It is no secret that packaging is one of the most important elements of a successful e-commerce business. It is what catches the eye of your customers, giving them the first impression of your business and products. 

According to Dotcom Distribution, 40% of consumers are likely to make repeat purchases from an online brand if they use premium packaging, and 49% say gift-like packaging makes them excited about opening the pack.

For e-commerce companies, particularly in Asia, there are many brands to choose from for your customers. Even if you have the best product or service, people will not become repeat customers if you don’t give them an awesome experience from start to finish.

Be it books, clothes, or toys – every one of these things comes in packaging. How you pack your product matters a lot. Creating a unique and fantastic unboxing experience is something most e-commerce owners are striving for.

If you want to start building an extraordinary e-commerce unpacking experience for your customers or improve your current one, this is your ultimate guide to get started!

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know, from packaging materials, to designing, and printing your product packages. Let’s dive right in.

What is e-commerce packaging?

E-commerce packaging is the process of designing, producing, and shipping the product to your customer’s door. This includes everything from the box it comes in to how you package it.

In addition to protecting your product during shipping, e-commerce packaging also plays a role in branding and marketing your business.

E-commerce packages typically have a few key components:

Packaging materials: The materials used to protect and cushion the product during shipping. These can be anything from bubble wrap to cardboard boxes.

Packaging design: The overall look of your e-commerce packaging, including the size and shape of each piece.

Packaging printing: The printed information on your e-commerce packaging, such as brand colors, barcodes, and company logos.

Shipping logistics: The process of getting your product from its origin location to customer’s home.

The importance of e-commerce packaging

E-commerce is a booming market that’s growing at an incredible rate. According to Statista, e-commerce sales in America comprised 14% of total retail sales in 2022, and that number is expected to reach 21.9 and is expected to exceed 1.3 trillion dollars by 2025.

The Southeast Asia retail market is expected to experience a 20.6% expansion in 2022, with sales reaching $89.67 billion from $74.36 billion in 2021. E-commerce in the region is expected to pass $100 billion by 2023.

With so many consumers shopping online for their purchases, it can be difficult for brands to stand out from the crowd. Especially when you consider the fact that most products are delivered in plain brown boxes with minimal branding and no information about who sent them.

In order to get noticed and make a good first impression on your customers, you need high-quality e-commerce packaging that will stand out on their doorstep and convey the right message about your brand.

How you package your product will affect how customers perceive your brand and interact with it once they receive it in the mail. If they like what they see when they open up their order, they’re likely to return in the future — and tell their friends about their experience!

Here are some reasons why e-commerce packaging matters:

Protect the product.

The primary purpose of e-commerce packaging is to protect your products from damage during shipping and handling. If a customer receives a damaged product, it reflects poorly on your business. Protective materials in your packaging, such as bubble wrap or foam inserts, are an excellent way to reduce this risk.

Set the mood.

We live in a world where people spend most of their time on social media, but when they receive a package in the mail, it’s still exciting! That’s why adding some flair to your packaging can make all the difference between someone looking at their new purchase and being disappointed or excited to see what they just got delivered.

Build brand loyalty.

One of the most important ways that great packaging will help build brand loyalty is by giving customers an experience they can’t get anywhere else. When they receive their package and open it up, they should feel like they’re getting something special to be loyal customers. This could be through an exclusive discount, free shipping, or even a handwritten thank you note from someone at your company!

Word-of-mouth marketing.

Customers will form opinions about your business and the products they ordered when they receive your package. If they like how the items were packaged, they might be more willing to order again in the future. A good first impression makes customers more likely to share their experiences with friends and family.

Create an experience.

When customers open their package, they want to feel like they’re unwrapping something special — not just another box from Amazon Prime. 

Take a look at how Apple packages its products: They’re often presented in boxes with ribbons or other details that make them feel special. The same goes for food items. Check out how Whole Foods packages its produce. 

It’s not just about beauty — these little touches create an experience around your product that helps create positive memories for customers who purchase from you regularly or even once in a lifetime.

Helps your customer understand how to use the product.

If you’re selling a physical product, you want your customer to be able to understand how to use it right away. If they don’t, this could lead them to think that your product isn’t good for them or doesn’t work well. 

E-commerce packaging can help prevent this by providing instructions on how to use the product.

What are the first steps of e-commerce packaging?

