When it comes to packaging, businesses have a lot of room for experimentation. Custom packaging is essential in improving customer experience. Often companies consider sales a culmination point. However, it is just the inception of something bigger. It is a precursor that sets the advocacy stage for a product.
Companies can make a huge difference by choosing suitable packaging material for their products. Each small decision speaks a lot about a company’s branding. From the font color to the material itself; it impacts the buying decision of your consumers, who are more likely to return to you. Apart from the product description, a package’s design sets expectations for your target audience. That’s where custom packaging comes in.
Custom packaging is the decisive factor for your consumers when they shop online or in-store. Whether they choose your product or your competitor’s depends on the design of your packaging. A well-designed packaging is undoubtedly going to make an impact.
96% of customers say customer service is important in their choice of loyalty to a brand.
Today we bring you useful ways to improve your customer’s experience and journey. With custom packaging, you can attract customers and increase retention.
Importance of Custom Packaging
You can easily get noticed by your customers with an outstanding packaging design. It is also an inexpensive method to get your customers to advocate for your product. The question we often get asked is, “HOW”?
Custom packaging is all about prioritizing your customers. A stellar customer experience goes a long way. From wrapping your product in a delightful packaging design to delivering it safely to your customer, it all bespeaks value. Adding customized thank-you notes is a cherry on top that tells customers that you care about them. They feel special and do not shy away from becoming an ambassador of your brand.
A delightful custom packaging experience also helps give your customers a memorable unboxing experience. It is an effective marketing technique which is also a modern-day word of mouth that reaches your potential audience. As told to Arka by Diane Lytle -Wallace, the CEO & Founder of TheLashChick: “Customers love the unboxing experience”!
The type of packaging used is also an important aspect of branded packaging. As told to Arka by Harold Heno, Founder & CEO of Jenny SayQua Studio,
“Everyone loves our Arka Boxes. They really support the brand's look in the market segment for which it is intended”.
Now that we have your attention let us move towards the tips so you can ace the packaging game.
How Can Custom Packaging Improve Customer Experience?
To be honest, the competition is high, and if you do not pay enough heed, there is a chance you can lose a potential customer. Your competitors are already working hard to attract and retain customers. In such a competitive market, your brand should be able to do the same. It can come as a challenge, but Arka can help you translate your marketing efforts into high revenue.
Brands with superior customer experience bring in 5.7 times more revenue than competitors that lag in customer experience. We have already discussed the importance of custom packaging. Now let us more to the part where we tell you ways to improve customer experience using custom packaging.
1. Opt for Easy-To-Open Packaging
Attracting and retaining customers can be exacting. As an e-commerce business, you can use plenty of ways to make the person feel special. Custom packaging is one of the ways to connect with your customers at a personal level. How you ship the product and how the product is placed inside makes a huge difference.
Time-saving packaging delights customers and is a great way to improve customer experience. You would want your customers to be able to open the packaging easily. For this reason, easy-to-open packaging is becoming popular. E-commerce businesses serving in different capacities consider the limitations and needs of people before finalizing a packaging design. This type of packaging targets a significant chunk of the demographic that has all the strength but easily gets annoyed when it takes a lot of time to open a package.
Companies should consider their design's opening features and focus on their customers' feasibility. By studying what is needed and required by their consumers, e-commerce businesses can look into the ergonomics, i.e. dexterity, vision and strength of a design. Moreover, perception and comprehension are also important as customers make the first contact with the packaging design. The interaction with the product comes later.
Businesses can make the process simple by including clear instructions. Adding images and illustrations to show how to open the package greatly impacts the packaging style and experience. Write clear text instructions, so your customers know what to expect. As for easy-to-open materials, companies can use tear-strip packaging, snap-open lids and zipper pouches.
2. A Well-Protected Packaging Design
Custom packaging is all about making your customers feel valued and special. Since most of the action takes place online, delivering a product safely is a way to keep that connection long-lasting offline. Your customer already knows what they have ordered.
As a business, your job is to build anticipation and meet their expectations. The product should be well-protected when in transit. Using durable materials ensures the product's safety as it can withstand wear and tear. Make sure the product is sealed properly, so it does not get damaged during shipping.
When it comes to protecting a package, there are three layers that every business should focus on: the exterior, the interior, and the product package. Let’s learn more about the outer and inner packaging to understand better how to deliver a package safely.
-
Outer packaging
E-commerce businesses need to use durable materials for an outstanding customer experience. The outer packaging is the first layer of protection when companies have to deliver a product. Following are the outer packaging materials that are highly customizable:
Custom mailer boxes: these eco-friendly and sustainable custom boxes are a preferred choice when shipping a product safely. The regular slotted container (RSC) is made with durable corrugated boxes that withstand shipping difficulties. Boxes are available in both shipper and mailer designs and are highly customizable.
Custom poly mailers: made with polyethene, these custom eco-friendly mailers are light in weight and strong. The mailers can withstand tear and tamper, and since they are waterproof, it keeps fragile products safe. With its smooth exterior, you can easily label the shipments.
