So you’ve perfected your products, optimized your website, and aced your marketing but have you truly considered your packaging strategy as a key area for savings?
Many businesses overlook the significant impact that smart, cost-effective e-commerce packaging can have on their bottom line. It’s not just about getting the product from A to B; it’s about optimizing materials, enhancing customer experience, and, ultimately, boosting your profitability.
5 Practical E-commerce Packaging Tips to Save Money and Elevate Your Brand
Infographic content:
5 ways to save money on e-commerce packaging
- Choose the right size
- Go sustainable
- Use the right tape
- Use shipping accessories
01 | Choosing the Right Size
One of the biggest money-wasters in e-commerce packaging is shipping air. If your product rattles around in an oversized box, you’re not just paying for unnecessary materials; you’re also paying for “dimensional weight” (DIM weight).
Carriers calculate shipping costs based on either the actual weight or the DIM weight of a package, whichever is greater. A large, lightweight box can cost significantly more than a small, heavy one.
This is where you need to reduce void-fill packaging. Void fill refers to any material used to fill empty spaces within a package, preventing items from shifting around and absorbing shock during transit.
- Optimize Box Sizes: Invest in a range of corrugated boxes that closely fit your products. This immediately reduces the need for excessive void fill and reduces your DIM weight charges. Consider custom-sized corrugated boxes if you ship a high volume of a specific product.
- Minimize Void Fill Material: When you do need void fill, opt for efficient solutions. Instead of overflowing with packing peanuts, consider options like crinkled kraft paper, air pillows, or honeycomb paper. These are often more cost-effective ecommerce packaging options, are lighter, and provide better protection.
Mordor Intelligence reported that protective systems and void-fill cushioning are expanding at a 16.26% CAGR as retailers tackle returns tied to in-transit damage.
- Strategic Product Placement: Train your packing team on e-commerce packaging best practices for placing items compactly within the box, minimizing empty space.
By rightsizing your packaging, you’ll save on shipping costs, material expenses, and waste.
02 | Embrace Sustainability
Sustainable packaging ideas are no longer just a trend; they’re a business imperative. According to McKinsey & Company, consumers are increasingly eco-conscious, and 60-70% are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging. However, sustainability can also lead to significant cost savings.
- Recycled and Recyclable Materials: Opt for boxes made from recycled content and materials that are easily recyclable by your customers. Mordor Intelligence reported that corrugated boards, which can include kraft paper or cardboard, held 51% of the e-commerce packaging market share in 2024 due to their cost-efficiency, stacking strength, and near-universal curbside recyclability.
- Biodegradable/Compostable Options: Explore biodegradable packaging peanuts or cornstarch-based alternatives to traditional foam. While initial costs might seem slightly higher, the enhanced brand image and increased customer loyalty can lead to long-term gains.
- Minimize Layers: Design your packaging to use fewer materials. Can your product box double as the shipping box? This eliminates an entire layer of material, reducing both cost and waste.
According to Mordor Intelligence, Amazon’s on-demand packaging initiative trimmed shipping damage by 24% and cut outbound freight costs by 5% by pairing machine-learning software with auto-baggers that seal film around each order.
- Educate Your Customers: Clearly label your packaging as recyclable or compostable. This empowers your customers to dispose of it responsibly, reinforcing your brand’s commitment to the environment.
Investing in sustainable packaging ideas shows your brand cares, which can translate into repeat business and stronger customer relationships.
03 | Make Smart Tape Choices
The type of tape you use might seem like a minor detail. Still, it can significantly impact your packaging efficiency and cost.
- Acrylic Sealing Tapes (Clear/Tan): For most general carton sealing, a high-quality acrylic sealing tape is a cost-effective and reliable choice. It offers good adhesion across a range of temperatures and is less prone to yellowing than some other options.
- Reinforced Kraft Tapes: Consider reinforced Kraft tapes for heavier or more valuable shipments. While they might have a slightly higher upfront cost, their superior strength means you often need less tape per package. They also provide an excellent tamper-evident seal, reducing potential loss or damage claims.
- Efficient Dispensing: A good quality tape dispenser is not just about convenience; it ensures consistent application, reduces tape waste from improper tearing, and speeds up your packing process.
Choosing the right tape for the job prevents costly re-taping, damaged goods, and, ultimately, happier customers.
04 | Leverage Your Packaging for Marketing
Your package is the first physical touchpoint your customer has with your brand. Don’t let this prime marketing real estate go to waste! These e-commerce packaging ideas can enhance your brand without significantly increasing costs.
- Custom Printed Tapes: Instead of plain tape, consider custom printed tapes with your logo or a catchy slogan. This transforms a functional item into a branding opportunity, making your packages instantly recognizable and professional.
A Woola 2025 survey indicates that 41% of consumers say that branded packaging encourages future orders.
- Branded Inserts: Include a simple, well-designed insert with a thank-you note, a discount code for future purchases, or a call to action to share on social media. These inexpensive additions can significantly boost customer loyalty and encourage repeat purchases.
Woola also reports that 52% of consumers are more likely to repeat purchases if their orders are shipped in luxury packaging. While “luxury” can mean different things, it often translates to thoughtful, branded touches.
- QR Codes: Integrate QR codes on your packaging that link to product tutorials, your social media channels, or exclusive content. This adds value and engagement without adding bulk or significant cost.
05 | Utilize Smart Shipping Accessories
Don’t underestimate the power of small accessories to streamline your operations and prevent costly issues.
- Packing Slips: Ensure clear and accurate packing slips are included. These help with inventory management, reduce picking errors and ensure that customers receive precisely what they ordered, minimizing returns.
- Tagging Bullets: For apparel or other items requiring secure tags, efficient tagging bullets and tagging guns speed up preparation and prevent lost tags, which can cause confusion or returns.
- Fragile Labels: Clearly marking fragile items with labels reduces carrier mishandling. While this does not directly result in material cost savings, it significantly reduces damage claims and associated losses.
Damaged or defective products are the number one reason a customer will return an item, with 80.2% of e-commerce returns attributed to products arriving damaged, according to Woola. Moreover, processing a return can cost retailers between 20% and 65% of the item’s original value, highlighting the immense savings from preventing damage.
E-commerce Packaging Best Practices
Ultimately, e-commerce packaging best practices revolve around a holistic approach:
- Standardization where possible: Using a limited number of box sizes that fit most of your products can simplify inventory and speed up packing.
- Damage Prevention: Investing a little more upfront in protective packaging can save you significantly on returns, refunds, and lost customer loyalty.
A 2023 study by Dotcom Distribution revealed that 60% of consumers are unlikely to make a repeat purchase from an online retailer if they receive a poorly packaged item.
- Regular Review: Periodically audit your packaging processes and materials. Are there new, more efficient, or more sustainable options available? Are you consistently using the right size boxes?
For all your industrial packaging and supply needs, from the perfect roll of clear sealing tape to durable corrugated boxes and essential packing slips, look no further than Sewing Collection Inc. We offer a comprehensive range of products designed to meet your e-commerce demands at competitive prices, ensuring your shipments are always secured effectively and cost-efficiently.
By implementing these e-commerce packaging tips and focusing on efficiency, sustainability, and thoughtful branding, you’ll not only save money but also build a stronger, more resilient e-commerce business. Happy packing!