9 packaging mistakes not to make in e-commerce

When the customer receives his order, the packaging is the first thing he sees. As we know ,the first 90 seconds are crucial for forming an opinion. It is therefore decisive for the customer, especially for future orders in case of a packaging error. It would be a pity to lose a customer because of a packaging error. To avoid this, RAJA has published a new article on the9 packaging mistakes you should never make in e-commerce.

Mistake 1: Reusing boxes

When boxes have already been used, they may be weakened or even damaged. Reusing them would therefore be a mistake. This would increase therisk of damage to products during handling or transport. Similarly, labels or information attached to the box during the previous shipment may still be present. For the deliverer , this is anelement that can create confusion.

It istherefore preferable touse new boxes to ship your parcels. This ensures that your products are intact and arrive at their destination.

Mistake #2: Using too much tape

While tape is essential for sealing a package, using more than you need is counterproductive. It represents a financial loss for your company, due to wasted material.

For the customer ,the box can be difficult to open: the customer experience suffers. Finally, during transport, it can create an obstacle for handling the box. Simply use the necessary tools to close and secure your package.

To avoid the use of tape, you can opt for returnable boxes. These have an adhesive strip for easy closing and a tear strip for easy opening. A second adhesive strip allows the parcels to be reshipped if necessary.

Mistake 3: Leaving gaps in the package

One of the rules for e-commerce packaging is not to leave any space forvoids, for several reasons. This mistake favours the collapse or deformation of the package during transport. The result: the product inside can be damaged.

There are solutions to fill the vacuum inside the package, thus offering protection against shocks and vibrations during transport. You can do this by using :

	From Kraft paperKraft paper, a 100% recycled and recyclable material designed to cushion and pad the inside of the parcel;
	Some starch cushioning particlesa versatile and economical material thanks to its lightness;
	Paper paper crimp, environmentally friendly, easy to use, antistatic and clean;
	Foam foamfoam, a material that offers shock and scratch protection, ideal for e-commerce shipping of fragile products;
	Or even bubble wrapalso used for fragile and/or heavy products, to be chosen recyclable preferably recyclable[/su_table].

Good to know: the wedging machines improve order picking, both in terms of efficiency and packaging quality. They increase the productivity of your warehouse and make the work of the operators easier. They can be manual or automatic. If you are still not sure which dunnage machine is right for you, test the RAJA machines for free for 1 month.

Mistake 4: Using oversized boxes

Choosing boxes that are too large for the size of the product contained is a mistake that can lead to higher shipping costs. On the one hand, it is more expensive to transport because the package takes up more space. See our guide to optimising the volumetric weight of your parcels to reduce your transport costs.

On the other hand, you will have to use more cushioning material, which is an additional cost. In addition,this increases the risk of damage to products during transport. A box that fits the dimensions of your products is ideal. It is better to have a larger stock of packaging than to face avoidable financial losses.

Mistake 5: Sending the package with an unprotected invoice

The invoice is a particularly important item for the customer. It contains a lot of essential information about the goods being shipped, such as prices, taxes, delivery and billing addresses. For legal and administrative reasons, it should be kept in good condition.

Without protection, it can be torn or damaged in transit. Lost documents can affect the customer experience. At RAJA, we recommend that you place the invoice in a plastic bag or bubble envelope. There are a number of different pockets that are suitable for your invoices:

	The document bag printed on RAJA paper, a model that adheres perfectly to all your media. It is an ecological e-commerce packaging because it is recyclable.
	Or this document bag ultra-resistant thanks to its rigid 70 micron polyethylene film, and offering easy identification thanks to its signage.

Mistake #6: shipping late

A late order can be asource of frustration and disappointment for your customers. By making this mistake, you may end up with negative reviews about your business, returns, or complaints. It is important toensure that you meet your stated delivery times by shipping your orders on time.

Mistake 7: Overpacking products

While it may be tempting to over-package products to provide optimum protection, this is ultimately an unnecessary practice. This7th mistake can lead to additional shipping costs, but also to a waste of your packaging materials.

Choosing the right packaging materials is important for both financial and environmental reasons. You don’t need to use too much material to effectively protect your products if you choose the right box.

Mistake 8: Not taking into account the means of transport

The means of transport used for your shipments has an impact on the speed of delivery, shipping costs and the safety of the products during transport. E-commerce shipments can be made by air, rail, sea or road. Depending on the mode of transport chosen, packages are not subject to the same issues.

It is therefore important to keep control of the means of transport used. Choose a carrier that offers appropriate solutions based on your products, delivery requirements and budget costs. To learn more about how to choose your providers or packaging solutions, see our best practice guide for shipping your parcels.

Mistake 9: Running out of packaging

It is important to manage your packaging stock carefully so that you do not run out of stock. If you do, your parcels will not be able to be packed and you will not be able to meet your delivery deadlines. A delay in shipment can really damage your business, not least because of thenegative impact on the customer experience.

Make sure you always have the stock you need to ship your orders. A inventory management tool, such as a WMSmay be helpful.

Following these 9 tips will help you to ensure the integrity of your packages to your customers. Satisfying consumers with quality packaging and products will encourage them to order again from your e-commerce site: a winning bet for you and your customers.