Custom Designed packaging to reduce shipping damages

Because Broken Is Too Late for Careful

Packaging is about a lot of things. It’s about design, function, and form, the all-important unboxing experience, etc. But when it gets right down to it, packaging is how you get your product safely from your assembly line to the end user.  A lot of hands will touch it on its destination to the consumer, and it’s important to plan ahead to make sure your packaging is up to the job. 

Make no mistake; the benefits of improved packaging efficiency aren’t just for the manufacturer.  The costs of shipping damages impact relationships, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, the bottom line for you, your distributor, and your end user.   Packaging efficiency isn’t a sexy topic like design and unboxing, but it’s just as important.  

The Hidden Costs of Shipping Damages

Shipping damage doesn’t just result in a broken product – it leads to several negative consequences for manufacturers and retailers.  

Damaged products often need to be returned, repaired, or replaced. This leads to additional shipping costs, labor, and inventory management expenses.  Or it can result in missed sales opportunities and damaged brand reputation.  You work too hard to make a great product to risk losing every advantage you had due to poor packaging and shipping damages.  

Here are some things we think about when advising our customers on how to prevent shipping damage:  

1. 1. The Right Material

      Every product is different, and there is no “one fits all” approach.  Fragile items might require multiple layers of protective materials, such as foam inserts, bubble wrap, or air pillows. Heavy items may need heavy material grades, while oddly shaped products can benefit from custom-designed corrugated inserts that offer additional support.

   2. Void Fill

      This can seem like waste, and you may desire to go the cheapest route.  Be careful. Packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or air pillows can keep your product from breaking, and each serves a unique purpose.  Get an expert to advise on this, as the right decision could save you money, not cost. 

   3. Custom packaging                                            

      Custom-designed packaging that is tailored to the shape, weight, and fragility of a product can significantly reduce shipping damages. It’s not just safer, it also enhances the unboxing experience.. Well-fitted packaging reduces unnecessary movement and ensures that products are secured in place throughout transit.  At Ashtonne, custom packaging is our specialty, along with custom designed packaging solutions, and that includes the entire package, inside and out.

   4. Drop Protection

      Isn't this the same as Void Packaging?  Not always.  When we see fragile or delicate items, we’re going to suggest an extra level of damage resistance.  Think foam or thick double wall corrugated paper.  Drops will happen, and if your product is fragile this is not the time for shortcuts.

   
   

   5. Warehousing and Shipping
    We offer warehousing and shipping services for our customers because some     manufacturers aren’t equipped for safe storing, shipping and handling of their       products. You need a plan for where things will stay and leave, and how.  

Why This Matters…(and It Does)

Similar to online reviews, people won’t always tell others when a project arrives as expected.  It would be nice, but that’s not how it works.  They complain when it doesn’t.

No one may comment on the attention to detail you put forth in your packaging efforts toward safety. But they’ll sure let you know if you don’t. 

Damaged product disrupts the supply chain, leading to delays in getting products to market. For retailers, this can mean lost sales opportunities, unhappy customers, and wasted time dealing with returns and exchanges.

Usually, any extra cost toward effective packaging is an investment well worth the expense.   You'll reduce the number of returns, replacements, and shipping costs associated with damaged goods, leading to higher profit margins and a stronger brand image.

At Ashtonne, we know you have competitors. And we know your bottom line matters to keep consumer prices as low as possible.  We also know that maintaining a reliable supply chain is critical to customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.  It makes sense to have a plan and a packaging partner that accounts for both.

Whether you are a small business, a large business, or a new business, just starting up and looking to do things right and grow, Ashtonne Packaging can be that partner. Reach out today and let's talk about tomorrow. Call Ashtonne Packaging at 877-832-7720 or contact us here.