The Different Types of Packaging for Your Products
Shipping Boxes
Protecting your products from damage is one thing, but shipping boxes can also make a lasting impression on customers when they receive them. A simple 8x8x8 or 11x9x4 custom shipping box may seem like an afterthought, but they’re actually important in helping to establish your brand and making sure your customers have a great experience as it is the first touchpoint in the unboxing experience. Shipping boxes that have easily visible branding ensure that even when your product isn’t right in front of them, customers can still see it and get excited about what's inside. Custom packaging design will help reinforce your image, build trust with your audience and ultimately make sure you stand out from all other brands competing for their attention.
Shipping boxes also provide overpacking for all other types of packaging for your products' shipping journey. Working with flexible, smart sizes for your shipping packaging, you can reduce the amount of dunnage and potentially harmful plastics or styrofoam that enter your brands' footprint.
Mailer Boxes
Recognizable as a "subscription" box, mailer boxes are common for many single-product or small gift-sized shipments. These boxes are available in a wide range of sizes since they are compact solutions. A more economical choice for some brands, these cardboard boxes can come plain or with custom printing that can become quite costly. They offer additional protection and security than open-topped cartons without adding any extra weight to shipments. This is particularly handy when shipping delicate products such as glassware or ceramics.
Flexible Packaging
If you want your product to be flexible, like a shirt or a pillowcase, then flexible packaging is the way to go. Flexible packaging helps businesses save money on postage costs and potentially reduce waste. This type of packaging is typically made from polyethylene film, but there are also paper-based varieties that are biodegradable and recyclable. However, they may cost more and might not be as durable.
Display Shipper Boxes
If you are shipping smaller retail products wholesale, such as candies or soaps, a display shipper box is your best bet. A display shipper box features a large perforated window that allows customers to see the product arranged neatly inside. Shipper display boxes can be neatly stacked inside of shipping boxes for shipping and reduce the need for any dunnage.
Product Packaging
The one thing that sets your brand apart from its competitors is your product packaging. It not only has to do its job in protecting your products, but it also has to be eye-catching enough so that customers can find it easily on the shelf. Consider the size and weight of your product, how many if any accessories are included in the packaging, and what your end-user's experience is as they open the product. Start with the beginning of your products' package journey. Consider its shippability - does it create awkward space that creates a need for extra dunnage? Once your product arrives at the retailer or your direct customer, is it easy to unpack and identify? Including handling icons on your shipping box can prevent damage to your product packaging during this part of its journey. Can your product packaging live a second life? Adding some value to the product packaging can reduce waste and also create a touchpoint for your customer to repeat their order. Product packaging that transforms into permanent storage or that can be repurposed is like having a paid-for advertisement in your customer's home or office.