E-commerce businesses know the pain of returned orders with damaged goods. The return cost and secondary expenses have a serious impact on a business. Even the brand image has to face damage in the market. Since it is an era of product reviews, it is better to avoid any risk by choosing the right packaging for your business. Right packaging means less material wastage, optimized design, and sustainable mode. All these factors combine to contribute to lean supply chain operations. 

Top companies in the e-commerce business know how the delivery mode, handling, and unboxing steps contribute to overall success. If the packaging fails to meet core elements, customers will respond poorly, which can damage any brand’s image among competitors. 

7 Reasons Why Packaging is Critical for E-Commerce Businesses

1. First Impressions Count

The packaging makes the first impression on the customer. It builds up the hype and creates curiosity in the customer’s mind. It is a primary factor that every business has to keep in mind.

When choosing a product's packaging, make sure it matches customers' expectations. It will communicate on behalf of you with the language of material quality and printing. Depending on the type of product you pack, you can either go with appealing or classic packaging.

2. Protects the Product During Transit

The ultimate objective of packaging is to protect the goods inside it. Businesses should choose outer material and cushioning depending on the sensitivity of the product. If packaging something fragile, you may prefer to select thick and high-cushioning material. This prevents damage during transit. It should match the shape of the good to prevent extra material usage in packaging.  

3. Enhances Customer Experience

Customer experience contributes to future sales. If it is good, there will be more chances of order repetition. If the packaging is not satisfactory, the customer might receive damaged goods. So, high-quality packaging stabilizes the goods inside it. That leads to the safety and pristine quality of goods inside the box or bag. 

The unboxing trend is common on YouTube channels. This is one main reason why a product’s packaging must meet users' expectations. When they unbox the product, it should be easy and mesmerizing for them. This will increase the chances of repeat orders.  

4. Reflects Brand Identity

Some brands have signature packaging, which makes them unique in the market. It is about the color, design, and fonts in their packaging theme. When customers glance at those brands’ products, they recognize the value of the goods inside them. That boosts the brand identity in the target audience’s minds.

Then there is custom packaging, which is becoming common nowadays. Brands choose customization either in special seasons or for their niche goods. As a result, it captures the attention of other brands.

5. Improves Operational Efficiency

Packaging and supply chain operations are directly connected. Brands follow cost-effective methods in terms of lean design and shape selection. Why should one choose a medium size if a product can be packed in a small box? This will save space, production costs, and the supply chain cost.

In addition, if packaging gets any changes, the supply chain operations will face the aftermath of it. It is like the bullwhip effect, where slight changes in the packaging type will disrupt the entire supply chain. So, the packaging has to meet storage optimization for overall success.

6. Sustainability Matters to Consumers

The world is shifting towards sustainable processes. Due to the excessive rise in global warming, brands are going for eco-friendly options. These options include recycled and plant-based material for packaging. Bags, boxes, tubes, and containers can be manufactured with less harmful materials.

These sustainable packaging solutions create a sense of trustworthiness in customers’ minds. Customers and the environment’s safety are big concerns, and sustainable packaging can help. The e-commerce industry in developed countries has already embraced eco-friendly packaging modes.

7. Reduces Return Rates

If the packaging satisfies customers, there will be the fewest complaints and return rates. Return rates increase when the products fail to reach their destinations safely. If the packaging prevents every damage, return rates will be greatly reduced. Ultimately, businesses will prosper through it. There will be less cost of return, which means the reverse logistics cost will not bother businesses like before.

Recommended Packaging Manufacturers Depending on your Target Audience

If you own a business or are looking for general information, this part is essential. Having a packaging manufacturer who can cover everything is a bonus for brands. It is like getting the exact size, shape, material quality, and packaging price from a single source.

1. Parfait Packaging 

Shenzhen Parfait Industry Co., Ltd. (Parfait Packaging) is one of the greatest packaging manufacturers in the industry. This manufacturer has various types and materials for packaging boxes, bags, and wraps. You can consider this supplier for eco-friendly and traditional packaging solutions.

Their customization is available for products that need special arrangements. Also, their designs, labels, and tags will add value to attractive packaging. Perishable and non-perishable goods can easily adjust inside their packaging. Since they deal in bulk production, you can find wholesale prices readily available.

2. Shenzen Packs 

Here is another option: Shenzhen Fast Packaging Co., Ltd. (Shenzen Packs). Like the above, it also has a wide range of packaging solutions. Boxes, containers, straws, cups, and other packaging categories are available here. Many options are available, meaning e-commerce businesses can find a complete solution on this website.

Biodegradable, recycled, and virgin materials are available for customization. Sizes, colors, and lots of options are available for businesses to choose from. Lastly, their prices are lower than expected since they also deal with bulk supply.

3. Coast Pack 

Here is the third one, and this is the Coast Pack. It also has many options for e-commerce businesses in packaging pouches and bags. It focuses on biodegradable material for the bulk production process. As a result, the material inside gets the least leaching risk, and then the decomposition process becomes fast.

E-commerce businesses can use this manufacturer's bulk supply for their green-based and traditional products. Again, this supplier has discounted prices since it deals in B2B mode. E-commerce businesses can get custom production regarding material, quality, color, and size selection.

Conclusion

Every product relies on its packaging to remain safe and clean from environmental threats. This shows how crucial the packaging selection process is. If it fails to protect the product during transit or fails to impress customers, there will be a risk of order returns. Businesses invest in this sector by partnering with credible packaging suppliers. It is like half of a brand’s success because not just the product counts but also its packaging. 

Your e-commerce business also needs some support from impressive and cost-effective packaging. No matter what kind of product you have, packaging can be a make or break point for your customer’s experience.

GUEST BLOGGER AUTHOR:

SHAH NOOR