9 packaging mistakes in e-commerce that everyone knows about and still makes

Hand on heart, good e-commerce packaging is actually not witchcraft. Anyone who knows our blog also knows many tips for packaging. But regardless of whether you are an old hand in the e-commerce business or just starting out: there are a few “mistakes” that we all know (or should know) and that still happen to us. Nobody’s perfect.

It’s a matterof getting even better, package by package, because:

Does something appear high-quality and likeable or uncharitable and cheap? The first 90 seconds are decisive in forming an opinion. This applies to a product just as much as to its packaging. When the customer receives his order, the first thing he sees is the shipping packaging. And the first thing they feel in their hands. It is therefore decisive for the first impression.

If the packaging fails, future orders are at risk. Losing a customer because of a mistake in packaging would be a shame. To avoid this, it’s best to save this blog article and send it to your colleagues. Even if you think that the list is a no-brainer – sometimes we have to stop, question ourselves and look at ourselves again. It will be worth it, I promise!

This is what you will find in this article:

• No. 1 Use too much tape
• No. 2: Leave empty space in the package
• No. 3: Use oversized boxes
• No. 4: Reuse boxes
• No. 5: Sending the parcel with an unprotected invoice
• No. 6: Sending the order too late
• No. 7: Repackage products
• No. 8: Do not consider the means of transport
• No. 9: No more packaging in stock
• Bonus error

Packaging mistake no. 1: Using too much tape

A lot helps a lot? Adhesive tape is important to seal a shipping package. BUT using more tape than necessary is counterproductive. And for several reasons:

1. It means unnecessary waste of money and resources: often several metres too much tape is used. At approx. 0.05€ per metre, this quickly adds up to several euros a year. As the Swabian would say: small fry make a mess.
2. For the customer, the box is difficult to open: Anyone who has ever laboriously cut through several layers of adhesive tape knows: the customer experience suffers.
3. During transport, it is an obstacle to handling the box: Adhesive tape can ensure that the package does not slide properly over conveyor belts and that inscriptions such as addresses, are difficult to read. Some shipping service providers have therefore described their own instructions for the correct use of adhesive tape.

Would you rather avoid tape altogether?
Then you can opt for a resealable shipping box. These have an integrated adhesive strip for easy sealing and a tear strip to make opening easier. A second adhesive strip allows you to resend the packages if necessary – for example, for returns.

Packing mistake no. 2: Leave empty space in the package

One of the basic rules of packaging in e-commerce is not to allow any empty space in the package. There are several reasons for this: Firstly, several products in the package can bump into each other and damage each other. Fragile items are particularly susceptible to impact without padding. Secondly, this error favours the collapse or deformation of the package during transport. The result: the product inside can be damaged.

A variety of cushioning material for every purpose fills the cavity inside the package, protecting it from shocks and vibrations during transport.
You can use the following for this purpose:

Packing paper, a 100% recycled and recyclable material designed for stuffing and padding inside the package. It is particularly robust and therefore also suitable for heavy, pointed and angular products.

Cavity filling made of starch or paper, a versatile material that is cost-effective to ship due to its light weight.

Wood wool and paper wool are decorative yet versatile filling materials. They are popular with e-commerce jewellery retailers and anyone who needs an effective product presentation.

Foam cushioning and dimpled foam packaging, the all-in-one packaging for small, fragile products. Foam cushioning is a material that provides impact and scratch protection and is ideal for e-commerce shipments of fragile products.

Or bubble wrap, which is also used for fragile and/or heavy products. RAJA offers bubble wrap that is made from recycled material and is 100% recyclable.

Our tip: Choose sustainable material for filling and padding. This saves resources and also makes an impression on your customers.

Good to know: Padding machines improve the efficiency and quality of packaging during picking. They are powerful, increase the productivity of your warehouse and at the same time make the work of your employees easier. The machines can be operated manually or automatically.

