Looking to Optimize Your Packaging and Cut Shipping Costs? Read This!
by Arnab Dey Business Published on: 20 April 2022 Last Updated on: 17 April 2024
Boutique brands, startups, and E-commerce stores often face the challenge of cutting their packaging and shipping costs.
As a business owner, you’d want to use packaging items that can portray your brand, protect the materials inside, and should be easy to unbox. That said, the cost can be a constraint and a limiting factor that compromises the effective packaging of materials.
What’s more, the pandemic has increased internet penetration globally. That means if you do not optimize and improve your packaging, your competitors may get ahead of you and lure your customers.
Fortunately, there is a way to crack high-quality packaging and simultaneously offer an unforgettable unboxing experience without costing a fortune. These five tips explain how.
Get The Right Packaging Supplies
You want to find a balance between getting high-quality materials to protect your products without breaking the bank. One way to do this is by considering all of the different options for each type of material you need.
For example, if you need to pack peanuts, you could get them in biodegradable packaging. This is a more environmentally friendly option and will save you money in the long run.
Another way is by considering where you source them from. Buying in bulk can often give you a discount. You can also look for online stores that specialize in packaging materials. They usually have good deals and offer various options to choose from.
Streamline Your Packaging Design
You want your custom boxes and packaging design to be eye-catching and on-brand. But you also don’t want it to be too complicated or costly to produce. One way to streamline your design is by using a die-cut.
This is where you use a machine to cut your packaging into a specific shape. It’s a great way to add a unique touch to your packaging without adding too many extra steps or materials.
You can also use a standard size for all of your products. This way, you can order packaging in bulk and don’t have to worry about customizing each order you make, as most previous orders will be saved on the system ready for the next time. This will also save you time and money associated with shipping costs.
Use Sustainable Packaging Materials
Sustainable packaging is not only good for the environment, but it can also save you money. Sustainable materials are often made from recycled materials or can be recycled. This means that you can save on packaging costs and also reduce your carbon footprint.
You can find recycled paper, cardboard, and eco-friendly poly mailers. Other biodegradable options include bamboo or sugarcane. It’s important to research and find the best option for your products and your brand.
Keep Your Packages Lightweight
The heavier your packages are, the more it will cost to ship them. One way to reduce the shipping weight is by using thinner materials. For example, if you’re using cardboard boxes, you can get them made from thinner paper.
You can also use void fill to reduce the amount of space in your packages. This is especially important if you’re shipping breakable products or have a lot of small parts. Void fill comes in different forms, like packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and airbags.
Evaluate Your Shipping Packaging and Try to Improve
Conduct regular packaging analysis. This is where you take a close look at all of the different elements of your packaging and shipping process. See if any areas can be improved or changed. For example, the healthcare industry has medical device kitting service options available. This packaging and kitting service streamlines the packing process, reduces labor costs, and makes everything incredibly efficient with consistent analysis to make sure the operation still works to optimal standards.
You can also ask your customers for feedback on your packaging through surveys or by asking them directly. Find out what they like and don’t like about your packaging. Use this information to make changes that will improve the overall experience.
Final Word
These are just a few tips to help you reduce your shipping costs. By optimizing your packaging, you can save money and provide a better experience for your customers.
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