Everything was normal before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and suddenly, everything changed dramatically. It did not just affect how people lived but also how they shopped. During the quarantine months, the e-commerce industry experienced unexpected growth. Those businesses that relied on daily foot traffic were forced to close. Due to which their sales tremendously decreased. This was the time when their websites became the only way to connect with customers. And this time period turned out to be a golden era for the established online businesses . Because the online businesses had skyrocketed, they saw a major increase in customer orders. This was a point when the new consumers discovered the convenience of shopping online.
In the years of e-commerce expansion, packaging and specialty boxes were a very important part of the customer experience. However, not all packaging performed equally because standard or generic boxes mostly failed to protect products during shipping and transportation. And when the customers received their products, they were damaged, or the boxes were unappealing. This reduced customer satisfaction, and brands lost their repeat sales. This not only affected the profit but also harmed their brand reputation.
Now that COVID has gone, the trend is still here, and these changes still affect online brands across industries. Whether you are a clothing brand, a cosmetic brand, a food brand, or a pharmaceutical brand. Every industry is suffering from this problem. But what is the solution to this problem?
The only solution to these problems is the custom boxes. Because they are specially designed for your product, and they combine visual appearance with strength and durability. Custom boxes help protect shipments from handling and transit damage and provide customers with a memorable unboxing experience.
A report was published on October 18, 2021, by Samori Toshi. This report shows that 2–11% of all carrier shipments arrive with some level of damage. According to this study, in the past 18 months, damage rates increased. The point to note here is that these damages not only hurt customer satisfaction but also contribute to 20% of e-commerce returns.
In short, we can say that custom boxes are more than just packaging. They are a powerful marketing tool for your brand.
E-commerce is the abbreviation of electronic commerce. It is a term that is used for the buying and selling of products and services with the help of digital media.
In this business, the products are shown to customers online through websites or search engines. When customers like that product or service, they purchase it with the help of a digital payment method. And when it comes to the delivery of that order, the e-commerce businesses do it through physical shipping or digital deliveries. In this, established even small businesses need custom boxes according to their brands and their products.
And all the customers' interaction takes place through mobiles or web media, from browsing to checkout. This means that neither the customer nor you needs a physical storefront. This model of business has become very popular due to the growth of global platforms such as Amazon and Shopify. But it is equally accessible to small independent online brands that want to sell directly to customers.
E-commerce shipments are done by courier companies, which treat your packaging like a bull in a china shop. So, due to this, e-commerce packaging is not like retail packaging, which is mainly made to look attractive and hold products in place.
In this type of shipment, your product goes through multiple handling stages. It starts from your brand, where it is packed, and then it goes to warehouse sorting, long-distance transport, and then finally, the delivery guy delivers it to your customer. If your product box has to go through all this, do you think that any ordinary box can withstand all of this?
According to the study done by a global online fashion retailer named "ShopBob", up to 11% of small carrier shipments arrive with some level of damage, and roughly 20% of returns are due to items arriving broken.
[Report Credit: ShopBob ]
Shipping packaging boxes must be strong because they go through rough handling during delivery. The boxes are often dropped during loading and unloading by people, and even if they are handled by machines, they still get shaken by constant vibrations. They are strapped under heavy weights in trucks or cargo systems.
So if they are not designed properly for the product, there are high chance that the product will be damaged or break. Moreover, if these boxes are also exposed to light and moisture, it can damage the product. And no customer wants to receive a broken item. It will reduce their trust in your brand and affect your reputation in the market. And being a brand owner, you would never want to let your customers go to your competitors.
Then, what is the solution to these problems? The answer is very clear, that is custom boxes for e-commerce.
Custom boxes are an effective structure selection that is manufactured to match the product's needs, like
Before selecting your printing method, evaluate these five factors:
Weight
What is the weight of your product?
Fragility
How fragile is your product?
Shape
What is the shape of your product?
Category
What kind of product is it?
Logistics
What is the average shipping distance?
Custom packaging is built exactly according to your product requirements. It offers a better fit and plays an important role in protecting a product and your brand reputation.
“So structurally engineered custom boxes for e-commerce are a practical necessity, not just a branding choice.”
Targeting customers is not hard in the e-commerce business, but getting sales from them is very difficult. If you use a packaging that is just attractive but not protective, you are still in vain. And if you customize a box that has strength but does not catch the eyes of your customers, then you are lost again.
For this, you need a custom box packaging that is an all-rounder and gives you all the benefits under one roof. Below are some benefits that answer your question: Why should you choose custom boxes for your e-commerce business?
Shipping conditions are very harsh, and the product box packaging goes through multiple stress factors. These include drops, impact forces, compression from stacking, vibration during transit, moisture exposure, and temperature fluctuations. Each of these increases the chance of product damage and breakage.
That is why properly sized custom boxes for e-commerce reduce the product movement and limit shock transfer. These boxes are made from corrugated board and custom cardboard inserts and dividers. Moreover, Eva foam, bubble wraps, and many other inserts are used to make them durable and reliable materials. They provide cushioning and shock absorption. And corrugated custom boxes are much stronger than plain paperboard cartons. They are specifically made for shipping environments. They hold the items in place and reduce the direct impact damage.
In the e-commerce business, packaging is the first thing that creates your brand impression in the mind of your customer. It is the first physical interaction of your customer with your brand. You need to know that before they touch the product, they see and feel the box.
In this way, they judge your professionalism, product quality, and brand reliability. For this reason, custom boxes for e-commerce should be designed carefully because they are secretly strengthening your brand identity by becoming brand ambassadors. Custom packaging helps your brand stand out in the market through colors, logo, design, typography, and messaging.
It creates a recognizable visual identity and a memorable unboxing experience for your customer. And you should always remember that strong branding on the box increases perceived value and encourages your customer to share your brand socially, which builds customer trust. You can do it in the following ways.
