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5 packaging lessons to learn from the big e-commerce companies

5min read 06/05/2020

If you work in the e-commerce sector, you probably follow the way large e-commerce companies, such as Amazon or Zara, ship their products and manage their logistics: well-managed warehouses and infinite stocks, optimised packaging, efficient delivery methods, etc.

By closely observing the quality criteria of these e-commerce sites, we have found valuable tips that you can apply to your online shop.

what are the lessons to be learned from the packaging strategy of large e-commerce? What packaging and systems should be implemented for an optimal customer experience?

  1. Lesson 1

  1. Lesson #1: Make sure your product is well protected first
  2. Lesson # 2: Choose EcoResponsible packaging
  3. Lesson # 3: Optimise the use of packaging
  4. Lesson # 4: Test your packaging

Lesson # 1: Make sure your product is well protected first

To satisfy their customers, large e-commerce companies are clear: it is essential to deliver orders in perfect condition. Imagine the costs these e-commerce companies could incur if their packaging were to arrive damaged, not only financially, but also in terms of image. To avoid this, they choose resistant packaging that protects the products effectively.

Each type of packaging (box, bag, tube, etc.) has qualities of resistance, which can be chosen according to the fragility of the product to be shipped. You should bear in mind that the package, from the moment it passes into the hands of the carrier to your customer, will be handled several times, with more or less caution. So don’t compromise on your choice of packaging!

Also be sure to choose your packaging according to the environmental conditions it may be subjected to during transport: humidity, temperature variations… In some cases, it may be useful to include a desiccant bag (also known as an anti-humidity bag).

Of course, the sealing of your package is also essential to protect it. Here are some best practices:

  • The use of traditional adhesive tape or water-activated gummed tape
  • The use of adhesive tape resistant to specific environmental conditions

In short, your first concern should be to deliver your products as they were presented on the web: in excellent condition, protected by strong and secure packaging.

Lesson # 2: Choose EcoResponsible Packaging

It’s a fact: your customers are increasingly concerned about the impact of packaging on the planet.

The big e-commerce companies are no strangers to this movement and are opting for packaging that reduces the environmental impact. For example, in the Amazon Packaging programme guidelines, we read that:

  • Packaging must be made of recyclable materials
  • It is recommended to display the “recycled” or “recyclable” logos on the packaging

Even without Amazon’s budget, this type of solution is also available for an e-commerce like yours, to limit the environmental impact of your activity and improve your customers’ shopping experience.

Packaging with an eco-friendly design, from renewable resources, certified by eco-labels… The choice is wide, and we are here to offer you eco-friendly alternatives to your usual packaging. To discover them, don’t hesitate to consult the selection of RAJA® EcoResponsible packaging.

In addition to the outer packaging, you can also use ecologically responsible fillers, replacing plastic materials with more environmentally friendly ones such as…

In short, try to put the RAJA® 5 R’s of packaging into practice in your choice. Remember them?

  • Reduce
  • Reuse
  • Replace
  • Renew
  • Recycle

Lesson # 3: Optimise the use of packaging

It is not enough to use eco-friendly packaging to subscribe to fully environmentally responsible e-commerce logistics: the amount of packaging used in packages is also important.

The big e-commerce companies are clear about the need to “avoid overpackaging”: their aim is to avoid wasting packaging materials as much as possible, in an EcoResponsible approach. And also, of course, economically.

how do you use the right amount of material in the packaging of your e-commerce orders?

Start by expanding your range of packaging. Your packaging should be the most suitable for the size of the product sold.

Another good option is “flexible packaging”, such as a cardboard envelope or padded envelope.

Therefore, study the typology of your products and identify those that can be shipped in this type of packaging. The additional advantage of these packages? The possibility of going directly to the mailbox on the first delivery, which guarantees additional customer satisfaction.

Create a simple and pleasant opening experience. To improve the shopping experience of your customers, you need to take care of the opening experience of a package. Unpacking should be quick, pleasant and without significant difficulties.

We already told you this in our article Frustation-free-packaging , Say goodbye to difficult-to-open packaging! Difficult-to-open packaging = bad customer experience

And to go one step further, why not think about creating customised packaging, personalised with your brand colours and perfectly adapted to your products?

Lesson #4: Test your packaging

If you have already decided on a packaging, but you have doubts, the best thing to do is to test it on some of your shipments, either on yourself or on people you trust. Some of the big e-commerce companies also include customer surveys to make sure of this point.

During this testing phase, check for any feedback that may have come up (are the packages easy to handle?)… how did it arrive? This testing process will ensure that you have chosen the best packaging for your products: that it stands up to transport and handling, and that it offers an optimal customer experience.

If you already have an e-commerce or you are about to launch one and you want us to advise you on packaging… Don’t hesitate to contact us!

We are available through our website: www.rajapack.es, our toll free number: 900 877 025 and our email: contacto@rajapack.es

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