Once beauty and cosmetics brands have established their online presence, branding and (importantly) their products, they should not become complacent. Aspects such as packaging play a key role in customer impressions of a brand. The first time a customer physically interacts with an e-commerce beauty and cosmetics brand is when products are delivered, so it’s critical packaging impresses.
In this blog our beauty and cosmetics brand experts at Fillcon give tips and advice on how to create the best e-commerce packaging sure to impress customers.
For international shipments, check out our latest blog for advice on packaging for international delivery.
What is E-Commerce Packaging?
E-commerce packaging is the packaging used to protect and carry products from the physical business premises/warehouse of an online shop to the customer. Using an online store, customers browse products, place orders, and create profiles with brands. Upon orders being received, the brand then packages products and ships them from their premises to the customer.
E-commerce is an ever-growing sector, especially in light of the pandemic, with more and more consumers choosing to purchase goods online and reduce physical contact. This popularity, alongside the fact products get delivered across countries, means that e-commerce packaging plays a vital role in customer satisfaction, branding, and product protection.
Find out how to build and scale a cosmetic e-commerce empire with our guide.
Best E-Commerce Packaging
Below are some examples of good e-commerce packaging as well as desirable traits and features beauty and cosmetics brands should consider.
Popular E-Commerce Packaging:
- Brown mailing boxes
- White mailing boxes
- Book wrap mailers
- Corrugated envelopes
- Padded bags
- Mailer bag
Protective E-Commerce Packaging
The prime function of e-commerce packaging is to protect products while in transit from supplier to customer. The best e-commerce packaging sufficiently protects products from knocks, dents and scratches without adding substantially to the size, weight and complexity of the packaging. Carboard boxes are particularly popular for their light weight but relative sturdiness.
To protect products within e-commerce shipments it’s important to pad out the box (with bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or air cushions, for example) to prevent product movement. Additionally, if there are any breakable items, it can be beneficial to individually wrap these in protective material for added defence.
Custom/Branded E-Commerce Packaging
Having custom packaging is common for e-commerce beauty and cosmetics brands. Not only does the branding on packaging alert the customer as to where the packaging is from, but it helps the brand become more recognisable. Custom packaging can help e-commerce brands stand out from other deliveries and show commitment to presentation.
Luxury E-Commerce Packaging
E-Commerce beauty and cosmetics brands may not get to physically interact with customers to deliver great customer service, but they can still wow customers and make a lasting impression with luxury packaging. From a velvet cushion lined box for a high-end perfume to scented tissue paper for cosmetic products, there are many ways e-commerce brands can add an air of luxury to their packaging and create the ‘best’ impression.
See more: 9 luxury Packaging Ideas to WOW Customers
Sample Sachets
E-commerce beauty and cosmetics brands can create the best packaging by including free samples! Sachets are the perfect cosmetic sampling solution, containing enough product for one or two uses and hardly adding any weight to the shipment. Customers receiving packages with samples in get to try other products from brands and may be inclined to purchase the fulltime product in the future, encouraging further sales for the e-commerce beauty and cosmetics brand.
Recyclable E-Commerce Packaging
Important for consumers and the environment, recyclable packaging has seen a huge increase in popularity over the past decade. As consumers become more aware of their impact on the environment and demand brands play their part, brands that supply recyclable packaging will be more favoured than those that don’t. There are numerous recyclable packaging options available, most notably cardboard.
Importantly, customers need to know they can recycle the packaging after delivery from the beauty and cosmetics brand – therefore, it should be obvious on the packaging and recycling instructions should be given.
Convenient E-Commerce Packaging
The best e-commerce packaging is convenient for the customer. Letterbox packages are increasingly used by brands with slim packages that can be posted through the letterbox instead of requiring human interaction. This is very useful for customers who may not be in for deliveries as they still receive the package without hassle. Beauty and cosmetics e-commerce brands should consider how they can make a customer’s life easier and choose packaging accordingly.
E-Commerce Packaging with Personal Touches
Often the appeal of buying off an independent e-commerce store is supporting small business and being a valuable customer. Instead of mass-produced labels and packaging, beauty and cosmetics brands should consider how they can add personal touches where possible to make the customer feel special. Handwritten notes, using the customer’s name, or even adding a discount voucher can all remind customers that a brand is human-run and values its customers.
Learn More with Fillcon
As THE name in cosmetics sampling solutions, Fillcon are experts in the field of beauty and cosmetics, helping brands to fill products and correctly choose packaging. From cosmetics sachet supply to filling a range of bottles, tubes, and more, we offer expert filling and sample services for a variety of sectors. We can also source a range of environmentally conscious solutions for product packaging, facilitating brands’ eco goals.
Get in touch to discuss your product filling project!
