Reducing Shipping Costs in Holiday Packaging

Packaging plays a crucial role in safeguarding products from various hazards that can compromise their quality, safety, and integrity. From the manufacturing floor to the store shelves and throughout the supply chain, products face several risks that can damage or spoil them if not properly addressed. In this blog, we will explore 6 of the biggest hazards to packaging and how to mitigate them effectively. Incorporate Promotional Inserts Utilize Product Recommendations Highlight Subscription or Loyalty Programs Offer Limited-Time Promotions Include Sample Products Use Packaging as a Brand Ambassador Incorporate Promotional Inserts One of the most direct and cost-effective ways to encourage repeat purchases is by including promotional inserts in your packaging. These can be anything from discount coupons to flyers advertising complementary products or upcoming sales. A thoughtfully placed insert that offers a discount on the customer’s next purchase not only drives them back to your site but also makes them more likely to try other products in your catalog. For example, if a customer purchases skincare products, you could include a flyer promoting your body care line. Cross-selling through inserts introduces customers to items they may not have considered, increasing your average order value over time. Utilize Product Recommendations Using packaging inserts to make personalized product recommendations based on a customer’s past purchases is another effective strategy. You can include suggestions for related items or new arrivals that complement what they have already bought. These recommendations make it easier for customers to discover additional products and feel as though the packaging experience was tailored to them. You can take inspiration from digital giants like Amazon, which have mastered the art of “customers who bought this also bought…” recommendations. By bringing this technique into your e-commerce packaging, you ensure a seamless cross-selling experience. Highlight Subscription or Loyalty Programs Your packaging is an ideal platform to promote loyalty programs or subscription services. By using a small card or an insert, you can introduce customers to the benefits of joining your loyalty program, such as earning points for each purchase or getting access to exclusive offers. Similarly, promoting a subscription service for consumable products like coffee, skincare, or supplements can turn occasional buyers into long-term, repeat customers. Make the enrollment process simple by including a QR code or a link that customers can easily access through their phones. Offer Limited-Time Promotions Create urgency by offering time-sensitive promotions that are delivered right inside the packaging. A card stating “15% off your next order, valid for 30 days” encourages customers to make another purchase before the offer expires. By limiting the timeframe, you incentivize them to take immediate action, which can lead to increased repeat sales. Include Sample Products Another great way to drive cross-selling is to include free samples of other products that may complement the customer’s purchase. If they buy haircare products, for example, include a sample of your latest skincare item. This allows customers to try something new without committing to a purchase, increasing the likelihood they will come back to buy it later if they like the sample. Samples serve as a low-risk method for customers to explore new products and can create excitement around future purchases. Use Packaging as a Brand Ambassador Don’t underestimate the power of well-branded packaging to reinforce your company’s message and encourage repeat business. Strong, cohesive branding across your packaging helps create a memorable unboxing experience. Adding your brand’s logo, tagline, and website URL makes it easy for customers to know where to go when they want to reorder or browse your latest products. Make sure your packaging delivers a consistent brand message, turning it into a brand ambassador that works even after the initial purchase is completed. Conclusion E-commerce packaging offers significant opportunities to promote cross-selling and repeat purchases. By incorporating thoughtful inserts, offering limited-time promotions, highlighting loyalty programs, and including samples, you can turn each package into a marketing tool that encourages ongoing engagement with your brand. Leveraging packaging in this way not only enhances the customer experience but also drives growth by turning one-time buyers into long-term, loyal customers. If you’re interested in ecommerce packaging, then partner with Brown Packaging today to get started. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Ecommerce Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts

Subscription boxes experience a surge in demand during the holiday season as shoppers purchase gift memberships and curated kits. Packaging for these shipments must balance festive branding with protection across long shipping networks. For buyers, the challenge is creating holiday-ready designs that enhance unboxing while minimizing returns and freight costs. Why Subscription Packaging Peaks During Holidays Gift purchases: Seasonal subscriptions for beauty, food, and lifestyle brands. Limited-edition themes: Holiday boxes designed for special promotions. High-volume fulfillment: Brands ship thousands of units within tight windows. Customer expectations: Subscribers expect packaging that feels premium and festive. Key Design Considerations for Holiday Subscription Boxes Right-sizing: Tailor boxes to fit curated items securely. Protective inserts: Foam, molded pulp, or corrugated dividers prevent shifting. Festive graphics: Seasonal prints enhance the unboxing experience. Sustainable substrates: Recyclable corrugated and paper-based mailers meet eco goals. Balancing Branding and Supply Chain Efficiency Holiday themes should not compromise logistics or cost efficiency. Buyers must evaluate: Production lead times: Seasonal printing requires early planning. Freight optimization: Compact box formats reduce DIM charges. Automation compatibility: Boxes should run efficiently on fulfillment lines. Examples of Holiday Subscription Packaging Beauty kits: Printed cartons with festive designs and thermoformed or molded pulp inserts. Food boxes: Insulated corrugated with seasonal branding. Lifestyle boxes: Premium graphics on recyclable folding cartons. Holiday Packaging Solutions with Brown Packaging Brown Packaging designs subscription packaging that enhances holiday unboxing while protecting products in transit. From seasonal graphics to right-sized protective inserts, our solutions balance branding, cost, and performance. Contact us to prepare your subscription packaging for the holiday season. References Sustainable Packaging Coalition. (2022). Design for Recyclability Guidelines. Retrieved from https://sustainablepackaging.orgSoroka, W. (2009). Fundamentals of Packaging Technology (4th ed.). Institute of Packaging Professionals.Shopify. (2023). Subscription Box Packaging Trends. Retrieved from https://www.shopify.com (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Ecommerce Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts