TIPS ON PACKAGING TO PREVENT THEFT OF YOUR PRODUCTS

Do you run an e-commerce business, and have your customers’ orders stolen without them receiving them first? Are you worried that other people might take your products during the transportation of the goods? You are not alone. The fear of product theft is a major concern in the digital world. According to Package Theft Statistic by C+R Research (2020), based on a survey of 2,000 consumers, last year 43% of Americans failed to receive some of their online orders due to theft.

What’s more, this is a problem that has been increasing with the COVID-19 pandemic, as in 2019 the percentage of those affected was lower, more precisely 36%. In 2020, the average cost of stolen packaging was $136. In short, a report by Checkpoint Systems reveals that the products most affected by thefts are fashion, beauty, DIY, electronics and food.

Therefore: when a customer suffers one of these thefts, it is quite common for the brand to take responsibility and, as a courtesy, proceed to send a new order. However, this practice ends up hurting the company’s results in the long run, with losses that, although at first seem insignificant, end up being larger than expected.

We give you good news. Packaging can help you reduce the theft rate of your parcels. Take note and keep thieves at bay with these measures!

What makes a package catch the eye of thieves?

Based on a 2017 study by Shorr on the habits of balcony thieves (thus characterised by their tendency to steal other people’s parcels), there are certain external features that make a package more likely to be stolen:

• Location of the box, bag, parcel or envelope. In 33% of cases, it is simply a matter of timing. If the package is unsupervised, for example, in front of an empty house, in a doorway, stacked in the street or inside a van that is open, the thief will feel they are at less risk of being caught.

• Brand mention on packaging. Although we are big advocates of personalised packaging, using it when there is a risk of theft may not be indicated, in the opinion of 31% of respondents.
• External clues that give an idea of the nature of the contents. For 20% of people surveyed, when a package carries labels that warn of the fragility of its contents, or that directly detail what is inside, we are giving thieves clues.
• Size of the box. Big or small boxes? The smaller the better. 13% of respondents believe that large boxes attract more attention, as they can be seen from a distance.
• Shape of the box. For 3% of people, an embossed package is also not a good idea as it can give clues of what’s underneath.

How to avoid package theft depending on the package?

People, more savvy, who shop online have developed their own tactics to avoid theft. C+R Research indicates that 64% of respondents want to be at home to receive their parcels in person. However, 24% choose to pick them up from shops, 19% demand signature delivery, 13% pick them up from the carrier’s headquarters and 11% choose a friend or family member’s address where the parcel can be delivered.

Even so, for your e-commerce, you can consider other actions based on choosing good packaging to increase the security of your shipments:

1. Discreet packaging: the secret for not being caught unawares. Discreetpackaging prevents other people – thieves included – from finding out what is inside the package. Discreet packaging is not incompatible with personalisation or brand communication, it just becomes evident when unpacking. The result is, therefore, packaging that is less conspicuous and, consequently, less eye-catching for thieves.

2. Burglar-proof closure systems.

In short:

The fact that a box or envelope is difficult to open also has, above all, a deterrent effect on thieves. At RAJA, we offer highly secure closing systems to strengthen your shipments.

• Adhesive tapes reinforced with filaments. As strong as a strapping tape and immune to abrasion.
• Security seals, plastic or metal.
• Postal boxes with reinforced closure. They incorporate two side flaps that make opening difficult.
• Bags and envelopes made of opaque plastic. They keep the contents away from prying eyes. When sending valuable objects or confidential documents, bet for example on our high security opaque plastic bags, with adhesive closure that warns of any attempt to tear them and with an individual tracking code. The most reliable!

At RAJA we have all thepackaging for your e-commerce, 100% in stock and with deliveries in 48/72 hours. Order now and equip your e-commerce with the most secure packaging products on the market!