Your packaging affects your brand's image. Consider these three factors before shipping your products!

Packaging is such an important part of the shipping process but is often underestimated. The consumer cares more about packaging than you might think. It can reinforce or damage your brand.

Don’t overlook the impact that packaging has on your brand image. It is an important touch point that you have with your customer. Make it count.

Here are 3 things to consider when choosing your packaging materials.

1. is your product convenient to open or does it cause a big mess?

   Every shipment/delivery is a chance to represent your brand in a positive way. Shipping is an important factor for businesses to conisder how they serve the end-user. When your customer opens your package to get to your awesome product and they are met with a messy and unorganized situation, they will immediately think negatively about your brand before they even get to your product. Pay careful attention to what you use to pack your products in and how it will affect your customer’s convenience and experience. If they have to clean up a mound of peanuts and figure out what to do with them - likely just the trash can - how do you think they feel about your company? 

2. Are you shipping your products in recyclable, renewable and sustainable materials?

   Speaking of throwing peanuts in the trash can, the increasing pressure in the marketplace for companies to address enviornmental concerns should be enough to get you to re-think your packaging processes. How your company looks at eco-friendly solutions is a big turn-on for millennialls. In fact, they are being called the "green generation" and say sustainabiltiy is a shopping priority. Nielsen.com says: "The rise in the percentage of respondents aged 15 - 20, also known as Generation Z, who are willing to pay more for products and services that come from companies who are committed to positive social and environmental impact was also strong—up from 55% in 2014 to 72% in 2015The rise in the percentage of respondents aged 15 - 20, also known as Generation Z, who are willing to pay more for products and services that come from companies who are committed to positive social and environmental impact was also strong—up from 55% in 2014 to 72% in 2015." Recyclable packing materials will be easy for your customers to dispose of. It shows that you care and are socially responsible. In the end, it will make your customer feel better about doing business with you.

3. Do you know if your products are arriving damaged?

   Inefficient packaging that arrives damaged will largely affect both your image and your bottom line. When packaging fails your customer, their experience with your brand will not be a positive one. With the increase of online reviews, one disenchanted customer can do more damage than you'll be ready for. Not only are you faced with unhappy customers, but the financial strain on re-processing orders. Brand image and reputation are at stake. When a small supplier experiences shipping damage, it is very hard for them to make up for it with the customer. When a large company loses time because of shipping damage, the delays can cost tens of thousands of dollars. The financial risk of poor packaging just isn't worth it. 

When planning out the most appropriate packaging for your products there are many things to consider. Packaging has implications that go far beyond just protecting your product. You also need to protect your brand and its image.

Packaging can also be a source of efficiency improvement and cost savings. Packaging matters and you should be paying attention.

Download our Packaging Guide to help you evaluate some of your different packing options and ensure you are making the best choice.