothes and accessories.
- Padded Envelopes
Padded envelopes are similar to poly mailers, and they have additional cushions that absorb shocks and protect fragile products from breaking. They are cost-effective, require less space and are easy to handle. Padded envelopes are mostly used to pack delicate gadgets like earphones, jewellery items, etc.
- Biodegradable materials
With the rise of sustainability and consumer’s interest in protecting the environment, biodegradable materials are becoming a popular choice for various brands. Some materials are recycled paper fillers, compostable mailers, and honeycomb paper wraps that are widely used to pack the products. They maintain quality and are environmentally friendly.
Best Practices for E-commerce Packaging
Some of the best practices that businesses need to keep in mind are as follows:
- Choosing the right material
It is important to select the correct material depending on your product size, use and fragility.
For example, a jewellery piece needs to be packed with care
- Make sustainability a priority
With growing awareness, consumers are becoming environmentally conscious, so businesses need to use biodegradable materials for their packaging. It increases the brand value among the consumers as they show social responsibility for the business.
- Put efforts into Branding
To give your brand a personalised touch, you should invest in branding. Add thank you stickers or personalised messages for consumers that will create a relationship between the brand and the customer, which will make them stay connected with the product and allow them to buy the product again.
Long story short, a mindful and strategic approach to designing the packaging of your products can be a game-changer in boosting your sales because it creates curiosity among the customers and makes the product stand out, as well as ensures that the product is delivered safely in the customer’s hand.
