The way your customers receive your products can make or break their perception of your business. There’s nothing quite so damaging to your reputation as a credible supplier than to have a parcel arrive at its destination looking like it’s been dragged through a rubbish tip – or worse – to have it crushed or broken. The care you take to ensure your goods arrive in the same condition they leave your warehouse, speaks volumes about the way you do business.
The world of packaging is quite complex. As an ecommerce shop, considering the different packaging options, may feel overwhelming. So, let’s take a quick look at the most common types of packaging and make it a little simpler for you to choose:
Poly bags or Satchels
There are times when the situation calls for bags, such as when you are shipping objects that aren’t super fragile. Poly bags range from single layer to gusseted, with a variety of different closures. They’re lightweight, flexible, and financially friendly. What they aren’t – is particularly eco-friendly.
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Bubble Mailers
Bubble mailers have a more durable exterior paper or plastic layer and have an internal layer of bubble wrap. These bags offer more support and protection and are often used for mailing small products. However, since bubble mailers are flexible, they shouldn’t be used to send fragile or paper-based products that will be ruined by bending.
Palletization
Unless you are selling really large items such as furniture, pallets made of timber/heavy cardboard are mostly used for industrial/commercial shipping purposes and not domestic/retail operations such as the average online supplier.
Cardboard Boxes
Constructed from kraft paper, cardboard boxes come in so many different shapes, sizes, designs and styles, that there’s bound to be one that suits your online shop. They’re sturdy, can withstand moderate weight and provide cushioning thanks to the corrugated material used between the layers of kraft paper.
Divided into “stock” or regular cardboard boxes and specialty boxes, there are more choices than you might realise.
Roll Over End Boxes
These come in a variety of different styles, including “Lock-Front” and “Tuck-Top”. The configuration determines what they are suitable for, but generally, roll over end boxes are unsuitable for transporting goods. They are mostly used for things like pizza boxes and shelf storers.
Lock-front boxes are excellent for shipping as they are economical, sturdy, and attractive. The flaps on the sides tuck inside the box, creating a secure package.
Crash Lock Bottom
These boxes are built with a folding mechanism that allows the cardboard flaps to interlock with each other simply by pushing down on them as you open the box creating a quickly- assembled sturdy base. This box design offers quick set-up time and saves on tape. They are handy when it’s important to assemble and ship a package quickly and efficiently.
Regular Slotted
Stock boxes such as these are the industry standard and come in a wide variety of sizes. If you don’t have custom requirements, then this is a good, economical option. These boxes have flaps that are all equal in length, with at least two of the parallel sides meeting in the middle.
Full Flap Overlap
Full flap overlap boxes are a variation of regular slotted boxes. The main difference between them is the parallel flaps that entirely cover the opening of the box. These boxes are sturdier than the standard stock boxes and are less likely to be disfigured while being transported.
Paperboard Boxes
Paperboard boxes are made from pliable, non-corrugated cardboard. They come in both brown kraft (unbleached) material and white (bleached). Paperboard is not usually used as a shipping material as it isn’t sufficiently sturdy or rigid. Common uses are for shelf packaging (displays), pharmaceuticals, cosmetic packaging, and gift boxes.
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How to decide what to use?
Now that we have looked at the different types of packaging available, how do you decide what’s the best option for ecommerce? Obviously, your specific circumstances and requirements – what you are selling (large pieces of furniture or candles?), your budget for packaging (a start-up or established company?), what your customers expect (is “unboxing” a big part of your aesthetic?) etc – will help you make that decision. Here at Inbox Group, we are ready to help you work out which box is the best fit for your business and your products.
Cardboard – the best packaging choice for ecommerce
From our experience as packaging experts here at Inbox Group, it’s clear that cardboard packaging – whether fancy, custom-printed roll-end boxes or plain, sturdy cartons – is the number one choice for online suppliers. When buying custom boxes, the shape, size, and configuration is only limited by your imagination. But if custom-designed is out of your budget, there are so many stock options available that you can be almost certain to find something that suits your requirements.
Don’t forget sustainability
In addition to being light, strong, and durable, cardboard is one of the easiest of materials to recycle. Over 93% of cardboard worldwide is currently being recycled and as an end-user of packaging, you can do your bit to ensure this trend continues by adding a simple recycling message to your parcels; perhaps a (recyclable!) paper insert or printing on the boxes. This is great news for the environment and makes sense when the largest demographic of online shoppers – the so-called ‘Millennials’ aged 25-34 – is also the most environmentally aware.
Unboxing – it’s a thing!
Providing a great unboxing experience – described as the action of removing products from their packaging (duh!) – for your customers and ensuring their purchases arrive in perfect condition, are keys to a successful ecommerce store. If you are primarily targeting an audience that is active on social media, it is wise to connect with their vibe. Make sure your packaging fills the “unboxing desire” by sending your goods in a sturdy, economical, attractive cardboard carton and don’t forget the little things like a personal message and a tiny, meaningful gift.
Be like Goldilocks…
At Inbox Group, we go out of our way to make sure our valued customers are receiving the right advice. We want to be sure that you beat those grumpy, careless delivery drivers who don’t give a wrap about your packages. We want to be sure your packaging is perfect, so your customers become raving fans of your business. Cardboard packaging makes so much sense and ticks all the boxes! It’s strong. It’s light. It’s sturdy. And it’s environmentally friendly. It’s "just right"!