Packaging for eCommerce: The Complete Guide for New Shopify Sellers

One of the most important aspects of eCommerce is packaging. It can be the difference between a customer giving you a 5-star, or a 1-star review (we all know which one you’d prefer).

For eCommerce businesses, shipping and fulfillment are like a first date – it’s your chance to make a great impression and establish a connection with your customer. Sadly, many businesses miss this opportunity to woo their customers.

Well-designed packaging for eCommerce can take your product from functional to unforgettable, creating a moment that will stick with your customer long after they’ve received their order.

We created this guide to help you get a leg-up on the competition when it comes to one of the most important, yet often ignored facets of eCommerce.

Does anyone need to use the bathroom before we start? – No? – Then let’s get started.

Understanding Product Packaging: What It Is and Why It Matters

Product packaging for eCommerce is the craft of carefully designing a container that’ll protect your products during shipping while also creating a memorable and shareable experience for your customers.

A custom-branded packaging experience involves selecting the right materials, choosing a design that reflects your company’s identity, and presenting your shipped products in a way that will enchant your customers. 

The aim here is to create a positive and memorable first impression of your brand that’ll stick with your customers. With the right packaging, your customers will feel like they’re getting a little something extra, and they’ll be far more likely to come back for more – lots more.

The point is, with online shopping, there’s no physical store to wander around and feel the products before making a purchase. Online stores have fewer opportunities to deliver delight compared to their brick-and-mortar counterparts.

Imagine you’re eagerly awaiting an online order. When the package arrives, you tear it open to see a beautifully designed and carefully crafted package that perfectly reflects the brand you ordered from. Suddenly, that online shopping experience leaves you feeling like you’ve received something truly special.

That’s the power of product packaging. It’s not just about protecting your products during shipping – it’s about creating a memorable and shareable experience that sets you apart from the competition.

Take a look at Apple, for example. Their high-end, glossy, and refined packaging is just as well-known as their products. 

I mean, just look at this stuff! Oooooo – Ahhhhhhh…

While not every business owner has Apple’s budget, there are still plenty of ways to delight your customers at every stage of the journey without breaking the bank.

The beauty of creating a memorable unboxing experience is that people love to share it. Search for “unboxing” on YouTube, and you’ll find countless videos of people showcasing their latest purchases. This creates a ripple effect that helps get your brand name out to more and more people, helping you build a long-term, growing brand.

By investing in customer retention and loyalty, you can move away from the constant acquisition treadmill and focus on creating a loyal customer base. After all, it’s the repeat customers who are more likely to spend more with you. 

So don’t underestimate the power of eCommerce product packaging – it’s an essential touch point that makes all the difference in building a memorable and successful eCommerce business.

Recommended: The Complete PayPal Shipping Guide: What Merchants Need to Know

Exploring Different Types of Product Packaging

This is kind of a no-brainer, but before you can ship your products you need to package them securely for safe transportation. Unless your products are super-small or ultra-durable, you’ll need the right box to protect them during shipping, along with some form of cushioning to keep them from bouncing around.

There are several types of eCommerce packaging to choose from.

Corrugated Boxes

Corrugated boxes are the most commonly used type of product packaging in eCommerce. They’re sturdy and can withstand the rough handling that packages can sometimes face during shipping. They’re also lightweight, which can save you money on shipping costs.

One of the best things about corrugated boxes is that they’re recyclable. With more environmentally conscious consumers, opting for recyclable packaging can be a smart way to show your customers that you care about the planet.

If you’re shipping heavier items, consider using double-walled corrugated boxes to provide extra durability. Giving you peace of mind knowing that your products are well-protected during transport.

When choosing corrugated boxes, make sure to select the right size for your products. A box that’s too small can damage your items, while a box that’s too large can increase shipping costs and may not provide enough protection.

Padded Mailing Envelopes

Padded mailers are a great option for eCommerce businesses shipping smaller, delicate items. They are typically made of lightweight, flexible materials such as paper, polyethylene foam, or bubble wrap.