Packing mistake no. 3: Using oversized boxes

A lot of air for nothing: Choosing boxes that are too big in relation to the product they contain can lead to higher costs when packing and shipping. For one thing, it will be more expensive to transport, as the package takes up more space. Which also means more CO2 emissions and a poorer environmental balance.

On the other hand, you have to use more cushioning material, which causes additional costs and wastes resources. It also increases the risk that the products will be damaged during transport. It is best to choose a box that matches the size of your products. It is better to have a larger stock of packaging than to accept avoidable financial losses.

You are particularly flexible with slip lid boxes and telescopic boxes that adapt to the respective height of the product.

Packaging mistake no. 4: Reusing cartons

Eco-hearts must now be strong. If cardboard boxes have already been used, they may be weakened or even damaged. It would therefore be a mistake to simply reuse them. Any defects favour the risk of damage to the products during handling or transport. Labels or information that were attached to the box during the previous delivery may also still be on it. This can be confusing for the delivery person. Before reusing cartons, you should at least be able to ensure that they are intact. Any labels should be completely removed or taped over.

It isbetter to recycle old cartons and use “new” recycled cartons. In this way, the valuable material cardboard is still preserved without you having to fear a loss of quality.

One exception is the carton optimised for returns from our “Mistake No. 2”.

Packing mistake no. 5: Sending the parcel with an unprotected invoice

Invoices and delivery notes are particularly important elements for the customer. This is because they contain a lot of important information about the products shipped, such as prices, taxes, delivery and billing address. For legal or administrative reasons, invoices must be kept in good condition.

Without protection, documents can be torn or damaged during transport. Their loss can affect the customer experience. At RAJA, we recommend that you pack documents in a designated document envelope or in a reinforced envelope. There are various envelopes that are suitable for this:

Document pockets from RAJA adhere to all your materials and can be attached to the outside of the box. Many models are environmentally friendly e-commerce packaging because they are recyclable.

Packaging mistake no. 6: Shipping the order too late

No excuse! Sometimes it’s really stressful in the warehouse and packing, the right packing material is missing (see mistake no. 9) or a product is not in stock. This can happen to anyone. But remember: an order shipped too late can lead to frustration and disappointment for your customers. If you make this mistake, you risk negative reviews about your business, returns or even complaints. It is important to make sure that you meet the stated delivery times by shipping your orders on time. If this is really not possible, inform your customers as soon as possible, give reasons for the delay and give an outlook on when your customers can expect the delivery. Simple, but effective!

Packaging mistake no. 7: Repackaging products

Repackaging already packaged products may be tempting to offer optimal protection, but it is ultimately an unnecessary practice. This seventh mistake can not only lead to extra shipping costs, but also waste your packaging material. Extra expense included. However, you should never send products ONLY in their original outer box, this looks dubious, gives away the contents and could attract thieves. Always choose neutral shipping packaging.

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

Packaging mistakes Mistake no. 8: Not taking the means of transport into account

Your chosen mode of transport for shipping will affect the speed of delivery, shipping costs and the safety of the products during transit. E-commerce shipments can be sent by plane, train, ship or road. Depending on the chosen means of transport, the packages are not exposed to the same problems. Particular requirements apply to air transport, sea transport and export in general.

It is therefore important to know about the means of transport used. Choose a forwarder with suitable solutions that are tailored to your products, delivery requirements and budget costs.

Packaging mistake Mistake No. 9: No packaging left in stock

It is important that you always keep track of your stock of packaging. If packaging material is missing, your packages cannot be packed – and you cannot meet the specified delivery deadlines. Late shipping can really hurt your business, as it has a negative impact on the customer experience, among other things (see mistake #6).

Make sure you always have the necessary shipping materials to ship your orders. A warehouse management tool, such as a WMS, can help you with this

.

Our tip: Hoarding helps. Buy in stock! With many products in the RAJA online shop you get a scale discount for large quantities.