5 TIPS ON HOW TO REDUCE YOUR PACKAGING SIZE (AND SHIPPING COSTS)

When customers receive an order, inside the packaging they find three things: the products ordered, the filling materials (which protect them during transport) and a large amount of empty space. Likewise, empty space is the result of a number of failures, during the packaging process, that cause companies to lose a total of $46 billion annually globally, according to the Forbes Insights study for DS Smiths.

So the research reveals that “at least a quarter of what manufacturers ship is empty space”. And it turns out that carriers calculate the rate of each package, which they transport, based not only on its actual weight, but also on its volumetric weight. In this way, every cubic centimetre of box is money that is wasted. In other words: you are paying more for shipping air.

In conclusion, the logistical expense that comes from using very large packaging is a real waste. Therefore, you urgently need to take steps to reduce the volumetric weight of your business or e-commerce parcels. Above all, the good news is that to achieve this you only need to follow these five tips to reduce the size of your packaging and, moreover, the associated transport costs.

1. Review your shipments: how much empty space is left?

For example, the first thing you should do is conduct an audit of your shipments. In addition, you should also review the packaging you use so your order management tool or ERP system will be a great help. You should therefore take two things into account:

a) Product characteristics

• Nature (liquid, solid, fragile, etc…)
• Weight;
• Size.

b) Packaging used

• Size and type of boxes, envelopes, tubes, etc;
• Add filling materials.

For example, this study allows you to identify cases where empty space is truly remarkable and to establish priorities for reducing the size of your packaging.

2. Adapt the packaging to the characteristics of your products

Now that you know where to start, it is time to optimise your packaging. For example, evaluate in which situations it is more appropriate for you to bet on:

• Smaller boxes, of different types or adjustable height;
• Padded or rigidenvelopes for smaller items; or bags, instead of boxes.

Furthermore, with the audit of your orders, you will have been able to identify a common standard in your size or typology. After that, you will be able to fine-tune the measurements of your new packaging. At RAJA, we help you find the right size of packaging:

• Box Selector, for customised boxes. With over 900 references at your disposal.
• Bag Selector, for personalised bags. With 800 formats in stock.

“We highlight the joint work with RAJA in the search for types of packaging: film, ribbons and storage material. RAJA always advises us. In addition, it has allowed us to group all purchases of warehouse material in a single supplier.”

Victor Layunta (Logistics Director at Pecomark)

3. Involve the whole company in reducing the size of packaging

Above all, the packaging optimisation process must be participative and involve the different departments of the company, or it won’t work. Remember that there is no point in getting rid of empty space in your packaging if it hinders your internal tasks, or weakens your customer’s shopping experience. Especially when it comes to unboxing. However, to avoid this, you should seek the opinion of these three areas:

Production

Use packaging that is easy to handle, that is safe and that allows you to pack as quickly as possible.

Marketing and Customer Service

You will weigh brand image, customer interaction and the impact of the packaging on the perception of your company, as well as purchase intent.

Logistics and Transport

Go for a minimal packaging, with less weight and volume.

Test and Learn’: do tests on a small scale

In the same way that you decide which changes you wish to apply to reduce the size of your packaging, we suggest that you also use the “Test and Learn” methodology. In other words, do, for example, some tests on a small scale, with a reduced number of orders and customers.

In this test, you should take into account two key variables:

• Resistance of packaging: now that its size is smaller, does it still adequately protect products during transport? Does it ensure they arrive in good condition at their destination?
• Customer experience when opening your order: ask directly or, if necessary, access online tools that measure the Net Promoter Score, i.e. the customer loyalty index to a particular brand.

5. Work with a packaging supplier that is flexible and efficient

In conclusion, not all packaging suppliers are able to adapt to their customers’ needs efficiently and quickly. Therefore, in this new phase in which you want to reduce the size of your packaging without compromising the quality that distinguishes your level of service, it is essential that you find a partner that is on your level.

“One of the most important things for me, who is always fast-paced, is speed. I need suppliers who are quick in responding to emails and phone calls, as well as sending out orders. With RAJA everything is much easier and faster: high quality products, excellence in customer service and short order delivery times.” Marta Carriedo (influencer and founder of the online shop martacarriedocollection.com)

At RAJA we are leaders in the sector, with up to 5,000 references always in stock, personalised service for large accounts and delivery within 48/72 hours. Contact us and we will advise you on how to optimise your packaging accordingly. Follow these 5 tips to reduce the size of your packaging (and save on costs) with us!