These packages are particularly useful for shipping items such as jewelry, handcrafted goods, books, or electronics that require some level of protection against scratches or dings.

However, it’s worth noting that bubble wrap is not the most eco-friendly option for packaging. While it can be recycled in some areas, it often ends up in landfills where it can take many years to decompose.

When selecting padded mailers, choose the appropriate size for your item to avoid any excess space that could cause movement during shipping. 

Also, if you are shipping internationally, make sure to check if padded mailers are accepted by the destination country’s customs regulations.

Flat Envelopes or Bags

Bags and envelopes are a great option if you sell lightweight, non-fragile products. They’re great for small items, such as clothing, accessories, or documents. Poly mailers, Tyvek envelopes, and plastic mailing bags are some popular types of packaging that fall under this category.

Poly mailers are made of lightweight, tear-resistant plastic, and are an affordable option. They’re also self-sealing, which makes packaging and shipping quick and easy.

Tyvek envelopes are made of high-density polyethylene fibers, making them tear and water-resistant.

Plastic mailing bags, on the other hand, are made of thicker, more durable plastic and come in a range of sizes and shapes. Ideal for shipping products that are too large for a poly mailer but don’t require a box.

An advantage of using bags and envelopes is that they take up less space and are easy to store, which can be a big help if you’re running your business from home or working with limited space. And, many bags and envelopes are made from recyclable materials.

Custom or Branded Packaging

Custom packaging is a powerful way to stand out from your competitors and make a lasting impression on your customers. With custom boxes, you can incorporate your brand’s messaging and image, and create a cohesive experience from start to finish. 

For instance, you can design custom boxes with your brand’s logo, colors, and tagline, so that the customer immediately recognizes the package as coming from your company.

Custom boxes can also help to reduce the amount of packaging waste, as you can design boxes that fit your products perfectly, rather than using standard-size boxes with excessive fillers.

When designing your custom boxes, consider working with a reputable packaging supplier or design agency to ensure that the final product meets your expectations and standards.

Creating a Custom Packaging Experience for Your Brand

Designing a packaging experience that delights your customers can be challenging, especially if you’re just starting out. It’s tempting to want to include every possible option to create a memorable unboxing experience, but that’s not always necessary. Sometimes, a well-placed design element or a thoughtful message can be just as effective at creating a lasting impression.

To create a packaging experience that resonates with your customers, it’s important to think about what will provide the most value for them. For example, if your products are fragile, investing in high-quality packing materials will help ensure they arrive safely. On the other hand, if you sell small items that don’t require much protection, a simple padded mailer or envelope might be the best option.

By strategically choosing the right packaging supplies and customizing them with your brand’s unique style, you can create an unboxing experience that sets your business apart.

Package Type

Your shipping container is the very first thing your customers will see when their order arrives at their doorstep. Therefore, it’s almost mandatory to put some thought into the packaging you choose to make the very best first impression. So, let’s take a moment to talk about the most crucial component of eCommerce shipping – the package type itself. 

The days of using plain white or brown corrugated boxes as the only option are long gone. While these may be practical, they probably don’t create the desired impression of your brand. What we want to do here is make the packaging reflect the personality of your business and grab the attention of your customers.

If you’re passionate about sustainability, there are many eco-friendly packaging options available. You can choose biodegradable packaging made from materials such as compressed mushroom fibers and coconut. Or, instead of using plastic poly mailers, you could switch to compostable mailers made from corn. This not only helps reduce your environmental impact, but it also shows your customers that you give a crap about the planet.

Creating custom packaging can be an expensive endeavor. Perhaps, instead of going all-out, start by investing in a few strategic packaging options that will provide the best value and experience for your customers. Remember, your packaging will significantly impact your customers’ first impression of your brand, so choose wisely.

Filler Material

Enhancing the unboxing experience goes beyond the shipping container alone. To truly captivate your customers, you should consider the filler material used inside the package as well.