Before you even think about shipping, you must ensure that your packaging is up to the task. Your packaging can make or break your sales. It is essential to do it right. 

Here are some first steps on how to design an effective e-commerce package:

Know your customers.

One of the first steps in e-commerce packaging is knowing who your customers are and what they want from their shopping experience. Suppose you’re selling products that appeal to different types of customers. In that case, it might be worth considering different packaging types for each product.

If you know who is buying your products, you can create a package that appeals to them specifically. For example, if it’s a teenage girl who likes pink and sparkles, use those colors on the package.

Don’t forget about packaging regulations.

There are different regulations for different types of products, and some regulations vary by country. Regulations differ from country to country and even state to state in some parts of the world.

For example, if you are shipping a food product, it must be packaged in a certain way. If you are shipping a toy, different rules apply to that as well.

And don’t forget about the regulations of your own country! Many resources are available online to help you determine what type of packaging is required for your products.

Determine your shipping methods and cost.

The next step of e-commerce packaging is determining your shipping methods and cost. This is essential because it will help you determine how much you should charge for shipping and what type of packaging material will be used.

Once you have determined your shipping methods and costs, the next step is creating a packaging plan that considers the time and cost of creating it and its effectiveness at protecting your products during transit. This may mean thinking about whether or not it would be better to use a cardboard box or a plastic bag instead of bubble wrap or foam peanuts.

Make your product packaging stand out.

A customer’s first impression of your product is through its packaging. Your e-commerce brand must stand out from the crowd. Your package should be attractive, informative, and functional.

If all other sellers use simple cardboard boxes or plastic bags, consider adding extra touches like custom-printed labels that showcase your brand and make customers feel special about their purchase.

Offer a positive unboxing experience.

The purpose of packaging should be to give customers a positive unboxing experience. A negative one can easily ruin their perception of your brand. The package should be consistent with your brand identity, and the item inside should be protected from damage during shipping.

The most important thing when designing packaging is to keep it simple and intuitive. The best e-commerce brands make sure their product packaging is easy for customers to open and use the product without any hassle.

Make your packaging environmentally friendly.

According to PR Newswire report, 86% of consumers among younger generations (<45) showed a willingness to pay more for sustainable packaging.

It’s critical that your product packaging be durable and reusable. The best way to do this is by choosing products made from recycled materials or other biodegradable materials, such as bamboo and cornstarch. Make sure that your packaging is 100% recyclable.

This doesn’t mean that you have to spend more money on the packaging but that you should focus on the materials and processes used during production.

Include a little something extra.

It’s always nice for customers to receive a bonus gift with their purchase — especially if it’s related to their order! A thank-you note or business card can be a nice touch as well.

You don’t have to go overboard here — a handwritten note or sticker is enough to make an impression. If you can easily print personalized messages on your packaging, even better!

Be considerate of shipping costs.

While it may not be as much of an issue for smaller retailers or those who don’t offer free shipping, it’s important to remember that shipping costs can vary depending on how far away your customer lives. This means you should consider how much it costs to ship something and how much it will cost your customers.

Your goal is to find the best solution that fits your customers’ needs while also keeping costs reasonable for you.

What is the best material to use for packaging?

The answer to this question depends on a lot of factors. The most important is the product that you are packaging. If it is a fragile item, you will want to use bubble wrap or foam peanuts to cushion the product.

Suppose it is a liquid or other material that can be easily damaged by water. In that case, you may want to consider using a plastic bag or container.

If it is something that needs to be recycled, then cardboard with a paperboard liner will work well.

There are many different types of materials available to choose from when it comes to packaging materials, and they all have pros and cons. The type of material you choose should depend on what items you are shipping out. Still, there are some general rules when choosing your packaging materials.

Cost of packaging material 

The cost of packaging material is an important factor to consider when choosing a type of packaging. There are many materials available for use in packaging, each with different properties. It can be difficult to choose which one is best for your product.

The cost of packaging material will vary depending on where you purchase it, what type of package you need and how much quantity you buy.

Durability of packaging material

Make sure to choose a durable packaging material that will withstand rough handling during shipping or by customers after purchase. Stronger materials like cardboard or plastic may be more costly but are worth the investment if they keep your products safe from harm and damage.

Material Thickness Options

The thickness of the material you choose for your product packaging will depend on your budget and the product’s packaging type. For example, heavier items like weighty books or bottles of wine may require stronger and more durable materials like cardboard or plastic. While thinner materials like paper are often used for light items like CDs, DVDs, and small toys.

