We have been creating shipping containers and internal packaging long enough to understand why some companies avoid the perceived high cost. However, the truth is that protective and display packaging brings many benefits to the table, and in most cases reduces overall per unit cost, and does so with minimal investment.
Internal/protective packaging ranges from sophisticated die cut inserts to simple and surprisingly inexpensive partitions and dividers. Some require custom tooling, which is a onetime expense to no tooling at all. Below are a few things they all have in common:
Custom internal packaging creates a better presentation.
Whether your product is a beautiful glass bottle of perfume, or a costly carbide cutting blade, they all look better and make a better impression on your customer if the product you ship is in full view, and not hidden beneath wads of crumpled paper, plastic bubble, or foam peanuts. This is known as the unboxing experience, and it does matter.
Inserts eliminate hand packaging and labor of paper.
Customers will often say, “Paper is cheap”. I usually respond with “But labor is not”. This is true whether you or your own people are doing the packing and stuffing, or even worse, if your 3PL, co-packer, or fulfillment company are doing the work. Paper void fill material is tough on the hands and takes considerable effort if you do it correctly. It consumes valuable time, and time is money.
Dividers eliminate the need for messy and costly loose void fill products
Customers may not tell you, but the vast majority HATE loose void fill packaging and they don’t care if those foam peanuts, shells, beads, are biodegradable or not. Speaking as someone with over forty years of experience, loose fill materials are costly and often fail because they work best if they are packed tightly.
They minimize if not eliminate damage
The most important benefit of internal packaging is that if designed properly, it will immobilize the product being shipped to prevent outside/in damage. If multiple identical products are being shipped (for example, four glass jars of honey), the right insert or partition can avoid product to product damage as well as label abrasion. You know how expensive replacing damaged product can be, not to mention, maintaining your positive reputation.
Best internal packaging advice.
Test before invest! The most important thing we do that others do not always do, is drop and/or ship testing as the application requires. Other companies have seen what we have done with internal packaging and have been quick to raise their “me too” hands. However, our experience is certain to result in less problems at a lower cost, for you.
Is internal packaging for everyone?
My answer would be that internal packaging can benefit almost everyone, but it is not just for glass or other fragile products being shipped. Even a toy stuffed animal can be held in perfect position during shipment so the recipient first sees it the way you want it to be seen.
We have been a leading producer of internal packaging for over 17 years. That is really when e-commerce first surged, making us a pioneer in that challenging market. We invite you to visit our gallery to see just a small sampling of the variety of applications we have successfully designed and produced.
To discuss your specific product and needs, call us at 630-551-1700 or contact us though this this web site. Our experienced, talented staff and ready to start your project today.
Related posts:
https://www.salazarpackaging.com/e-commerce-packaging-structural-versus-graphic-design/
https://www.salazarpackaging.com/e-commerce-inserts-five-faqs/
