There are so many things to think about when you run a retail or ecommerce business. There’s your product assortment, how you’ll market your products – and how you’ll package and ship them.
We’ve put together this guide to help with that last one.
The right packaging can help give your products extra protection during shipping or help them stand out on the shelf, and create a positive brand impression. With peak shipping season around the corner, we’re here to help you with tips on every aspect of your packaging.
Packaging: Types of packaging materials and supplies
We’ll look at the most common materials you can use and how each will suit specific needs.
1. Corrugated boxes
Corrugated cardboard sheets and boxes, with their ridges and groves, give your products extra protection. You can also find corrugated mailers for smaller items. More on mailers next.
2. Bubble Mailers
Mailers are great for shipping small items like jewelry, photos, or anything else delicate that needs special protection. You can find them in foil, paper, cardboard, and more.
3. Protective packaging
If your products need extra protection, filler materials are here to save the day. Infill & cushioning comes in a variety of materials from kraft paper to bubble wrap to packing peanuts.
Tip: Really consider where the package will live. For example, if it’s an ecommerce product being shipped, the packaging doesn’t need hanging hooks. But if it’s going into a retail store, a hanging hook could be very important (along with a pegboard or hanging instructions for vendors).
4. Decorative packaging elements
To dress up your packaging, consider elements like tags, ribbon, and twine. Little accents can go a long way. However, make sure these accents are covered under more protective packaging if your item is being shipped.
Shipping: Essential shipping supplies
Now that you’ve got your items packaged, you’ll need to prepare them to be mailed. Let’s take a closer look at shipping supplies.
1. Shipping labels
You can’t ship anything without a proper label. Luckily, it’s easy to print your shipping labels in-house. All you need is a template, copy paper, and a printer with enough ink or toner.
2. Packing tapes & adhesives
Many boxes fold closed quite securely, but packaging tape is a good extra measure. You’ll want heavy duty tape with a dispenser for the easiest packaging process.
Tip: Find a good shipping partner for extra peace of mind. You can even find shipping companies that offer packaging services as well to lighten your workload.
3. Shipping tags & seals
In some cases, you may want to add shipping tags or seals to your packages for a decorative touch or to help you stay organized. You can find them in various colors and sizes to work with anything you’re going for.
4. Straps & wraps for larger shipments
For larger shipments like palletized goods, you’ll need industrial strength straps and/or stretch wrap to secure them. This is another instance where a good shipping partner will come in handy.
Brand and marketing opportunities: How your packaging can work harder
Beyond protecting your products, packaging has another job to do. We’ll look at some ways your packaging can create a positive brand impression.
1. Custom printed boxes, tapes, tissues, etc.
Along with your retail packaging, you can custom print any part of your shipping packaging too. You can go for a subtle effect with tape or tissue that has your logo on it or put your logo and brand messaging right on the outside of the box.
Tip: Custom printing on the inside of the box can create a surprise & delight moment for your customer (and allow for a more generic outside which could lower the potential for porch piracy).
2. Card Inserts
Postcard or business card inserts are a great way to include a special promotion or cross-sell with every order. Incentivize your customers to shop again by offering them a discount on their next order, inform them about a new product line, or promote your refer-a-friend program. There are so many ways you can use a packaging insert to market your brand.
3. Eco-friendly materials
Using sustainable materials for your packaging is not only a way you can positively affect the environment, but it will impress your customers too. And if your packaging truly is eco-friendly, call that out so customers know. If your brand promotes eco-friendly values, this is all the more important.
Get everything to pack & ship at Quill
At Quill, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to perfectly pack and ship your products, including bulk buying options so you’re always stocked. Get what you need to head into peak shipping season strong.