If you run an ecommerce business, one of the biggest challenges you might have is making sure the items you’re shipping to your customers are getting there safely!
Unfortunately, how well your goods stay intact is somewhat reliant on the postal system or courier company that you choose to work with.
However, there are some things you can do to ensure that your customer’s purchases are going to arrive safe and soundly. And one of these things is choosing from the best packaging options for your E-commerce store.
Before we jump into the options you have available to you, first, let us tell you just how packaging materials can make your life so much easier.
Why Do The Packaging Materials You Use Matter?
If you are relatively new to the e-commerce and shipping side of things, you might not realise just how important the packaging you choose can be.
The packaging is more than just a simple envelope or box to cover what you’re sending from prying eyes. Its most important role is to provide protection to the items you’re shipping. It is used to not only wrap around them, but to provide cushioning and reduce the item's ability to move at all.
You would probably be surprised at how well some of the most simple looking packing materials can make the world of difference when it comes to ensuring your products arrive at their final destination in one piece.
What To Look For In Packaging Materials
Finding the right packaging materials may seem simple, and it can be – however, there are some things you should take into consideration.
First, you need to consider what you’re shipping. Are the items breakable or easily damaged? Are the items you’re shipping heavy? Because this can rule out some options.
You also want to consider how much extra weight you’ll be adding to your parcels and packages with the packaging materials, and how much of this “extra weight” is necessary.
It’s also a good idea to think about your storage options for your packaging materials. Often this is an afterthought, and it’s not until you’ve invested in packaging materials that you realise how much space some of these options can take up.
Different packaging materials work for different people, so there is no one right choice. But let’s talk about the options.
E-commerce Packaging Materials
These are some of the most popular packaging materials e-commerce businesses use.
Boxes
These are the most popular shipping options for many different reasons.
Boxes are available in all sorts of sizes, from the very small to the very large. They allow you to package multiple items in them, even ones that are awkwardly shaped.
When you pack them properly they do provide excellent protection from impacts and drops.
They are also a highly eco-friendly option as the boxes we stock are made from recycled paper and/or cardboard.
If the items you’re shipping are not square or rectangular shaped and able to be perfectly packed within a box, you will likely need a supplementary packaging material, like void fill (more on that later).
Courier Bags
Courier bags are very popular options for e-commerce businesses who ship things that are not too fragile or that can be wrapped in bubble wrap and able to withstand a bit of movement.
Bags come in a wide variety of sizes and are highly flexible so you can package items of all shapes and sizes. And because you can always add more protective packaging inside them, they are very versatile.
Like we said though, if you’re shipping glass or items that can break easily, we recommend a different option.
Bubble Wrap Padded Bags
Another versatile option is the bubble wrap padded bag. Similar to the courier bags, these bags are flexible and able to have all sorts of items packaged into them. However, this style can withstand a little more than standard courier bags.
They tend to have great puncture resistance and provide a good level of protection, though if you are shipping breakable items, we still think a box and void fill might be the way to go.
Void Fill
We’ve mentioned void fill a couple of times now and if you’re not sure what it is, let us help you out. Void fill is essentially the little pieces of packaging that are inside other packaging, like boxes and courier bags, that sort of fill in the gaps or voids. They are there to help keep your items in place and minimise their movement inside the package while in transit.
There are all sorts of void fill options out there, like biofill, packaging paper, bubblewrap, paper bubble wrap, and air pillows. We offer a huge range of void fill materials for your packaging needs.
If you are looking for packaging materials for your business needs you need the packing materials and protective packaging machines Melbourne experts here at Melbourne Packaging Supplies. Get in touch with us to discuss your options!