E-Flute

E flute is approximately 1mm to 1.5mm in thickness. 

E-flute is an economical material that is lightweight yet strong. It’s also easy to cut and fold, making it ideal for customizing your packaging designs to fit specific products. This material can be printed on, but it’s not recommended as it tends to become brittle over time.

E-flute packaging is ideal for the following e-commerce products:

• Software
• Textile and clothing
• Beauty
• Food etc.

B-Flute

E flute is approximately 3mm in thickness and is extremely versatile.

B-flute is a slightly thicker version of the e-flute with a more rigid texture and structure, making it more durable than its thinner counterpart. This medium-weight paperboard has good stiffness and strength while still being flexible enough to allow folding without cracking or breaking.

B-flute packaging is ideal for the following e-commerce products:

• Electronics appliances
• Industrial products
• Shoes
• Furniture etc.

Environmental impact of packaging material

As a business, you can’t ignore the environmental impact of your packaging materials. It’s not only about being responsible but also about using the right material for your product and customers.

How do eco-friendly packaging materials make a difference?

The environmental impact of packaging materials is a complex subject. It’s important to think about the entire lifecycle of a product, from production, transportation, and use, to recycling and disposal.

57% of consumers are “less likely” to buy products in harmful packaging. 

Brands that consider the environmental impact of packaging material are more successful, according to a study by Nielsen. Consumers see these brands as being more authentic and honest than others. 

In addition, consumers with a positive opinion of an ethical brand are likely to recommend it to their friends and family members and even buy more products from the same company.

Also, the fact that ecological e-commerce packing is good for the planet is just another reason why you need to consider it. Because ecological e-commerce packaging is more interesting than its cardboard counterpart, it attracts your customers’ attention.

Here are some of the benefits of using eco-friendly packaging materials:

Lower carbon footprint: Using eco-friendly packaging materials means reducing your carbon footprint. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the main contributors to climate change, so anything you can do to reduce your CO2 emissions is good!  

Reduced waste: Using eco-friendly packaging materials reduces waste because you don’t have to throw away as much material that isn’t biodegradable or recyclable. This means less trash ending up in landfills and fewer trees being cut down for paper products. 

Environmental awareness: Eco-friendly packaging materials make it easier for consumers to be more environmentally conscious, which can lead them to purchase other products made with sustainable materials as well!

More brand recognition and value perception:  More consumers are becoming aware of the negative impact of plastic on the environment and want to purchase products made from environmentally friendly materials. One way to show your customers that you care about this issue is by choosing eco-friendly packaging materials.

Eco-friendly packaging materials can make a huge difference to your business. Not only do they help you become more environmentally conscious, but they also have the potential to drive sales and increase brand recognition.

5 eco-friendly infill materials for e-commerce packaging

Eco-friendly packaging is the future wave, and more and more businesses are switching to environmentally conscious materials.

While many options are available, most e-commerce retailers still use traditional plastic or cardboard for their packaging. But it’s time to start considering greener alternatives.

Here are five eco-friendly infill materials that you should consider for your e-commerce packaging:

Cornstarch

This natural material is made from corn and is used in place of plastic packing peanuts and bubble wrap. It’s biodegradable and compostable, so you can toss it into your garden once it’s no longer needed.

Cornstarch isn’t as durable as plastic, but it’s more affordable than some other options on this list.

Mushroom paper

Mushroom paper is a 100% renewable, bio-based material made from agricultural waste. It’s also compostable and biodegradable, making it an excellent choice for e-commerce packaging.

The most common type of mushroom paper is made from the mycelium (the part of the fungus that actually grows) of mushrooms like oyster mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms. Mycelium is extracted from these mushrooms and used as an ingredient in paper production.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource used for centuries in Asia. It is a popular eco-friendly material due to its strength and flexibility.

Because of its high tensile strength and durability, bamboo is an excellent alternative to wood and plastic. Bamboo can be used to make paper, clothing, textiles, and even building materials like flooring and furniture. It’s also an excellent choice for e-commerce packaging because it can be easily woven into boxes or other shapes that are lightweight and strong enough to protect your products during shipping.

Natural cotton fiber

Natural cotton fiber is a popular eco-friendly material for e-commerce packaging. It is known for its breathability, comfort, and softness. These are all qualities that make it an excellent fit for e-commerce packaging.

