The easiest way to reduce shipping costs is by reducing or optimizing packaging. Depending on the size of the product there are different ways to optimize shipping, but in essence the smaller and lighter the package is the less shipping will cost. Every ounce matters so reducing packaging or using light weight packaging will have a huge effect in reducing shipping costs. There are risk involved. If less or lighter packaging is used this will reduce the integrity of the package and could risk breaking products which will cause losses in product and additional costs to re-ship, as well as an unhappy customer. Packaging is important for your brand and the customer experience, so it is also important to weigh the aesthetics of the package in addition to the weight and size. It is best to test different packaging types to find a balance of the best packaging to use which will also reduce your shipping rates. If we are provided samples or even descriptions of the products we would be happy to provide suggestions.
How to Protect Shipped Products
The amount of packing materials and the type of packing material needed to protect your product from damage during shipping really depends on the product being shipped. The first thing to evaluate is how delicate the product is and how it may be damaged. Depending on this you can elect the best packaging as well as the best packaging material. The box or packaging is your first line of defense. If you product runs the risk of being crushed by other boxes, it is best to select a sturdy box or even an indestructible mailer. The disadvantage of using these stronger boxes is they take longer to assemble and weigh more, which will increase your postage costs.
Once you have determined the outer packaging you will need to design the inner packaging material. Take into account how fragile the products are, how many products will be in each box, how they could interact and damage one another, if products are already packaged, as well as how you would like the end user to experience opening the package. The use of packaging materials will help ensure that products do not move around in the their package and help protect the products. For fragile products it is best to wrap these products in a protective material like bubble wrap, and additional product box, foam, etc. To prevent products from moving in the box ensure that the box is as full as possible fillers like crinkle paper, bubble wrap, tissue paper, etc. The type of filler you should use will depend on your budget, aesthetics of your packaging, and need for protection. To reduce the amount of filler and how much products move select the smallest boxes possible for your products.
Protecting products is essential as receiving a damaged products means lost revenue and a dissatisfied customer. Sometimes delicate items will break when shipping, as these boxes often get thrown around during shipping, but there are precautions you can take to mitigate risks and design your packaging to be both functional and aesthetic. It is recommendable to test your packaging prior to shipping to get a better understanding of what type of impact your products can withstand.
The right shipping box or package for your shipment
Before selecting a shipping box or package type for your shipment you will need to evaluate your shipping box and packaging requirements as well as the user experience you would like your customer to have.
Below is a brief list of questions which can help evaluate what package type will be best for your shipments.
- How durable is the product?
- How much packing material will be needed?
- What is the size of the product? Is the size variable or will multiple products be shipped together?
- Which carrier would you like the package to be shipped through?
- How secure do the materials need to be?
You will also need to think about the users experience.
- Would you like you logo printed on the box? Alternatively you can apply a branded sticker or branded tape?
- Would you like the box to be colored or would you prefer a kraft or white box?
- Would you like a clean appearance without much tape?
- Are you looking for a unique appearance?
- Would you like the box to be easy to open or would you prefer a more secure packaging?
Selecting the correct packaging will effect your shipping costs and will also have a large impact on how your client perceives your brand and product. Many times outer shipping packaging is overlooked, when this is often times the first impression your client will have of your product. Selecting the correct packaging will help ensure your product arrives unbroken and at the best shipping rates, and can also help create a great first impression.
Often times the more intricate the packaging the more expensive, but there are often creative options which can make you package standout while reducing shipping and packaging costs. Sometimes boxes are not even the best options and other packages will work better to meet your needs.