Packaging is something that you might not immediately think about when you are setting up your business, but if you need to send goods out to customers then it is actually something that a lot of thought needs to go into.
Delivering goods to customers is an important part of the service that you provide as a business and if you want to get repeat custom and happy customers, then you need to make sure that you are delivering a good service.
Packaging firstly needs to be suitable for the products that you are sending, and it needs to protect them when they are in transit. Whatever service you use, whether you opt for Royal Mail delivery or you want to send orders out for same day delivery using a service like this same day courier Leicester based company allaboutfreight.co.uk/same-day-courier/leicester/ the packaging needs to keep the products safe whilst they are travelling.
Another thing that you need to consider is the branding of your packaging. As well as being functional, the packaging should reflect your brand, and this is your opportunity to promote your business. Get the packaging professionally designed by a company that specialises in this to ensure that you have well branded packaging that gets people’s attention.
The cost of the packaging is also something that you will want to think about as you won’t want to go over your budget. Think about the materials that you are using for the packaging and try to use sustainable materials where possible.
Where silicone fits into packaging choices
Silicone has become a more popular packaging material because it offers several advantages over traditional options. It is lightweight, which makes products easier and cheaper to ship and lighter for handlers to move, and that can help speed up delivery.
Choosing an efficient material can also cut waste and avoid some of the extra cost of disposal. Silicone is non-toxic, so products can be placed in it without health concerns, which is useful for goods that need careful handling.
It also helps to protect what is inside. Used to seal goods, silicone reduces the risk of damage to both the products and the packaging, so fewer items arrive broken and fewer need replacing. When weighing up packaging for your goods, it is worth considering silicone alongside cardboard, paper and other materials, especially where products are delicate or need a secure seal.
Adding a personal touch to every parcel
Packaging can also make customers feel special. Branding is one way to do it. Boxes can be printed with your logo or imagery, or plain boxes can be lined with branded tissue paper held in place with branded stickers.
Inserts add a personal touch that builds loyalty and encourages customers to recommend you. A small card thanking them for their order, or a postcard about upcoming sales and new products, works well, and inserts can also invite people to follow you on social media.
A coupon in the box encourages a repeat order, but think carefully about the expiry date, as customers will be annoyed by a discount that runs out too soon. A reward for recommending a friend is another option. Some businesses add a small free gift, such as a low priced item from their range on larger orders or a packet of sweets with every order. Whether it is advertised or left as a surprise, it gets customers talking about you positively.
When to hand packing to a specialist
In the early days most businesses pack their own goods, but as demand grows it can become hard to keep up. Packaging has to protect products in transit and also present the brand well, so it is not something to rush.
Setting up large-scale professional packing in-house is expensive, as it means investing in equipment and extra staff. Many growing businesses turn to a contract packer instead. That avoids the up-front cost and gives you access to people with experience of choosing the right packaging for different products, who can advise on materials and design.
Outsourcing also copes well with uneven demand. If orders rise sharply at certain times of year, you can simply increase the volume you send to the packer, rather than recruiting and training temporary staff yourself. When things are quieter, you are not left paying for idle equipment or people.