One might argue that running an e-commerce store is relatively simple nowadays. There are multiple platforms and channels that enable people to advertise their merchandise and reach new customers quickly. Naturally, this is something that requires a lot of your time and effort, but still, it isn’t unachievable.
Plus, a web store can be a source of income, and you can observe it as a part-time job. It is a great way to cash in your creativity and skills. People are always interested in buying unique merchandise, regardless if it is something that they can use on a daily basis, or some decorative item.
If you are planning to start this type of business of your own, you have probably done a lot of research, and you already know what you will be selling, and have a business plan and marketing strategy, and so on. But what about packaging? It might be insignificant at first thought since you just have to make sure that everything arrives at the customer’s address safely and in one piece. Well, you aren’t wrong, but the truth is that there is so much more to this.
It can have a significant impact on your brand, marketing, and reputation, so in the following article, we are going to give you some tips on how to pack everything correctly.
Table of Contents
Design
Source: greenpackaginggroup.com
First things first, you have to find the right design. Does this seem unnecessary? Let’s think about all those Instagram stories that people post of the products they have just received alongside comments on how much they love it, and most importantly, the tag of the seller’s profile. Surely you want to receive this type of praise, and even more, you want everyone to see it.
Well, if the packaging isn’t appealing and unique, this ad won’t make any impact. Plus, a vast number of people say that their appearance of the product and the box it comes in is critical to them.
In addition, by creating a logo and putting it on the packaging, you will raise brand awareness, which is of crucial importance, especially when it comes to e-commerce stores.
Safety
Source: donsmovers.com
Next on, you have to go with something sturdy enough to protect the item. No one likes receiving a long-awaited product only to open to the box and find it damaged, or even worse, broken. This is why you have to be really thorough and wise when it comes to choosing the material.
Luckily, today, you have dozens of options at your disposal, everything from regular cardboard boxes and containers to paper and bubble wraps. Our advice is to try to imagine the path and conditions that your merchandise will have to endure from your house or warehouse to the client’s front door.
Obviously, another thing that you have to take into consideration is the fragility of the object. Do you need waterproof packaging? Do you need to use cushioning? Do you want to use bubble envelopes to ensure safety further? Yes, you will have to buy all of these separately, but it will be worth it in the long run. In addition, they are not as expensive as you think. For example, Bubbel Envelop offers bags of different sizes, and you can learn more about them on the Luchtkussengigant website.
What to consider?
Source: a2zdeliveryleb.com
Furthermore, there are other things that you have to consider when packing and shipping your merchandise. Three crucial points are weight, size, and type of the item. The first thing that you have to think about is the weight. It is of crucial importance in choosing the right packaging. If it is too heavy, you shouldn’t go with a cardboard box because it will probably tear, leaving the item exposed and prone to damages. On the other hand, if it is something light, there is no point in investing in sturdy boxes, because you will end up paying for the shipping fee.
Next, there is the size. If you try to fit an object into a box that is too small, once again, you run the risk of damaging it. Remember those safety issues that we have discussed? On the other hand, if you go with a box that is too big and you cannot fill it, the item will bounce around freely, so it might break.
Finally, there is a type of item. This is especially important if it is something fragile. If this is the case, you should use additional protection layers, like some of those that we have already mentioned, to protect it. One more time, the size of the box has to be right so that there would be enough space for the item and also padding that you will add.
Packing steps
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Before we conclude this text, we will go over steps in this process. Firstly, get the box you have chosen. Don’t forget to ensure that it is of the right size and sturdiness due to the reasons we have discussed. Next, add padding to the bottom of the box, and then place the item inside.
However, don’t forget to put the item into that specially designed paper, bag, or box that you have created. Even though at first glance, the entire packaging will seem ordinary, your customers will have a pleasant surprise when they open it and take out the item.
If you believe it to be necessary, you can include additional protection so that the product is tucked in safely. The following step is to seal the box. Our advice is to use water resistance and pressure-sensitive tape so that the packaging is firm.
Finally, don’t forget to label the box. You would be surprised to learn how many people don’t do this properly, so the package never arrives at the client’s address. Make sure to write down all the necessary information, and also, don’t forget to check if it is readable. If the item is brittle, don’t forget to also write it on the box, so that they couriers would take great care of it.