Natural cotton fiber is sustainable and biodegradable, which makes it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious businesses. Because of its durability and strength, this material can be used in many different ways to create packaging solutions that meet the needs of your business.

Biodegradable packing peanuts

Packaging peanuts are a common material used by e-commerce companies to protect items during shipping. However, they are often made from plastic, which can be challenging to recycle and doesn’t break down quickly. They also tend to get stuck in landfills for years before decomposing.

Biodegradable packing peanuts have been developed that can be disposed of safely in the compost bin or trash can at home. These packing peanuts are made from natural materials like cornstarch or potato starch. They can be bought online and will also save you money on shipping costs because they weigh less than plastic ones!

Corrugated cardboard

Corrugated cardboard is one of the most widely used packaging materials. The material comprises two layers: a wavy board made from recycled paper and a smooth cardboard layer. The wavy board provides strength, while the smooth layer protects the product from being damaged during transportation.

Corrugated cardboard is eco-friendly because it’s made from recycled paper that can be used repeatedly if necessary. It’s also lightweight, making it easy for customers to handle and recycle at home.

This material comes in different sizes, so you can choose the size that best fits your product. You can also choose between flat or bubble-lined corrugated cardboard boxes to meet your needs.

The main drawback of corrugated cardboard is its relatively high cost compared to other materials.

8 popular types of packaging styles

The way your product is packaged can greatly affect how it is perceived by consumers. It can also impact the price and quality of your product. The right packaging can help you stand out from the competition. In contrast, improper packaging can make your products look unprofessional and unattractive.

There are dozens of different packaging styles available to businesses today, but some are more popular than others. 

Here’s a quick rundown of the most common types of packaging used in e-commerce today.

Cardboard boxes

Cardboard boxes are the most common type of packaging used today. They are also the most economical and versatile. They can be used to ship or store virtually anything, from small items such as pens and jewelry to large items like washing machines and refrigerators.

Cardboard is made from recycled paper products, which means it is biodegradable. This makes cardboard boxes an environmentally friendly choice for shipping items that need to be transported long distances or stored for extended periods of time.

The cost of cardboard boxes varies depending on their size and use. Smaller boxes are less expensive than larger ones, but they also have a shorter shelf life before they become unusable. Large cardboard boxes can cost as much as $10 each when purchased new from a manufacturer.

Bags and envelopes

When it comes to the most popular types of packaging styles, bags and envelopes top the list. They are ideal for shipping small items such as jewelry or stationery.

In addition to their convenience and ease of use, these types of packages come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. Some bags may be heavy-duty, while others are lightweight.

Bags are also available in different materials, such as paper or plastic. These materials determine how well they can protect your item during shipping. For example, paper bags can be flimsy. In contrast, plastic ones are strong yet flexible enough to protect fragile items during transport.

Envelopes are another popular choice for packaging because they give you the option of being able to write on them with a pen or marker. This allows you to customize your message without printing anything out on paper first.

Padded mailers

Padded mailers are a popular choice for shipping small items. These boxes are made of sturdy cardboard and have a cushioning layer inside to protect your items. Padded mailers are often used to ship fragile or expensive items because they offer more protection than standard flat-rate boxes.

Padded mailers have a variety of uses. They can be used for shipping clothes, delicate art pieces, or other merchandise that requires special care during transit. The padded mailers come in different sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your package.

Padded envelopes are similar to padded mailers but without the box bottom and sides. This type of packaging is ideal for people who want their contents to remain completely private because it doesn’t show through the envelope.

Custom boxes

Custom boxes are a great option for small businesses because they are cheap and easy to use. They are used for a variety of purposes, from holding small toys to keeping electronics safe. The most common reason for using custom boxes is because they are easy to customize and produce.

The box can be made from any material you want, whether cardboard or plastic. The size is also up to you and can be customized to fit your needs.

Custom boxes come in all shapes and sizes, so they’re great for storing many different types of items. They’re also very durable and will keep your product safe while shipping it around the world.

The most significant benefit of custom boxes is that they’re more cost-effective than other types of packaging styles because they only require minimal customization. If you have a small business or want a few boxes for personal use, custom boxes might be right for you!

