What is e-commerce packaging?

 

E-commerce packaging is one of the most important aspects of running a successful online business. However, e-commerce packaging often ends up being a missed opportunity by countless otherwise successful stores. In essence, e-commerce packaging solutions are a way to simultaneously reduce waste and maximize profits while also enhancing the unique brand experience that your shoppers will get with every purchase.

 

Specialized e-commerce packages are much more than simply shipping your product out in a standard cardboard box. There are numerous subtle (and not so subtle) differences that make it a much more sustainable and profitable alternative for your business.

 

Epic Packaging specializes in helping e-commerce sellers succeed with the help of custom e-commerce packaging. The technology we use when creating solutions for clients is designed to protect the product every step of the way and enhance the customer's unboxing experience.

 

The various methods of packaging for an online store can include virtually any box (or other material) the product is shipped in. But we believe that e-commerce packaging is more than just a piece of cardboard or plastic; it's an integral part of the overall experience your customers have with your brand. And nothing dictates the success of your business more than the customer experience. Epic Packaging understands this, which is why we are dedicated to helping you build trust with your customers through our e-commerce packaging services.

 

Why is packaging important for e-commerce?

 

e-commerce packages are an afterthought in your business plan, it’s time to move them to the forefront. These specifically-designed packages serve multiple purposes in protecting your products, brand reputation, and customer satisfaction ratings. Let's go over a few of the most important business benefits of using e-commerce packaging for your products.

 

Customer experience

First impressions are everything, and perhaps the most crucial reason why Direct-to-Customer (DTC) packaging matters is the experience that it provides for a customer. Sure, the contents of the package are the most important part, but the way the customer receives it can frame the entire experience and create either positive or negative reactions.

 

By sending your customers a beautiful box with your branding elements and personalized touches, you can set the tone for the unboxing, making your company seem more caring, trustworthy, and personal. The unboxing experience itself may form a positive association with your company, making it much more likely that the customer comes back to your online store and orders again.

Another important aspect of e-commerce packaging is the ability to design custom subscription boxes, adding personalized messages to the boxes and designing them in a way that matches what your brand stands for.

 

Product safety

Another more practical reason why using the best e-commerce packaging is essential is the safety of the products you ship. Any online retailer’s worst nightmare is a product getting damaged in transit. Unfortunately, lackluster packaging is a common cause of broken, dented, or even lost products. However, if you use professional-grade e-commerce packaging, you can rest assured that the boxes will be made of top-quality materials and hold up against anything the shipping process can throw at them.

 

Sustainability

Finally, as an e-commerce brand, you need to think about how your customers will perceive your environmental impact. More and more consumers are concerned about the planet’s health, choosing to work with companies that minimize waste and prioritize sustainability as part of their efforts.

When working with Epic’s professional e-commerce ready packaging solutions, you can prevent poor practices such as overboxing or excessive use of plastic, instead utilizing our long history of expertise to develop sustainable, sturdy, and cost-effective solutions.

 

How does packaging affect brand perception?

 

E-commerce packaging is an essential part of establishing branding for online sellers. You need to consider that the packaging you use has a significant impact on how customers perceive your company. All of the reasons mentioned above — the packaging, branding elements, sustainability efforts — will be viewed not just as part of the delivery process but as a reflection of the values your business represents. The packaging you choose will say a lot about the company you are, the customers you cater to, and the prestige of working with your brand.

 

For instance, if you cater to a more high-end audience, using cheap or poorly-designed e-commerce packaging can have a negative impact on how customers view your company. It can create a negative association with your brand, even if the products themselves matched or exceeded expectations.

 

Meanwhile, if you use custom e-commerce packaging, with beautiful branding elements, a nice design, and sturdy materials, you can make a lasting impression that will align with the products you are selling. So, while there are many ways to improve your brand perception and gain the trust of your audience, aligning your packaging decisions with the brand image you’re cultivating is one of the most important ways to do so.

 

Are there different types of e-commerce packaging?

 

While the packaging you use can significantly impact your brand, you still need to consider how packaging costs will influence the prices you can offer and the convenience of shipping items quickly. With that in mind, let's look at packaging options and how they will influence the decisions you’ll need to make.

 

Boxing

One of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether you want to box or bag your products. Boxing isn't just a matter of branding, but also of customer experience. After all, it is called an “unboxing” experience. Therefore, you need to weigh several factors when making the choice to opt for boxes. For instance, if you’re shipping heavy or fragile items, a box is undoubtedly the way to go. It provides more security and reduces the risk of damages while in transit. In general, most delicate items are better off being shipped in a box, with additional protective packaging if necessary.

 

Bagging

Bagging or flexible packaging is a viable alternative when the items you're sending are lighter and aren't at much risk of damage. If the item is small enough, you may even consider using a padded mailer, which is still relatively sturdy and can significantly reduce shipping costs. Bags and padded mailers are practical for non-fragile items, such as clothing. In addition, a bag can reduce the amount of space the shipment takes up, although it doesn’t offer the same customer experience as when it's delivered in a box.

 

Custom box

If you want to enhance the customer experience and showcase your brand, using a custom e-commerce packaging solution that will help design unique boxes is the best choice. Nothing will get your name out there like well-designed and reliable custom subscription boxes. At Epic Packaging, we provide each customer with the highest-quality and most cost-effective solution while still ensuring high quality and customer satisfaction.

 

How can I use e-commerce packaging to stand out from my competitors?

 

When trying to stand out from the competition, you need to keep up with the changing trends and match the expectations of your customers. Here are a few e-commerce packaging best practices to keep in mind:

 

• When choosing the right box, make sure to carefully consider the size for each item. You want the product to be safe, but you also don't want to waste boxing materials or space.

 

• You should also aim to make every unboxing experience unforgettable, using branding elements, decorative protective packaging, and durable boxes to make it more immersive. Many customers keep high-quality and well-designed boxes, which translate to long-time advertising for your brand.

 

• To promote repeat customers, consider adding package inserts with new product announcements, special discounts, or even a free tester item to encourage them to make more purchases in your online store.

 

Why should I choose Epic Packaging?

 

Epic Packaging specializes in providing high-quality e-commerce packaging solutions while striving to provide industry-leading competitive prices. Our partnership coalition helps us offer a wide range of products and services, optimizing your supply chain and enabling lower margin pricing.

 

When you work with us, you get an end-to-end resource for all your packaging needs, covering every part of the process and providing continuous support. We have worked with some of the biggest brands in the country and can help you make the right decision for your business.