{"id":1582,"date":"2020-10-12T19:58:37","date_gmt":"2020-10-12T23:58:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/?p=1582"},"modified":"2025-01-02T07:02:21","modified_gmt":"2025-01-02T12:02:21","slug":"ecommerce-packaging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/blog\/ecommerce-packaging\/","title":{"rendered":"The Beginner’s Guide to Ecommerce Packaging"},"content":{"rendered":"

Often overlooked and underappreciated in the world of <\/span>ecommerce logistics<\/b> are the boxes and packaging in which you ship your products. That arms-length approach to your shipping containers is understandable. It\u2019s just a box, right?<\/span><\/p>\n

Not exactly.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

That custom box, padded mailer or simple envelope is the singular touchpoint between you and your customer for the entire ecommerce transaction.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Think about it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A consumer browses your website and finds the product or products they want. A few clicks and keyboard inputs later, they mash the submit button on their order. From there, your fulfillment apparatus springs into action, picking and packing and labeling and shipping. A few days pass, then suddenly, as if it were logistical witchcraft and wizardry, your consumer is happily united with their new favorite widget, doodad, thingamajig, or gadget.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

All jokes aside, other than what\u2019s in the box, <\/span>the box itself is the only other tangible item with which to make a lasting impression on that customer<\/span><\/i>. The packaging you use and how you present it is no laughing matter.<\/span><\/p>\n

So just how do you impress those valuable consumers? You know, the people that bought something from your ecommerce store? How do you get your products to them safely, and do so without busting your packing and shipping budget?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Read on for the beginner\u2019s guide to ecommerce packaging.<\/b><\/p>\n

What is Ecommerce Packaging?<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"what<\/p>\n

It might seem a bit elementary, but it\u2019s vital first to understand the core purposes for your packaging. It\u2019s not always as obvious as it might seem.<\/span><\/p>\n

First and foremost, the packaging is there to protect the product or products that you\u2019re shipping. <\/b>That\u2019s a bit of a no-brainer, but selecting the right type of box or mailer is crucial to ensuring your products reach their final destination safe and sound. You wouldn\u2019t ship cookware in a shoebox or pack cosmetics into a container meant for big bags of dog food.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sure those are extreme examples, but you get the idea. The right packaging means an undamaged product, a happy customer, and you not having to sort through the headache of a return.<\/span><\/p>\n

Second, the packaging is a tool to show off your brand\u2019s commitment to quality and customer service.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

How can a box do that, you might ask? It\u2019s all in the presentation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The packaging isn\u2019t just about the box your product is shipped in, <\/span>but whether it was packed with care<\/span><\/i>. Does it include the proper amount of infill (bubble wrap, packing peanuts, kraft paper, etc.)? The appropriate documentation (receipt, catalog, reward offers, etc.)? Was it sealed properly and securely?<\/span><\/p>\n

Are those small minor details? Absolutely. But will a customer take notice when one of those small details is amiss? Also, absolutely.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Finally, the packaging may serve as an unmoored billboard for your brand.<\/b> Later on, we detail why this matters. At a surface level, your packaging is an opportunity to advertise your brand. And have it live on as long as the box or other shipping elements remain viable. Regardless of how your packaging finds a second life, as long as your brand is still front and center, it’s a further opportunity for folks to notice it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Think about a few big-time ecommerce brands and how they package their wares. Pet supply companies are notoriously good about package branding, with Chewy\u2019s giant blue logo the most prominent. Meal kit brand Dinnerly is another company that subscribes to the box as a billboard idea.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And lest we forget, the biggest of them all, Amazon and their black branded tape and A to Z smiley face arrow on the side of every box.<\/span><\/p>\n

So with that brief overview out of the way, let’s explore a few specifics such as costs, materials, and <\/span>why your ecommerce packaging is more than just packaging<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cost Considerations for Ecommerce Packaging<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"cost<\/p>\n

While it can be easy to get caught up in the <\/span>design<\/span><\/a> and branding aspects, you still have a business to run. That means managing your packaging costs and ensuring you get the most bang for your buck.<\/span><\/p>\n

