Effective ecommerce packaging solutions for fashion retailers

How to provide an even better customer shopping experience!

Six GIANT LEAPS towards packaging success

Finding the right packaging solution for your business could really pay off

Successfully trading as a fashion retailer online is all about offering great merchandise at a great price, right? Wrong. Take shortcuts when it comes to product presentation and packaging, and you'll struggle to vie in what is becoming an increasingly competitive marketplace.

It's true. These days, it's simply not enough to offer super-stylish clothes and cool accessories, and to send them off to online purchasers in just any type of box or padded envelope. If packaging’s poor, consumers notice. They feel disappointed. They take it personally. They thought you cared about them.

After all your hard work, don't let plain brown boxes be your downfall

Let's be honest, receiving a plain brown box - rather than a trendy personalised one that's easy on the eye and conveniently easy to open - doesn't exactly make you feel valued (let alone special), does it, once your much-anticipated online purchases turn up? OK, the goods did arrive fast, in the correct quantity, and to the right address, but a bit more of an effort made in the packaging itself wouldn't have gone amiss!

Build lasting relationships, by going the extra mile: the 'packaging mile'

Every year, plenty of online traders set up shop feeling confident and determined, but - perhaps caught up in the excitement of it all - they fail to place enough importance upon their packaging.  That's a great shame as, while seeking to establish a successful brand that offers an excellent customer experience, they get all the other aspects right.

If you recognise yourself in all this, it's not too late to do something about it. Here's six essential tips on how to offer your customers the whole package (!), to make sure that your brand not only survives but positively thrives in the wonderful world of eCommerce:

1: Adopt the right mindset

Don't just box up an ordered item, send it off and think that's that. You're taking the first step on a journey together here, the development of a positive customer/brand relationship, the building of a rapport...

2: First impressions really do count

We've talked about adding a 'Thank You' message to the inside of the packaging. Going even more personalised might be an idea. How about 'Enjoy. You deserve it!' 'Got a question about your product? Just ask!', or 'Oh, changed your mind? Just return it!'

3: These days, people are busy busy

When a package arrives, even if it looks great, who wants to spend an age (and possibly end up in A & E with a wrist injury!) wrestling with opening it? Make your package opening scissor-free and strain-free, by opting for packaging design with incorporated tear strips, for example. One quick pull on the strip and the magic is done.

4: Show you care immediately

Product presentation can be massively enhanced simply through using tissue or shredded paper. Add some to the box. Add your company name and logo to it, too. Not only will your customer appreciate being given a heightened customer experience, the careful presentation will subtly add to the product's worth in their mind. So, it's a win win.

5: Don’t overdo it

Beautiful presentation is essential, but too much tissue, shredded paper or other type of product wrapping and padding could mean the darn package splits or bursts in transit. If it does, it won't just be the sent item that suffers damage; your reputation might, too. Avoid making your branding too 'in your face' as well. Get your name and logo in there, sure, but don't ram it down the customer's throat. The customer experience is about them not you, don't forget.

6: Make returning goods easy 

Your packaging needs to look good but also be tough. It might be making two journeys, after all. Be prepared for returns. Make sure that your easily returnable packaging is strong, and the internal wrapping and padding can be re-used. The customer will appreciate you making sending items back a quick, easy, no-hassle process.

So, there you have it. Not just six steps, but six GIANT LEAPS towards packaging success. What's more, finding the right packaging solution for your products needn't cost the earth. There are simple and affordable measures that any online fashion retailer can take – powerful packaging options that are not only wonderfully cost-effective but also seriously in vogue!