How to prevent costly returns

Product damage is one of the main challenges for internet retailers.

It is not only expensive, as you need to replace broken items, but it may also have a negative impact on the way customers perceive your brand. And impaired reputation can be difficult to fix.

Using the correct packaging can help to protect your products and your brand, saving you time and money that can be spent more effectively elsewhere.

Here are a few considerations to help you avoid costly returns.

Is your packaging fit for purpose?
Is the packaging you use suitable for its job? Where will your products travel to, and how will they be handled and stored? Will they be shipped in different temperature conditions?

These are just a few questions you should be asking yourself when choosing the right packaging for your goods.

Some packaging tape, for example, can perform differently in colder temperatures, losing its adhesion and leaving your parcel vulnerable to damage and pilfering.

Do you use the right amount of packaging?
Using too much can inflate your packaging costs and alienate customers. Too little packaging reduces product protection in transit and storage. One way to tackle this problem is to evaluate your box range to better cater for the needs of individual products.

There are a number of loose fill alternatives on the market. If you are going for a neater and enhanced unboxing experience perhaps look at paper cushioning solutions such as Geami. It will help you to reduce the amount of void fill that you need to protect your goods, is easily recyclable and simply looks great.

Are you aware of packaging innovations?
Don’t just select packaging because that is how it’s always been done. There are a wealth of products available on the market that can deliver improvements to your bottom line.

Packaging solutions with an in-built void fill, such as Korrvu retention and suspension boxes, firmly secures products inside the box, offering optimum product protection.

Inflatable packaging systems such as Airsac will help to ensure that fragile products reach their destination intact. Airsac has been tested at temperatures from -40 to +60 degrees and is suitable for both air freight and standard courier services.

If you find the selection of packaging available overwhelming, seek advice from a packaging professional who will be able to review your product line and suggest the best options to ensure your goods are delivered without damage.

At Macfarlane Packaging, we can help you find the optimum packaging for your products. Contact us today to arrange a free, no obligation packaging review.