6 creative ways to customize your ecommerce packaging

In today’s increasingly competitive ecommerce landscape, the importance of custom packaging is at an all-time high. Your customer’s unboxing experience is more than just a moment—it’s a critical touchpoint that can set your brand apart. This first tangible interaction with your business needs to be unique and personalized to make a lasting impression. A one-of-a-kind unboxing experience not only delights customers but also builds strong brand loyalty from the moment the package arrives to the reveal of what’s inside.

Your packaging functions as a kind of storefront for your ecommerce business. Keeping this in mind, consider branding your package delivery so your customers can connect to your brand from the minute their items arrive on their doorstep.

1. Full branding offers the best experience

A custom package offers a personal experience, especially if it leaves a distinct (and branded) impression in your customers’ mind. If you want to create the optimal customer experience, it’s helpful to do so with unique packaging that truly sets your business apart from competitors. These fully customized packages can include boxes, mailers, or other shipping containers designed to match your brand on the inside or outside (and oftentimes both)! It’s more than just about adding a logo; it’s about creating a memorable experience from start to finish.

This customer experience can help marketing efforts as well, and generate social buzz. Although this is the most expensive form of customization, it often reaps a high impact and a high return on investment. Branding boxes from the inside-out guarantees your packaging is aligning with your brands aesthetic and messaging on all fronts. Your packaging is no longer simply a vessel to deliver your product. Consider this as an opportunity to introduce your brand to your customers and provide them with a first impression. Better yet, consider adding your brand’s handle or hashtags to packaging to encourage your customers to share your product on their own social accounts. It’s really that easy!

2. Introduce yourself upon delivery

Printed stock packaging may not appear to be the most aesthetic way to entice an audience, but it can be the most effective. The goal here is to legibly print your logo clearly on the package right side up on the top or front of the box. This stimulated familiarity and can make your branding more recognizable.

Not in the market for customized boxes? No worries. Consider adding a simple exterior logo sticker that can serve as a more cost-effective add-on. This cheaper alternative can still achieve a customized approach without the hassle of having it made by a third party company.

3. It’s what’s inside that counts

Your customers are looking for a great product when they place an order with your business. You’ve got that one covered. The hard part is meaningfully connecting with your customers as they unwrap your items and experience your product for the first time. This is the perfect opportunity for you to customize your delivery to make the most impact during that critical first physical interaction with your brand.

4. Consider a customized card or thank you

Adding a handwritten thank you note can have a massive impact on customers who are looking to emotionally connect with your business. If you don’t have enough time or manpower to hand write notes, adding a printed note in an easy-to-read handwritten font can offer a similar impact. Another viable option? Attach a coupon for your shopper’s next purchase and bring your past customers back to your business.

Adding a note enhances that emotional connection your customers are craving when buying from an online business. Your customers want personalized communication, and including that sentiment and gratitude about their purchase goes a long way in helping them feel good about the buying decision they’ve made.

5. Pay attention to detail

We’re talking all things tissue paper, inner packaging, tagging, stickers and more! Adding tissue paper and inner packaging not only elevates your product, but also offers a personalized touch that brings your brand to the forefront once more. And who doesn’t love fancy tissue paper? Adding this extra detail on the inner packaging shows your customers you put in time and care to perfect their order, and your product is worth the price.

Depending on your product, some form of inner packaging may be an absolute necessity. Consider wrapping clothes in tissue paper, placing breakable items in well-cushioned and branded boxes, and packing jewelry in small bags. You don’t have to stop with these details! We recommend adding customized tags to your clothing items for another opportunity to brand your product.

6. Offer a gift with your customer’s first order

Who doesn’t love free stuff? Your additional gifts can range from small coupons to a free product. The opportunities are endless. We recommend adding a product sample or a small branded trinket that may increase your customer satisfaction and further solidify their brand loyalty.

A great example? Offering branded stickers, koozies, or keychains in your package to present your customers with the chance to become a brand ambassador, proudly sporting your products everywhere they go.

You’ve seen those unboxing videos on TikTok or the cute Instagram stories showing off a branded unboxing experience for followers and fans. Your business can do the same! Offering loyalty programs within your business guarantees your company has another chance to build a brand connection with your customers. Pair your program with customized packaging and you’ve got the perfect opportunity to expand your business into new frontiers!

A loyalty program gives your customers an in-the-moment experience they can share with their audience. Let this program solidify your appreciation for your loyal customers and invite others into the fold.

Build your business model on branding

It’s no surprise customized packaging can and will benefit your company when incorporated into a robust marketing strategy. Guarantee a positive first impression and focus on a positive customer experience to help your business grow and foster community.

At Saltbox, we want to prioritize your customer’s experience through the entire buyer journey. Not only do we offer the ultimate support when it comes to logistics and fulfillment solutions, but we also provide customized packaging and kitting at certain locations for an additional fee. Let us focus on packaging your product and fulfilling orders while you perfect your customer experience, every step of the way. Book a tour at one of our 12 locations today.