For most business owners, they assume that how they package their products into cardboard boxes requires very little thought-- they couldn't be more wrong! If you hope to ensure your customers are delighted and also save some money for your company, you will need to carefully consider your packaging solutions.
How you package your products does cast a first impression of your company, whether good or bad. Using inadequate packaging will make your customers feel as if you're thoughtless and don't care about garnering their support. Likewise, using too much packaging will subject you to criticisms about not caring enough about the environment. At the end of the day, it is hard to strike that balance!
You may assume that a cardboard box is just that-- a box. If that's what you're thinking, you couldn't be more off base! There are so many options out there for cardboard boxes that selecting the perfect fit is a daunting task.
Below, we will highlight three of the most important things you should look at when selecting a cardboard box:
1. Focus On The Perfect Size
Size is perhaps one of the most important aspects of selecting the right cardboard packing box. You may think that a slightly bigger box won't cause any harm, but you will end up paying extra money for shipping costs! Most carriers will calculate shipping on the size AND weight of the box.
It's crucial to select a box that allows you to snuggly fit the items you're shipping without causing any bulging. You also shouldn't have to use filler packaging supplies to make your product adequately fit inside. Cardboard sleeve packaging could come handy in this scenario.
An oversized box is one that becomes an environmentally irresponsible nightmare. Sure, a few people who are planning on moving may welcome a giant box, but most will suffer debilitating headaches just trying to get rid of it responsibly!
2. Go For Thicker Cardboard
Yes, thicker cardboard boxes do cost more money, but they also offer better protection for your shipments in transit. It's much better to spend a little extra on packaging supplies than to simply have to process refunds repeatedly for broken or damaged products. Not to mention, not packaging properly can harm your reputation as a brand! The cardboard boxes you select should have the right structure and strength to protect against potential mishaps.
For products that don't easily get damaged or are lightweight, single-walled cardboard boxes offer adequate protection. The corrugated fluting is still fairly sturdy enough between the walls to offer damage-free shipment. However, for any shipments sending breakable products or those easily damaged, double-walled corrugated boxes are a necessity. There are two different layers of corrugated fluting between the walls that help reinforce the stability in the construction of these boxes.
3. Reconsider For Liquid Products
Cardboard boxes are ideal for most shipments, but if you're selling liquid-based products, you may wish to reconsider. Cardboard boxes are easily damaged and compromised when wet, and as such, you risk angering customers when they receive their shipments heavy, wet, and soggy!
A watertight plastic type packaging is a much safer and better option for any shipments containing heavy liquids. This way, you can protect against potential leakage occurring at the time of shipment. Another important aspect of shipping heavy liquids is opting for reinforced shipping boxes.