Different Types of Packaging for Ecommerce Businesses

“It’s what’s inside that counts.”

Of course, you’ve heard that one before. It’s like “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” which is funny because some people have bought books just because the covers look intriguing or fancy.

Now, if you plan to open an online store, it’s good that you’re researching different types of packaging. After all, no matter how good your products are, they won’t be useful to customers if they arrive damaged because of flimsy packaging.

It also helps to remember that packaging isn’t only functional. Besides protecting its contents, custom packaging helps differentiate your product from competitors and attracts people to try it out. That said, let’s talk about the types of packaging for e-commerce businesses.

Envelopes and Bubble Mailers

One of the packaging tips that can help new e-commerce players is to use low-cost options like envelopes and bubble mailers.

Especially if you’re sending a massive volume of products by post, you’ll want to save money by not going for intricate and heavy packaging. The good news is poly mailers can be customized. You can go for card-backed varieties and even have them printed in your brand colors.

However, there is a downside, as envelopes and bubble mailers aren’t suitable for delicate items. If you’re selling apparel, shoes, small accessories, etc., they’re a cost-effective packaging option to consider.

Plastic Packaging

A discussion on packaging types wouldn’t be complete without plastic packaging. After all, a significant percentage of consumer goods use plastic–from wraps to bottles to carry bags and so on.

It’s a versatile material and also not expensive when manufactured in bulk.

Cotton Bags

Some types of packaging, like the ones already mentioned, are popular because they’re relatively inexpensive. If you’re selling premium products, though, cotton bags are an excellent option.

Not only are cotton bags sustainable, but they’re also easily customizable. If your premium item is fragile, you may need to invest in additional packaging since cotton doesn’t provide much protection. A suitable alternative to cotton bags is burlap or jute.

Chipboard Packaging

Chipboard is another cost-effective packaging option for electronic, medical, and food items. Customization options include cutting, folding, and forming, which are easy to perform because chipboard comes in various densities and strengths.

Some items that go well with chipboard packaging are crackers, cereals, and tissue boxes.

Different Types of Packaging to Add to Your List

Other types of packaging that might suit your products include corrugated boxes, paperboard boxes, and paper bags. You might also want to consider rigid boxes, bottle and cap, and foil-sealed bags.

For cosmetics, lotions, or creams, you can’t go wrong with “bottle & cap.” It also works for pharmaceuticals.

So, if you’re selling oils, for example, you can search for essential oils bottle options online. Some have droppers, while others have rollerballs. You can choose both if you’re catering to customers who use essential oils topically or for diffusing.

Make Your Products Stand Out

Knowing the different types of packaging can help you select the best ones for your products.

Don’t hesitate to seek online resources for more packaging tips and advice. We also have e-commerce related articles you might be interested in checking out.