Logo printing: This increases brand recognition and customer trust
Color systems: It maintains your brand consistency across channels
Typography: It shows your brand's professionalism (modern, luxury, playful, bold)
Messaging panels: You can grab the attention of your customers through Taglines, brand story, or emotional hooks
QR codes: They direct your customers to your landing pages, videos, or promotions
Campaign graphics: This helps you with seasonal or limited-edition branding
This era is ruled by Gen Z, and they are everywhere. Now, gone are the days when people used to go for the products. Now, the new generation they are just after shiny and bright boxes. They buy what they think is attractive and extraordinary.
So it is very important to decorate your boxes beautifully and uniquely so that they can bring you more customers. You need to update yourself according to the new trends and traditions. Unboxing the online orders is the new trend and content. If you see social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, they're filled with unboxing reels and reviews.
This is a branding opportunity for you where you don't have to spend a penny, and the good packaging does its wonders for you. It's organic marketing and trust signals for you. You can get returning & loyal customers, and your customers will get shareable moments with their audience. But if your packaging is bad, this kills the whole opportunity.
“In e-commerce, packaging not just protects the item, but it also protects your brand impression.”
In e-commerce businesses, repeated sales merely depend on how successfully you deliver the product your customers ordered. Customers are willing to order again only when they receive their product in the same condition they are expecting. If they get your delivered product according to their ordered requirements, they will not only become your returning customers but also stay loyal to your brand. But if the item arrives damaged, their trust in & loyality to your brand drops immediately, and due to this, the chances of repeat sales also decrease.
“Product damage creates direct financial loss." Because each damaged shipment can cause refund replacement and customer support costs, this all reduces profitability.
Custom boxes are strong boxes that are made to provide snug fitting and wear and tear resistance. This is a perfect way to kill two birds with one stone. You can increase your sales and customer satisfaction together.
Damage reduction directly supports cost reduction in e-commerce operations. Lower breakage rates mean fewer returns and fewer reshipments, which means your inventory will not be wasted. That is why you should always go for custom boxes for e-commerce.
They are a practical way to protect your product and your brand. They are properly designed to lower the risk of breakage, leakage, crushing, and moisture exposure during transit. When the customer receives their orders in perfect condition, their satisfaction level increases, and the complaints decrease.
This leads to better reviews, and your brand recognition also increases. In addition, it is not just about increasing sales and profit. But also about CSR to save the planet by choosing only those custom box materials that have no or minimal effect on the environment and climate change.
With the increase in global warming and environmental changes, most of the Americans have shifted their interest towards eco-conscious and environmentally friendly packaging. It is seen that 71% of consumers buy the products that come with eco-friendly packaging.
Now, due to a major shift in customer demand, manufacturing companies are designing boxes that are reusable and recyclable. This is playing a major role in decreasing landfills and environmental pollution.
Being an eco-friendly brand, you can play your part in saving your planet and prove to your customers that their lives and future matter to you equally.
These boxes are made from FSC-certified and FDA-compliant material, which can help you build strong customer trust with customers and regulators. You can enhance your brand's value in customers' eyes by obtaining FSC certifications, which ensure that the packaging is made from responsibly managed forests and supports sustainability.
Moreover, FDA-compliant material will reassure your customers from different niches that your custom packaging is safe for human body contact and meets health standards. These regulations can reduce legal risk and position your business as a responsible and quality-focused. You can proudly tell your customers that your packaging has NO BPA, NO PFAS, and NO Chlorine.
In e-commerce businesses, attractive and beautifully decorative boxes are not enough. With the visual appearance, your boxes should be durable and functional. You must provide your customers with a box that is engineered to protect the product during storage, moving, shipping, and transportation.
Modern buyers expect your brand to deliver your products in safe, well-designed boxes that are eco-friendly at the same time. There is more demand for biodegradable packaging solutions, and many customers now prefer packaging that is repurposed. You can provide your customers with strong and sustainable custom boxes for e-commerce. These meet their expectations of protection of their products while aligning with environmental values.
There are different materials available in the market, like paperboard, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, kraft paper, and rigid stock. All these materials are made from reprocessed materials for naturally occurring resources. This decreases the carbon footprint on the environment. So you can conserve the natural resources with labor and manufacturing costs. The top acquired materials around the world are given below:
Paperboard material is also known as chipboard. It is a very lightweight material that provides structural strength to your packaging. This material is a paper-based material that is made from compressing paper pulp. It is made from a very thin and lightweight fiber, which is ideal for lightweight products.
Important Consideration
Though this material is very cost-effective and strong, it cannot be used for heavy-duty shipping products.
Moreover, this material can be die-cut into required custom shapes and sizes. It is easily printable and widely used in retail packaging and branded customer products.
This material is commonly used for cosmetics, skincare products, food packaging, pharmaceutical cartons, small electronics, and retail accessories.
You can use this material to reduce your shipping weight and lower your transportation costs. But this material mainly focuses on presentation, branding, and cost efficiency. There are different types of paperboard material on the basis of fiberboard grades.
This type is made from virgin raw material and provides you with an ultra-smooth surface for branding and printing options. It is bleached to make its surface bright white, which gives a premium and luxurious feel.
This is tear resistant material that offers a coated surface perfect for printing and branding. This material is a perfect combination of natural brown color and strength.
Pro Suggestion
“If you want a sustainable-looking retail box that has a natural aesthetic, you can use this material.”
CRB material is made from recycled material, making it a more sustainable option. This material is known for its eco-friendly nature and good printability.
Key Note
“CRB supports sustainability goals while keeping production costs manageable.”
Kraft paper is known as one of the most sustainable and eco-friendly packaging materials available in the market. This is a durable and reliable material that is made by using chemical pulp processing. These are made from 100% recycled wood pulp. Kraft paper is used because of its strength from the paper fibers and its remarkable tear resistance.
It has a very rough texture, which makes it an excellent surface for branding, labeling, printing, etc. Moreover, kraft paper comes in different types based on strength and processing methods.
Virgin Natural Kraft Paper: It is made directly from the wood pulp with less chemical processing. It has the highest strength level.
Recycled Kraft Paper: It is made from recycled paper pulp fiber. It has slightly lower strength than virgin kraft.
Bleached Kraft Paper: Bleached kraft paper is a white paper that is made by a whitening process during manufacturing. This material is often used for premium branding because of its smooth surface finish.
