Consumers are turning to eCommerce businesses more frequently to meet their basic needs and to acquire the things that make like more comfortable. This rise in the reliance on eCommerce means that demand has increased for interesting product packaging solutions. That's because it's essential for eCommerce brands to create a unique and memorable touchpoint for the customer.

In fact, eCommerce businesses have only one direct touchpoint with their customers, and that is through their shipping and fulfillment operations. Unfortunately, these also tend to be underused from a marketing standpoint.

The requirement for packaging arose out of the straightforward need to protect goods while they are in transit. However, brands that focus only on function when creating packaging are overlooking a potentially valuable opportunity to market to their customers. When your company excels in the packaging department, then the customer's unboxing experience not only creates a memorable moment but also ensures the delivery of a functional product.

Let's Talk Packaging Supplies

When talking about product packaging, the subject covers more than simply the boxes and bags that your company uses. It's also about designing that packaging and evaluating how well it is performing. The topic further covers the production of your packaging.

An increasing number of eCommerce brands are choosing to create custom packaging for their products to boost customer delight and loyalty while also ensuring greater profitability.

A custom packaging experience involves the thoughtful choice of packaging materials and shipping options. You'll also need to reflect on how your packaging will present the products that you are shipping. Custom branded packaging adds value for the customer and creates a more positive impression of your company.

Design of Product Packaging Is Critical

When consumers can visit a brick-and-mortar store, they have multiple touchpoints to help them to cement a relationship with a brand. However, online stores don't have this luxury. Touchpoints are few and far between.

Thus, while shopping online is efficient, it does not excel in terms of providing a hands-on, tactile experience with your brand's products before customers make a purchase. This is why it is absolutely critical that eCommerce brands pay particular attention to the touchpoints that are available to them. Creating a memorable brand experience is frequently what sets one company apart from its competition.

For online retailers, packaging is an essential extension of their brand. High-end brands can afford to pay premium costs to provide premium packaging, but it isn't necessary to break the bank to create a memorable experience. A little creativity and thoughtfulness can go a long way toward creating incredible product packaging that doesn't have to destroy your budget.

Don't neglect thepower of social media and unboxing videos. People love to share the amazing experiences that they have when they receive a great product that's packaged in an unforgettable manner. With images, videos, and detailed blog posts, brands can go viral thanks to consumers who are fans of their products and their unique packaging.

If you are serious about building a brand that lasts, then it is imperative that you find ways to turn one-time customers into repeat customers. Those repeat customers generally spend more than new customers, so your investment in customer retention is valuable for moving beyond the acquisition treadmill.

Categories of Product Packaging

It's essential that your products arrive intact in the customer's hands. That's the primary function of product packaging: It makes it safe to ship your goods. Accordingly, utility is the first consideration when choosing packaging. Some of the most common options for packaging include:

• Corrugated boxes
• Envelopes and bags
• Padded mailers
• Custom packaging

Corrugated boxes probably are the most popular and commonly used of all types of product packaging. This mainly is because though they do not weigh much, they are quite sturdy. Moreover, they are easy to recycle. If you need a stronger version of a corrugated box, opt for a double-walled model.

Envelopes and bags are ideal choices for products that are lightweight and not particularly fragile. Plastic mailing bags, Tyvek envelopes, and poly mailers are all examples of this category of product packaging. Ecommerce retailers like these packages because they are self-sealing and easy to store in addition to being durable and lightweight. Additionally, envelopes and bags are really easy to customize.

Padded mailers may be the right way to go if you are shipping items that may be delicate or are small and relatively flat. Electronics, books, jewelry, and handcrafted goods all are good candidates for this type of packaging. Bubble wrap or recyclable paper may be added to your mailers to provide an extra layer of protection.

Whether you choose boxes, bags, envelopes, padded mailers, or something else, it pays to take every advantage of customizing your packaging. This is the best way to bring your customers a unique experience as they unpack your products. Custom packaging is an opportunity to demonstrate your brand's values to your clients. Don't forget that it also is possible to customize packing slips, tissue, ribbons, gift wrap, and more.

Nine Necessary Components for Building a Custom Packaging Experience

You don't necessarily need to incorporate all nine of these components in every package that you ship. However, it is wise to use at least a few of them in every package, and you may want to have all of them on hand to ensure that you're ready for any situation that might arise.