By wrapping your products in tissue paper, you create an additional layer of anticipation that builds excitement for the recipient. And, for an extra touch of personalization, custom-printed or colored tissue paper can add a pop of color and personality.

Fortunately, the days of boring and wasteful filler materials such as Styrofoam packing peanuts or unappealing bubble wrap are behind us.

Instead, explore more eco-friendly and visually appealing options like crinkle paper, available in a range of colors to complement your brand’s aesthetic, or excelsior, made of wood fibers for a more rustic touch.

Investing in high-quality filler material can elevate your brand’s unboxing experience and leave a lasting impression that shows you care about the product as well as the journey to your customers’ hands.

Stickers!

Stickers are a small but mighty addition to your packaging arsenal. Not only are they versatile and affordable, but they can also be used in many ways to add a personalized touch to your eCommerce packaging. 

Using branded stickers to seal tissue paper around your items is not only a great idea, but it also creates a cohesive and custom look. Alternatively, you can use stickers to brand your packages without the need for custom printing. This is a budget-friendly way to create a custom-branded experience, without the need for higher-cost packaging materials. 

Plus, stickers are just plain awesome! Everyone loves them (don’t try to deny it, you do too).

Promotional Materials

Custom packaging offers an excellent opportunity to add promotional materials inside shipping packages to enhance the customer experience. There are several ways to include these items without breaking the bank.

Business cards are a cost-effective way of including small promo pieces in your package. But they don’t have to be all boring, instead, go for a unique design that matches your brand’s identity.

Pro Tip: Include a QR code that directs customers to your website or social media pages to further promote your brand.

Inserts, such as printed newsletters, can deepen your brand’s relationship with your customers. They can include helpful tips and tricks, company updates, or even discount codes for future purchases.

Another idea is to include a personal note. Although handwritten notes may be challenging to scale for larger businesses, they can make a big impact on customer loyalty. Handwritten messages show customers that you care and that real-life people are powering your brand. 

If you sell products that require instructions, adding them inside your packaging can be helpful to ensure that customers understand how to use the product properly.

To further increase loyalty and promote cross-selling, consider including a free sample of another product based on the customer’s current purchase or purchase history. 

For example, if a customer buys shampoo, you can add a small sample of complementary conditioner. This tactic introduces customers to new products and encourages them to purchase from you again.

Packing Slip

While the packing slip might not seem like the most exciting element of your package, it’s a very important part of the customer experience that shouldn’t be overlooked. Don’t forget that customers often refer back to their packing slips when they have questions or issues with their orders, so make sure they’re clear and easy to read.

Customizing your packing slip with your brand’s logo and design elements is an effective way to reinforce your brand and leave a lasting impression. Additionally, including a personalized note or message on the slip itself adds a personal touch and makes customers feel appreciated.

Tape

When it comes to tape for eCommerce packaging, there are plenty of options beyond the boring old clear stuff. Adding even just a pop of color to your tape can be a great way to add a unique touch to your packaging and reinforce your brand’s identity. 

Consider choosing tape colors that match your brand’s color palette or that complement your custom packaging. For example, if your packaging has a bold pattern or design, you might choose a tape color that matches one of the colors in the pattern.

If you really want to take your branding to the next level, consider creating custom-branded tape. This is a great way to add instant brand recognition to your packages and create a professional, cohesive look. You can have your logo or other elements printed on the tape, or even include a marketing message or tagline.

Keep in mind that tape is kind of a big deal with your packaging, it helps keep your products safe and secure during transit, so make sure to choose a high-quality tape that will hold up to the rigors of shipping and handling.

Make sure to use enough to securely seal your packages, but avoid using too much–That’s just wasteful and super frustrating for customers to open.

Remember: Even the smallest of details can go a long way in making your customers feel appreciated and valued.

Custom Packaging Resources

To create a memorable unboxing experience for your customers, you gotta start with the right custom packaging materials. 

