The Secret Successful Online Store Founders Use to Boost Repeat Purchases: Packaging

In a business world crowded with countless online stores, surviving is becoming increasingly difficult. Today, let’s take a look at the secrets behind customer loyalty and trust retention used by successful store founders.

Wait… packaging?

It may seem odd to put so much effort into packaging to increase repeat purchase rates. But if you take a moment to look at existing research, you’ll see just how important packaging is for online stores.

If you’re working on packaging design, see also: The Importance of Shopping Mall Packaging Boxes (Including a Collection of Beautiful Boxes)

Custom packaging helps strengthen branding

According to 2013 U.S. e-commerce data, 52% of consumers said they made repeat purchases from an online seller when they were offered premium packaging made up of a brand’s distinctive box or bag. Also, 3 out of 10 potential consumers recognize a brand through its paper bag or box. Another study found that retailers who invested in premium packaging were able to grow their business by 30% more. Start designing your first package now with Packative’s free editor! Design your first package!

If you’re working on package design, see also: The Basic Guide to Product Box Design — Even Design Beginners Can Do It!

Ready-made…. / …custom packaging. Which do you like better?

The connection between product packaging and customer experience (CX)

Customers no longer visit retail stores in the traditional way to browse and buy products. If they can get the same product more cheaply online or from a seller they like, they’ll look for options beyond in-store purchases.

There is only one way to unify the different customer experiences of retail and online shopping: deliver a special experience through thoughtful packaging and leave a lasting impression. If customers feel satisfied with the purchase, they are more likely to become loyal customers later on.

If you’re considering package production, this is a must-read: How to Communicate Your Brand Message Through Package Design

Existing customers can become your word-of-mouth marketing channel

Today’s customers don’t simply throw away the product box — they post it on social media and share their thoughts with followers.

This gives you a chance to get closer to like-minded potential buyers who follow your customers’ social media channels. If your customers are satisfied with the service and feel something special from the packaging, they will gladly share it online.

If you’re working on packaging design, see also: Unboxing Has Become a New Marketing Trend of Our Time

Examples of good packaging we recommend

If you’re still not sure what kind of packaging is best, take a look at these examples.

Source: colourpop

This is the product packaging of ColourPop, a U.S. cosmetics brand. They create shipping and packaging boxes that match the product concept, and include a small card, booklet, or samples for customers. ColourPop’s policy has created many loyal customers, and it has now become one of the hottest beauty brands.

Source: Kylie Cosmetics

This is Kylie Cosmetics, launched by celebrity Kylie Jenner and still seeing huge success in the U.S.

Even when customers buy just one item, the brand includes a card printed in a small handwritten style to show that it cares about them. The message on the card changes depending on the season or product, so customers always feel they’re receiving a fresh message.

If you’re interested in starting a business, this is a must-read!: Subscription Services: A Great Customer-Focused Business Opportunity

66girls began 11 years ago when a middle school student CEO started buying products one by one and selling them online. It has now grown into a proper company with two warehouses, and one of the reasons for 66girls’ popularity is its low clothing prices. Another reason is that even when customers order just a few small items, the company includes small snacks, bonus socks, and a booklet. 66girls is especially well known in Korea as an online store with a very high repeat purchase rate, and that may well be thanks to its friendly customer service and small gifts.

Boost your repeat purchase rate like successful online store founders. Find out how easy custom box production can be with Packative!"