With the holiday season quickly approaching, there’s only one question to ask — is your business ready for the rush? More importantly, do you have all the shipping and packaging supplies to accommodate all the orders you’ll get in the next month or so?
Here are six tips for e-commerce shops and small businesses, so you can succeed and survive the extremely busy season.
1. Stock Up Early
2. Use Quality Supplies
We can’t stress the word “quality” enough. People expect to get the best value out of their money, which means that you shouldn’t just buy any wrapping paper or plastic bags to go with your product.
As a general rule, the packaging must be able to survive a trip across-state or even across the seas to another country. Inferior material will often lead to breakage, which can result in customer complaints, returns, and ultimately, loss of revenue and brand trust.
3. Wrap Items Carefully
Wrapping carefully should be the standard when it comes to running an e-commerce business. Good packaging can mean the difference between a one-star rating and a returning customer, so pay attention to the details.
Use
stretch wrap,
twine,
tape,
reclosable bags, and
loose fill whenever applicable. The idea here is to secure the product, so it won’t get knocked around or damaged during shipment. Remember to stick the proper
product identification label or shipping note in or on the package, and include “fragile” notices as needed.
Take the time to train your employees to properly wrap and package items. In this case, being thorough is just as important as being fast.
4. Plan Ahead
It’s always good business practice to be a step ahead. In the holiday shopping rush, small businesses tend to forget the small details until they encounter a problem. For instance, not having the right packing or shipping equipment can lead to a significant loss in quality. Also, running out of boxes and packaging will result in delays and cancellations.
5. Customize When Possible for a Personal Touch
6. Don’t Forget Sustainability
Sustainability is more than just a buzzword or fad; it’s something your small business or e-commerce platform should be investing in if you want to stand out from the competition.
First of all, sustainability matters because you want to help the planet in any way you can. Having sustainable packaging not only attracts like-minded and conscious consumers but also instills a level of trust in your brand or company. Plus, eco-friendly holiday packaging serves as a free marketing tool.
As a side note, your packaging should be in line with your brand design and reusable to an extent. Materials that are durable and eye-catching are a definite plus.
Are You Prepared for the Holidays?
All these tips can make you battle-ready in terms of handling the waves of holiday shopping orders that will inevitably come. PackageIt.com can be your partner in this busy time, with high-quality packaging and shipping supplies that fit your needs. From custom boxes to secure packaging, we have the perfect solution for discerning e-commerce managers and business owners.
Contact us today!
