Do Branded Boxes Make a Difference?

Online retailers send out hundreds of thousands of shipping boxes every day. The main role of this packaging is to provide robust protection to the goods inside. This is essential, as the shipping boxes will be handled many times between leaving the retailer and being handed to the customer. If protection is the priority, does it matter if it is delivered in plain packaging or branded boxes?

The Unboxing Experience

According to the latest Unboxing Survey* conducted by Macfarlane Packaging, it does!

Their research revealed that 61% of online shoppers were more excited when they receive branded boxes. Furthermore, 41% revealed that branded packaging encourages them to make future purchases from that company. They also found that 59% of online retailers now use branded packaging, compared with 39% in the 2016 survey.

The fact is that, the moment your customers hold your shipping boxes in their hands, they experience the first tangible connection with your brand. Small details, including print design, add to that experience. It shows you believe your products are worthy of more than just a plain, cardboard box and it helps to make your brand memorable.

The good news is that there are low-cost ways for your packaging manufacturer to produce printed packaging. Single-colour flexographic print or the use of printed paper tape to seal the boxes are two examples.

Move Towards Custom Packaging

The report also highlights a reduction in the use of excessive packaging (41% in 2016 to 14% in 2022) and the volume of goods arriving damaged (10% in 2016 to 7% in 2022). These statistics also suggest a move towards custom packaging that is fit for purpose.

* https://www.macfarlanepackaging.com/unboxing-survey-2022-results/