Optimizing Your Packaging for New Years
As the New Year approaches, many businesses are gearing up for a fresh start—and that includes refining their shipping processes. How you package and ship your products during this last window of the holiday season can significantly impact both your bottom line and customer satisfaction. With the increased shipping demand and expectation of timely deliveries, optimizing your packaging is the best way to ensure your packages arrive safely and on time for the festivities.
7 Tips to Improve Your Packaging for the New Year’s Shipping Rush
1. Right-Sized Boxes
Just like during the holiday season, New Year’s shipping requires careful attention to the size of your packaging. The right-sized box ensures that you’re not paying extra for empty space or wasting packaging materials. This is especially important for customers returning or exchanging items after New Year’s, as proper packaging prevents damage and helps streamline return processes.
2. Protective Packaging for Fragile Items
The end of the year often sees a burst of last-minute purchases, including fragile or high-ticket items like electronics, glassware, or decor. Proper protective packaging materials (bubble wrap, foam inserts, anti-static bags) are essential to prevent any damage during shipping, which could negatively affect customer satisfaction and return rates after the New Year.
3. Modular Packaging Design
Modular packaging can be adjusted to fit various product sizes. For instance, inserts or dividers can be rearranged based on the shape of the item(s) being packaged. This can reduce the need for multiple box sizes and simplify your packing process, especially when packaging multiple items for a single order.
4. Clear Shipping Labels and Proper Label Placement
There can be a lot of confusion in shipping logistics both during and after the holiday rush, and misdirected packages are a common occurrence. Placing shipping labels properly and ensuring all information is correct will help avoid delays or mistakes in delivery. This is particularly important for orders that need to arrive by New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, as it may take weeks to sort out a misdirected package issue.
5. Sealing Your Packages Properly
To help combat the surge in returns after the holidays, proper sealing of packages is essential to prevent damage during transit. Strong, quality packing tape and effective sealing methods will ensure that your packages are secure, reducing the chances of damage, tampering, or late arrivals.
6. Sustainable Packaging
Many customers make resolutions to be more eco-conscious, and New Year’s is a great time to highlight any sustainable practices in your packaging. Using recyclable or biodegradable materials and minimizing packaging waste can help your brand align with the growing trend of sustainability, making customers feel good about their purchase.
7. Branded Packaging with a Festive Touch
Stand out this New Year by combining branding with seasonal appeal. Custom-branded packaging or a New Year’s-themed design can create a memorable unboxing experience. Add a small, thoughtful touch like a thank-you note, a coupon for future purchases, or a resolution-themed message to show appreciation for your customers and encourage repeat business.
Start the New Year off Right with Solutions from Preferred Packaging Products
Since 1985, we have been the preferred packaging, logistics, and automation solution for businesses along the Colorado Front Range.
We specialize in custom package development to help our customers maximize product protection, minimize material waste, and optimize shipping costs for their products.
We also provide a wide selection of high-quality generic packaging products and materials to suit all of your packaging and business needs.
Some other ways Preferred Packaging can help your business include:
- Logistics, warehouse, and distribution services that streamline your logistics process and improve order fulfillment.
- Package kitting and assembly services that allow your team to focus on more vital tasks and daily operations.
- Equipment installation and automation services that increase your efficiency and help your business transition to a more hands-off packaging process.
To see how Preferred Packaging Products can help your business, give us a call at (303) 444-4774 or get in touch with us online to get started.