Recently, the team at Network Packaging received a parcel that reminded us how varied and wide ranging the packages consumers receive can be – and let’s face it, they’re not always up to scratch.
his parcel received by the Network Packaging team contained a small edge protector.
As you can see it was packaged in a box far too large, which is not only wasteful but also increases logistics costs. Ultimately, this gives customers a poor impression and can negatively impact a business’s bottom line.
Including materials and postage as a medium parcel, this pack could cost a business £6 – £7.
With an increasing number of customers valuing the “unboxing” or “unpacking” experience there’s greater pressure for retailers to provide fit-for-purpose packaging materials that meet customer expectations.
So, what does good look like when it comes to packaging? While there are many things to consider when developing a great pack, some of the factors that can contribute to customer-friendly packaging include:
- Fit-for-purpose materials – does your box or bag suit the job? Is the pack frustration-free for customers? Protecting your goods and the end user experience should help inform your packaging materials and processes. No customer wants to receive a much anticipated item and find it hard to get into the parcel or find their goods broken.
- No excess or unnecessary void in the pack – receiving a tiny product in a giant box or wrapped in surplus packaging is a common gripe amongst customers; it’s considered wasteful and can lead to products migrating through packs, which can cause damage.
- Good presentation – your packaging represents your business, so providing the WOW factor and ensuring goods arrive in a presentable condition are essential. Packaging also represents an opportunity to emphasise your branding and reinforce customer perception- find out our bespoke packaging service here.
If we were repacking the edge protector we received, we’d opt for a simple bubble lined mailer. This would offer an all-in-one mailing solution and reduce the pack size to Royal Mail’s small parcel price band. Overall, the revised packaging would (including materials and postage) cost around £3.50 – almost half the cost of the original pack – plus, waste would be reduced significantly!
With so many packing choices available, expert advice can be valuable when you’re trying to optimise your packaging. If you want to chat to our packaging specialists, contact us today on 01902 496666, email us or complete our contact form.