Colored Kraft Paper: It is dyed during its manufacturing to give it a color. This material is used to customize different color custom boxes.
Kraft Liner Board: Kraft liner board is a thicker and more rigid form of kraft paper, which is used in the corrugated boxes as outer and inner layers. This material has high structural strength.
Sack Kraft Paper: Sack kraft paper is a porous and highly elastic paper. This is used because of its excellent resistance to pressure. It has superior tear strength.
Absorbent Kraft Paper: It is made to control the moisture and liquid content. It is used as protective packaging for liquid or watery materials during shipping and transportation.
Kraft paper is a biodegradable material that can be recycled and reused. And if you want to provide your customers with an eco-conscious packaging solution, then it is a perfect partner for you.
Cardboard material is made from paper pulp, which makes it a perfect material for making storage boxes and shipping containers. It is a thicker and stronger material than ordinary paper. And it has a measurement more than 0.01 inches, which is 0.25 millimeters in thickness. It has further categories based on the recycled fibers.
Cardboard is categorized into different grades, which are all recyclable:
Kraft (K) is pure fibers that are not recycled even once.
Chips © are made of 100% waste-based fibers.
Bleached White (BW) is a bleached Kraft liner that is made from high-quality fibers.
White Top (WT) is a recycled fiber that features a white coated liner.
Mottled Kraft (MK) is a blend of virgin and recycled fibers.
Oyster (OY) is a combination of pure and reused fibers.
Semi-Chem (SC) is made by utilizing a neutral sulfite semi-chemical process with virgin fibers.
Waste-Based (WB) is entirely composed of 100% reclaimed paper fibers.
Cardboard is the most versatile and trusted material all around the world due to its strength. It is a very cost-efficient and recyclable material, and it reduces your customers' complaints and wins their trust with this material.
Corrugated cardboard is known for its high protection and cushioning effect during shipping and transportation. This shock absorption property comes from its multi-layer formation, in which it has a sandwich-like structure. It is made up of two flat-layer outer liner boards and one fluted layer in the center.
This material has high resistance to crushing and impact because of its middle layer. This layer acts as a cushion and absorbs shock. And this structure provides durability and stacking strength. This is an ideal rigid material for transportation and storage.
Corrugated cardboard has different flute types and strength variations depending on its type:
A-flute: A Flute is the thickest flute size that is designed for stacking.
E-flute: It is a thin material that is ideal for very lightweight materials.
B-flute: It offers good puncture-resistance and protection during shipping.
C-flute: This flute is standard cardboard, which is usually used for shipping.
BC Double-wall flute: This type of cardboard is used for heavy-duty shipping in industries. These are perfect for long-distance transportation.
F-flute: It offers you a smoother surface to get better print quality.
K-flute: It is made to handle heavy items like furniture and large food boxes.
N-flute: It offers you a higher flute density with an excellent printability surface.
It is lightweight and customizable in different sizes and shapes. It is widely used in e-commerce and subscription packaging due to its properties. This material provides maximum protection and stays cost-effective.
Rigid stock material is also known as premium packaging material. This material is paper-based and manufactured by using dense material. It is 2-4 times thicker than standard folding cartons and has higher strength and durability. It gives your product a premium presentation.
These boxes are not like folding cartons or corrugated boxes. These are thick and non-collapsible boxes that maintain their shape without bending or folding. You can use this material to give your packaging a smooth exterior for premium printing and finishes. They are pre-assembled and collapsible, made from non-collapsible material, and they enhance your product's appearance by giving it a luxurious look.
Our Suggestion
If you want to give your customers a very premium and luxurious-looking product box that will elevate your brand image in the market, then consider it. Then you can check our magnetic closure boxes, drawer-style (slide) boxes, and book-style rigid boxes.
The table below shows the comparison of different materials available in the market on the basis of material structure, thickness, strength, their best usage, and protection level. Moreover, the comparison is based on certain other factors that are necessary to be considered while choosing the best material for your custom boxes for e-commerce businesses.
| Packaging Materials Comparison Guide | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feature | Paperboard (Chipboard) |
Kraft Paper |
Cardboard (General) |
Corrugated Cardboard |
Rigid Stock |
||||||
| Material Structure | Single-layer compressed paper pulp | Paper made from chemical pulp | Thick paper-based board | Multi-layer (flat liner + fluted core + flat liner) | Dense, thick paperboard wrapped with printed paper | ||||||
| Thickness | Thin & lightweight | Thin to medium | Medium to heavy | Medium to thick (varies by flute type) | Very thick | ||||||
| Strength Level | Moderate | Moderate to high | Moderate to high | High to very high | Very high | ||||||
| Best For | Retail packaging, cosmetics, food cartons | Wrapping, eco-boxes, bags, liners | General packaging & shipping | Shipping, e-commerce, fragile items | Luxury & high-end products | ||||||
| Protection Level | Low to moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Excellent cushioning & stacking strength | Excellent structural protection | ||||||
| Print Quality | Excellent (smooth surface) | Good | Good | Good (better on E-flute) | Premium, high-end finishes | ||||||
| Cost Level | Low to medium | Low to medium | Medium | Medium | High | ||||||
| Eco-Friendliness | Recyclable; often contains recycled fiber | Highly recyclable & biodegradable | Recyclable | Recyclable; widely reused | Recyclable but higher material use | ||||||
| Shipping Suitability | Often needs an outer shipper | Often used as secondary or inner packaging | Suitable depending on type | Ideal for direct shipping | Usually requires a protective outer shipper | ||||||
| Customization Options | High (die-cut, windows, coatings) | Moderate | Moderate to high | High (structural engineering) | Very high | ||||||
| Assembly | Ships flat, easy to fold | Flexible material | Ships flat | Ships flat, requires assembly | Pre-assembled | ||||||
Note
You can select your box material, keeping in view all the factors to know which will work best for you.
In an e-commerce business, box selection is very important because not every box style is suitable for your online business. Your entire product's PROTECTION AND PRESENTATION depends on your decision.