Roll end tab lock corrugated boxes

Roll-end tab lock corrugated boxes are used for a wide range of products, including food and beverages. The boxes are manufactured in three different sizes according to your needs. These boxes have a cardboard top, bottom, and flaps that fold down to secure the contents inside. Roll end tab lock corrugated boxes can be single or double-walled. Single-walled boxes are more lightweight and less expensive than double-walled boxes. Double-walled boxes provide greater protection for your product because they have an additional layer of corrugated material surrounding them.

They’re also available in two different styles: standard and custom.

Custom roll-end tab lock corrugated boxes are made with one-piece construction. They have rounded corners that allow them to fit easily into the box machine. This box style is ideal for shipping small items because they’re easy to pack manually and don’t require any special equipment.

Standard roll-end tab lock corrugated boxes are made with two-piece construction, which means they have separate ends and tops that need to be taped together before going into the box machine for sealing. Standard roll-end tab lock corrugated boxes are more difficult to pack manually than custom boxes but offer more flexibility when it comes to design options and compatibility with existing packaging machinery.

Regular slotted corrugated box

Slotted boxes are the most popular type of packaging for small and medium-sized businesses. This packaging style has a flat base, with three walls formed by folding and gluing together. The fourth wall is formed by placing a piece of cardboard on the bottom and gluing it in place.

The main components of the box are the outside flaps, which are folded over onto one and glued together. The sides are then added separately, which creates an internal compartment for your product to be placed inside. 

Once these components have been glued together, they are put through a machine that cuts holes into them so that you can see what’s inside your package. These holes are also known as windows or eyeholes, depending on how much of your product can be seen from outside the package itself.

Roll end tuck top corrugated boxes

The most common type of packaging style is the roll end tuck top box. These boxes have a flap on one side that folds over and tucks into the flaps on the other side. This creates a secure closure that can be opened with one hand by pulling on a tab or handle.

This box style is popular because it’s easy to use, easy to assemble, and comes in various sizes and colors for you to choose from. The only downside is that the flaps tend not to stay closed if they aren’t taped down. However, this can be easily remedied by using a simple piece of tape to keep them closed.

These boxes are perfect if you’re looking for an affordable packaging solution!

Shipping poly mailers

Shipping poly mailers are an excellent choice for products that need to be shipped in bulk.

Shipping poly mailers are made of high-quality material, which is durable and sturdy enough for your products. The best thing about these mailers is that they are lightweight and easy to store.

These mailers can be used as gift-wrapping or shipping protection for your merchandise. They come in various sizes and colors, so you can choose the ones that suit your needs.

They are available in different thicknesses, too, so you can choose the one that will provide the best protection for your product. You can also use them to ship fragile items such as glassware or ceramics.

If you want to send something that needs extra protection during shipping, you should opt for this packaging style.

How to pick the best tape for your e-commerce packaging?

You’ve got a great product that you want to sell online. You’ve got great product packaging to help your customers make a purchase decision. But there’s one thing missing — the tape! Without it, your package won’t be secure enough to survive its journey from your warehouse to its destination. So how do you pick the best tape for e-commerce packaging?

First, ask yourself what type of tape best suits your packaging needs. There are four main types of tapes: polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, and rubber-based. They each have their own advantages and disadvantages regarding e-commerce packaging.

Polyethylene (low tack)

This is the most common type of packaging tape. It’s used for sealing boxes and other everyday packaging needs. It’s easy to tear and doesn’t leave any residue when removed. 

Polyethylene is also very affordable, making it an ideal choice if you’re starting out or don’t need high-quality tape. Polyethylene is your best bet if you’re looking for a budget option that gets the job done.

Polypropylene (medium tack)

This type of tape has similar properties to polyethylene. Still, it does not leave behind any residue when removed from a product or box. It’s also more durable than polyethylene, which makes it a good choice if you need something stronger than regular packing tape. 

However, since it leaves some residue when removed, polypropylene isn’t ideal for consumers who want to keep their products clean after unpacking them from order.

Polyester (high tack)

The polyester tape has high tack, which adheres strongly to many different surfaces without leaving any residue behind. This makes it ideal for protecting fragile items during shipping or adding additional protection when wrapping around boxes or pallets. It’s also easy to apply and remove, making it convenient if you’re shipping large quantities of items with multiple layers of packaging.

Polyester tape isn’t waterproof, which means that this type of packaging won’t work well with liquids or foods like liquids or foods that may leak during shipping.

