Ecommerce Packaging Boxes: The Negative Impact of Poor Packaging Design on Your Business and 3 Ways to Avoid It
Today’s consumers have high expectations for products, and they also take packaging boxes seriously, paying close attention to them. In the overall customer experience of an online store, ecommerce packaging boxes play a major role in reflecting brand image and customer service. In a study conducted by international packaging company DS Smith...

Today’s consumers have high expectations for products, and they also take packaging boxes seriously, paying close attention to them. In the overall customer experience of an online store, ecommerce packaging boxes play a major role in reflecting brand image and customer service.
We can see this clearly in the numbers from a study actually conducted by international packaging company DS Smith.
- One-third of online shoppers have experienced poor-quality packaging in an online order.
- One-fifth of online shoppers feel disappointed or angry when they receive low-quality ecommerce packaging boxes.
- One-quarter of online shoppers will never buy again from a seller if they receive a poorly packaged product.
If you are creating package designs, see also: The Importance of Ecommerce Packaging Boxes (Including a Collection of Beautiful Boxes)
These figures mean that unless you gain an edge over countless competitors, you will suffer financial losses.
Packative shares ways to help customers cut costs, increase sales, and manage risk. By putting a few of these tips into practice, your online store will be one step closer to success.
Ready-made and custom-designed ecommerce packaging boxes. Which box will leave a better impression on your customers? / Source: artfirst
Table of Contents
- Delivering More Than the Product Itself
- Using Ecommerce Packaging Boxes as a Marketing Tool
- Approaching Ecommerce Packaging Boxes from a Sustainable Perspective
Delivering Value Beyond the Product Itself
Customers make purchasing decisions based on experience. Providing a great experience is the master key to opening customers’ wallets.
For example, when a customer orders a cake for a special event or celebration, they choose the message to be placed on the cake at the bakery. They carefully select the color, shape, preferred flavor, cream, and decorations to finish it off. Depending on the options available and the bakery’s atmosphere, the customer has a completely different experience from buying a cheap pre-made cake at a supermarket.
Applied to online shopping, this becomes the ecommerce customer experience. Customers influenced by uploaded photos and reviews purchase products, and then upload their own experience as another review. If the cake was damaged because the packaging was not sturdy enough, or if the packaging was so excessive that recycling became difficult, the customer will reflect that in their review. Because customers think in many different ways and each has their own preferences, we cannot predict everyone—but we can think as much as possible and deliver the best possible customer experience.
Add package design to the mainly used packaging box in the United States!
The basic purpose of packaging is to protect the product, but it is also the first touchpoint a customer encounters on the way to receiving it. The plan should not focus only on protecting the product itself, but also on delivering the best possible experience to the customer.
If you are considering package production, a must-read: 7 Strategies to Put Into Practice for Sustainable Packaging Production

Using Ecommerce Packaging Boxes as a Marketing Tool
As we always emphasize, for online stores the touchpoint where customers actually meet the product is the ecommerce packaging box. It is a great opportunity to make a strong first impression on customers who chose online shopping instead of in-store purchases, replace the in-person experience, and directly communicate the message the brand wants to convey. For example, you can place the brand logo prominently so customers can easily recognize your brand. Or you can add a QR code to encourage event participation or improve website accessibility.
If you are creating package designs, see also: A Look at 2020 Retail and Ecommerce Trends at a Glance
Social media trends also cannot be ignored. Users upload unboxing videos and photos to social media, creating an opportunity to promote your product and brand to potential customers connected to existing ones. This allows you to attract attention by giving customers a special experience without any additional marketing cost.
If you are wondering how important the unboxing experience is and how to design a great one, refer to our previous post: “Unboxing Has Become a New Marketing Trend in This Era”
Source: FabFitFun/Lauren Bushnell
Approaching Ecommerce Packaging Boxes from a Sustainable Perspective
Consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious and want to contribute more to sustainable products and brands. As a result, paying attention to environmental concerns plays an important role in building trust with customers.
Source: oneNine5 / Source: we love / Source: Samsung
If you are considering eco-friendly package production, a must-read: Maximizing Efficiency in Online Stores with Eco-Friendly Packaging Materials
As we move into the millennial generation, consumer standards that differ from those of older generations are drawing attention.
- According to statistics, 55% of online shoppers are willing to pay more for sustainable products.
- 39% of customers who purchase online feel uncomfortable with excessive packaging.
- 15% of online shoppers worry about how to recycle packaging materials.
Joining the current movement to create a sustainable future by simplifying packaging, using eco-friendly products, and actively promoting those efforts will go a long way toward conveying sincerity to customers and building trust with society.
Creating beautiful, eco-friendly ecommerce packaging boxes is very simple. Try it once now!