You must choose a box that is structurally strong and provides protection during the shipping and handling process. There are some packaging boxes available in the market that are only designed for in-store retail displays and cannot bear the transit stress. So if you need packaging that not only protects your product but also increases your brand identity. Then there are some box types mentioned below that are a highly effective solution for your online business.
Corrugated shipping boxes are very heavy-duty packaging boxes that are used to accommodate bulky, fragile, or high-weight products. These boxes are made with folded layers with in-between liner boards to provide excellent cushioning, strength, and shock absorption.
These boxes are perfect carriers for electronics, glassware, tools, and bulky e-commerce shipments. Corrugated shipping boxes have three main types of walls on which the box's strength is determined.
Single-wall boxes: They are a standard protection for regular shipping.
Double-wall boxes: They provide extra strength for heavier items.
Triple-wall boxes: These types of boxes are used in industrial-grade products such as heavy-duty or high-value goods.
These boxes have a self-locking design, which removes the need for taping. These boxes give your product a very clean and premium look for a strong shelf appearance. They are ideal for branded interior printing subscriptions and DTC (direct-to-customer) brands.
These are perfect for subscription kits, cosmetics, clothing, influencers, and PR packages.
These are luxury boxes, which are thick and non-foldable. They are used for high-end luxury products and give a premium feel and exceptional presentation. These boxes have magnetic closures with lift-off lids.
Moreover, these boxes come with velvet foam inserts. Their main design is drawer or book style, which is ideal for jewelry, watches, luxury cosmetics, and premium electronics.
These cartons are classic retail packaging that is made from paperboard. These are very lightweight, cost-effective, and highly printable. They can be easily stored due to their flat shipment structure.
They have printable surfaces and are suitable for high-volume production. These are mostly used in cosmetics, food items, pharmaceuticals, and accessories.
These boxes are strong boxes that are used to store, organize, and protect your products. They keep your products protected from moisture, dust, light, and other elements that can damage your products.
These are totally reusable boxes that are made to be stacked in the warehouses for storage purposes.
These boxes are specifically designed to protect your products during shipping and transportation. These boxes are made of corrugated material, which offers a strong fluted inner layer to provide cushioning and shock absorption during transits. These boxes are stackable and crush-resistant.
Custom-shaped boxes are also custom-made according to the requirements of customers in different shapes. They are very unique and eye-catching boxes that perfectly fit your products.
These boxes are very vibrant and attract the attention of your customers through their multiple colors. They are best for making your brand boxes unforgettable.
These boxes are perfect for promoting your brand without spending extra money. These boxes are printed with brands' logos, names, personalized messages, slogans, product information, safety measures, and instructions.
These boxes are a perfect blend of safety and branding to give your customers an unforgettable unboxing experience.
These customized inserts and dividers are made with cardboard to keep your product secure during shipment and transportation. Moreover, they prevent the movement by keeping the product in place during shipping.
These custom inserts or dividers are made from cardboard, foam cradles, and molded pulp trays. Moreover, some other types of custom inserts are EVA foam, Styrofoam, crinkle papers, shredded papers, tissue & parchment papers. They are used to improve protection while elevating presentation quality.
These boxes are designed to provide protection and presentation to your e-commerce store. You can choose the best and hottest style not only to protect your product during transit but also to enhance the overall unboxing and buying experience for your customers. These boxes are functional as well as beautiful.
These containers are the most common shipping box styles that are used worldwide. They are mostly used in the e-commerce industry because of their structural strength. They have all the flaps of the same length, which meet in the center when closed. They do not require tape for sealing, and they are shipped flat. They are mostly used in bulky products and warehouse logistics.
Full overlap slotted containers are the stronger variation of an RSC. They have outer flaps that fully overlap each other and give the box structural strength for stacking. These containers provide better protection for heavy items and fragile goods.
Half-slotted containers are similar to RSC but have no top flaps. But these can be used for shipping and transportation by pairing them with the lid. They have one side open, and the other side has a lid on it. These boxes give easy access to the products and can be used as storage bins.
These boxes have partial flaps on the top and bottom of the box. They meet in the middle of the box. These are very lightweight boxes, which are perfect for shipping.
These boxes have a ridge or shoulder near the top and bottom sides of the box. That gives an illusion of a neck. These are mostly used for specialty products to give them a premium and perfect fit.
These boxes have a similar opening to a book with a hinged lid. They are very luxurious boxes, perfect for gifts and electronic products.
Die-cut, or custom-shaped, boxes are those in which the surface is custom-cut according to the required shape using a die. They have unique openings and give a premium appearance. These boxes also include handles, printers, and inserts. They are mostly used for custom branding and retail packaging. But they are also used in e-commerce for sending PR to the influencers.
Auto-lock bottom boxes, also called "crash bottom boxes." They come with pre-glued bottoms that lock automatically when they are opened. They have a stronger base and are ideal for heavy retail items, all food containers, cosmetics, and beverages.
Shipping and transportation require a very high level of safety. Just relying on boxes is not sufficient, and using the sheets given below as per your product requirement can help you solve the problem.
One-piece folders are used as a cushioning material, which is generally wrapped around the products during packing before shipping and transportation. These are single sheets of corrugated board, which are used to minimize empty spaces in cartons.
This material is ideal for providing protection to the edges. Moreover, these sheets are very cost-effective and compact protection for flat items.
These sheets are used to provide protection, same as OPF. The only difference is that they have extra panels for added safety. These sheets are used to provide extra edge cushioning to reduce corner damage.
Products like metal rods, artwork, automotive parts, etc., can be wrapped in them for longer distance shipments.
Not all the boxes are merely made for protection. Some boxes are made to give your customer a very luxurious and premium experience. Though these boxes need outer box protection. You can increase the value of your product by giving your consumers a very high-quality box that can leave an unforgettable impression on their minds. Some boxes are listed below.
Rigid boxes are made with thick, long-lasting paperboard. It gives your product strong protection. Moreover, you can give your customers a premium feel. They are most commonly used for luxury products like electronics, cosmetics, jewelry, and iron kits.
But the only thing is that they do not collapse and stay sturdy. They give your product a very elegant appearance. Rigid boxes increase your brand value by giving a high-quality unboxing experience to your customers.
