What Is eCommerce Ready Packaging

If you’re in the eCommerce world, packaging is definitely not something you want to neglect! While many online retailers think that focusing on their products or branding in general is enough to bring in the big bucks, packaging can be a major component of your online business’ success. How is that possible? 

As it turns out, eCommerce requires specific types of packaging that greatly differ from their retail counterparts. However, instead of thinking of this as a hassle, think of it as an opportunity to set yourself apart from the competition by utilizing effective and exciting eCommerce ready packaging. 

What Is eCommerce Ready Packaging?

Essentially, eCommerce ready packaging is packaging that eCommerce retailers can use to ensure that their products can safely and successfully arrive at your customer’s doorstep. While this may seem like a simple and straightforward task, there’s really so much more to it than meets the eye. 

This is because the shipping process can be rough and uncontrollable—leading to many damaged or broken products along the way. To address this reality, eCommerce ready packaging has been designed and tested to withstand all sorts of shipping woes so that your products can arrive in one piece.

Why Do You Need eCommerce Ready Packaging?

You need eCommerce ready packaging because these products that are purchased online and then shipped out to customers need to be packaged differently when compared to products that are shipped out to stores and purchased by customers off the shelves. These scenarios are totally different. 

One requires eye-catching packaging to set itself apart from competitors on crowded shelves while the other requires durable and insulated packaging to ensure that the product arrives in one piece since it has already been purchased. 

However, don’t take the latter scenario to mean that the appearance of eCommerce packaging doesn’t matter as much since the customer isn’t basing the purchase on the packaging itself. Instead, think of it as just another way to impress your customer before they even open the box and see the actual product! 

As an eCommerce retailer, odds are that you’re always looking for more ways to connect with your customers since you can’t in-person—well, this is one of them. But don’t just take our word for it; the numbers back it up as well. A recent survey found that 40% of consumers are likely to make repeat purchases from an online merchant that has premium packaging. 

So before you discount the importance of eCommerce ready packaging since your customers aren’t basing their purchase on packaging alone, think of it as a way to potentially ensure repeat business or increase customer satisfaction—which should be huge goals for any eCommerce business. 

Challenges Of eCommerce Shipping

That being said, eCommerce shipping presents unique challenges that need to be met by packaging that is specifically designed for eCommerce. We have already touched on some of these challenges, but let’s go more in-depth so that you can truly understand how this type of packaging can work for your online business: 

• Protecting products from the rough shipping environment that can leave many products damaged or broken without the right protection.
• Providing compact and lightweight options that help avoid unnecessarily high shipping costs caused by larger sizes and heavier weights. 
• Providing an exciting “unboxing” experience to make a positive impression on your customer and increase anticipation of the arrival of the package. 
• Keeping your messaging on-brand by using strategically designed packaging that matches your brand logos, fonts, colors, patterns, etc., for a cohesive consumer experience from website to the package’s arrival.
• Eliminating wasteful products that may not really serve a purpose or aren’t completely recyclable. 

Types Of eCommerce Ready Packaging

With these challenges in mind, it’s now time to cover some of the different types of eCommerce ready packaging that have been designed to conquer these challenges. Here are some of the most common types of packaging used within the eCommerce world:

• Corrugated boxes: Corrugated boxes are one of the most common types of packaging used within eCommerce. This is because these boxes are durable and sturdy while still being lightweight and cost-effective. They also get bonus points for being recyclable! 
  There are also many different options when it comes to types and designs of corrugated boxes—so odds are that you can find the right option for you. Some of the most common types of corrugated boxes used for eCommerce purposes include custom mailer boxes, one-piece folder boxes, and shipping boxes. 
• Padded mailers: Padded mailers are another common type of packaging used within eCommerce. Padded mailers are essentially envelopes with added protection such as bubble wrap or recycled paper. This added protection makes padded mailers ideal for shipping smaller, flat, or delicate items. 
• Bags and envelopes: Bags and envelopes without added protection are also used by many eCommerce retailers—especially those that sell light yet durable items that don’t require any special handling accommodations. These bags are commonly made out of materials like poly or plastic and work especially well for shipping out lightweight garments. 
• Custom packaging: Finally, we have custom packaging. This may be the unsung hero when it comes to eCommerce ready packaging due to its quality and customization. This option allows you to create the perfect packaging accommodations and design for your products and brand. 

Should You Go Custom?

If you’re intrigued by the idea of custom packaging for your eCommerce business, you should be! Many retailers are using custom packaging to really set themselves apart from the competition. Custom packaging allows you to brand your packaging by featuring your brand logo, colors, designs, etc. When this beautiful package arrives at your customer’s door, they will be instantly excited by its arrival and totally ready for the unboxing. 

Many small retailers incorrectly assume that they shouldn’t prioritize custom packaging because it isn’t worth the cost. However, we have found the investment to be worth it 100% as a way to promote your brand image and brand awareness before your customer even sees the actual product. Not only does this increase customer satisfaction right off the bat, but it also increases the likelihood of repeat purchases down the line. 

Choosing The Right Custom Packaging Provider

All that being said, not all custom packages are created equal. In order for this to really be a solid investment for your eCommerce business, you need to work with the right custom packaging provider. With so many different options out there, this is really easier said than done! Thankfully, we are here to help you narrow it down so that you can confidently choose the right provider to partner with you and help you along your business journey. 

We recommend choosing a custom packaging partner that produces all their products in-house within the United States for quality and consistency purposes. We also recommend that you choose a custom packaging partner that has worked with both large and small companies—and is familiar with the needs and challenges that face these very different types of businesses. 

Luckily for you, Box Genie fits all of these requirements and then some thanks to almost 50 years in the business all while being family-owned and operated. Box Genie is ready to help you figure out what you need to find the best products and designs so that you can continue to grow your online business into the future. 

How To Design Custom Packaging For eCommerce?

While we definitely recommend reaching out to the experts at Box Genie for help designing your custom eCommerce ready packaging, there are some things that you need to have nailed down first to make the process easier for everyone. Here are some things to think about when designing your custom packaging:

• Your brand image, mission, vision, and values. 
• Your ideal customer. 
• Your products and shipping process. 
• Your storage situation.
• Your budget. 

With all these things in mind and help from the pros, you’ll be well on your way to designing perfect custom packaging for your eCommerce business. In fact, Box Genie even offers an easy-to-use online design process that allows you to choose all your specifications and virtually view a sample before you order. 

Final Thoughts On eCommerce Ready Packaging

As you can see, eCommerce ready packaging is a must for any online retailer looking to keep their products safe throughout the shipping process while impressing their customers at the same time. By working with the pros like Box Genie, it’s totally possible for you to design custom eCommerce ready packaging for your business based on your needs, brand, and products. So before you send out another item in a boring sleeve or cardboard box, think about what eCommerce packaging can do for you—we guarantee that you won’t be disappointed in the results. 

Sources:

1. https://dotcomdist.com/2016-ecommerce-packaging-study/
2. https://www.shopify.com/blog/ecommerce-packaging#9
3. https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/75648