As an e-commerce business, one of the most critical touch points with customers is the moment they receive their order...
The right postal packaging can leave a positive, lasting impression, protect your products during shipping, and even reduce your environmental impact. But with so many options available, how do you choose the perfect postal packaging for your business? This guide will walk you through the essential steps.
1. Understand Your Products
Before you dive into choosing postal packaging, it's vital to understand your products. Consider:
- Size and dimensions
- Fragility
- Weight
- Special handling requirements
Knowing your products will help you select packaging that provides the necessary protection and support.
2. Determine Your Brand Image
Your packaging is an extension of your brand, so the design and materials you choose should align with your brand's identity. If you're a sustainable brand, it's clearly important to opt for eco-friendly packaging options. If appearance is important to you, consider customising your packaging with your logo or brand colours to ensure a lasting impression.
3. Balance Protection and Aesthetics
While your packaging should look good, its primary function is to protect the contents. Find the right balance between aesthetics and protection. Consider options like padded mailers, corrugated boxes, or mailing bags, depending on your products. Don't forget to consider void fill or wrap if necessary.
4. Size Matters
Choosing the right package size is crucial. Oversized packaging not only costs more but can be wasteful. You can save on postage costs by following Royal Mail’s Pricing in Proportion system (PiP), which classifies items into three categories: Large Letter, Small Parcel and Medium Parcel. To make things easier, we've categorised boxes into each Royal Mail class on our website here.
On the other hand, packaging that's too small might not protect your items adequately. Use packaging that fits your products snugly to prevent damage during transit.
5. Consider Eco-Friendly Options
Shoppers are becoming increasingly eco-conscious, so they'll appreciate eco-friendly packaging options. It's not only environmentally responsible, but also a selling point for your brand. So make sure to look for recyclable options, plus packaging that is made from recycled materials. Don't forget to be transparent about your eco-friendly choices in your branding to attract like-minded customers.
6. Test Durability
Before committing to a particular packaging type, test its durability. Send a few sample packages to see how well they withstand shipping. This will help you avoid issues with damaged products and unsatisfied customers.
7. Explore Customisation
Custom postal packaging can set your business apart from the rest. It's an opportunity to reinforce your brand identity and provide a unique and memorable unboxing experience for the customer. Branded packaging will also help customers remember your brand and increase the chance of them sharing their experience on social media.
8. Supplier Reliability
Choose a reputable postal packaging supplier. A reliable partner can ensure consistent quality and on-time delivery. Being based in the heart of the UK, Fast Printed Packaging can guarantee a super fast turnaround and reliable delivery every time.
9. Customer Feedback
Lastly, don't forget to listen to your customers. Their feedback can be invaluable in refining your postal packaging choices. Analyse reviews and collect comments to continually improve the packaging experience for your customers.
Selecting the right postal packaging for your business is a significant decision that impacts both the customer experience and your brand image. Careful consideration of your products, brand identity, sustainability goals, and customer feedback can guide you to make the best choice. And when you're ready to take the next step, Fast Printed Packaging is here to help you create custom printed postal packaging that aligns with your brand and leaves a lasting impression on your customers.