Packaging Design for Online Orders: Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality
With the rapidly growing popularity of e-commerce, packaging design is becoming even more popular as a way to help shape a customer’s first impressions of a business. Choosing packaging that is both protective and aesthetically pleasing is a delicate balancing act. In this guide, we explore the importance of functional and on-brand packaging to ensure your business leaves a good, lasting impression. Let’s unpack the art of packaging design!
- It’s Not Just About Protecting the Product!
- Functional Aspects of Packaging Design
- Protection During Shipping
- Ease of Opening and Unpacking
- Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
- Aesthetic Considerations in Packaging Design
- Brand Consistency
- The Unboxing Experience
- Customisation and Personalisation
- New Trends in Packaging: Smart Packaging Solutions:
- Make a Great First Impression with Schott Packaging
It’s Not Just About Protecting the Product!
Of course, protecting your products during transit should be of the utmost importance, but protection should not compromise branding. For e-commerce businesses, the product arriving at a customer’s door is their first impression of a business.
If the package is without branding and not all that exciting, the customer may find a disconnect between your online presence and the product, leaving a neutral impression. However, if the product arrived damaged, the customer would have a negative impression of your business, even if the damage isn’t necessarily your fault.
Finding the right balance between high-quality protection and aesthetics is difficult, as you want to offer your customers the best overall experience. Let’s take a look at the most important aspects of functionality and aesthetics to ensure you consider all these elements before purchasing your packaging.
Functional Aspects of Packaging Design
Protection During Shipping
The most important element of functional packaging design is the protection it offers during transit. Products have to withstand many dangers during transit, including handling, stacking, and potential impacts. Effective protective measures include using appropriate cushioning materials like bubble wrap, kraft paper, and foam roll. The outer packaging should not be forgotten either, as a snug box helps minimise movement during transit and improves the package’s structural integrity.
Ease of Opening and Unpacking
There’s nothing worse than finally receiving your long-awaited parcel and struggling to open it. This is the next interaction your customer will have with your business, so you want it to be a good one! The packaging should be designed with intuitive opening mechanisms to avoid using excessive tape and complex seals that frustrate users.
Clearly written instructions or visual cues on the box could help guide customers through the unboxing process. Essentially, you want to create a smooth and enjoyable unboxing experience that doesn’t necessarily require scissors or excessive effort.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
Sustainability in packaging has become a growing concern for both businesses and consumers. With over 11 million tonnes of packaging waste generated by the UK each year, it is clear to see why a more sustainable alternative is needed. Eco-friendly packaging offers businesses the opportunity to reduce their impact on the environment while still offering optimal protection and design.
Introducing sustainability practices into your business can include using recycled or biodegradable materials, minimising excess packaging and ensuring recyclability. By using sustainable packaging, you can protect the environment and resonate with eco-conscious consumers.
Aesthetic Considerations in Packaging Design
Brand Consistency
Packaging that includes your branding can help develop recognition and trust with your customers. Your packaging is an extension of your brand, so incorporating your brand’s colours, logos and design elements can help a customer recognise your business’s overall aesthetic.
This consistent packaging creates a cohesive brand experience across all touchpoints, offering a seamless transition from website to product. Plus, branded packaging allows you to use your products as a marketing tool to passively advertise your brand while the package is on its way to its destination.
The Unboxing Experience
The unboxing experience is one of a customer’s first impressions of your business. With minimal effort to get into the parcel, customers can enjoy the overall experience, transforming a simple act into a memorable event. A well-designed unboxing process builds anticipation, creating an emotional connection with the brand. With this attention to detail, customers can see a business cares about its customers, leaving a positive impression on the customer.
Customisation and Personalisation
Adding some form of customisation and personalisation to your packaging can elevate the customer experience, making each delivery feel a little more special. You can add personalisation by leaving a small personalised thank you note in the package or creating packaging that reflects their past purchase. This personal touch not only enhances customer satisfaction but also strengthens brand loyalty by demonstrating unmatched attention to detail.
New Trends in Packaging: Smart Packaging Solutions
With artificial intelligence and other technologies constantly developing, it’s no surprise that packaging has also seen a recent boom in smart packaging solutions. From RFID tags to QR codes and more, this technology allows customers to track their parcels and businesses to add some extra information, whether about their sustainable packaging practices or other information, to their packaging, creating an interactive element for customers. Why not apply a QR code to your packaging today to offer an unforgettable experience for your customers?
Make a Great First Impression with Schott Packaging
Packaging is one of the most important elements of the customer journey, as it can make or break your relationship with the customer. With branded packaging that offers comprehensive protection, you can ensure your customers receive their products in one piece and have a good, lasting impression of your business.
Shop Schott Packaging today for high-quality protective packaging that minimises the risk of damaged products arriving at your customers’ doors. With eco-friendly and postal packaging, find everything you need to complete your packaging materials and make a good first impression here!
FAQs
What is ecommerce packaging?
E-commerce packaging is the materials and methods used to securely ship products purchased online to customers. It ensures that items arrive safely while also incorporating branding to enhance the customer experience.
What is the most important part of packaging?
Packaging should provide protection above all else to ensure your products arrive at their destinations in one piece. Although aesthetics are also important when it comes to packaging, finding the right balance between branding and protection is essential for a first impression with your customers.
How do I choose the right packaging for my business?
To choose the right packaging for your business, consider what products you are packaging, how much protection they require, and the level of branding you want. You should also think about eco-friendly alternatives to protect the environment.
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