Much of your shipping and packing costs revolve around the type of products you sell. Looking back at our earlier examples, if you sell cookware or similarly heavy or awkwardly shaped products, you\u2019ll want to invest in heavy-duty packaging and infill that keeps those items securely in place. The more stout the material, the higher the cost, both to buy and ship.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fragile items may not require heavy-duty boxing, but you\u2019ll probably want to look into different types of infill that ensure those items arrive in one piece.<\/span><\/p>\n

If your brand deals in smaller, lighter products, such as the aforementioned cosmetics or apparel, you can get by with less expensive materials. But if you’re selling an experience or a lifestyle, using premium materials for your custom packaging just might be a worthwhile investment. Whatever form your packaging takes, you still want to make sure it’s not susceptible to outside elements. Or overly aggressive delivery drivers.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you go custom with your box size and packing materials across most of your product line, that is ideal. <\/span>You\u2019ll realize considerable savings<\/span><\/a> by only paying for precisely what you need, compared to standardized packaging and shipping where you end up spending a fortune for empty space.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just keep in mind that whatever your packaging needs are, your shipping materials add to the shipment’s weight. In turn, this will increase your shipping costs. We\u2019ll touch on shipping below, but read our <\/span>beginner\u2019s guide to shipping strategy<\/span><\/a> for a deeper dive at how to save shipping costs.<\/span><\/p>\n

When choosing your packaging mix, you\u2019ll also want to factor in the potential cost of returns. Underestimating your shipping needs could inevitably drive up your return costs. And not just due to the processing and replacement of the damaged goods, but what it could also mean for retaining customers.<\/span><\/p>\n

As with every other aspect of your ecommerce business, plan ahead and put together a game plan for the type of packaging each of your products will require. Figuring this out ahead of time will save money. Both on the shipping materials you\u2019ll need and the shipping expenses you\u2019ll incur.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you outsource your <\/span>ecommerce fulfillment<\/span><\/a>, work with your 3PL to determine the right packaging mix, and potentially receive a bulk discount on the materials you\u2019ll need.<\/span><\/p>\n

Types of Packaging<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"types<\/p>\n

Now that we\u2019ve determined the foundational basis of ecommerce packaging and it’s related costs, let’s delve into the types of packaging you\u2019ll want to consider.<\/span><\/p>\n

As we already indicated, it requires planning to work out the right mix of packaging that best fits your brand\u2019s product line and budget. Unfortunately, picking the correct type of packaging does take some effort. It helps to <\/span>understand the difference in box sizes<\/span><\/a>, materials and costs to make an informed decision for your shipping needs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the end, the effort is worth it for your brand, your customers, and your bottom line. Let\u2019s explore the different packaging types, including branding, boxes and envelopes, infill, and few intangibles.<\/span><\/p>\n

Branded Versus Unbranded and Customization<\/b><\/h3>\n

Though we briefly touched on branded packaging benefits, putting a logo on your shipping material may not prove the best option for everyone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

First, custom boxes will cost more than your basic shipping materials, but are probably <\/span>less expensive than you think<\/span><\/a>. If you don\u2019t think your brand will see a measurable benefit for the extra outlay, it’s worth foregoing the customization.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the other hand, materials specific to your needs can serve two purposes. One, of course, is the additional advertising potential. Two, customization can result in boxes and packaging crafted to meet your product specs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Subscription-based businesses make the most of this aspect, where packaging is part of the overall purchasing experience. The more practical application is that custom packing is more likely to arrive at its destination undamaged.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are interested in going the extra mile with shipping materials, contact us through live chat, give us a ring or <\/span>request a free quote<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

For everything else on our list, assume that you can opt to have it customized or not.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mailers<\/b><\/h3>\n

Mailers are for items that are flat and small or light and don\u2019t require too much protection. Offered in a variety of styles and sizes, mailers are ideal for a range of products. They most often ferry clothing, books and CDs, jewelry, or other small or flat items that don\u2019t need an abundance of padding. You can pack higher dollar items in them too. Items such as art supplies, smart device cases and screen protectors, or accessories like earbuds or wallets fit perfectly in most mailers.<\/span><\/p>\n

The three main categories of mailers include:<\/strong><\/p>\n