Shipping and packaging are one of the most direct ways an e-commerce business can connect with its customers. Receiving a product in a safe condition is a big factor in maintaining a good reputation.
However, making sure a product is received safely by your customers isn’t the whole story. You can do many other things when it comes to packaging products that can leave an outstanding impression on your customers. Good packaging solutions provided by companies such as BoldtSmith Packaging and similar others could be a staggering difference between your business and the others.
Here are several reasons why packaging matters for e-commerce businesses.
Customer relations
As an online business, your points of contact with customers are limited compared to physical retailers. Sure, you can communicate through online channels, but there’s an advantage in handling physical products in a store, talking to a physical human being, and getting immediate answers.
If you can’t physically interact with customers, you have to make sure the limited access you do have counts.
As mentioned previously, getting products safely to your customers matters a lot. No one wants to receive damaged products, and businesses don’t want to deal with the hassle of refunding customers for said products.
You want to use reliable forms of packaging like corrugated boxes or padded envelopes. You’ll also need to consider how to seal and wrap products safely. Some common methods include shrink or vacuum wrapping.
If you can consistently deliver products to your customers safely, they will likely order from you again.
Showcases your capabilities
The type of packaging you use is a sign to your customers of the amount of care and resources you have at your disposable.
Anyone can use basic packaging. It’s not terribly hard to put a product in a box, add some bubble wrap, and ship it out. And while there’s nothing wrong with this approach, it won’t really help you stand out among your competitors.
Depending on the number of resources you have and your budget, you can opt for premium packaging. Your choice of packaging can reflect your brand’s image and make a lasting impression on customers. Premium packaging from suppliers like Packaging Chimp, such as high-quality, boxes and holographic or metallic padded bubble bags can elevate your products above the standard brown box. Options like printed designs, branded details, or eco-friendly finishes not only enhance the unboxing experience but also showcase your commitment to quality and style.
The box is just one aspect, though. How you arrange your products in the box can matter. You may have seen “unboxing” videos on YouTube and thought they were silly, and while they can be, those videos can bring in lots of viewers.
Not every brand is suited for unboxing videos, but there is something valuable in having a unique packaging style. It allows you to showcase how creative you can be, and it’s something your customers will be able to appreciate.
Opportunity for branding
As previously mentioned, premium or custom packaging can allow you to show the creative side of your business. More importantly, it allows you to define or reinforce your brand.
You can get incredibly creative when it comes to packaging. You can order custom boxes that have your businesses’ logo, primary colors, and tagline. Getting in touch with custom packaging experts such as CTP Boxes & Packaging (https://www.ctpboxes.com/), you could lend a new feel to your products.
The packaging is just the beginning, though. You can include plenty of things in your boxes, like your company’s business card or catalog.
You can add a variety of items to the box your customers might not even imagine. You can add little bonuses like how-to guides or instruction sheets. You can even include a free additional item or sorts.
If time permits, you could also include custom hand-written notes. Even something simple like including the buyer’s name and writing “Hope you enjoy!” can go a long way. The more personal you can get with it, the better.
Packaging can often be overlooked when you’re managing an e-commerce business. There’s a lot you can do with it to help your business stand out amongst your competitors.
The great part is you don’t have to go overboard with spending. Small touches can go a long way with your customers and show you really care.
Infographic created by Chicago Tag & Label, a diverse label printing provider
