I enjoy reading Packaging World Magazine, although most of the articles and information they provide does not apply to our current DTC customer base. For example, high speed automation and robotics are not something they can take advantage of. However, as an old packaging hardware guy who spent much of his career designing a variety of packaging systems for everything from high-speed shrink bundling to automatic box sealing systems, it is great to see the new developments in that quick changing industry.
My favorite PW feature is what they call By the Numbers because it is a quick read, and it provides data that we might otherwise never see. The info that caught my eye in the September 2024 issue, 15% – the annual rate of growth over the last five years for e-commerce packaging. That is impressive, especially when you consider everything, we’ve been through in the last five years. Most industry experts believe COVID accelerated e-commerce growth in 2019 through 2022, and we agree. However, 15% growth, even in this post-Covid era is still positive, and there is no reason to believe that rate is going to slow down anytime soon.
Are you selling via e-commerce? If not, you should be.
We know there are many different channels on which you can try to reach your target audience. It seems almost every day we hear from someone who is either introducing a new product or is seeking a new way to promote an existing product. In most cases, they plan to do so, by utilizing e-commerce reach and potential.
Speaking as a person who is constantly trying new ways to expand our B2B business, I know it can be quite overwhelming, not to mention expensive. Amazon, Etsy, organic SEO, Google AdWords, there is no end to how many companies are out there to help you and of course charge you for their assistance. The one thing they all have in common is that they utilize the power of the internet and result in direct to consumer (DTC) fulfillment. That of course means your packaging plays a vital, critical role in helping you grow.
How does your packaging help you achieve e-commerce success?
Here are FIVE ways your packaging can be an asset for you:
- Creating a great first Whether your customer focuses on the outside or the inside of your box, their expectations should be exceeded. If they don’t smile, you probably missed the mark.
- The unboxing experience. Walking that fine line between secure and easy to open can be difficult. The correct board grade and an easy open feature can go a long way to accomplish both.
- Your customer’s product arrives undamaged. Product replacement and/or credits/refunds are costly in many ways. The right box design, combined with the correct internal packaging produces happy customers and a positive reputation for you.
- Reducing labor cost. Over 90% of our customers utilize a 3PL or co-packer to get their orders packed and shipped. Your box design can reduce or increase this unavoidable cost.
- Sustainability is never out of fashion. Customer satisfaction is about your product, and packaging as well as the composition of that packaging. Recyclability, recycled content, types of ink used for printing, all impact the green impression you make.
In 2007, Salazar Packaging was one of the first companies to recognize the e-commerce trend and how important sustainability was when shipping directly into the online customers’ home. Consumers were demanding eco-friendly packaging because the responsibility of corrugated waste was transferred from retailers to them. Minimalist packaging with recyclable materials became the norm for us and our customers.
Here is the secret many customers do not realize. Green, earth friendly packaging does not have to cost more. Either does packaging that looks great, is easy to open and reclose, protects the product being shipped, and reduces packaging, and shipping costs. It has taken us seventeen years and millions of boxes, for us to learn all of this and will gladly share all we know with you at no cost.
Give us a call at 630-551-1700 or contact us through this web site. We love working with new customers and new projects and are eager to help you with yours.
Related posts:
https://www.salazarpackaging.com/why-add-internal-packaging-in-your-e-commerce-shipping-boxes/
https://www.salazarpackaging.com/4-ways-to-know-you-need-a-new-packaging-supplier/