Folding cartons are very lightweight paperboard boxes. These boxes can be folded flat for easy storage and shipping purposes. They are mostly used for retail products such as food items, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
They are very cost-effective and can be customized as per your customers' requirements. Moreover, they are ideal for high-volume productions. Folding cartons are best known for providing practical protection while maintaining an attractive printing design.
These boxes have a magnetic closure. These boxes open like a book with the help of a hidden magnet. They give your customers a luxury feel. They are strong boxes that are great for gifting, high-end products, PR kits, and premium branding products.
Tuck-end boxes are of two types:
Straight tucks are those that have top and bottom tucks from the same direction. And they have a clean front presentation.
Reverse tuck-ends are those in which the top and bottom tuck from opposite directions. They are cost-effective and widely used in the cosmetic, small-item, and pharmaceutical industries.
These boxes have a two-piece design in which the sliding tray is fitted inside the outer sleeve. And when the tray is pulled, it comes out of the sleeve. It gives a premium and smooth unboxing experience to your customers, and it is used as premium packaging for electronics, jewelry, and gift items.
All the smart e-commerce brands know that custom boxes are not just about protection. They use it as their strategic marketing tool. They invest in branded boxes, inserts, and protective material to enhance their customer experience. This not only reduces their product damage but also brings them repeated sales.
Custom packaging increases their brand recognition through memorable unboxing moments and increases their social media sharing. As a result, what they get is that their customer loyalty increases, and their returns slowly decrease.
We all know that strong brand visibility is directly related to higher return on investment. Below are some top brands that are using custom boxes for e-commerce for their e-commerce businesses to increase their ROI.
The fashion and apparel industry businesses heavily depend on custom boxes. This is not just to deliver the product to the customer, but also to use these boxes to strengthen their branded identity and elevate their customer experience. We all know that in e-commerce packaging, a customer does not physically interact with the brand. They only rely on the product, which makes the physical interaction on behalf of your brand. So its presentation is extremely important to increase customer satisfaction.
Market Trends
Custom mailer boxes and branded shipping cartons are mostly used in the garment industry to protect clothes from moisture, dust, and handling damage. 52% of online shoppers say they are more likely to reorder from a brand that delivers products in premium packaging. These boxes are printed with logos, brand colors, and messages to keep the customer engaged with their brand and gain their trust.
Attractive packaging also encourages customers to share their orders on social media. This becomes very helpful because it ultimately increases the organic brand exposure.
Our Suggestion
For premium fashion labels, rigid boxes are the best way to create a luxury unboxing experience for your customers. It not only supports the brand positioning but also increases their unboxing experience.
The beauty and cosmetic industry merely depends on the delicate packaging and fragile products. In custom packaging, brands not only send their customers a visually appealing box but also a protected product packed in glass bottles or jars, etc. Moreover, these boxes are customized with inserts to prevent any breakage or leakage during shipping and transportation.
Market Trends
In a highly competitive market, it is very important to understand that well-designed custom boxes increase your brand's perceived value and strengthen your brand recognition. 63% of consumers say packaging is almost as important as the brand itself. You can increase your sales by influencing the purchasing decisions of your customers.
Our Suggestion
You can use folding cartons with windows to display your product and ingredients, usage instructions, and regulatory information. Moreover, you can also go for subscription boxes. These are mostly chosen for premium skincare sets or influencer kits.
Digital and electronic gadgets are those products that need protection and organization. These items have fragile and high-value components that can easily be damaged or broken during shipping and transportation. If they face any kind of unwanted pressure or jerk. That is why brands mostly prefer using corrugated shipping boxes with protective inserts.
Market Trend
Over 90% of companies use corrugated boxes to provide the best cushioning effect to minimize 90% of shock and vibrations during transit. Moreover, you can also go for rigid boxes and molded compartments for your products' neat presentation. These keep your accessories secure.
Our Suggestion
If you provide your customers with their electronic products properly packed, it reduces the damage-related returns and also increases your online sales.
In the jewelry and luxury goods industry, the first thing that customers notice is the packaging. So, you can say that your attractive packaging plays a major role in shaping perceived value.
Note
Custom rigid boxes with magnetic closures and velvet linings are the best way to present your delicate product in a premium presentation. It increases your customers' interest in your other products as well.
Market Trend
Being a customer, we all know that when we spend money, we need a presentation in the current era. And many people use your brand's jewelry and luxury goods as gifts to their friends and family. According to stats, 83% of shoppers agree that premium packaging makes products more giftable. So, you can increase their gifting experience by shipping your products in luxury boxes.
Our Suggestion
You can use luxury rigid stock boxes for the product packed inside corrugated cartons for increased protection during transit.
“In the world of jewelry and luxury goods, packaging is not just protection; it is the overall product experience that you are giving to your customer.”
People nowadays love to share their food experiences with their friends and colleagues through social media. So you want to become a cup of tea on everyone's table. Then you need to make sure that your brand provides packaging that not only increases the demand for functional and sustainable packaging but also protects products from damage.
Market Trends
73% of consumers say they read product labels before making a purchase. So you can give your customers custom-printed boxes and containers, which will allow your brand to communicate nutritional information, storage instructions, and safety regulatory certifications with your customers. And there are many companies that also choose Kraft and recycled materials to target their environmentally conscious consumers.
Our Suggestion
You can go for subscription-based food services and branded mailer boxes. These will ultimately enhance your customers' retention by giving your image as an eco-friendly brand that cares about the environment. And you will be able to engage in the unboxing experience of many customers.
This industry is extremely sensitive because it deals with medicines, supplements, and fitness products. A little damage to the chemical composition of your product can cause a huge loss. Moreover, it can drag you into legal battles as well.
So it is very important to use custom boxes that make sure that your products are safe from moisture, light, dust, dirt, and all other elements. These can destroy the composition of your supplements in many ways.
Market Trends
You can go for folding cartons or corrugated mailers. 72% of shoppers agree that premium, sturdy packaging makes products feel more authentic and trustworthy. So you increase your credibility and reassure customers that the products they're getting are authentic and quality-made.
