3 Guidelines to E-Merchants for Effective Product Packaging

Packaging is an art that creates an impression about sellers in the customers ‘minds that may make or break the deal for future business prospects, especially in the competitive world when there are many eBay alternatives that have set the standards high. Above anything, the products need to get delivered to customers unscathed and untampered. The only way of ensuring this is neat and consistent packaging that could increase efficiency, lower product loss, increase branding, and most of all increase the bottom line- customer retention for future orders.

• Product Knowledge is Essential

  Knowing the size and dimensions of the products that are being offered at E-marketplaces, estimated production levels and associated risks are paramount in packaging. It is always a good practice to set packaging goals to avoid delays and tracking the entire process that will have to be communicated to the central administrators at mutichannel retailing centres.

  • It is necessary to maintain a record of product weight, dimensions, and specifications and display the accurate information on product description pages for easy reference by customers, an excel sheet maintenance of data is always recommended
  • Estimated shipping forecasts are easier for experienced sellers to make. The recently launched sellers find it difficult initially. Once baseline sales figures are gathered more accurate forecasts can be made. A feasibility study is always recommended for forecasting out sales and production levels for more than two years will definitely add value. Sellers can thus buy material at cheaper rates in bulk for packaging based on sure-shot estimations.

• Better Product Packaging and Bundling Methods

  Product bundling is the process of combining two or more products in a single packaging to save packaging space, efforts and importantly, packaging and shipping costs.

  The product types being handled also need to be considered and their safety needs to be evaluated before bundling.

  Apprising oneself of products that can be grouped together in terms of shape, size, fragility, chemical reaction possibility, texture, abrasive tendency, magnetic tendency, opposing reactions etc. usually helps set packaging schedules.

  If two or more types of products are often shipped together according to previous sales history, then it is advisable to invest in a single large packaging box in anticipation of such products

  The most economic, environment friendly and safest options need to be considered while bundling products. The common ways to incorporate bundling are:

  • Corrugated Boxes: A conventional and favorite option preferred by most sellers that is convenient for product bundling and safety, is using corrugated boxes. Corrugated boxes can be printed with the E-marketplace company logo to increase company branding and advertising and as a symbol of trust. Proper Void-fills with bubble wraps need to be done to avoid product damage and ensure product locking in a position for products such as liquids and fragile items. These boxes come in various sizes and with the correct box selection, shipping costs can be calculated easily by sellers.
  • External Strapping : External strapping is one of the most common ways to bundle one or more products. It facilitates easy handling and is cost-effective for local short-distance shipping.
    • Packing Tips : You may only strap same-sized boxes together using cross-banding. When strapping boxes together, please make sure that each box is strong enough to hold the total weight of the strapped bundle.
      

      Packaging and Bundling Irregularly Shaped Items

      Some items like deodorants/perfume bottles, glass vases, large stuffed toys, car fenders and automobile parts, antiques etc. need special packaging and bundling which is as follows:

      • Taping corrugated cardboard pieces to all sharp or protruding edges for protection may help for sharp items or items without boxes.
      • Bubble wraps, brown packing paper, butter paper and cling-wraps help cover over-sized products and offer the best transit-time protection against water, crush and crumble or scratching. A good box to cover up this packing is advisable to offer secondary protection. Information labels of the seller’s contact, product specifications, and warning stickers such as “fragile” or “handle with care” or “Inflammable” in case of flammable products are always helpful and mandatory in some cases.
      • Thick layers of foamed packing add padding benefit to the products, especially at the base. Bubble wrap act as void-fillers and anti-shift elements for the packaging. Safe-sealing the box with duct tapes or other super-adhesive tapes.
      • Irregular shapes of products make it difficult to be accommodated in standard-sized boxes, which calls for reinvented packaging. Stacking of boxes and joining them with tapes or connective packaging in crates is helpful. Make sure your packaging is sturdy enough to bear the unforeseen crushing during shipping.

      Packing and Bundling for Large and Heavy Products

      • Use unused boxes meeting standard parameters strong construction not affected by humidity or wear and tear.
      • Seal with heavy-duty tape, preferably reinforced, by applying three strips to both the top and bottom of the box to the middle and two edge seams are sealed and use void-fillers if necessary.

      Flexible packaging

      Flexible packaging is used for making the package more compact. Poly Bags can be sealed, taped, stapled, or reclosed. Heat Shrink Films are available in a variety of forms, thicknesses, materials, and colors and are used for primary packaging, secondary packaging, and a bundling option. Vacuum packaging also protects products from moisture, dust, and any other exterior elements and is especially helpful for packing clothing and fabric.

      Small Size Packaging

      Small Size Packaging like mailers/envelopes are the most cost-effective ways to ship small products. Standard Envelopes come in different sizes and are often the cheapest external packaging option. Bubble Mailers have bubbled cushioning on the interior of the mailer for extra protection and are economical as well.

     

• Levels of Packaging

  Packaging helps in protecting the products and also in marketing the brand. There are 3 levels of packaging which might be used together or in isolation for the better outcome.

  • Primary Packaging

    Primary packaging consists of material that comes into direct contact or the closest contact with the product. It must be functional and attractive to customers and must meet all standard packaging goals of sellers in-line with packaging guidelines like information stickers, brand logo, rates etc.

  • Secondary Packaging

    Secondary packaging is often the first line of protection for a product and compliments primary packaging. Outer cartons which mostly have E-marketplace logos printed on them with logo tapes or information stickers are secondary packaging. Customer address, seller address, and bar-codes are an important part of the external packaging.

  • Void Fills

    Foam Packaging Peanuts, bubble wrap, Kraft paper and Shredded paper are often empty space fillers. It works as a shock absorber and cushion to protect products during transport.