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

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

Why create original ecommerce packaging?

If we look at the retail sector, 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 e-commerce stores:

• Your packaging contributes to the customer experience you offer your customers. It creates an emotion in the customer who receives the packaging and who will remember the experience for a long time.
• They differentiate you from your competitors. In ecommerce, no matter what industry you’re in, the 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 you’re looking for an original packaging idea!

7 original packaging ideas to consider

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

Personalised packaging inside

We often think of packaging that can be personalised on 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. By using packaging that looks plain on the outside, but when opened reveals a message on the bottom and flaps of the package or box, you can 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 individual elements of your packaging: with just a few clicks, you can create your original packaging online.

Third party personalised packaging elements

Personalising third-party packaging elements is a method that requires a smaller 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 look.

Clearly environmentally responsible packaging

Betting on eco-responsibility means surfing packaging trends that won’t go away. With eco-friendly packaging legislation becoming stricter year on year and consumer expectations of sustainability increasing, this type of packaging can only be a good investment.

So 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 are playing on authenticity, simplicity and a connection with nature: all values that consumers hold dear.

For example, you might consider:

• A lined envelope – 100% paper, recyclable and protective. It can be personalised.
• Kraft paper paper adhesive tape – Aesthetic and effective. It guarantees the security of your parcels while giving them a truly eco-friendly appearance. It is also eco-friendly 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 method of disposal: is it recyclable? Can your target group reuse it instead of throwing it away?

Repackaging

This original packaging idea is interesting if you have a high number of returned products 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 transport. It may seem like a simple idea, but it makes returning goods much more convenient for your customers and guarantees that your goods will be returned to you in good condition.

Design tailored to your packaging

How about designing your packaging to be more original? This approach can allow you to work on more 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 to open the packaging.
• Delivering to the mailbox in the first round of delivery to give your customers the best customer experience possible.
• Eco-friendly design of your packaging to make it even more environmentally friendly. It’s a good way to differentiate yourself from the rest if you explain to your customers how the packaging is designed.

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, it is 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 in your store, a competition they can enter…

The only limit is your creativity!

Steps to start creating packaging for your e-shop

Whether you’re focusing on the visual, environmental or interconnected 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 initial packaging design. These may be marketing, communication or logistical objectives. 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 the designer of the original product packaging.

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 placed 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 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?