Custom packaging and the e-commerce sector go hand-in-hand. More customers are now favoring online shopping thanks to reliable and personalized shipping mechanisms.

Beautiful packaging will get you noticed and make you stand apart from your competition. A recent survey found that 67% of people were likely or very likely to take notice of customized boxes. So, it’s safe to say that your customized shipping packaging won’t go unnoticed.

What do custom e-commerce boxes mean to you? You know your packaging needs to look good, but what that means is different for different companies. Figuring out your core branding aims is crucial to finding the most suitable boxes. You must be clear about certain crucial factors to plan out productive shipping boxes.

Here is how you can get started.

First: Define who you are as a brand

Start by defining your brand goals. What are your company values? What kind of message do you want to convey to your customers? If you’re a peppy company, your packaging should reflect that. Perhaps you want to try out bright, fun-filled colors, or incorporate some humor.

Otherwise, if projecting a serious look is on your agenda, then bold colors and monotones would work better. In short, what you put on the boxes is how the customers would feel about your brand.

Next, find out what ticks with your core customers. Do they value earthy and sustainable packaging? Using relevant materials for the box construct will be the ideal option. Certain customer demographics need the brand to be more premium. Using thicker and rigid box grades helps to radiate these brand attributes.

Finally, you need to set financial limits for shipping boxes. This also accounts for the time invested. So, if you can speed up your fulfillment process, it might be worth spending a little more on your packaging.

These are the 3 most essential basic brand aspects that must be clearly etched out for the packaging to follow suit.

Second: Think outside the boxes

Custom printed shipping boxes work because they are made to order. It is not just about the way the boxes appear but also how they protect the contents.

You can fully customize and beautify your internal packaging for maximum protection and branding. Add colorful custom trays or crinkle-cut Kraft paper to cushion your products. Adding extras like small gifts, or a simple thank you note also increases the X factor.

It is important to not just get stuck on traditional box ideas. There are plenty of options around. Check out the following ideas for bettering the customized boxes:

• Instead of using full-fledged printing. You can use custom stickers or labels. This especially comes in handy when you are running on a tight budget.
• You can spice up your shipping boxes with colorful seals and creative locks. Many box shapes offer innovative product accessing features. These look distinct and successfully impart a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
• Who says it has to be a box? Custom sleeves directly cover products. Household items, apparels, and certain food products come rounded up in customized sleeves.

The bottom-line is pretty evident; the more creative you get with the physical box shapes, the more your brand will hog the limelight.

Third: Source cost-effective materials

Whether or not your core brand motive is to promote sustainability, it is high time to use affordable materials for custom packaging.

Here are some ways that help you in creating low-cost shipping boxes:

• Using recyclable paper stock. It is far more convenient and inexpensive to obtain. Corrugated stock is widely used for shipping boxes. It is flexible and supports various printing techniques too. What’s more? Using reusable materials wins over more customers.
• Buy in bulk wherever possible. You will considerably lower box costs, production times, and also send deliveries on time.
• If your items don’t need extra protection, you can let go of inner protective gear. Instead, customize the boxes to fit firmly.
• Shop around and read reviews to make sure you’re still getting a quality product. Saving on costs doesn’t mean comprising on quality.

Fourth: Plan everything in advance

Sometimes little miscalculations can derail your packaging plans.

It is always a good idea to get a detailed sketch of your packaging build, design, and impact beforehand. It is so you don’t miss out on anything.

For instance, during the upcoming festivals, ensure to adopt suitable packaging in time. It involves designing your celebration boxes well before time to get them printed promptly. Last-minute rushes costs more and can delay your shipments.

You must also research the market to pay heed to a change in customer purchase patterns. An example would be the recent surge in customer demand for reusable box stock. Marketers predict that sustainable Custom packaging would completely takeover by 2025. Using plastic would put your brand in a negative light. You also need to follow the international guidelines to deliver to different localities.

Another factor is to always thoroughly review the design proof. Check your spelling, colors, and fonts.  Make sure everything’s exactly how you like it. You don’t want to be on the hook for costly mistakes.

Fifth: Create a fun yet powerful purchase feel

The idea is to take customers by surprise. It is definitely going to land your brand on one of the YouTube unboxing videos.

The optimum box designs are neither in your face nor too subtle to get noticed. It must be something that is a good mix of both your branding elements and customer-retaining features. So, if you are selling electronics, the boxes can look sleek and futuristic but also welcome buyers with a warm and short message on the box front.

You would’ve got a clear picture of what goes into creating viable custom packaging for your e-commerce brand. Use them well to make the most of the first contact with buyers.

Conclusion

No matter the size of your business or what you’re selling it’s important to present your shipped goods in the best light by covering the above basics.