Our Suggestion
You can go for interior printed themed designed boxes, which not only protect your products, but also increase the presentation and keep your products secure during transit. You can go for packaging that becomes part of your customer satisfaction and retention on a monthly basis.
Subscription box businesses are businesses that merely depend on custom packaging. We also understand that you have to send your customers a memorable box on a monthly basis to give them an unforgettable experience. Whether your product is related to beauty, snacks, books, or lifestyle goods, or you're dealing with plants, clothes, or any other item. Branded mailer boxes are your best partners because they not only build consistency but also bring excitement and joy to the face of your customer.
Our Suggestion
You can go for interior printed themed designed boxes, which not only protect your products, but also increase the presentation and keep your products secure during transit. You can go for packaging that becomes part of your customer satisfaction and retention on a monthly basis.
With the passage of time, people are going crazy about home decor and interior decoration. They order a lot of products for their rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and many other places. You can become their priority in candles, decor items, and kitchen accessories if you succeed in providing them with the desired product intact.
So if you want to protect your fragile products, such as glass candles or ceramic decor, you'll need to combine production with presentation. And for this, you will need corrugated shipping boxes, which come with inserts to prevent breakage. At the same time, you can give your customers attractive exterior packaging. This will increase their gifting appeal, and ultimately, it will strengthen your brand perception.
Our Suggestion
If you're a lifestyle brand, then thoughtful packaging will increase your emotional connection with your product. And this will bring you more customers.
Charity and donation-based organizations have increased tremendously in recent years, and so has the use of custom boxes for their operations. Fundraising campaigns and donor engagement programs are also using custom boxes for their operations.
Market Trends
There are many nonprofits that sell merchandise, awareness goods, event materials, or subscription-style donor boxes online, which require protection and branded packaging.
Our Suggestion
If you are one of those, our suggestion is to go for custom corrugated shipping boxes. They will ensure the safe delivery of your items, such as clothes, promotional materials, or care packages, with the printed messages on the box. It will help you communicate the organization's missions and values.
Moreover, in the fundraising campaigns, a very thoughtfully designed box can also help you create a strong emotional connection with donors. This increases transparency and appreciation.
Note
You can go for eco-friendly materials that are very popular in this sector because sustainable packaging also aligns with the social responsibility values. So you can use this to promote your charitable organization. Custom boxes for e-commerce can help your charities build trust and strengthen brand identity. Moreover, it will also enhance your supporters' engagement in the digital marketplace.
Customer inserts and dividers are basically structural components made from corrugated material, molded forms, and paper bubbles inside a box. The main purpose of keeping them inside the box is not only to keep your products secure and separate. But they also increase the visual appearance and presentation of your product. The outer box provides external protection, and the internal inserts control what happens inside the packaging.
There are different types of custom inserts material which are used. They vary on the basis of their physical properties and the purpose of their usage. A table below is given for a better and clearer understanding.
| Packaging Inserts & Fillers Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Material | Properties | Benefits |
| Cardboard Inserts | Protective and strong | Keep the products organized and fixed |
| Crinkle Paper | Lightweight and cushioning | Fill empty space to prevent movement during transit |
| Tissue Paper | Soft and protective | Elevates presentation and reinforces brand aesthetics |
| EVA Foam | Durable and shock-absorbing | Support and securely holds delicate or high-value items in place |
| Molded Foam | Custom-shaped to fit specific products | Minimizing vibration and reducing the risk of damage during shipping |
Note
These insert materials combine functionality and presentation. They ensure products arrive safely while maintaining a polished and professional appearance.
Moreover, if you want detailed information on EVA foams, you can read our comprehensive blog on this.
In e-commerce businesses, your brand's product travels from different handling points. During this period of time, the internal protection directly impacts the damage rates, customer satisfaction, and the overall brand perception.
If there is no support inside a box, and your product is not properly fitted inside a box. There are maximum chance that your package experiences damage or breakage during handling and shifting. There are different factors that they face, like drops, vibrations, and compressions, etc., which cannot be avoided without internal support.
These custom inserts provide cushioning and prevent your product from moving freely inside the box. This decreases the risk of breakage, scratches, leakage, or turning.
Less movement + Zero damage = Fewer returns = Lower replacement costs
This is a very big risk in the e-commerce business that you produce a product on the demand of a customer, but it returns due to damage, and this can cost you a lot. You have already paid your shipping cost. Now you have to ship it again to your customer with the product replacement cost. Your customer's service time also increases, which decreases your brand reputation.
You can avoid all this with the help of custom dividers because they minimize these risks and make sure your product.
Our Suggestion
Instead of using excessive fillers, you can use materials like bubble wraps or packing peanuts. You can go for pre-sized fit inserts that provide targeted protection.
Benefit
This will not only increase the safety of your product but also give your package a very clean and professional look.
Custom boxes that have organizers extremely enhance the presentation and unboxing experience of your PR packaging. You can use them for the presentation of your product. Because when a customer opens a box, they see perfectly aligned products with the structured compartments. Their trust and satisfaction increase.
Moreover, clean cutouts arrange your products neatly and give a premium and intentional experience.
Our Suggestion
If you are a brand that has luxury electronic items, then you can rely on foam cradles or molded pulp inserts.
Benefit
They will create a structured reveal moment, and they will increase the presentation. You need to understand that a messy and loosely packed box can never impress your customers, even if your product is excellent itself.
In online businesses, there are different kinds of customers, and grabbing them is an art. This can only be done by influencing their buying decision. Color psychology is one of those tools that you can use in e-commerce packaging to affect their buying decision. It is one of the most underestimated methods that brings you instant results.
Customers don't experience your physical store. They only experience your website and your boxes. So you need to make sure that when your box packaging arrives at their doorsteps. The first thing that physically impresses them must be the attractive and unique colors of your brand. Because the colors will bring excitement, trust, perceived quality, and repeat purchases.
According to the studies, it has been found that colors trigger emotional responses automatically. And within seconds of seeing a package from your brand, your customers form feelings about your brand based on the colors alone. That reaction not only influences how they feel about your product but also their approach to the unboxing experience.
There are different colors given below, which are typically interpreted as psychological influencers.
