abstract graphic with black background and green and blue shapes with white text reading ecommerce packaging for beginners

Ecommerce Packaging for Beginners

Living in the 21st century in the United States just about ensures that you’ve done some online shopping. Chances are that you’ve made purchases at ecommerce giants like Amazon or eBay or shopped for something new on the website of your favorite local retailer. No matter where you choose to spend your dollars, it’s nearly impossible to avoid online shopping in the modern world. Maybe you’ve even considered starting up your very own Etsy shop or offering online sales to your existing brick-and-mortar location and are wondering how to successfully get your business off the ground. While you get all the products figured out, let us help you find the ideal packaging for your needs. Check out this handy guide to ecommerce packaging for beginners with plenty of helpful hints and tips!

What is Ecommerce Packaging?three young women sit in front of computer pointing at the screen

If you’re new to the online sales business, it’s possible that you’re wondering what does ecommerce packaging mean? What exactly makes ecommerce packaging different from your standard packaging? The answer is actually pretty simple. While other varieties of packaging are meant to be shipped to larger retail outlets in palletized loads on the back of a truck, ecommerce packaging is a little different. Instead, it goes directly to the consumer. This means that ecommerce packaging consists mainly of the primary packaging that holds the actual item and a container, usually a corrugated box or poly mailer, to protect it during shipping. 

How to Get Started with Ecommerce Packaging for Beginners

Knowing just where to start with your ecommerce packaging can sometimes be tough. Where do you buy ecommerce boxes? How do you know which type of mailer to use? How do you find custom ecommerce packaging design? There are many questions to consider, but before you dive headfirst into any of that, you need to make two important decisions. First, you’ll need a budget. Like anything else in life, you have to determine how much you’re able to spend without breaking the bank. However, that doesn’t mean you should go as cheap as possible. Packaging for ecommerce is more important than ever before and you should always be sure to use the right materials to protect your products and impress your customers. This means that the second decision you need to make is to set specific goals for your packaging. This could be as simple as providing cost-effective protection or as complex as providing a stunning design that conveys your brand story to your shoppers. No matter what the details of your ecommerce packaging goals may be, they should be specific, attainable, and align with your budget.

Containers for Ecommerce Packagingthree corrugated boxes on a table with custom white packaging tape with red logo on tape

After your budget and packaging goals have been determined, it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty – choosing the actual ecommerce packaging boxes and materials you’ll use. Think about the types of packages you’ve received along with your online orders in the past. It’s likely that you’ve had a few corrugated boxes and some bubble mailers arrive at your house before, right? They are the two most common forms of ecommerce packaging, due to their effectiveness and affordability, which means you’ll probably go the same route for your items. Each offers unique advantages depending on the specific products you ship, but no matter which you choose, there are a few elements to keep in mind. Primarily, you’ll need to ensure that the ecommerce mailers or boxes are rightsized for your goods. That means the item should fit snugly inside without too much empty space leftover. If you have fragile items or find yourself with no option but to leave some unoccupied area, then you should make certain to include a void fill like air pillows or kraft paper in order to prevent damage during shipping and handling. Ecommerce boxes and mailers alike offer exceptional protection to your products when used correctly, and can even be enhanced with customization for your marketing efforts.

Custom Ecommerce Packaging for Beginnerswoman holding box of beauty products with phrase this is yours printed on inside lid of box

Especially when you’re just starting out, you want to make sure that you set your business apart from the rest. In the ecommerce world, that means providing an outstanding shopping event for your customers. One straightforward way to do that is by crafting an unboxing experience that thrills and excites them. This can be done through custom ecommerce boxes, custom ecommerce mailers, and much more. Use branded boxes and containers to share your company’s identity and values, utilize colorful branded tapes, add personalized touches like thank you notes specifically for the individual buyer, or simply add value through informational inserts explaining your commitment to a certain cause like sustainability or shopping small. Each of these is a simple way to create a custom ecommerce packaging experience that’s certain to impress your customers. In fact, did you know that approximately 47% of all consumers are willing to pay more for shopping experiences that exceed their expectations every time? Custom ecommerce packaging can help you do just that. 

Finding the Right Ecommerce Packaging

Now that you’re ready to get started on your ecommerce packaging journey, you’re probably wondering about where to start, and we have good news. IPS Packaging & Automation is standing by to assist you with all of your ecommerce packaging needs. Whether you require only basic corrugated boxes or you’re looking for custom printed packaging tape, our team is here to help. Contact us today at 800-277-7007 and we’ll help you find everything you need!