Packing errors are expensive

Do you really need to purchase different types of packaging supplies based on the products you sell? Many ask this question because using the same box, tape, etc., for all of your products would make things so much simpler. However, while purchasing different types of supplies may take some additional time upfront, it will likely cause more significant issues down the road. Each product has different requirements; therefore, selecting the appropriate packaging materials for each product will provide protection to the product from the moment it leaves your facility until it arrives at the customer.

As an example, consider sending a coffee mug versus a sweatshirt. Both can be placed into the same box; however, they should be packaged differently. The coffee mug requires additional padding to provide protection against the various impacts experienced throughout shipping. On the other hand, the sweatshirt requires minimal protection. Therefore, utilizing the same packaging procedure for both products will result in wasted packaging materials on one shipment while placing the other shipment at greater risk of being damaged.

Additionally, another common inquiry related to packaging includes identifying the proper size and strength of a box for your product. One simple method to determine whether a box is strong enough is to evaluate the weight of your product. Products weighing more require boxes that are stronger since those products create increased stresses on the box's bottom and corners. Lightweight products typically do not require a box with the same degree of strength. Utilizing a box that matches your product will assist in reducing crushed corners and broken packages.

Some businesses also question the importance of the type of tape used. It is important. Tape serves as the means by which to hold together all components of your package while it travels through multiple truckloads, warehouse environments, and delivery vehicle routes. If poor-quality tape begins to peel away prior to arrival at the intended destination, the box may arrive at the customer open. Quality tape will aid in maintaining the seal integrity of your package from beginning to end.

There are several smaller packaging supplies such as labels, packing paper, and stretch wrap that are often overlooked. Although these items may appear less critical than the box itself, each component performs a function that contributes to making the overall shipment more dependable. Labels ensure that your package is delivered to the correct destination. Packing paper prevents items from moving around within your package. Stretch wrap secures items to one another during storage and/or shipping. Together with each supply performing its intended purpose, the entire shipment benefits.

A beneficial habit is to observe patterns. Should customers continue to report damaged corners, crushed boxes, or broken products, then there is likely a flaw somewhere in the packaging process that requires modification. This may include changing to a more robust box, providing superior cushioning, or transitioning to tape with improved adhesive properties. Identifying these warning signs early will enable you to resolve potential problems at a lower cost.

For numerous businesses, pre-purchasing packaging supplies in bulk is a recommended practice. Maintaining a continuous inventory of supplies available in-house provides assurance that orders will ship promptly even if sudden increases in volume occur due to seasonal fluctuations or unexpected demand spikes. Additionally, having adequate supplies readily accessible enables employees to complete tasks efficiently without interruptions.

Maintaining your supplies organized and easily accessible also has merit. Employees spend less time searching for boxes and tape when everything has designated places. Consequently, workers enjoy a smoother work day and can process orders in a timely manner as they depart from your facility.

The ideal packaging supplies are not necessarily those that are elaborate or costly. Rather, they are merely the supplies that are compatible with your products, afford them suitable protection throughout transit, and accomplish the task effectively. Investing slightly more time in evaluating and selecting optimal materials can ultimately prevent damage to shipments, minimize unnecessary expense associated with lost or destroyed goods, and contribute toward creating positive experiences for customers each time they open a package.

Can Every Customer Open It?

Once a package looks nice sitting on a table, the true test occurs when a consumer attempts to unpackage it. Many consumers have difficulty using their hands, limited vision, and/or are only able to utilize one hand. The correct packaging supplies can assist in making this process possible for most consumers.

Begin by preparing one normal shipment and then have another individual open the package. Observe how the second individual opens the package without providing any direction. Does he/she immediately locate the area to open the package, or does he/she rotate the package several times before attempting to open it? Did he/she require scissors to remove the tape because it was difficult to remove?

Providing a tear strip to your customers can provide an easily recognizable location for the customer to initiate opening. Select a tear strip with tabs large enough to allow for comfortable gripping, avoiding an overly tight grip. Also ensure that when pulling on the tear strip, it remains intact rather than tearing apart into numerous fragments. Additionally, marking a spot where the tear strip begins can clearly identify this area.

Although tape is beneficial for securing items within a shipping container, additional tape does not necessarily create a superior product. Ensure that your item is adequately secured and that there is an adequate area for the consumer to gain access to the contents. Avoid placing multiple layers of tape across the same flap; this can cause problems for individuals who have difficulty grasping objects firmly. In addition, you should not alter the security seal on products such as food, medications, or other items that contain protective seals.

Directions printed on packages should be legible and understandable. Utilize concise language along with large font sizes, and ensure that there is sufficient contrast between the text and background. Arrows pointing to a pull tab may be effective; however, utilizing color alone as a method of communication may not be ideal since color perception varies among people.

When sight limitations exist, touch may serve as an alternative means of identifying areas of the package. Raised dots, textured surfaces, or shape tabs may be used to guide a consumer's fingers to the designated area of entry or exit. Although simply folding an edge of the package may be inadequate, these subtle features may convey to the consumer where to grasp or tug.

Lastly, the package itself should remain stationary during the opening and unpacking process. A stable platform may be created by including a flat surface located at the bottom of the package, allowing the consumer to establish a solid foundation upon an available work surface. Similarly, rounded corners, wide handles, or lightweight materials may aid those experiencing difficulty with squeezing, twisting, or lifting.

Prior to purchasing a multitude of new packaging supplies, prepare several prototype shipments. Have people from various populations attempt to open these prototypes, such as seniors and individuals with disabilities, and observe where they become confused or encounter resistance. Note which aspects they perceive as confusing and which portions require excessive force.

In no instance should "easy" to open equate to diminished safety in transit. While protecting your product during transportation is essential, designing accessible packaging enables your consumers to easily unpack your product after it arrives safely.