10 packaging tips for e-commerce

Time is money – and in the world of e-commerce, it’s probably even more so.We want every order to arrive at its destination as quickly as possible.But the speed with which an order is delivered is not the only important point.Your products must also be well protected and sent efficiently.A damaged product is worthless… Speed, efficiency and customer satisfaction are three factors that are essential for success in e-commerce.The following 10 packing tips will help you to better prepare, pack and send your e-commerce orders.

Our ten packaging tips for e-commerce

► Tip 1: Save time with automatic bottom boxes

The first item on our list is the use of an automatic bottom crate. As the name suggests, this crate assembles automatically and very quickly – much faster than a standard crate. The crate assembles by simply pressing on the sides. This way, your packers don’t waste any time. An automatic bottom crate assembles in 9 seconds. For a standard crate, you would normally need 22 seconds. This makes a big difference at the end of the day: someone packing 250 parcels a day can easily save 1 hour!

► Tip 2: Save money with customised crates

From time to time,

transport can be a bit “turbulent”. To ensure that your products arrive at their destination in perfect condition, you need to make sure that they are protected with the right cushioning. However, the purchase of this material often represents a major brake on your business due to the costs that you want to keep to a minimum. In this case, opt for a variable-height crate or a telescopic crate. Such crates adapt perfectly to the height of your goods. A very practical solution to limit the use of cushioning material in your parcels!

► Tip 3: Think about the environment with recyclable packaging

More

and more consumers are concerned about the environment. A box that is too wide, filled with too much cushioning material is simply no longer acceptable to most consumers, so make sure your boxes are always adapted to the size of your product, but also that they are well recyclable. Environmentally friendly packaging will certainly improve your customer satisfaction and your brand image!

►tip 4: Plan for easy re-shipping

Imagine you buy some clothes online but they don’t fit.You would certainly want to send them back,right? There are already many online shops that offer this option,but your customer needs a crate that allows for a return to do so.Thanks to a pouch or a crate with a ” round trip

“

closure,this concern is quickly solved! This crate has an adhesive closure that can be reused if your customer wants to resend their package.It’s easy for your customer,because they don’t have to search for a new crate anymore… But it’s also easy for you,because you are sure that your product arrives back at your house in a solid and well-sealed crate.

► Tip 5: Avoid accidents with strong boxes

Even if your products are well protected, it’s also important that the box in question arrives at your customer’s door intact. For many customers, a damaged package is a bad sign… And you obviously want to avoid any negative impressions with the customer. For optimal protection, it’s advisable to opt for a double-flute box. A double-flute box is made up of two layers of cardboard and offers – compared to a single-flute box – better protection against shocks.

► Tip 6: Stand out with custom packaging

Attractive packages are often more appreciated by customers. You can easily personalise your packages using your logo or brand colours. Such packages are clearly on the rise. Firstly, they give your brand more visibility but they also increase customer satisfaction. Studies have shown that a personalised package will, in 40% of cases, be shared on social networks or recommended to a friend.¹

► Tip 7: pack faster with the right packaging systems

Your goal should always be to have as little empty space as possible between your product and its packaging.If this is not 100% possible, you will have to fill those empty spaces in your package yourself.Which brings us to number 7 of our packaging tips.Make your own cushioning material in the form of bubble wrap, air cushions or paper filler.All you need is an air cushion or paper cushion machine.In many cases, you can simply rent them (like at RAJA) so you don’t have to make any big investments

► Tip 8: The right protection for your goods

It’s

not always possible to pack your goods in a simple cardboard box and protect them with standard paper or air cushioning, so make sure your cushioning material is tailored to the specifics of your product. For your foodstuffs or medicines, for example, there are insulated boxes that protect them from temperature variations. If you’re sending electronic parts, don’t forget to use anti-static packaging– you’ll recognise this type of packaging by its pink colour. And don’t forget tubes –

the

perfect solution for your photos and posters.

► Tip 9: use easily openable crates

As soon as your customer receives their parcel, all they can think about is opening it as quickly as possible! Make your customer’s life easier and ensure that the box opens easily. 55% of customers are annoyed by the difficulty of opening their parcel*. Don’t wrap your parcel in poor quality adhesive tape, but instead use 1 layer of a quality, strong tape. Also, prefer a box with a pre-cut tab, as this will make your customer’s life easier. Just like a zip, your parcel will be able to be opened straight away.

Source:
^1E-commercePackaging Preferences Survey Shorr