📷Photo credit: Success Print Shop®
With an increasingly saturated e-commerce market, it is important for you to stand out from your competition. One such way is creating an unparalleled unboxing experience. People have always opened packages, but the process of opening a box is now more important than ever before. In fact, 72% of consumers say that package design can influence their purchasing decisions. If you haven’t yet thought about the unboxing experience, it is time to take advantage of this opportunity to differentiate your brand and print shop and bring a highly customized, curated experience to your customers.
Our friends at ShipStation have put together some tips and tricks to help you give your customers a social media-worthy experience and stay ahead of your competition.
What are the benefits?
There are some major benefits of creating compelling product packages, like making customers feel special and more connected to your brand. When customers feel valued, they are more likely to repeat purchases. In addition, customers will feel like their purchase was worth their money and thus decreases buyer’s remorse.
In the age of social media, customers even provide free marketing if they have an experience that warrants a post on social media. This kind of exposure can bring you net new customers and increase awareness of your brand.
How to build the experience
Determine Brand Image
If you are going to represent your brand in the package design, you first need to determine your brand identity and voice. This should incorporate your business’s mission and values, and it ultimately describes how you want to portray yourself to consumers. Once this is defined, you can more easily craft an experience that is aligned with your business.
📷Photo credit: Bella + Canvas
Design Custom Boxes
The first step in designing a box is determining what type of box you want to use. The two main options are a shipper or mailer box.
The Shipper
This is a great choice if you are sending heavier items like printed t-shirts for bulk group orders.
The Mailer
This is a great choice if you are sending smaller items or single apparel orders.
Printing Method
Now that you have decided on a box, you need to choose a printing method. Many print shops even print their own boxes, but for those who don’t have the time or capabilities, there are many options. Digital printing uses a giant inkjet printer and is the most economical option. Flexographic (or flexo) printing is helpful when you have a large quantity of boxes since it is a more expensive option. If you are looking for consistent and crisp quality, flexo printing will be the winner. Lastly, and most expensive on the list, is lithographic printed boxes. These are printed with labels and glued to finished cardboard. An important note is that some parcel insurance companies will deny a claim if your packaging alludes to the contents within. So make sure that you are following all guidelines for any insurance providers.
Design Custom Packing Material
When it comes to packing your products, the material used in the box can add to your customer’s unboxing enjoyment. Some of the most common types of customization are tissue paper, stickers, washi tape, and letters or notes.
Tissue paper is a great addition to your packaging because it serves multiple purposes. You can use it to wrap your items, line the box, or just to add some color and flair. Stickers and washi tape are also great branding tools since you can use them to help seal packing materials or for added color and brand recognition. Finally, adding a personalized note about the story of your company, how other customers have used your products, or a simple thank you message can substantially enhance the unboxing experience. Note inserts are very inexpensive to implement, but they can have a lasting impact on your customers.
Pro Tip
A STUDY BY CONE COMMUNICATIONS FOUND ALMOST 90% OF CONSUMERS HAVE A FAVORABLE BRAND IMAGE OF THOSE WHO SUPPORT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES.
TRY THESE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY OPTIONS:
– AVOID PLASTIC IN FAVOR OF PAPER-BASED OPTIONS
– USE RENEWABLE SOY-BASED INKS FOR PRINTING
– USE RECYCLED PAPER/CARDBOARD FOR PACKAGING
– USE SMALLER BOXES TO MINIMIZE THE AMOUNT OF FILLER NEEDED
Conclusion
Even though it may seem like an initially small return, creating a positive unboxing experience is extremely important. It sets your brand apart from the rest and helps give a face to your business in ways that standard packaging does not. Small steps like this create a connection between you and customers that feel more personal and meaningful, resulting in a higher likelihood of repeat customers. Try using some of the tips above so you can show your customers how much you value and appreciate them.
Not using ShipStation to save time and money?
This integration automatically sends shipping details from InkSoft generated orders to your ShipStation account. This allows you to leverage ShipStation’s sophisticated automation features to help you shave hours off your shipping process and will save you money with discounted USPS rates and a free USPS postage provider account. Watch the video below to learn how InkSoft and ShipStation work together.
