The Swiftpak guide to ecommerce packaging for your business

With more and more customers moving online to make their purchases each year, it’s absolutely vital that ecommerce brands step up and ensure they make a lasting impression on customers. Of course, your brand, products, website, and customer service all play a role in this, but packaging is a detail that many wrongly overlook.

Not only does your ecommerce packaging solution serve functional purposes such as protection and delivery details, but it’s an extension of your brand that represents credibility and professionalism. Matching your package with a value proposition and branding is a power move that leaves a lasting impression on customers, making them want to come back for more.

So, how do you decide which ecommerce packaging to use? What’s the best type for your business’s needs? And what should be included in your solution?

In this guide, we explore all you need to know about ecommerce packaging so that you can create an unforgettable customer experience.

What is ecommerce packaging?

Ecommerce packaging is the packaging used to ship a product to a consumer once a purchase has been made online. It must be travel-friendly and protect the contents from any damage throughout its journey. Typical ecommerce packaging includes, but is not limited to, an outer container, infill materials, and adhesive tape.

Why is ecommerce packaging important?

Being the first physical touch point a customer has with your brand, the right ecommerce package will help your business stand out amongst competition.

However, the wrong packaging choice can lead to a snowball effect of issues. When a product becomes damaged due to poor ecommerce packaging, this weakens customer satisfaction and therefore retention, which can lead to poor online reviews and a wounded reputation. As well as costs for the business to send out a replacement.

To ensure this isn’t a concern for your business, there are two vital aspects of ecommerce packaging that should be addressed: Protection and marketing.

Protection

The primary reason ecommerce packaging is so important is because it protects what you’re selling. It’s a simple objective.

With a successful ecommerce packaging solution, shipping and distribution becomes a stress-free process for your business. You’ll have a pool of happy customers with undamaged products ready to leave positive reviews.

Plus, a minimised risk of refunds and exchanges – an otherwise costly and time consuming task for your business.

Marketing

From a marketing perspective, ecommerce packaging provides a lot of return when smart investments are made.

With the right design and use of materials, you can create a meaningful unboxing experience for customers to remember – an essential part of building brand equity.

Think of ecommerce packaging as a differentiator from your competitors. Once a customer experiences what you have to offer, it should make their choice of reordering a lot easier.

What are the types of ecommerce packaging?

There are several types of ecommerce packaging to choose from, and what your business opts for will depend on several factors. From the weight, size, shape, and breakability of your product, through to brand sustainability goals, your packaging must support both its content and your business objectives.

Corrugate boxes

As the leading choice for ecommerce packaging solutions, corrugate boxes are sturdy, eco-friendly and relatively lightweight.

For heavier or fragile items prone to breakages, double wall cartons offer an added layer of protection. They’re one of the most secure types of ecommerce packaging and preferred by couriers due to their resilience and durability.

Another popular option is a crash lock box - a self-locking cardboard box that is quick and easy to package, without the need for tape. Sound interesting? For more information on this product, please contact our team at Swiftpak today.

Mailing bags and envelopes

When shipping lighter and smaller items, mailing bags or envelopes can offer adequate protection in a more compact way. They’re surprisingly strong, easy to store and can be purchased as self-sealing options.

Padded mailers

Padded mailers are similar to mailing bags and envelopes, but offer a step up in terms of protection. With additional padding lined across the inside, this solution offers an ideal way to protect small, delicate items such as artwork, CDs, jewellery, and lots more.

What should be included in your ecommerce packaging?

Your ecommerce packaging solution should be based on your product. business goals, and any industry regulations. However, there are certain criteria that cannot be missed when it comes to creating a successful ecommerce package. These are, but should not be limited to:

• A package design/print that fits seamlessly into your brand
• Messaging that is consistent and shows brand personality
• A solution that is sustainable, i.e., recyclable.
• Protection and cushioning aimed to minimise damage
• A form of promotional insert
• The right size to avoid shipping air

Ecommerce packaging from the experts

At Swiftpak, we have over 45 years’ experience working with brands to create ecommerce packaging that creates a positive customer experience. Our solutions are designed specifically to meet your needs as a business and offer maximum protection for your products during shipment.

If you’re looking to take your ecommerce efforts to the next level, our packaging experts would love to hear from you. We’re standing by to answer any questions you have and look forward to creating a solution your product deserves. Contact Swiftpak today.