The right packaging for e-commerce and shipping

A parcel passes through many stations on its way to the customer. It is stacked, sorted, thrown and sometimes left out in the rain. The shipping packaging has to withstand all of this. At the same time, it should be quick to pack and keep shipping costs as low as possible. Here is how to find the right packaging for your online shop and your shipping.

Protection first: what the packaging has to withstand

• Impacts and drops: Drops happen again and again in parcel centres and during delivery. Corrugated board absorbs these loads.
• Stacking pressure: Parcels often lie beneath many others. The corrugated board must therefore match the weight and size of the shipment.
• Movement inside: Most damage happens when the product slides around in the box. Well-fitting boxes or inserts hold it securely in place.

Choosing the right construction

• Shipping boxes (slotted cartons): robust, economical and versatile. Ideal for heavy goods and for retailers with many different items.
• Mailer box: The hinged-lid box opens like a gift and can be printed inside and out. It is the first choice for fashion, cosmetics, subscriptions and gift sets. Read more about the unboxing experience in our article E-commerce packaging.
• Flat shipping packaging: for books, textiles or printed matter that need little height.
• Product packaging with an outer box: Delicate retail packaging such as folding cartons travels best inside an additional shipping box.

Size and weight: the underestimated cost factor

Carriers price their services by weight and parcel size. A box that is too large costs you twice: more postage and more filling material. So check which items you ship most often. Have well-fitting box sizes made for these items instead of packing everything into a few standard sizes. A lighter material of sufficient quality also lowers costs.

Fast packing saves time and money

In everyday shipping, every hand movement counts. Good shipping packaging is quick to erect, fill and close. Boxes delivered flat save storage space right at the packing table. Fewer, well-planned sizes also make the warehouse easier to organise.

Plan for returns

In online retail, some goods come back. A sturdy box that can be opened without damage can be reused for the return. That is convenient for your customers. And the goods come back better protected.

Brand presence in shipping

A shipping box can show your brand without being expensive. A one-colour logo print on kraft looks premium and natural. Printed adhesive tape or stickers turn even neutral boxes into brand carriers.

Obligations for online retailers in Germany

If you ship packaged goods to private consumers in Germany, you are placing packaging on the market. This includes shipping boxes and filling material. Under the German Packaging Act, you therefore have to register in the LUCID register and license your packaging with a dual system. Details in our article on the Packaging Act and LUCID.

Checklist for your shipping packaging

• Your main items with dimensions and weight
• Shipping method: parcel, pallet or both
• Construction: slotted carton, mailer box or flat shipping packaging
• Printing: plain, logo outside, or printed inside and out
• Monthly demand and storage space

Send us the dimensions of your products and your requirements. We will recommend the right construction for your e-commerce boxes and send you a binding quote within 24 hours. We produce from 500 units and deliver free to your door.

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