The Importance of E-Commerce Box Design (With a Packaging Design Collection)

Custom packaging boxes help boost sales in e-commerce operations and build lasting relationships that attract loyal customers.

Customer experience starts with the product itself, but the box surrounding it also plays a major role in communicating your brand image to the people who use it. Especially for brands focused on B2C sales, it is hard to overlook the power of unboxing posts that customers share on social media after buying from an online store. These days, customers upload videos of themselves opening the box on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, and the spread of this shareable content is one of the best viral marketing channels for reaching potential customers.

The secret behind products shared through unboxing content

Consumers who receive a carefully designed package are more likely to share it with friends or social media followers. Among consumers aged 18 to 25, 74% reportedly said they would share a product on social media if its packaging felt special or reflected the brand’s personality. Since this helps increase brand awareness and sales not to the general public, but to potential customers with similar tastes, packaging is a low-cost channel that can deliver a big impact. Adding memorable copy or patterns to the box, along with color play that could rival Wes Anderson, is the first secret to catching customers’ attention. Custom box ordering can be a great option for creating eye-catching packaging, so don’t overlook the small details like your brand logo and ribbons.

If you’re considering packaging production, be sure to read: 7 strategies to put into practice for sustainable packaging production

First impressions can make or break product sales

Packaging boxes are one of the factors that can drive purchases before a customer even uses the product. In general, if the packaging feels thoughtful and special, customers are more likely to form a positive impression and trust the brand and product. The more professional and polished the box design, the more consumers tend to trust it, and that trust leads to purchase. Investing in a high-quality packaging box makes it more likely that customers will associate the brand with a high level of investment in the product itself. In the end, customers are more likely to buy from brands they trust and recommend them to people around them.

If you’re working on package design, see also: 9 important reasons why package design matters

Satisfied customers keep buying from the same online store

When customers are satisfied with a product, they are likely to buy the same item again from the same place. The repeat purchase rate among existing customers is around 27%, and repeat customers tend to place larger average orders. Maximizing customer satisfaction and turning buyers into loyal customers is an important part of driving sales that should not be overlooked.

If you’re working on package design, see also**:** Three reasons why you should invest in product packaging and boxes

Create value with innovative box design

To survive in fierce competition, adding even a small amount of extra value makes it easier to satisfy first-time customers. Value is something recognized by the customer, not the seller, and when a product and brand are seen as offering good value for the money, customer satisfaction rises.

There are many ways to add value.

• Include a discount or free shipping voucher for the next purchase
• A booklet or guide showing how to use the product
• Good customer service and fast delivery

Packaging is another way to add value to the purchase journey.

Customers judge products by appearance, and when you provide excellent packaging, they perceive the item as something valuable and worth more. If you want customers to see your product as precious and valuable, upgrade the level of your box design. As mentioned above, when customers judge the product as having higher value, they are more likely to share it on social media platforms.

Show your appreciation to customers directly

It may seem minor, but when customers hear thank-you messages, they tend to view the brand more favorably and feel they have had a more personal experience. To create a warmer impression, print a handwritten card for packaging or add a line of thanks inside the box! Customers feel directly connected to your brand, and that can lead to trust and a stronger bond.

If you’re working on package design, see also**:** How to deliver your brand message through package design

A collection of pretty e-commerce packaging boxes

Source: Glossybox / Source: SnackFever / Source: Nosy / Source: Parasol / Source: Glassfull / Source: Hatchery / Source: Electric Ink / Source: BOSQ / Source: Oatly / Source: OWL Crate / Source: sockittome

See how easy e-commerce box production can be with Packative!