Packaging items or products you manufacture or produce can be a very important element of your business. Getting it right, however, can be tough, which is why it is important to ensure that you get this part of the process right. But, there are common packing mistakes any business can end up making. I wanted to share with you what some of them are, hopefully giving you the opportunity to avoid them within your business.
Too many materials
Many businesses, whether new or established, can make the mistake of using too many materials when it comes to their packing element. Perhaps wrapping the product excessively or focusing too much on protecting the item but actually adding far more than is necessary to protect it. It might be worth considering other options or packaging. For example, printed stand up pouches for liquids or other items that would benefit from this sort of packaging, using air pillows instead of excessive bubble wrap to protect items, or recycled sheets of paper to help avoid too much mess when the item arrives with your customer.
Not enough labeling
Often the labeling is how a customer identifies where their package has come from, but it also helps your delivery agents know exactly where to deliver the item without any fuss or lateness to that process of the purchase. It’s important to also include labeling inside the packaging to help with general information about the product purchased but also for returns. It might be worth considering branded packaging and larger labels to ensure you avoid this problem altogether.
Too much marketing information
It can be a major mistake to bombard your customer with too many marketing leaflets and information inside their package they have just received. This can annoy customers and also look to over the top when it comes to repeat sales. Include an offer, perhaps, an incentive to return as a customer if they are happy. But that would be as far as you would go with marketing inserts. It might also be an idea not to include other business information in there as well.
Using the wrong size box
Have you ever ordered a small item and it has arrived with excessive packaging in a large box? Or perhaps you have ordered something and found it to arrive in the tightest of boxes where it hasn’t been properly protected? These are two common mistakes many businesses make, and not only is it damaging to the environment because of the amount of material it uses, it can also be annoying to your customer.
Not considering a returns option
Finally, not considering a returns policy for your item isn’t ideal either. There may be times when a customer needs an alternative fit, or wants to exchange their item. Including returns packaging and labeling could be a time saver as well as cost. You could consider a box that can be re-used, or including a separate package and label inside the original package to use as a return if needed. You might also want to include instructions so there is no confusion on the matter.