Rubber-based tapes (very high tack)

These high-tack tapes are ideal for heavy items because they have strong adhesives that won’t fall off easily while in transit. Rubber-based tapes also have low elongation properties, which means they don’t stretch too much when applied to an object. This makes them perfect for fragile objects like glass or brittle merchandise since they won’t break during shipping.

Designing Your E-Commerce Packaging

The most important thing to remember when designing your packaging is that you want it to stand out. 

The most common mistake when designing e-commerce packaging is to think about the product first, then the box. This doesn’t work because you must consider how your customers will feel when they receive your package.

If you’re not sure where to begin when designing e-commerce packaging, here are some tips and tricks that can help you build an effective and engaging brand that’s sure to make sales:

Keep it Consistent with Your Branding

The most important thing is ensuring that your packaging doesn’t clash with your branding or website design. If you’ve spent time developing a cohesive look for your company, do your best to carry it to your packaging. 

It’s worth investing in custom-printed boxes and bags if necessary so that everything matches perfectly.

Design Inside, Too!

All too often, people think of packaging as just the outside of a package — but that’s only half the story! The inside of your e-commerce packaging is just as important as the outside. It’s where you can show off your brand and how you stand out from other stores.

Add your logo to your packaging

This might seem obvious, but having your logo on all your packaging is important. This will help customers identify your brand and know that they’re receiving something from you. Make sure that the logo is large enough to be seen clearly, even in a small box. 

You can also consider using a sticker or label with your logo on it instead of printing directly onto the box itself, which can add extra cost or time to shipping if you need custom stickers printed.

Personalized messaging

Another way to make your e-commerce packaging more engaging is by adding personalization elements such as text and graphics.

You could use these elements on packing slips or tags that come with each item being shipped out from your warehouse (additional shipping costs aside). This will help customers feel like they’re getting something special from you, leading to increased sales in the long run.

Extra touches in e-commerce packaging

As a seller, you’ve got to ensure that your customers feel like they’re getting more than they paid. You can do this by adding extra touches to your e-commerce packaging.

Here are some things you can do:

Include the receipt with a handwritten note or gift card with your order.

If you’re selling handmade items, including a thank you note from the creator of the products.

You can also include free samples of other products from your shop, like a postcard or sticker with information about your company or another product you want to promote.

If you’re selling food products, consider including recipe cards and ingredient lists printed on high-quality paper or laminated so they will last longer.

The handwritten note will add a personal touch that customers will appreciate. At the same time, the gift card shows that you care about their experience beyond just receiving their purchase.

Send out thank-you notes after they make another purchase. This is another way to show customers how much you appreciate their business.

Offer rewards

Offering a reward or incentive can be a great way to encourage customers to shop with you again. When you offer a discount or free shipping, you basically say, “buy this product and get something else for free.”

Some companies offer rewards like discounts on future purchases, store credit, or even coupons for their products.

You can also offer all kinds of incentives when someone buys a certain amount of products at once, such as a 10% off coupon or free shipping.

Offering these types of rewards will encourage customers to buy from your store and make them more likely to purchase from you again in the future.

Use stickers and add tissue paper with your branding

If you have multiple products in one box, use stickers that say “this side up” or “fragile.” It’ll help keep your customers from having to guess which side is which.

And adding tissue paper is cheap and easy to use. But it adds a nice touch when used with other materials like bubble wrap or packing peanuts. It also makes your packaging look more professional if you invest in some nice-looking tissue paper.

Offer free shipping on returns 

Make sure you make it easy for customers to return items. In that case, they’ll be more likely to make a purchase in the first place — especially if they know they won’t get stuck with something they don’t like or need. Make sure you have clear instructions on how to return items, so there aren’t any surprises down the road.

Include social media links and QR codes on your packaging material.

Include links to your Facebook page, Twitter handle, and other social media accounts so that customers can easily share their love for your brand with their friends and family members online or via text message (QR codes). 

You could also include pictures of happy customers using your products and run a contest to offer more rewards.

How to choose the right printing method for your e-commerce packing?

Choosing the right printing method for your e-commerce packing is crucial for achieving this. There are numerous options available when it comes to choosing a printing method for your packaging, so you will need to carefully consider which option would work best for your business and brand identity.

Here are some of the most common printing methods used in e-commerce packing:

Digital Printing

Digital printing is one of the most common forms of printing today because it offers high-quality prints at lower costs than other methods, such as offset or flexographic printing. 