There are many suppliers out there, but here are a few that are absolutely worth a look:

For Custom Boxes, Tape & Tissue: Arka

Arka is a packaging and branding company that specializes in creating custom packaging solutions for eCommerce businesses. They’ll work with you to create unique, personalized packaging that will help elevate your brand and provide a memorable unboxing experience for your customers.

Arka offers a range of customizable packaging options, including boxes, mailers, tape, stickers, and more. They have a variety of box styles available, including standard shipping boxes, rigid boxes, and folding cartons. These boxes can be customized with a range of finishes, including matte or gloss coatings, embossing, and debossing.

Arka offers an easy-to-use online design tool, so you can create custom packaging designs using a range of pre-made templates or by uploading your design. They also offer professional design services if you need assistance with creating your design.

Arka also offers eco-friendly packaging solutions, such as biodegradable mailers and recyclable materials—they understand the importance of sustainability and are committed to providing environmentally friendly options.

For Custom Stickers: Sticker Giant

Sticker Giant is a company that specializes in creating custom stickers. They offer a wide range of options, including different shapes, sizes, and materials.

If you’re looking to create truly custom packaging, Sticker Giant can be a great resource for branded stickers that can be used to seal tissue paper, boxes, or other packaging materials. Once again, stickers are a versatile and cost-effective option for adding branding and promotional materials to your packaging.

With Sticker Giant, you can choose from a variety of materials for stickers, including matte, gloss, clear, and metallic finishes. They also offer options for creating custom die-cut stickers, which can be cut to any shape or design.

Sticker Giant also offers design services if you find yourself in need of help creating branding materials. They have a team of experienced designers who can work with you to design custom graphics for your stickers.

For Promotional Materials: Printful

Printful is a print fulfillment company that offers a variety of customizable promotional materials that can be included in your packaging. They have a wide range of options, including stickers, flyers, brochures, postcards, and more.

(Pssst… They’re also a leading print-on-demand and dropshipping provider for apparel)

One of the advantages of using Printful is its affordable pricing, with options for almost every budget, and they offer fast turnaround times, with many products available for same-day printing and shipping.

For a list of more helpful tools check out Best Shopify Shipping Apps

Product Packaging Costs: What to Consider

Before you start dreaming about your customers’ over-the-top reactions to your future custom packaging, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the cost.

Custom packaging is a great way to level up your brand, but it does come with a price tag.

If you want custom-printed boxes, be prepared to order at least 500+ for $5 to $25 per box. Poly mailers can be a bit more flexible, with printed mailers ranging from $0.25 to $3 per mailer, depending on how many you need.

If you don’t need the protection of a box, opt for lighter packaging to save on cost. Plus, you can be eco-friendly and align with more eco-conscious consumers by using compostable mailers and reducing packaging size.

Here’s a pro tip to save some dough: Get creative!

Consider pre-designed colored eCommerce boxes from places like Arka. You can order as little as 25 boxes with prices varying depending on the size. Add printed stickers with your logo from services like Sticker Giant to further customize the experience.

Keep in mind that the larger your order size for various packaging materials, the cheaper the cost. So, plan wisely and order strategically. Also, be mindful of the weight of your packaging as higher weights mean higher shipping costs, which can impact your shipping cost overall.

Common Questions about eCommerce Packaging, Answered.

Making Your Unboxing Experience Memorable

Remember, when it comes to packaging, you’re not just protecting your products – you’re also creating an impression on your customers. So get creative with your boxes, tape, tissue paper, and stickers. You might even find yourself enjoying the whole process (or maybe just the excuse to order a bunch of colorful tapes).

While custom packaging can be pricey, it’s worth considering the value it can add to your business and the happiness it can bring to your customers. And, with all the options for eco-friendly packaging and creative designs, there’s no excuse not to give it a try.

Just doing some research? Still on the fence about whether or not to use the Shopify Platform to host your store? Click over to Shopify today, and experience the difference for yourself! You’ll be glad you did.