[CS] 7 original packaging ideas for your e-shop

There is no shortage of packaging solutions for e-commerce on the market. Yet among the wide range available, you’ll find that most of them are missing something extra, a touch of creativity that could delight your customers and elevate your brand above the competition. The good news: you’ve come to the right place to find original packaging ideas for your e-commerce store, and where you can build customer loyalty by giving them a unique experience after their purchase.

Why create original e-commerce packaging?

If we look at the retail industry, we quickly see the benefits of adopting original packaging for a product. In a brick and mortar store, on the shelves, the product is more visible and therefore easier to sell. On the internet, however, products are revealed without packaging on brand websites. So what is the point of creating original packaging?

There are at least three good reasons to design creative packaging for an e-commerce store:

• Your packaging contributes to the customer experience you offer your customers. It creates emotions in the customer who receives the package and who will remember the experience for a long time.
• They set you apart from your competitors. In e-commerce, no matter what industry you’re in, competition is growing every day. Wrapping your products in original packaging will help you anchor your brand image in the minds of your competitors and stand out in this competition.
• They help build customer loyalty. Remembering a good experience means building customer loyalty.

So many good reasons to keep in mind when looking for an original packaging idea!

7 original e-commerce packaging ideas to consider

Think beyond just printing your e-commerce store packaging with these inspirations for original packaging that will leave a lasting impression in the minds of your customers.

Personalised packaging on the inside

We often think of packaging that can be personalised from the outside, with printing or embossing. While this can be an interesting method, it can be combined with an even more original method: personalising the inside of the packaging. With packaging that looks plain on the outside, but when opened reveals the message on the bottom and flaps of the package or box, you’ll set yourself apart from the competition. Inside the packaging, you can include your logo, your value proposition, the slogan of your current marketing campaign or advice on how to get the most out of your product.

Use our Rajaprint personalisation tool to personalise the different elements of your packaging: with just a few clicks, you can create your original packaging online.

Third-party personalised packaging elements

Personalising third-party elements of your packaging is a method that requires less budget than the previous one, but which can make a huge difference to your customers.

For example, you might consider:

• Personalized adhesive tapes.
• Personalized filler material – you can choose tissue paper, kraft paper or foam filler printed with your logo or slogan, as well as SizzlePak filler material in a variety of attractive colors.
• Personalised labels – print what you want on them and stick them to the inside or outside of the packaging for an original finish.

Uniquely environmentally responsible packaging

Betting on eco-responsibility means surfing a packaging trend that isn’t going away. With eco-friendly packaging legislation getting stricter every year and consumer expectations of sustainability rising, this type of packaging can only be a good investment.

Therefore, choose packaging made from clearly environmentally friendly materials. Packaging made from rigid or corrugated cardboard, kraft paper or recycled or biodegradable materials will show your customers that you are committed to CSR.

By making these commitments visible, you play on authenticity, simplicity and a connection to nature: all values that consumers hold dear.

For example, you might consider:

• A lined envelope – 100% paper, recyclable and protective. It can be personalized.
• Kraft paper tape – Aesthetic and effective. Ensures the security of your shipments while giving them a truly eco-friendly look. It is also organic as it is made from paper sourced from sustainably managed forests.

Don’t forget to indicate on the packaging how it is designed, its low environmental impact and the best disposal method: is it recyclable? Can your target group reuse it instead of throwing it away?

Return packaging

This original packaging idea is interesting if you have a high number of returns or if you offer a ‘satisfaction or return’ guarantee. The return packaging is designed to withstand two shipments and has two closure systems to secure the products in the packaging during both phases of shipment. It may seem like a simple idea, but it makes returns much more convenient for your customers and ensures that your goods are returned to you in good condition.

Design tailored packaging for your e-shop

How about designing your packaging to be more original? This approach can allow you to work on a few differentiating elements:

• Unboxing your products. For example, you may decide to create compartments in your packaging for different parts of the product or add an original cut-out for opening the packaging.
• Delivering to the mailbox in the first round of delivery to give your customers the best possible customer experience.
• Eco-friendly design of your packaging to make it even more environmentally friendly. It’s a good way to differentiate yourself from others if you explain your packaging design to your customers.

Connected packaging

In today’s age of fully digital technology, connected packaging is an interesting original idea.

The concept: you print a QR code on your packaging, whatever it is (boxes, bags, pouches, etc.) or integrate an NFC chip into it. When the customer scans it, they are sent to a website where they can continue their special experience with your brand. You can offer them instructions on how to best use the product, an extra discount on their next purchase on your e-shop, a competition they can take part in…

The only limit is your creativity!

Steps to start creating packaging for your e-shop

Whether you’re focusing on the visual, environmental or connected aspects of your packaging, there are a few key stages you need to go through to design it effectively. First, start by clearly defining the goals of your original packaging design. These may be marketing, communication or logistical goals. This phase requires you to align yourself with the different areas of your business and find out what their expectations and constraints are. You can then create an exhaustive set of specifications to send to your original product packaging designer.

These specifications should include, but are not limited to:

• A description of your product and the constraints associated with it: size, weight, fragility on delivery, etc.
• Required packaging size
• Materials to be used
• The marking to be given on your original packaging
• Graphic card to be respected
• An idea of your budget

Once you have chosen your packaging specialist, draw up a graphic design brief to send to them.

This brief should include:

• Your objectives
• Your target audience
• The context in which you want to create this original packaging (your brand’s value proposition, a new marketing campaign, seasonal boxes or gift wrapping, etc.)
• Creative ideas that you find interesting
• Examples of original packaging that you like

So are you now ready to design original packaging that will leave a lasting positive impression in the minds of your customers?