Whether you are an experienced online seller or just starting, proper product packaging is essential to the success of your business. Packaging is the process of enclosing a product for distribution, storage, sale, and use. Packaging also refers to the materials used to carry or wrap the product.
Not only will proper packaging protect your products during shipping, but it will also give your customers a positive unboxing experience.
Follow these guidelines to ensure your products arrive safely and in good condition.
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Common packaging materials
If you’re new to e-commerce shipping, it can be helpful to think of it as packing a suitcase for a vacation. E-commerce businesses need to use proper materials for product packaging to ensure that their products arrive safely to their customers. Corrugated boxes, cardboard boxes, and bubble wrap are common packaging materials e-commerce businesses use.
Corrugated boxes
Corrugated boxes are popular for packaging products because they offer protection and durability. They are also relatively affordable and easy to find. When shopping for corrugated boxes, find the right size and strength for your products. You should also consider how the box will be used during shipping and handling. For example, if you need to stack boxes on each other, choose boxes with reinforced corners.
There are many factors to consider when deciding on the thickness or ply of your corrugated box. The amount of weight the box will need to hold, the size and shape of the items being shipped, and the type of shipping (air, ground, or sea) all play a role in determining box ply.
The most common types of boxes are 3-ply, 5-ply, and 7-ply. A 3-ply box is typically used for lighter items such as clothing or small home goods. A 5-ply box is stronger and better suited for larger items or items that need more protection during shipping. A 7-ply box is the strongest option and is often used for heavy-duty industrial items.
The type of corrugated board you use will also affect the strength of your box.
Cardboard boxes
Cardboard boxes are one of the world’s most versatile and commonly used packaging materials. They are strong and protect items from being crushed, making them ideal for shipping and storage. Cardboard boxes come in various sizes and shapes and can be customized to meet your needs.
Whether you’re looking for a simple box to ship your latest product or a more complex design to showcase your brand, a cardboard box is perfect.
Bubble wrap
Bubble wrap is often used to cushion items and prevent them from breaking during shipping. When choosing bubble wrap, it is important to consider the bubbles’ size and the material’s thickness. Bubble wrap comes in various sizes, so choosing the right size for your needs is important. The most common sizes are small, medium, and large.
Small bubbles are typically used for smaller items, while medium and large bubbles are better for larger items. The thickness of the material is also important to consider. Bubble wrap comes in various thicknesses, so choosing the right thickness for your needs is important. The most common thicknesses are 3/16-inch and 1/2-inch.
When using bubble wrap, it is important to ensure you do not over-pack the item. Overpacking can lead to damage and breakage. It is better to have too much space in the package than it is to have too little. Bubble wrap can be purchased at most home improvement stores. When buying bubble wrap, make sure that you purchase a brand that meets your needs.
If an e-commerce business does not use proper materials for packaging, its products may be damaged during shipping, and it will have to refund or replace the damaged items. This can cause a business revenue loss and damage its reputation. Customers who receive damaged goods may not order from the business again.
Foam packaging
Foam packaging is a type of packaging that uses foam to protect products. Foam packaging can be used for various products, including electronics, glassware, and fragile items. Foam packaging is often used in conjunction with other types of packaging, such as cardboard boxes or bubble wrap.
Foam packaging has several benefits over other types of packaging. Foam is lightweight and strong, so it can protect products without adding a lot of weight. Foam is also flexible so that it can package products of different shapes and sizes. Additionally, foam packaging is relatively inexpensive and easy to find.
There are a few drawbacks to foam packaging as well. First, foam is not biodegradable, creating waste that can be difficult to dispose of properly.
Styrofoam peanuts
If you’ve ever shipped anything, you’ve probably used styrofoam peanuts. These small pieces of foam can fill empty spaces in a box and protect your items during shipping. While they protect your items, they’re not so great for the environment.
Styrofoam is not biodegradable, meaning it will sit in landfills for centuries. If you’re looking for a more sustainable option, consider using recycled paper instead of styrofoam peanuts.
Recycled paper
Recycled paper is made from post-consumer waste, meaning that it is recycled from materials that have already been used by consumers and would otherwise end up in a landfill. This makes it a much more environmentally friendly option than using new resources to create packaging.
In addition to being eco-friendly, recycled paper can be Customized to fit your brand and products. You can choose from various colours, sizes, and shapes to find the perfect packaging for your business. And because it’s made from recycled materials, you can feel good knowing that you’re helping to reduce waste and preserve our planet’s resources.
Use self-adhesive tapes to seal the packaging box.
Self-adhesive tapes are an easy and efficient way to seal your packaging boxes. They provide a stronghold to secure your items during shipping and handling. Additionally, self-adhesive tapes are quick and easy to apply, saving time and money.
Many different types of self-adhesive tapes are available on the market so that you can find the perfect one for your needs. Whether you need clear tape for easy labelling or heavy-duty tape for extra protection, self-adhesive tape will suit your needs.
Adhesive tapes with a higher tack level will stick to surfaces better and be less likely to fall off or peel away from the surface.
Clearly label the package.
Include all relevant information, including the recipient’s and your return address, and special instructions (e.g., “Fragile – Handle with Care”).
It is important to have a shipping label easily visible on your product. This will let customers know where the product comes from and how to track their order. You can use various materials for your shipping labels, but ensure they are durable and won’t rub off easily. You should also include instructions on the label if the customer needs to return the product.
How to Buy Affordable Packaging Supplies?
If you are looking for affordable packaging supplies, there are a few places you can check out. Depending on what type of packaging supplies you need, you might be able to find them at a local dollar store or discount store. You can also find affordable packaging supplies online. Some websites that sell packaging supplies offer free shipping if you spend a certain amount of money.
As a small business, one of the most important things you can do to cut costs is to be smart about your packaging supplies. Here are a few tips:
1. Shop around for the best prices on packaging supplies.
Several online retailers offer competitive pricing on shipping supplies. To find the best deals, it’s worth taking the time to compare prices from different vendors. Remember that some retailers offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount, so considering the total cost is worth considering.
In general, you can expect lower prices on packaging supplies if you order in bulk. But if you only need a few items, there are still plenty of options for finding affordable packaging supplies.
2. Compare prices on different types of packaging materials.
Some materials may be more expensive than others, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best option. It’s important to find a balance between cost and quality when choosing packaging supplies.
One way to save money on packaging supplies is to buy in bulk. This can be a great option if you know you’ll be using a lot of a certain material. Buying in bulk can also help you get better supplier discounts and deals.
Another way to save money is to shop around and compare prices from different suppliers. This can be time-consuming, but it’s worth ensuring you get the best deal possible. You can also look for online coupons or promo codes before purchasing.
3. Consider using recycled or recyclable packaging materials.
Regarding packaging supplies, one of the most important things to consider is whether or not the materials are recyclable or made from recycled materials. This is important for two reasons: first, it can help you save money; second, it can help reduce your company’s environmental impact.
There are several ways to find affordable packaging supplies made from recycled materials. One option is to buy bulk from a supplier specialising in eco-friendly packaging. Another option is to look for recycled materials at local craft stores or online retailers.
When choosing recycled packaging materials, it’s important to ensure they meet your needs regarding durability and quality. You’ll also want to ensure they are compatible with your company’s shipping and storage infrastructure.
