E-commerce Packaging: Where to Start

E-commerce Packaging: Where to Start

Your product range is sorted and now you need e-commerce packaging. So, how do you know what you need when this isn’t your area of expertise? For many online retailers, the easy option is to order off-the-shelf postal boxes, but this is unlikely to be cost effective. For this reason, this article provides advice to help you have an informed discussion with your local packaging company.

Bespoke Boxes for your Products

It all starts with your products. For packaging companies to provide the best fit options, they need to know what you will send in the boxes. In addition, how these items will be stored and transported? Next, you’ll need to give dimensions. You may have a variety of products, so consider what is required to send your most popular range. And, what items do customers typically order together?

If you are sending fragile, highly scented or weighty items let them know, so they can factor in added protection.

Points to consider:

 – Would printed handling instruction help minimise damages?

 – Do you want returns to be sent in the same packaging?

 – Do items need to be held in place inside the box?

 – What are your chosen courier’s weight and size brackets for sending out orders?

 – Is it important for goods to be sent in a letterbox-friendly box?

Use these questions to consider the full role of your e-commerce packaging. Then, you will be better able to prioritise practical features in the packaging brief.

What Types of Boxes are There?

Knowing what the options are is a good starting point. Fortunately, the packaging industry uses the Fefco Code; a catalogue of numbered style templates for a wide range of boxes. These designs form the basis for all packaging, even bespoke boxes. So, a look at the Fefco Code can help you identify the style of box you have in mind.

To make it a little easier to find what you want:

• The 400 range covers the most common retail and e-commerce packaging options
• The 900 range is a selection of interior fittings that enhance protection and presentation

Packaging manufacturers, like us, can build on these industry standard styles to create a custom solution. We advise on best-fit boxes that offer good protection, avoid waste and aid packing processes. They also save you from being called out for using excessive packaging materials!

Ecommerce Packaging Templates

The good news is that, as we’ve been operating for decades, we have designed packaging for a wide range of products. What’s more, the templates have all been retained in our catalogues. As a result, we don’t need to start from scratch; we can often adapt an existing design to best fit your product range. This makes it affordable for small businesses and start-ups to order bespoke boxes.

Is Printed Ecommerce Packaging Expensive?

Plain boxes are a missed marketing opportunity for online retailers. When customers receive the parcel, it is usually the first tangible connection with your brand, so make it memorable! We offer an extensive range of print and finish options to elevate the customer experience and look fabulous on unboxing videos.

If you think printed packaging will be too expensive, fear not. Single-colour print, flexographic print and flood print are popular choices for e-commerce packaging because they are low-cost options that deliver impact.

For exclusive ranges and luxury packaging, we can offer high-end finishes including spot varnishes, foil blocking and embossing. Understandably, this does raise the unit price, yet finishes elevate the perception and desirability of your goods. As a result, you may get more shares of your packaging and, ultimately, sales.

When thinking about print design, consider the inside, as well as the outside of the box. Collectively, there is a lot of space to share your brand message. We are happy to advise on design requirements for printed packaging, as it’s a bit different to printing on 2D surfaces.

Whatever your packaging vision, we aim to help you find a solution that represents your brand well and is commercially viable.

E-commerce Packaging Advice

Firstly, our team at Aylesbury Box Company are happy to answer your questions about e-commerce packaging. Just get in touch on 01296 436888 or enquiries@abcbox.co.uk to discuss what you have in mind. Secondly, you might find inspiration on our News page. Our articles give examples of other small businesses and start-ups that we’ve designed and manufactured boxes for. We are delighted to have many happy customers! Will you be the next one?