Packaging isn’t just about looking good on a shelf—it’s also about surviving the bumps and knocks of shipping.
E-commerce brands, in particular, face the challenge of designing packaging that will both protect products during transit and delight customers upon arrival.
Here are essential strategies to design packaging that survives shipping and still wows your customers.
1. Prioritize Protection Without Sacrificing Style
When designing packaging, protection should always come first. However, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style.
It’s possible to create packaging that’s both secure and aesthetically pleasing. The key is choosing the right materials and design features that will protect your products while staying true to your brand’s identity.
- Choose Durable Materials
Select sturdy materials such as corrugated cardboard or foam inserts to prevent damage. For fragile items, consider additional protective padding like air pillows or bubble wrap. - Use Impact-Resistant Design
Incorporating impact-resistant materials into your design can help prevent damage to fragile items. For example, molded pulp or foam padding provides an extra layer of cushioning and ensures that products are safely secured during shipping.
2. Test Packaging Designs Under Real-World Conditions
It’s essential to test your packaging before sending it out into the world.
Real-world shipping conditions can be unpredictable, and you need to ensure your packaging can handle the journey. Especially for snack packaging—this is super important!
- Perform Drop Tests
Drop testing simulates the impact your packages will endure during transit. By testing your packaging at different heights and angles, you can identify weak spots and ensure your product will arrive in perfect condition. - Measure Durability
Look at how your packaging holds up under stress. Will it tear or crush easily? Does it withstand pressure from other packages in the shipping container? Durability tests can help you avoid surprises and minimize the risk of returns due to damaged products.
3. Make the Unboxing Experience Memorable
While functionality is key, don’t forget about the customer experience.
Packaging that wows your customer during unboxing can turn a first-time buyer into a loyal repeat customer.
- Incorporate Personalization
Small personalized touches like a thank-you note or a branded sticker can create a unique unboxing experience. Customers love feeling like they’re receiving something special, so make the most of this moment. - Surprise with Premium Features
Use premium features like custom boxes, embossed logos, or metallic finishes to create a sense of luxury and sophistication. Even simple touches like tissue paper or custom-printed tape can elevate the experience and make your brand memorable.
4. Ensure Easy Returns and Exchanges
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, packages arrive damaged.
In these cases, having a returns process in place that’s easy for customers to navigate is essential. Make sure that your packaging allows for easy returns without damaging the product.
- Clear Instructions for Returns
Include easy-to-follow return instructions inside the package. Provide pre-paid return labels or offer clear directions on how customers can return items, which will make them more confident in their purchase and your brand. - Reinforce Packaging for Returns
If you expect that some products will be returned, consider designing packaging that can be reused for returns. Strong, protective packaging that customers can use to send items back is a practical way to reduce costs and enhance the customer experience.
5. Keep Packaging Simple, Yet Secure
When it comes to packaging for shipping, less is often more.
Over-packaging can increase your costs and negatively impact the environment, while under-packaging can lead to damaged products.
- Streamline Your Design
Focus on creating a simple design that prioritizes security and ease of use. Consider lightweight yet durable materials and avoid excessive padding or layers of packaging that could increase your shipping costs and carbon footprint. - Fit the Product Perfectly
Packaging that fits the product perfectly will reduce the need for excessive padding and ensure your items stay in place. A well-fitted box or mailer helps prevent shifting during transit and minimizes the chances of damage.
Conclusion: Secure, Stylish, and Customer-Centric
Designing packaging that survives shipping while still impressing customers is an art.
By focusing on durability, testing under real-world conditions, and adding special touches to delight your customers, you can create packaging that protects your products and enhances the overall customer experience.
Make sure your inventory is stocked and contact your best packaging partner today.