This color is associated with trust, security, and reliability. There are many professional brands like Tiffany & Co., which use this color to show their customers their trustworthiness.
These boxes are best for technology, healthcare, finance, and premium services.
It is the color of luxury and sophistication. There are brands that use this color to show their exclusivity from other brands. This color is known to create authority in the market by showing your customers that the product they bought is very premium and luxurious.
These boxes are best for luxury goods, high-end electronics, fashion, and premium accessories.
If you want to give your customers a very clean and simple package filled with minimalism and modernity. Then you can go for the white color. This color brings inner peace and serenity to the minds of your customers, and they start to associate your brand with mental peace.
These white boxes are best for skincare, wellness, modern lifestyle brands, and medical products.
If you want to give your customers an undying energy and urgency, then you can give your custom boxes a red color. They will increase their passion for your brand and give them a feeling of excitement that never ends.
These boxes are best for promotional packaging, limited editions, sports, and performance products.
Green is a natural color that depicts sustainability, health, and calmness. You can use this color to show your customers that the brand they choose is very eco-friendly and sustainable. This color is known for giving a feeling of freshness in the mind and the eyes.
These boxes are best for organic products, sustainable brands, food, and wellness categories.
Pink and pastel colors are associated with softness and beauty. If you are a brand that wants to target the female audience, then you can use these colors. These will show your customers that you care about them and you understand the needs of femininity.
These boxes are best for cosmetics, self-care, and boutique lifestyle products.
These colors are creative and increase the fun and optimism in your customers. Moreover, orange and yellow colors are associated with optimism and fun-loving people. So you can bring a layer of joy and happiness to the lives of your customers by giving the product wrapped in this color.
These boxes are best for youth brands, creative products, and casual consumer goods.
Purple colors come from royalty. Even in history, it is mentioned that this color was only used by the kings and the emperors. So you can give your customers premium uniqueness with creativity in wrapping your product.
These boxes are best for Artistic brands, premium specialty products, and luxury cosmetics.
These are earthy and organic colors, which show that your brand is environmentally responsible. These colors are best for eco brands, handmade goods, and organic foods.
A table is given to better understand how colors increase your custom boxes' appearance and give your customers a unique product that can be used in multiple places.
| Color Psychology in Packaging | |
|---|---|
| Color Palette | Application Depiction |
| Dark, matte colors | Premium positioning |
| Black with gold or silver accents | Luxury and exclusivity |
| Deep navy, burgundy, emerald | Refinement |
| Bright, bold colors | Energetic and budget-friendly |
| Neutral earth tones | Sustainability and ethical branding |
Note
If you want to learn more about the color schemes you can use to influence your customers, then you can read our comprehensive blog on CMYK cyan magenta.
You need to understand that if your color choice is not according to your product category, your customers may subconsciously feel confused. or doubted. So you need to understand that your colors must align with products, categories, targeted audiences, and brand positioning to go for the color that complements your product.
For example, a neon-bright box for a high-end luxury watch could negatively influence your exclusivity. In the same way, if you are targeting kids, then a dark matte black box for playful kids' toys is also a mismatch. So you need to understand your audience first and then decide on the color.
The table below can be used as a reference to help you understand which colors are best for which businesses.
| Color Targeting By Audience | |
|---|---|
| Colors | Targeted Audience |
| Bold, vibrant, high-contrast tones | Younger audiences |
| Minimal, dark, refined palettes | Premium or high-income customers |
| Earth tones, natural textures, kraft materials | Eco-conscious buyers |
| Bright, playful, multi-color combinations | Children's products |
| Deep tones with metallic accents | Bright, playful, multi-color combinations |
With the passage of time, as the greenhouse effect and global warming are increasing, so are the concerns of environmental activists. In recent years, consumers have become more educated on how they can save the planet and what are the measures they can take to reduce these destructive phenomena.
Market Trends
Back in 2023, a report was published by Trivium Packaging. According to this, 90% of Gen Z consumers are willing to pay extra for sustainable packaging. And it also shows that 71% of consumers started to choose sustainable credentials in the last six months.
[Report Credit: Trivium Packaging]
This means that 80% of the consumers in the entire industry are willing to buy your products if you pack them in biodegradable packaging, which can reduce their environmental impact.
This shows that a huge amount of your consumers, from the old generation to the new generation, can be targeted by selling eco-friendly packaging. You can increase your number of sales by simply targeting eco-friendly packaging boxes specially individualized for eco-conscious customers.
MyBoxPrinting is a Friend of the Earth manufacturer who provides BPI CERTIFIED / ECO FRIENDLY TESTED / 100% COMPOSTABLE custom boxes for your e-commerce brands. We provide personalized boxes that are FSC Certified and comply with ASTM D6400 High Standards for compostability and meet FDA regulations. Our slogan and motto are to make our packaging UNBLEACHED AND PFAS FREE. So you don’t have to worry about fluorine or chlorine chemicals anymore.
Custom boxes for e-commerce are the best way to tell your customers that you are a brand that can be trusted. They are one of your strongest visual branding tools for your brand. And it increases your brand recognition in the market.
Your box is the first thing that tells about your brand's trustworthiness and the authenticity of your product to your customer. You can use your signature brand colors inside the box and Logo printing outside the box to reflect your brand image in the world of the online market.
Moreover, you can use your online business's personalized boxes as your marketing tool by printing your logo in bold and clean placements. You can use different methods for branding placement.
It is also known as typographic, and can be done in three different ways. The first one is a wordmark. It is known as a logotype, in which a font-based logo is printed on a box. This mainly focuses on your business's full name. These are best for brands that have short and catchy names like Google, Coca-Cola, etc.
You can also go for the lettermark, which is known as a monogram. It uses your initials or acronyms to present your brand. This simplifies your complex name into short versions such as HBO or IBM, etc.
Then comes the letterform, which is a very minimalist version of the lettermark. And it only uses the first letter of your brand's name, like Facebook is printed as "f" for Pinterest for "P."
Our Suggestion
You can keep the typography consistent with your website and ads to make customers instantly recognize your colors and logos. These will build memory in the mind of the customer, and this memory will build brand loyalty.
