As an online retailer, you surely know that packaging and transportation costs are inevitable. Online sales mean that you have to find ways to package the products well and deliver them to the buyers intact, no matter how far the distance is.
This is the reason why packaging has always been one of the challenges in e-commerce. Moreover, transportation costs are also an important expense for small e-commerce enterprises. Then, how can we transport products with attractive packaging without sacrificing profit margins to meet customers’ demands?
The secret lies in using “just right” packaging, that is, packaging that can not only provide sufficient support for the product but also save costs to the greatest extent.
Before discussing professional packaging, let’s first answer a question: What constitutes good packaging?
I. Requirements for Good packaging
Packaging is as important as the products inside. It serves as a window for buyers to understand your business and brand. It is no exaggeration to say that packaging is like a “silent salesman”. Beautiful and scientific packaging can convey to customers your brand image of being considerate, professional and detail-conscious.
- Scientific and reasonable design: The packaging is aesthetically pleasing and has a good structure, meeting the actual usage scenarios of the product. For example, most soda water is packed in cylindrical cans, which are convenient to hold and can withstand air pressure. The milk is packed in square boxes, which has a low packaging cost and saves space when placed in the refrigerator.
- Select appropriate materials: Packaging materials must ensure transportation safety, be able to display the product, and also be convenient for consumers. Corrugated cartons and bubble wrap are commonly used materials, which are strong, lightweight, inexpensive and easy to cut and fold. Nowadays, many sellers have also started to use plastic, which is waterproof, sealing, cost-reducing, environmentally friendly and reusable.
- Simple and reasonable structure: Don’t just focus on the label and graphic design; the shape of the packaging is also very important. For buyers and other handlers, the packaging should not be too tight, too loose or too complicated. It should be simple and easy to use, convenient for handling and carrying. When there are multiple products in one box, e-commerce sellers can find various packaging solutions through professional supporting delivery services.
- Use recyclable/disposable materials: Consider the circular economy, which regenerates materials and keeps them flowing in a “closed-loop” system, ensuring that packaging materials do not depreciate after multiple uses. This can reduce costs and waste.
Ii. Obtain customized solutions
How does excessive packaging consume freight charges?
To reduce transportation costs, you need to check whether you are over-packaging or under-packaging. Both situations can cause trouble, such as product damage, spending money in vain, excessive waste, and may even annoy customers. - Additional weight added by packaging materials: Net weight is only the weight of the product itself. After putting the product into the box or bag, the total weight will increase by an additional gross weight.
Many freight forwarders or fulfillment companies pay more attention to protective packaging and operational convenience rather than helping customers reduce freight charges. In fact, adding an extra layer of bubble wrap may significantly increase the shipping cost. For instance, if the gross weight of the product is 0.5 kilograms, after adding more bubble wrap, the shipping cost might be calculated at 1 kilogram, and you would have to spend more money. Therefore, it is necessary to cooperate with a reliable company that provides professional packaging services, such as SmartDropping. They will carefully package the products to prevent damage and avoid the gross weight entering the higher weight range. - Volumetric weight: This is the technology that most carriers use to set prices, and they ensure profits when transporting larger lightweight packages through this technology.
Why do companies charge extra fees for volumetric weight: Shipping companies charge differently for weight. Light and airy products take up more space and affect the transportation of other goods. For example, feather pillows take up more space than smart phones.
How to calculate volumetric weight for different carriers: Multiply the length, height and width of the carton to calculate the cubic size. For example, a box measures 40 cm ×16 cm ×16 cm and has a volume of 10,240 cubic centimeters. Then divide by the volumetric weight divisor. During local transportation, the volumetric weight might be 74 kilograms, and the freight will be calculated based on the larger of the actual weight and the volumetric weight.
What are “fluffy” items and how to package them correctly: Things like fluffy jackets and pillows tend to generate volume and weight. For items weighing less than 360 grams packed in bags, bubble envelopes can reduce shipping costs. They are also suitable for clothes or books, being both cheap and lightweight. However, when packaging “fluffy” items, whether they can be compressed depends on the product’s characteristics and usage. Consumers definitely don’t want flat pillows or wrinkled shirts. - Waste materials: Select packaging materials that match the size of the product. Do not use large packaging for small products. The right size can better protect the product, reduce waste and protect the Earth.
Iii. How to Ensure the packaging is just right?
How can goods be packaged to both protect them and reduce shipping costs? Some tips from SmartDropping will inspire you.
Use lightweight materials: When choosing packaging materials, it is crucial to understand the strength and weight of different materials. Under the condition of ensuring the same supporting effect, some materials are lighter than others.
For instance, corrugated paper is both light and strong, with a strength similar to that of thick plastic boards. When there is no need for waterproofing, it is lighter and cheaper than plastic foam and wooden boxes. The air column roller is also lighter than the special-shaped foam and can provide sufficient cushioning and support. SmartDropping warehouse packaging experts often use it to package fragile items such as bottles and tall cans. - Provide uniform support with the correct fillers: Products sometimes require additional protection, and in such cases, packaging fillers must be used. Customized MATS and partitions are suitable for small bottles, cosmetics and jars. Air pillows are an ideal choice for lightweight products. Crumpled paper is suitable for toys, dolls, electronic products, etc. Bubble wrap is suitable for fragile items.
- Properly organize the internal products: Cartons containing multiple items may collide during transportation, so use wrapping materials and cushions to secure the products. If the budget allows, custom packaging is a better choice. For instance, custom plastic foam can prevent shaking and collision during transportation and also give a strong sense of integrity. SmartDropping offers professional custom packaging and supporting services to help you pack your products in the smallest package.
SmartDropping, a freight forwarding service provider located in the core industrial belt of China, offers services such as purchasing, affixing orders, packaging and shipping on behalf of customers. It supports customized packaging and personalized packaging. We are sure to be your best choice! Contact information: +v: rongexpress