Packaging
One of the main objections to buying online is the uncertainty about whether the product will arrive on time and in good condition. When we go to a physical store, we can be sure of the conditions of what we buy.
But what about an online store? From the moment the shipment leaves the store until it reaches the end customer, it goes through many intermediaries in the logistics chain. Reducing the risk that the product will arrive damaged or lost is essential to offer an excellent shopping experience.
Why is packaging important for an eCommerce
Investing in good packaging will save you costs associated with product loss and returns, but more importantly: it will help you build customer loyalty and encourage buybacks. Different products require different packing solutions, and finding the right one for your business can be challenging. However, investing in the right packing solution can be a game-changer for your business.
Reviewing these three common mistakes in the packaging of your eCommerce products will help reduce the imponderables in the logistics chain.
1. Choice of packing material
Whether it’s skimping on prices or a lack of advice, many eCommerce choose the wrong packaging materials: a serious mistake in their shipping strategy. The consequences can be from small damage to the total loss of your products.
What is the best packaging material for my eCommerce? It depends a lot on your product, but in general terms, we can recommend:
- Choose sturdy materials, such as cardboard boxes, rather than paper or plastic bags.
- Choose water-resistant polyethylene bags if your products are soft, like clothing.
- Make sure the size is appropriate. Above all, check that the products do not move a lot inside the box.
- Use bubble wrap if you send products of more than one piece, or pack several products in the same box.
- Watch out for the transparent scotch tape. It is not highly recommended as someone can violate the tape and easily replace it.
2. Labeling of packages
Manually labeling your products is a nightmare for couriers and logistics providers, and you would be surprised how common this mistake can be, which can be avoided very easily.
Why is it not a good idea to manually label your products? Think that your handwriting is easy for you to understand, but it may not be so clear for other people. If a courier has to decide whether you wrote a “7” or a “t,” the probability that your order will arrive at the wrong address is raised.
Print your labels and avoid misunderstandings. If you are starting to make more shipments in your eCommerce, it is advisable to invest in an adhesive label printer. Here we explain a little more about it.
3. Aesthetics vs functionality
This is a good discussion. Many eCommerce in Chile continue to send their products in paper bags with a special design for their brand. We love these packaging, and we love knowing that more and more eCommerce is concerned with building a memorable brand.
But what is the problem with this? Beautiful packaging for your eCommerce products should not be synonymous with poorly resistant or theft-prone packaging.
If you want to find a good balance between design and functionality, we recommend keeping these two points in mind:
- Avoid theft. Especially if your brand sells high-value products, it is recommended that the package be as discreet as possible and that the content cannot be seen.
- Protect your products. Avoid boxes with irregular designs or paper bags. Think that these types of packaging enrich the shopping experience in the physical store, but when you need to send them with a courier, they increase the chances of damaging the product.
Find more logistics tips for your eCommerce
These are just some points that you can take into account to improve the way in which your products reach your customers. Working with hundreds of eCommerce, we have found that a small change to your packaging system does wonders for your customer satisfaction.
But there is still a long way to go. Do you want to make your eCommerce shipping system more efficient ?: Here we leave you a selection of our logistics and shipping tips that may be useful to you.
- Start by designing your shipping strategy.
- Check how to calculate the cost of your shipments.
- Learn about the dispatch options available in Chile.
Choose your courier or operator carefully.
