Packaging Best Practices
Correct and secure packaging is crucial for success if you sell or distribute products, whether you run an eCommerce business or ship products from your brick-and-mortar store. Poorly packaged items can lead to damage and negatively affect your business’s reputation, so it’s something you’ll want to avoid at all costs.
In this article, we’ll discuss four best practices for packaging, including the materials and methods you can use to ensure your products arrive safely. Luckily, you can purchase most of the above from a reliable supplier like RS Components.
- Ensure sure your packaging is the right size
Choosing packaging that doesn’t suit the size of your product garners a huge risk of damage. Packaging that is too small could leave your product crushed or misshapen, while too-large packaging could break your product as it tumbles around inside.
Ideally, there should be enough space to fit your product and some protective material. Ensure the product is snug enough to prevent tumbling and bouncing.
Choose appropriately sized packaging also leaves a better impression on customers. Larger packages—and hence heavier weights—can increase shipping costs, leaving customers disappointed with the comparatively small size of the item inside.
Using the right packaging is also less wasteful. Modern consumers are often passionate about reducing waste.
- Make returns easy
Your packaging should also make it easy and simple for customers to make returns. A streamlined returns process will leave a great impression on customers, encouraging them to leave positive reviews for your store and make repeat purchases.
Customers are also more likely to shop at your store, knowing they can make an easy return if necessary.
To assist your customers with returns, make sure your packaging is easy to reseal and resists damage. For example, you could use high-quality double-sided tape the customer can peel off and reapply with ease.
You should also consider including return labels with your shipments to communicate your returns policy to customers.
- Use eco-friendly packaging where possible
Just as modern customers are passionate about waste reduction, they also respect and appreciate eco-friendly packaging. Look for reusable or recyclable packaging options or environmentally friendly styles like recycled cardboard.
Using these products shows customers that your business is all about environmental preservation, leaving a positive (and lasting!) impression in their minds. Your packaging choices may be the difference that sets your business apart from competitors.
- Use adequate protective materials
Finally, it’s essential to use appropriate protective materials to keep your packages safe. It’s unwise to throw a product into a box and hope it arrives safely—you need to add some kind of barrier.
To avoid water damage, use water-resistant or waterproof materials (such as plastic or bubble wrap) to protect your product. Bubble wrap will also keep delicate items (like jewellery or glassware) secure.
For more durable items, standard packing peanuts or shredded paper should be enough to prevent your product from rolling and bouncing around inside its box.
Conclusion
Packaging products correctly is essential within manufacturing and any other industry where products are stored, transported, or otherwise packaged. By following the best practices listed above, you can avoid damaged packages and keep your business’s reputation high.