The image-based logos include icons and symbols. It also has three different types. The pictorial mark is a graphic or icon mark that is printed to represent a real-world object. For example, Apple and Target.
The other form is known as an abstract mark, which is a kind of conceptual geometric form. It represents your brand by symbolic features rather than using a name like Nike, Swisher, or the Pepsi circle.
Then comes the mascot logo, which is used to give your brand a spokesperson. This is very family-oriented, like KFC's Colonel Sanders or M&M's.
The third type is hybrid and specialized logos. It is done by the combination of both the word mark and the letter mark. And sometimes it is also done by the images as well, like a pictorial abstract mark. These types of logos give your brand a new identity, for example, Burger King and Adidas, etc.
Finishes not only make your box look expensive, but it also affects the feel of your consumer. You can use
Matte lamination is used to give your boxes a smooth and non-shiny soft finish. It gives a very modern and elegant look to your custom packaging.
Gloss lamination is used for adding a shiny and reflective finish to your boxes. You can use this lamination to make your custom packaging colors appear brighter and more vibrant.
Spot UV is mainly used on the logos for a glossy coating. It is only applied to specific areas where you want to highlight your logo or text to grab the attention of your customers.
Foil stamping uses metallic foil with heat and pressure to add eye-catching shine to your box. It gives a very attractive and beautiful look to your custom packaging.
Embossing and debossing are raised and pressed in some parts of the design to create a texture. It increases the premium feel of your customer and your product. Even simple folding cartons can look higher with the right finish.
A little appreciation gift for your customers can make their day and increase your customer satisfaction. You can simply connect with them with the little wow factors, such as
thank you notes,
welcome cards,
a short brand story
Handwritten style messages from the team.
These are low-cost extras that increase your brand value in the eyes of customers. Moreover, you can add stickers, mini cards, or collectible inserts in the boxes to keep your customer interactive with you.
There is another way to keep your customers engaged in your brand by adding interactive touches to your custom boxes. These will compel them to visit your brand again for repeated purchases, and you can increase your sales.
You can add NFC Tags, barcodes, and QR codes, which will direct them to your page.
You can give them secret discount coupons for their next purchases.
You can add community invites to make them members of your brand reward program.
Moreover, temperature-controlled devices can also be used to monitor your product's condition.
By adding these little things inside the box to increase your customer interest in your brand, and they stay connected to you.
In the modern era, social media is your biggest platform to promote your brand. You can become word of mouth by giving your customers a reason to promote your product through their reviews and unboxing videos.
You can use inner box printing, hidden flag messages, and peel-to-reveal stickers to increase your customers' unboxing experience.
You can also encourage engagement by adding your social handles with a reason to connect, referral cards, or VIP inside your quotes.
These little additions can cause a surprising factor for your customers, which will obviously increase your brand recall.
There are different kinds of boxes that are used for online businesses. These boxes include rigid boxes, folding cartons, and protective shipping boxes. You can use rigid boxes because of their sturdy and premium look. But folding cartons are a lightweight, versatile choice. And if you want a protective box, you can go for shipping boxes with inserts or cushioning for your fragile items.
You can choose the right style and size for your box by measuring your product dimensions carefully. You need to consider the weight, fragility, and shipping method of your box. And this will give you a clear image of which box will work perfectly for your product. You can choose a style that provides protection and presentation for your product.
Our Suggestion
If you want premium packaging, then rigid boxes are ideal. These are best for premium items. And if your product is lightweight, then you can choose folding cartons.
The best boxes that protect during shipping and transportation are corrugated cardboard. These are perfect boxes for heavy or fragile items. You can also check kraft, paper, cardboard, or recycled material boxes. But they are only good for lightweight products. Moreover, you can use bubble wraps, foam inserts, or protective sheets to increase the safety and cushioning effect. This will decrease the risk of any damage or breakage during shipping and transportation.
Yes, a well-designed custom box can impact the unboxing experience of your customer and buying decision. You can print your boxes with your logo's brand colors and personalized messages. This will increase your brand recognition in the market and customer trust. You need to understand that packaging is a direct reflection of your brand's quality.
Yes, if you use recycled, biodegradable, and FSC-certified material boxes, these will attract environmentally conscious customers towards your brand. It increases your brand reputation in the market. You can even reduce the manufacturing cost by using recycled material.
Custom boxes cost depends on the box type, material, size, printing, and quality of the box. MyBoxPrinting is an expert manufacturer for bulk orders. We offer a lower per-unit price with premium finishes. You can check our custom boxes for different products to get an idea of the cost and price. We offer wholesale prices. We believe that balancing quality with budget is our main motto.
Yes, black boxes can be used for female customers because black is not a gender-specific color. It represents elegance, luxury, and all those customers who want sophistication; they go for black boxes. These are mostly used for cosmetics, jewelry, and premium gift packaging.
Any brand can increase ROI with theme-based boxes because these boxes increase their brand identity and give their customers a memorable unboxing experience. As a result, their customer satisfaction increases, and their customers go for repeat purchases.
If you are a business that deals with canning and mason jars, then you need corrugated and rigid boxes for your business. When these boxes are paired with custom inserts, their protection increases, and they prevent breakage during storage and shipping.
If you're in a gift business, then rigid boxes, magnetic leisure boxes, and premium folding cartons are the best option for your business. These boxes offer durability and a luxurious appearance to your product.
Custom boxes for e-commerce businesses come in different styles and materials. They are basically made to maintain a balance between protection, branding, customer satisfaction, and enhanced experience. In the guide, we explored all types of boxes, from rigid folding to specialty. And highlighted how each of them is used for different purposes. You can pack your premium product in these beautifully decorated boxes to increase the presentation while solving your shipping and transportation problems with these durable boxes.
Moreover, the discussion above also puts focus on smart packaging choices. This can increase the unboxing experience of your customer and improve your product safety during transit. Moreover, it also strengthened brand identity, which can increase your repeat sales and customer loyalty. You can also use custom inserts for delicate items and choose eco-friendly or sustainable materials. This will increase your brand's appearance in the world of environmentally conscious consumers.
