When it comes to shipping and fulfillment for e-commerce, fast service and packaging for product safety is critical to the success of your business. For the most part, you control your customer’s experience through your website, ads, communications, etc. However, once the product order has been placed, the packaging process begins. The National Retail Federation (NRF) expects online retail sales to jump about 10% in the next year as consumers continue to shift toward e-commerce (creating a higher demand for packaging and shipping services).
Product Expectations
As e-commerce continues to develop, so do customer’s expectations which means speed, presentation and safety are all a part of the shopping experience. Any company’s goal is to insure their product arrives on time and damage free. Businesses need to consider that these expectations mean going above and beyond to impress customers by delivering more than just a product, but also a seamless customer experience. Your packaging and presentation are one of the effective ways you can set yourself apart from the rest.
Packaging Options
Consider all your options when effectively packaging a product for safe transport. From custom corrugated boxes to thinking outside the box, you can ensure your customer’s orders are processed efficiently by using the right packaging products. Remember, less is more: consider the new DIM weight shipping rates to keep costs from eating away at your profit margin.
Label Your Package
Once you have determined what kind of box or bag you’ll use, you’ll need to figure out how you want to label your packages. Writing shipping and return addresses by hand can be time consuming, tedious, and frankly just not an option for larger businesses. Quality and customized packaging labels can help your company increase brand awareness by standing out from close competitors.
Do your Research
Study your online customer demographics. Make sure you are meeting their needs with expedited shipping options and economy shipping options. In addition, familiarize yourself with e-commerce shipping rates, (which can vary based upon where you are sending the package). Determine what size and weight your packages are, whether it’s an international or domestic shipment and what carrier that you are using so you can ship smarter.
Hughes is Filling Your Needs
Consider how you can provide a better customer experience through your packaging and how you can use packaging as an extension of your brand. Hughes Enterprises specializes in designing and implementing proper packaging equipment solutions to meet every need. For assistance with your shipping and packaging operation needs, contact a Hughes Sales Representative today.