It’s also easier to set up than other types of printing equipment because there isn’t as much maintenance involved compared to other machines used in commercial print production, such as offset presses and rotogravure presses. 

Advantages of Digital Printing:

1) Digital printing can be used to print on a wide range of materials, including paper, cardboard, plastic, and fabric.

2) It can be used to produce small batches or large runs with no minimum order quantity.

3) Digital printing does not require expensive machinery or equipment, which means that the cost is low compared to other methods. 

4) Digital printing allows for many different colors and shades to be printed on one page, creating brighter-looking images than traditional offset lithography (OL). 

5) Unlike traditional offset lithography (OL), digital printing does not require plates or film negatives, so there is no waste involved in producing your designs as there would be with OL prints – this also reduces costs as you are only paying for what you use.

Disadvantages of Digital Printing:

1) The printed packaging can only be used a few times before it gets dirty, and the ink will fade away.

2) In case of larger sizes, the digital printing machine has to be stopped in between to change the ink cartridge or printer head, leading to a longer production cycle and increasing costs.

3) The digital printing process requires high-resolution photos or artwork to be provided by customers, which may not be easy for them to find on their own.

Offset Printing

Offset printing is one of the most common printing techniques today. Offset printing is also known as offset lithography or simply lithography because of its similarities to the more familiar oil painting technique of the same name.

It’s also one of the most popular for packaging, which makes it an excellent choice for your e-commerce packaging needs. 

Offset printing is a process by which ink is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket and then to the substrate surface. The result is a high-quality print that lasts for years without fading. 

Advantages of Offset Printing:

1) High quality: Offset printing gives high-quality prints at a relatively low cost. It can produce the same quality as lithography but at a lower cost.

2) Variety: Offset printing gives you a wide number of options. You can choose different papers, thicknesses, and colors.

3) Speed: The offset printing process is fast and efficient, so you can get your orders quickly after placing them.

Disadvantages of Offset Printing:

1) Setup costs: Offset printers require some upfront investment in equipment and materials before they can start producing your orders. You may have to wait for your first order until this investment pays off.

2) Limited space: If your product requires a lot of space or is too heavy for normal shipping methods, offset printing may not be an option.

If you’re looking for cost-effective options for your packaging needs, digital printing may be a good choice for your business. Offset printing is a great choice for your e-commerce packaging if you want to print on a variety of different materials, including paper, plastic, and metal.

Tools and resources to design your e-commerce packaging

1. Adobe Illustrator: This professional vector graphics editor is preferred by designers worldwide. It is a powerful tool that you can use to create any packaging design.

2. Canva: A web-based graphic design tool that is easy to use and does not require high-end design experience. It has a variety of templates and features to help you create professional-looking packaging designs.

3. Vectr: This free and open-source vector graphics editor is a good alternative to Adobe Illustrator. It offers a variety of features and templates to refer to and create appealing packaging designs.

4. Placeit: This website offers a variety of mockup templates that e-commerce business owners can draw inspiration from and showcase unique packaging designs. It is a great way to visualize designs before printing.

5. Mockuptree: This is another website that offers a variety of mockup templates. It also has various features that allow you to customize your mockups.

6. Designhill: This crowdsourcing marketplace allows you to hire designers to create packaging designs. This is a great option if you lack the resources to create your designs.

7. 99designs: Another crowdsourcing marketplace where e-commerce business owners can hire designers. With an extensive pool of designers, you can hire skilled professionals to create packaging design.

8. Envato Elements: This is a subscription-based service that offers a wide variety of design assets, including templates, fonts, and graphics. It is a great way to find high-quality packaging design assets without purchasing them individually.

9. Vecteezy: This website offers a variety of free and paid vector graphics and illustrations for e-commerce business owners to download and utilize on their packaging design.

10. GraphicBurger: This is a website that offers a variety of free and paid design resources, including templates, fonts, and graphics. The assets can help e-commerce business owners create better packaging designs that amplify the branding.

11. Brands of the World: This is a website that offers a database of logos and branding assets for a variety of companies. The website can serve as an inspiration when designing your e-commerce packaging.
12. Colorcinch:This intuitive photo editor lets you seamlessly edit, change image backgrounds, enhance, and customize your designs to create standout packages that resonate with your brand. No design expertise? No problem! Colorcinch makes professional-grade designing accessible to all.