It’s true when someone said that the first impression is important. When we deliver our products to clients, one of the most important aspects to be considered is packaging.
Do you know that all it takes is just a “quick look” on your packaging to find out how you care about your customer service?
That is why packaging is truly an art of winning your customer’s trust. In this blog, we will discuss further on roles of packaging, types of packaging materials and the right way to pack your product.
What are the roles of packaging?
1. Physical protection
As we know, Malaysia road was never in the best condition. With potholes and damaged road condition, it makes the delivery job even harder. That is why packaging serves to ensure that goods are being delivered safely to the customers.
2. Barrier protection
When a product is being packed, the most important things we need to concern is the internal protection of the goods. By having a proper internal cushioning, you are not only protecting the goods but also creates a barrier to reduce shock damage caused by vibration or impact.
3. Security
Customers will not be happy when they receive the tampered package. Same goes to any of us. We will not be happy if someone messes up our product. Therefore, to prevent the product from being tampered, packaging plays an important role in guarding your parcel from one destination to another.
How many types of packaging materials available?
(I) Internal packaging materials
Internal packaging materials are used to protect your products from anti-impact shock, vibration, electrostatic discharge, compression and temperature. Below are some of the examples of internal packaging materials.
1. Bubble wrap
Bubble wrap is a sheet of plastic film that is filled with air bubbles. It is suitable for wrapping electronics or fragile items.
2. Foam wrap
Foam wrap is cut accordingly to wrap around a product. This material is useful in preventing shock and vibration.
3. Foam peanut
Foam peanuts are polystyrene foam pieces that are used to protect fragile goods. It also allows the goods to flow seamlessly in the box.
4. Inflatable airbag
Inflatable airbag or air pillow is used to fill the void in the corrugated box to prevent friction between the boxes and the product.
5. Corrugated Insert
The corrugated inserts add strength and integrity to your boxes. It is used to fit the space inside your box and hold your product in place.
(II) External packaging materials
Flyer Postage Bag
Flyer postage bag is a plastic bag that comes with an adhesive strip to seal a package.
It is commonly used to pack lighter items.
Corrugated Box
Single Wall boxes are made by using one layer of fluting. This type of boxes is commonly used by merchants because the cost is low.
Double Wall boxes are made by using two layers of fluting. It is used to hold heavy and fragile items.
Important things to take note before packing your product
1. Size and shape
The product size must be measured accordingly before packing your product. It will affect the size of the packaging. For instance, if your product has a height and width of 7cm, you should not use postage bag that is too small or too big as that will cause your product to be way too loose.
2. Valuable
When a valuable good is damaged, it will incur big expenses. That is why you should choose suitable packaging materials that offer you excellent protection. For instance, you should use a double walled corrugates and internal packaging to protect fragile items before shipping your product to your customers.
3. Weight
The product fragility is determined by the product weight. A heavier product can break easily when there is a short impact. That is why you should be aware of your product weight and choose the right type of packaging material to pack your product.
Dos and don’ts of packing
Dos
- Use new boxes for each delivery.
- Fill up your boxes with internal material.
- Put heavier items in bigger boxes to prevent carton from breaking.
Don’ts
- Don’t reuse boxes.
- Don’t leave your boxes unfilled.
- Do not join two separate boxes into one box.
How to pack your product?
1. Pack
There are three methods of packaging you can apply to improve your goods stability.
Method 1 – Single box packaging with lossless material
You should first fill the packaging box with foam peanuts or crumpled papers before placing in your item. This is the most common method shipping method used by online sellers. However, this packaging method is suitable for non-fragile products.
Method 2 – Single box packaging with wrapping product
For this method, wrap your item with bubble wrap, foam wrap or inflatable wraps. Then, proceed on fitting it into the packaging box. If your items are still loose, you can use corrugated inserts to increase rigidity.
Method 3 – Double box packaging
In order to do the double box packaging, you should first start by packing a smaller box that holds your items with the right amount of foam peanuts. After that, place the smaller box in a larger box and fill the box with the full amount of foam peanuts to prevent the small box from moving around.
2. Seal
You can use the “H” taping method to strengthen the box by applying your seals in the middle of the lid and also the edges of the box.
3. Label
Secure your shipping label with plastic pouch and attach it on top of the box surface.
Above all, packing is truly a cog in the wheels. Packing is a process that does not only protect the good but it will also increase merchants credibility. In order to increase your credibility, you should always be careful when packing a parcel.
