Pros And Cons Of Popular Packaging Materials

Virginia Miller

July 2, 2024

In this article

As soon as you've decided on which products you'll promote and deliver for your customers, it's time to consider how you will ship them. With many such alternatives to pick out from, it's viable to select the incorrect packing materials that may damage the items, disenchanted customers, and lost earnings.

First, we will focus on some general advantages of packaging, which are as follows:

Choosing the Best Packaging Materials for Your eCommerce Business

Selecting the right packaging for your eCommerce products involves weighing several factors. You want to minimize costs and delivery times while also protecting your items and reflecting your brand values. This article explores popular packaging options to consider for your business.

Branded Packaging

Customized packaging materials feature your logo, brand colors, and other unique elements. Options include custom tissue paper, gift boxes, and more designed specifically for your products.

Pros:

Creates instant brand recognition and trust
Encourages social shares and unboxing videos/photos
Lets you include free samples or discount coupons

Cons:

More expensive upfront costs
Requires more staff training on packaging procedures

Plain/Non-Branded Packaging

Simple packaging like plain envelopes, cardboard boxes, and packing peanuts don't feature any custom branding.

Pros:

Very affordable option
Easy to source and use
Preferred by some customers desiring privacy

Cons:

Doesn't encourage social shares or "unboxing" videos
Not gift-friendly without wrap option
No branding impact on customers

Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard boxes balance protection and shipping efficiency for most products. Choosing the right size box minimizes dimensional shipping rates.

Pros:

Lightweight and versatile for many uses
Good protection against minor shipping damage
Easy to brand and customize
Readily available

Cons:

Less durable than wood/plastic crates
Not ideal for heavy items or high stress
Typically single-use

Bubble Wrap and Air Pillows

Bubble wrap and air pillows cushion products to prevent damage without adding much weight or taking up box space.

Pros:

Reusable and space-efficient
Lightweight protection
Fun for customers to pop bubbles

Cons:

Not eco-friendly as plastic waste
No custom branding possible
Time-consuming to wrap items

Conclusion

Carefully weighing these packaging options against your business priorities allows you to safely deliver orders worldwide and reflect your brand values, whether that means sustainability, customization, durability or affordability.

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Simpl fulfillment has a highly-trained warehouse crew who can package your items according to your specifications. Find out about our pick, pack and ship services today.

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Next article: How to Get Free Shipping Supplies from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL

FAQs

What are the most protective packaging options?

For fragile items, bubble wrap, air pillows, and instapak foam provide excellent protection by cushioning products from impacts. For heavy items, wood, metal, and durable plastic crates can withstand more stress.

Which packaging is the most eco-friendly?

Plain cardboard boxes, paper padding, and plant-based bio bubble wrap are more sustainable than plastic. Seek shipping partners committed to recycling and materials reduction.

Should I invest in customized branded packaging?

Branded tissue paper, boxes, etc. directly promote your brand to customers. This inspires social media shares and unboxing content and builds trust. Weigh the upfront and training costs.

What packaging works best for gift-giving?

Offer gift wrapping, special gift boxes, ribbons, and other decorative touches. Include spaces for personalized gift notes. Branded tissue paper also makes items feel special.

How do I choose the right box size to save on shipping?

Select the smallest box possible that fully protects the item. Oversized boxes increase dimensional weight shipping rates. Use filler to prevent shifting.

What packaging conveys premium quality?

Heavy, sturdy materials like wood crates signal luxury. Add special touches like ribbon, tissue paper, gold accents, fragile stickers and more. Pack items neatly and intentionally.

Should I offer plain packaging for privacy?

For sensitive purchases, use nondescript brown boxes with no labels identifying contents. Or ship in resealable, opaque bags inside cardboard mailers. Offer this as a checkout option.

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