If your e-commerce business is looking for a way to improve product packaging, frustration-free solutions could be the place to start.
Have you ever received an online order in an oversized box filled with too much bubble wrap? Or was the product poorly wrapped and in bad condition? Perhaps the package was difficult to open and required brute strength? These are examples of frustrating packaging.
To avoid these common e-commerce pitfalls, frustration-free packaging was developed to create a positive experience for everyone involved – from the manufacturer, to the delivery team, to the consumer. So let’s explore how the frustration-free approach could benefit your business.
Amazon frustration-free packaging (FFP)
Online shoppers expect their orders to arrive in appropriate packaging – meaning it should be the right size, provide adequate protection, and be easy to open and dispose of. As consumers began to express these demands back in 2008, Amazon coined the term ‘frustration-free’ and launched a new set of guidelines, including that packaging must be:
- Easy to open and deliver
- Fully recyclable
- Correctly sized
- Capable of shipping with no additional protection.
The idea was to ‘reinvent the packaging experience’ by reducing waste and opting for simpler solutions.
Guidelines for frustration-free packaging
The guidelines for the frustration-free method have developed over the years, especially as new solutions have joined the market. Let’s explore the criteria in more detail.
1. Provide effective protection
First and foremost, packaging must keep the product safe and secure for the entire delivery process. These orders can travel a long way, in various vehicles and settings, so the wrappings need to offer enough defence against any bumps and scrapes.
Ideally, products should be delivered in rigid rectangular boxes. While some padded mailers and rigid envelopes can work, a solid box is the preferred choice. Polybags do not provide enough protection to qualify.
2. Reduce waste
Consumers expect brands to keep waste to a minimum, especially when it comes to product packaging. That means you should use the right sizes, avoid excess paperwork, and only use what is absolutely necessary. Remember, the more plastic you use, the more your customers have to dispose of.
It may be easier to use a custom carton that is sized to your product dimensions. If you are dispatching fragile items, it is especially crucial to avoid oversized boxes that require more padding to fill the empty space.
3. Recyclable packaging
To reduce waste, packaging should also be easy to recycle. Consider the recycling facilities your customers have access to and accommodate that. For the best results, provide clear recycling instructions on your website or – better yet – on the box itself.
4. Easy to deliver
Your package will be moved to a lot of different places before it arrives with your customer, so you need to make it easy to deliver. If it can’t fit in the letterbox or is a difficult shape to stack, the chances of damage or redirection to a depot are much higher.
For easy delivery, packaging must:
- Have no windows or cutouts
- Fit in a standard letterbox
- Be stackable
- Display clear delivery instructions
- Have access holes no larger than 3x15 inches.
5. User-friendly packaging
When the order does arrive, it should be quick and easy to open. It shouldn’t require too much brute force and at first glance, the customer should know exactly what to do and how to open the package. If this isn’t clear, they may end up tearing or breaking it in frustration – thus damaging the product inside.
Examples of user-friendly solutions include:
- Easy-to-open strips
- Die-cut cartons and cube boxes
- Resealable bags
- Labels marking where to cut.
6. Simple to return
People want to be able to return products that don’t meet their expectations – especially when buying online. With that in mind, your packaging should make the returns process quick, efficient, and simple – and if possible, reusable. That way customers can open and reseal the package in a matter of minutes, ready to send it back.
E-commerce shipping products like returnable mailer bags, return shipping labels and tear strip boxes will make the returns process as simple as possible, without causing extra stress for the customer.
Benefits of frustration-free packaging
Before making any changes to your packing processes, it helps to know the benefits of the frustration-free approach – both for your buyers and for your business. Let’s explore these in more detail.
Benefits for the customer
When a customer receives their order, the packaging it arrives in influences their overall satisfaction. With frustration-free products, they will enjoy the following benefits:
- Products arrive safely and in pristine condition
- Deliveries are more efficient
- Packages are easy to open
- There is minimal waste to dispose of
- It can be disposed of sustainably.
Benefits for businesses and manufacturers
Along with impressing your buyers, your business can also gain a series of advantages by using frustration-free packaging. These include:
- A simplified supply chain
- Elimination of unnecessary materials
- Reduced costs
- Time savings
- Reduced carbon footprint.
Along with the benefits noted above, it's important to remember that an e-commerce unboxing experience is a direct reflection of your company. Packaging that's difficult to open by the end user or wasteful could negatively impact their experience and may result in them shopping elsewhere in the future.
Frustration-free packaging for e-commerce
Unfortunately, e-commerce packaging is often excessive, wasteful, and unsustainable. By adapting to a frustration-free model, your company can overcome these common issues and get an edge over your competitors.
At Primepac, we understand that our customers need packing solutions that are efficient, cost-effective, and practical. And, as the environment is increasingly influential in consumer decisions, it also needs to be environmentally friendly. To help you meet all of these requirements, we have a range of frustration-free products designed for a seamless packaging experience. These include:
Recyclable cartons
When it comes to boxes and cartons, recyclable cardboard is the most suitable choice. It’s lightweight, strong, and easy for customers to dispose of. Where possible, choose a self-locking box that folds into shape without tape or staples.
Custom sizing
If you opt for custom packaging that is designed for your products, it will be the correct size and not require extra protectives. This also makes it much easier to streamline your packing processes.
Smart packaging
By using scannable barcodes and QR codes on your packages, you can eliminate the need for wasteful paperwork throughout the warehousing, transit, and delivery stages.
To discover more sustainable packaging solutions to suit your business, speak to our friendly team about customised options. Or, simply browse our e-commerce range for the products you need – from tapes and cartons to instruction labels and pallet wrap.
With same-day dispatch and free nationwide delivery, your new frustration-free packaging process can be up and running in no time.