What is critical is that you decide which packaging components will deliver the highest quality experience for your customers. A few strategic investments are all that's really needed to create an unforgettable unboxing experience.

Here are the nine necessary packaging components:

• Custom packaging
• Tissue paper
• Filler
• Business card or promotional materials
• Stickers
• Custom note
• Packing slip
• Gift or sample
• Tape

Custom Packaging

Your first consideration is always going to be the packaging whether you choose a box, a mailer, or a bag. Any of these could be appropriate, and all of them can be customized to meet the needs of your brand. While brown or white corrugated cardboard boxes are popular and have been for many years, there are other options out there. Don't be afraid to explore something that's a little less familiar if you think it could contribute to a more memorable customer experience.

Whatever you choose, make sure that it is in line with your brand's identity. For instance, if your brand takes pride in being environmentally conscious, then it is wise to choose packaging that is biodegradable or recyclable to support and emphasize this mission.

Tissue Paper

Many people associate tissue paper with receiving a present. If you include this element in your packaging, then your customers will feel like they are opening a gift. Tissue paper is inexpensive, and it's available in every color of the rainbow. Additionally, it's possible to have a custom print added to your tissue paper to make it unique and memorable.

Filler

Filler frequently is essential to product packaging. Next to the box, bag, or mailer, the filler is the most important component that protects your products in transit. Many options are available. Styrofoam packing peanuts used to rule the selection of fillers, but many eCommerce brands are opting for more eco-friendly options. These might include air pillows or recyclable foam inserts. Bubble wrap is another alternative, but it's also less environmentally friendly. Excelsior, which is made of wood fibers, and crinkle paper are greener, more modern options.

Business Cards or Promotional Materials

Do you have business cards? They still have a place, even in the digital era. Plus, business cards don't have to look like they used to. They can be creative and fun, reflecting your brand's identity. They are yet another touchpoint for your customer.

As alternatives, consider slipping a printed newsletter, special instructions, or even a personalized note into the packaging.

Stickers

Did you ever play with stickers when you were a kid? They are popular with adults too, and you can use them as marketing tools. Stickers work great as a means of securing the closure on primary packaging or keeping together the edges of tissue paper. Toss a couple of extra stickers into the package so that the customer can use them too.

A Custom Note

This may not be a realistic strategy for large businesses, but if you have a start-up, then it's essential that you fight for every customer. A personal, hand-written note is something that your customers will never forget. It will cement in your customer's mind your reputation as a brand that cares. A genuine card or note, even one that is brief, can provide a massive return on investment.

Packing Slip

Most eCommerce brands take care to include a packing slip or receipt in every package. It provides a helpful itemization of what's in the package while also including essential information. However, not enough companies are taking the time to turn a packing slip into a marketing opportunity.

Include your company's logo on the packing slip, and consider using the same colors and fonts that are prevalent on your website and advertising materials. Make your packing slips just a bit creative or unusual, and your customers will continue to be intrigued by your brand.

Gift or Sample

It's pretty much a given that everyone loves getting something for free. That's why it's a great idea to toss a gift or sample into every package that you ship. Do your best to use your knowledge of the customer and their purchase to choose a sample that is likely to appeal to them. If they bought a bottle of your face moisturizer, toss in a tube of lip balm. If they ordered one of your scented candles, throw in a votive in a complementary scent. This is a priceless opportunity tocross-sell items to your existing customers.

Tape

Of course, you can go with generic packing tape to seal up your boxes, but why not take it a step further? Think about how distinctive Amazon's use of custom packing tape is. You can spot an Amazon box from a mile away thanks to that unique tape.

You can have packing tape printed for your business too. It's a thoughtful and eye-catching touch that can translate to instantaneous brand recognition.

Make an Unboxing Experience Your Customers Will Want to Remember

Are you convinced that several components are necessary for building an unforgettable unboxing experience? It's critical that you go beyond the generic and boring, but that doesn't mean that your packaging has to be flashy. Go for an elegant, understated, and minimalistic look, or get as colorful as you like. Just make certain that your custom packaging is an accurate representation of your brand's identity.

Get a custom packaging quote from Mid-Atlantic Packaging today.