E-commerce Consumer Trends 2023

At the end of 2022, Mondi reported findings on research into European consumers’ expectations of online shopping and e-commerce packaging. So, what did they learn that can inform your decisions about postal boxes?

Firstly, lower prices and the convenience of home deliveries mean online shopping is as popular as ever. This is particularly so for Millennials (those born between 1981 & 1996) who are the most likely demographic to shop online. In this group, 37% made at least one online purchase a week. Therefore, fulfilling their expectations should be a priority for e-commerce businesses.

Priorities in E-commerce Packaging

Mondi found that 94% of online shoppers prioritised the protection of goods in transit. Understandably, they wanted their order to arrive undamaged. Sustainable packaging was also important, with factors including easy-to-reseal packaging for returns being highlighted. As such, designing reusable packaging is an easy way to win favour with customers.

Customers also valued brands that used e-commerce packaging to create an interesting and memorable unboxing experience. Paying attention to details can make receiving and opening postal boxes more exciting and personal.

How to Avoid a Negative Brand Reputation

You might think it is just a box, but excessive packaging is a big issue which reflects badly on brands. The survey revealed that 86% of customers saw oversized packaging as a negative and 78% weren’t happy to receive excessive internal packaging materials. Their negative view of these packaging sins was sufficient to put many off ordering from the offending brand again.

Best-fit Postal Boxes

The need for best-fit, sustainable, reusable and protective packaging is nothing new. These factors have been highlighted as crucial for good packaging design for years. The difference is a high percentage of customers are noticing the postal boxes and form opinions based on them.

If your e-commerce packaging is falling short of the mark, now is the time for action. Get in touch with your local packaging supplier for advice on upgrading your boxes.

 

Download the full Mondi report from their website: https://www.mondigroup.com/en/products-and-solutions/trends/ecommerce/online-consumer-shopping-behaviour/