Custom carton boxes: easily drive attention to your product with these carton boxes. They are customizable, which helps you in improving customer experience. Due to its lightweight folding design, you can give your customers a luxurious feel and a branded experience.
You can browse all our products here.
-
Inner packaging
While you make all the efforts to make the outer packaging attractive, you should make the interior equally appealing. For this reason, you should also consider the inside of the packaging.
You can print inside the box and add inserts like bubble wrap, loose-fill materials, kraft paper and corrugated cardboard so it reaches your customer safely.
Plan your packaging strategy around keeping the product safe from the point it leaves the facility until it reaches your customer's doorstep.
3. The Power of The Unboxing Experience
As a business, you are no alien to the unboxing phenomenon and how it impacts the buying decision of a potential customer. The unboxing phenomenon has become a powerful marketing tool for businesses today.
Both existing and potential customers get affected, and the crescendo of excitement climaxes with the product's reveal.
As it is a final touchpoint in a customer’s journey, custom packaging helps companies improve customer experience. Custom packaging with a memorable unboxing experience shapes your customer’s perception of your brand.
The anticipation with which customers wait for their package has no parallel. It is the point where companies can use the time to build expectations and long-lasting relationships.
By using the power of unboxing videos, companies can impress their customers, create awareness and increase brand visibility.
Custom packaging helps businesses in providing an unforgettable experience to their customers. Google Consumer Survey shows that 62% of those that watch unboxing videos do so when looking for a particular product.
Besides a pleasing experience, unboxing videos help companies increase sales and brand loyalty. The excitement of the unknown allows companies to meet customers’ expectations. Customers always appreciate a personal touch. With an unforgettable unboxing experience, you can make your customers feel valued.
They are more likely to return to you, leading to repeat conversions. Going the extra mile to ensure your customers have a customized experience goes a long way.
4. Use Custom Inserts
Packaging is a great way to introduce new customers to your brand. Using branded packaging materials uplifts your packaging style. For a more customized and personalized experience, you can use custom inserts to give a lasting experience.
The idea of custom inserts is that customers do not have to pay any extra. Brands can use custom inserts to increase brand awareness. With added value, you can build a strong connection with your customers.
It is quite easy to add inserts to the packaging. As a business, you can run promotional campaigns and add discount coupons to encourage sales.
Apart from this, a simple thank-you note catches the attention of customers. The strategy of adding inserts should be built around the demographic you want to attract.
Adding a tips and tricks guide is an effective way to teach your customers more about product usage. It also guides consumers to dispose of the product in an eco-friendly manner.
As mentioned earlier, adding discount coupons to a package is a great idea. Though discount offers can be sent through email, putting them in a package will ensure they receive it in their hands rather than a spam folder. If you have a range of products, sending free samples adds great value to the customer experience.
A touch of surprise gives your customers a personalized experience. They engage with your brand and feel valued.
5. Focus on Sustainability
Companies that focus on sustainability are more likely to stay ahead of their competitors. The rising concern about the sustainability of the environment has led many people to buy green products.
As a result, companies also use eco-friendly packaging methods and materials to stay in demand.
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) led global research that showed a 71% rise in the popularity of searches for sustainable goods. This clearly showed that consumers are leaning more towards eco-friendly products.
To meet the demands of the consumers, sustainability and eco-friendly packaging methods should be incorporated into the business.
We are sharing some tips to help you find a perfect balance that meets the consumers’ demands for sustainability and enables you to stay ahead of your competitors.
You can use the following:
- Carbon neutral packaging: in this process, all the carbon emissions are calculated based on the packaging process. A carbon offset project then compensates it. For instance, planting new trees to neutralize the effect on the environment is one such example.
- Reusable packaging: it is made with durable materials extending the product's life. The main purpose of this type of packaging is for multiple uses and to eliminate the need to buy the same product again.
- Recycled packaging: using recycled packaging reduce the amount of waste. It consists of items that give a second life to plastics that are already being used. At Arka, you can find Recyclable BioPE Stand Up Pouches made from carbon-negative Sugarflex™ Moreover, we also offer a Recyclable BioPE Vacuum Bag, which is made with renewable plant materials.
- Compostable shipping mailers: the mailer is self-sufficient and does not use any extra packaging material for the product. It helps companies cut down a lot of waste.
- Digital printing: it is more sustainable than traditional printing methods.
Custom packaging is the best way to give a memorable experience and wow your customers. A good product is up for grabs all the time.
But you still need some marketing strategies to keep the ball rolling. Packaging speaks directly to your customers and hugely impacts consumer behavior.
It is the first thing that grabs the attention, and your customers interact with it. Think outside the box and create an unforgettable experience for your customers.
Conclusion
Custom packaging improves customer experience and makes way for repeat business. Customer-centric companies are 60% more profitable than companies that don’t focus on customers.
Customers will first interact with your packaging design regardless of what you sell. Your packaging should demonstrate exceptional visual and aesthetic elements that capture your customers' attention.
Let Arka help you ace the packaging game that gives your customers a positive and memorable experience. Go ahead and design your eye-catching custom shipping boxes or gift boxes to leave a long-lasting impression on your customers today!
Need packaging?