How to Test E-commerce Packaging
When you sell online, your customers want prompt delivery of undamaged goods. So, the success of your business depends on efficient processes and protective e-commerce packaging. In this article, we look at ways to test your boxes are up to the job of being resilient to handling.
Is your E-commerce Packaging Fit for Handling?
Have you’ve glanced out of the window of an aeroplane this summer and watched the baggage handlers in action? If so, you’ll see that they’ve got a limited time to get the hold loaded or unloaded and let’s just say that careful placement of suitcases is not on their agenda.
Seeing this process helps you to understand the forces and drops that your e-commerce packaging might be subjected to. Typically, it will be handled by multiple machines and people. Each will be just one of thousands being processed in that moment. The diligent care that you took in packaging that shipping box will not be replicated in sorting offices or by delivery drivers.
For this reason, your shipping boxes must be up to the job of protecting your goods in transit. So, how do you test e-commerce packaging?
Drop Testing E-commerce Packaging
The first way that we quality check our boxes is with drop testing. That involves packing the product into the box, sealing it and dropping it. The standard height for a drop test is 1.2 meters, which is a fall that the package might experience during handling. We do this multiple times before thoroughly checking the packaging and product are undamaged.
We had one customer who took the e-commerce packaging we’d prepared and threw it out of the window of our second-floor office. It was a bit of a shock to hear it land on the hard floor of our outdoor loading area. However, when the box was retrieved, the contents remained in pristine condition. The customer was delighted and we got the order!
With the exception of heavy or bulky items, it is straightforward to conduct drop tests in your workplace. A game of catch with the packaging can also replicate some of the forces that the box may be subjected to.
The Courier Test for E-commerce Packaging
The next step for us is to send the packaged product to our customers using a standard courier. This evidences whether the e-commerce packaging provides adequate protection in a real process. If you want to give this a go, send a typical order to an employee’s home address or a family member. Then check if what they receive matches your customer experience expectations.
We complete these tests on sample boxes before the main order is in place. It is part of our quality assurance process. If any issues arise, we can adapt the packaging design to resolve them. Testing the packaging at this early stage minimises the risk of costly damages, returns and replacements for online retailers.
ISTA Certified Packaging Tests
Some of our customers have to comply with supplier, shipping company or insurance requests for certified packaging tests. This requires the globally recognised ISTA (International Safe Transit Association) testing.
ISTA testing provides a comprehensive and standardised assessment of packaging performance in typical shipping conditions. Depending on the test, these include simulations of atmospheric conditioning, vibration, compression and leakage tests for liquid products.
ISTA testing is a paid-for service, which includes a performance report and certificate. We offer ISTA 1A, 2A and 3A testing. Details of what is covered and the other test options are detailed on the ISTA website.
Check your E-commerce Packaging is Fit for Purpose
Good packaging design is more than aesthetics. Yes, it’s great if it looks good, but it also needs to perform well. That means protecting your goods in transit, where they won’t be handled with care. So, we recommend putting them to the test and making necessary adjustments before you place a large packaging order.
If you have any questions about e-commerce packaging or testing, give us a call: 01296 466888 or email enquiries@abcbox.co.uk
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.