Packaging is becoming an increasingly common and high-demand utility for businesses around the world. For an e-commerce business, the first direct touchpoint that your brand has with your customer is when they receive the package and unbox it. Studies related to the psychology of shopping show that, “packaging plays a major, if not dominant, role in purchasing decisions.”
Providing a fulfilling packaging experience to your customer still remains a relatively under-utilized marketing opportunity and if used properly, it can have a huge impact on positively affecting the sales of your product.
Investing in a good packaging supplier is the first step. This decision can have a tremendously positive effect on your sales as well as revenue. But making this selection can be a daunting task as various factors come into play here.
We have made this job easier for you by answering 5 important questions for selecting the right packaging supplier for your business.
1. Do they offer custom packaging?
Custom packaging is a leading industry trend in 2020 and it is here to stay. By incorporating custom packaging, you are enhancing your brand’s value by multifold. Through customized packaging, you can build an everlasting connection with your customers by ensuring that they have an unforgettable unboxing experience.
Custom packaging strengthens your company’s branding. When your product’s package has your company’s trademark color, design, and logo, your brand creates a stronger identity, and customers develop a great brand affinity. This can ultimately increase sales and revenue for your company.
What takes the cake in customized packaging is that it makes room for innovation and creativity that allows your brand to apply a personalized touch to your packages. These personalized touches enable your brand to establish an emotional connection with your customer and make them feel valued, when they unbox the product. That is why it is imperative that when you select a packaging company, ensure that they provide custom packaging services.
2. What quality of packaging products do they use?
The quality of the packaging is as important as the product itself. If the packaging is made of lower quality material, your product is more likely to get damaged during the shipping process.
It is necessary to make an informed choice when it comes to selecting shipping materials. Ensuring that the material is safe enough and ensures an effortless unboxing process with minimal waste is also essential.
There are three main types of packaging:
- Corrugated boxes
- Chipboard and paperboard boxes
- Polybags
To choose the best packaging for your business, it is crucial that you pin down and select the optimum packaging material that suits your particular product the best and then check if the packaging supplier you select offers that or not. Packaging can be very unique for different kinds of products that is why it is essential to know what kind works best for your product before making a decision.
3. Do they use sustainable and environmentally friendly products?
The sustainability of your packaging is just as important as what is inside the package. According to a recent survey on sustainable products and packaging, 80% of participants said they felt it was “important or extremely important” for companies to design environmentally conscious products.
As consumers are getting conscious about their carbon footprint, they are more like to support brands that share their values. At Arka, we are cognizant of this reality and our focus is on sustainably. We ensure environmentally friendly packaging through:
- Using sustainable packaging that can be repurposed
- Shipping items in bulk
- Offering carbon-neutral shipping by offsetting emissions
- Recycling on behalf of our suppliers and offer shipping-friendly items
- Reducing the size of your packaging
- Using compostable mailers
- Working with wholesalers to reduce individual shipments and limit return shipping
- Offering a returns program for your empty product containers
4. What is their pricing like?
Pricing is very important. Especially if you are on a budget. Look for packaging companies that provide the best offers. See if they sell in large or bulk quantities. Instead of using standardized box sizes, evaluate the sizes of your products, and ensure that the company you are selecting offers boxes of different sizes. This way, you won’t have to pay for the dimensional volume rate.
Furthermore, another great trick to save money on the packaging is by using custom stickers or custom tapes that have your company’s logo or trademark design printed on them.
Check if the company which you have selected offers these services. This way, you will be able to keep your costs low while also providing your customers with a great packaging experience that they deserve.
5. How is their customer service?
Good customer service is critical across all industries but when it comes to selecting the right packaging supplier, it is vital that you go with a company that has good customer service. If there is a shipment that is lost or an order that has to be refunded, a smart and skilled customer representative will cater to your company’s packaging needs instantaneously.
It is always a great idea to do a thorough background check of the kind of customer service that the packaging supplier that you are selecting offers and then make the decision based on that.
Conclusion
Packaging has numerous benefits for your company, your customers, and even for the environment, as light packaging reduces the carbon footprint. That is why if you already haven’t selected a packaging supplier, now is a great time to start and these helpful tips will make your decision-making process easier.
For more information, check out this free of cost course on the packaging. The course is taught by Philip Akhzar, CEO of Arka. It helps you navigate through the nuts and bolts of the packaging industry and also allows you to learn the best practices about packaging your product.
You’ve done everything by the book. Your Kickstarter campaign is almost ready to launch.
You made a great product. Built an audience. Set up a campaign page.
But how do you ship it?
We put this checklist together to help you get started. It's free.
