Standing Alone in Shipping, Warehousing, Retail, and E-Commerce
Hey, we know it. It’s tough out there. There are more and more products from competitive
businesses on the shelves. Prices are going up on materials, making it harder to keep quality in the equation. And logistics issues are still a high-stakes game of “Would You Rather…”. Those things are beyond your control, that is true. But you are in control of your customer's experience. When you focus on “wow” moments, you can make an immediate impact on customer satisfaction and expectations. Areas such as shipping and warehousing have standard expectations. Retail has its rules, too. And E-commerce is all about “un-boxing.” These are all things within your control, and here’s how:
Shipping: Protection AND Presentation 
Protection matters when it comes to packaging for purposes of shipping. But you can go above and beyond to stand out.
Inner Packaging: Consider using custom-fit inserts or padding. It’s good for safety, and it’s great for un-boxing.
Branded Outer Packaging: Brown boxes are not going to stand out. Do something that will.
Sustainable Materials: Using sustainable materials is one thing. But what if yours comes with a story about “why”? Customers care, and so should you.
Warehousing: Efficiency AND Excellence 
Wow, them in warehousing? That sounds almost contradictory. But you can do it.
Space-Saving Designs: How about collapsible packaging solutions or stackable designs that minimize warehouse space? It’s efficient and forward-thinking and can help save on
storage costs. The guys in the trucks will be impressed!
Barcode-Integrated Packaging: It’s not difficult to embed barcodes or RFID technology directly into the packaging. It makes inventory efforts easier and more accurate.
Retail Packaging: Standing Out Is The Only Option
If the first impression happens on the shelf, then that first impression must stand out. Try this for your retail or wholesale packaging:
- Bold Design Elements: Not just colors and logos; Try unique shapes and textures, too.
- Gift Packs or Combo Packs: When you package your product with branded merchandise or multiple items, you create a unique option that limits the competition.
- Luxury Feel: It costs a little bit more but should increase demand. Today's generation of shoppers wants the finest and will pay more for it.
In-Store Displays: Elevating Expectations 
This is a game-changer. A creative, sturdy, effective in-store display will set you apart from everyone else on the shelf. At Ashtonne Packaging, we specialize in In-Store Displays and Retail Packaging with a custom and strategic approach. Contact us to talk about ways to not only help your product stand out but to stand alone.
E-Commerce Packaging: Never Enough 
Someone is always going to improve the unboxing experience, and so it’s never good enough to be good enough. To be remembered, re-ordered, and reviewed, you must nail the unboxing.
Social Content: Perhaps your packaging company could feature your product’s experience in their own social media. We did!
Surprise Elements: Including an unexpected gift, a coupon, or a sample can give customers an added sense of value.
Personalization: If you can get personal, do it. Even include a handwritten, signed note
expressing your appreciation. Seek out strategic direction from a packaging company that
cares about the details.
“Wow,” moments make a difference. It might not be easy, but it’s important to try not just to create happy customers but to generate more retail space and shipping undamaged orders.
Next time, aim for “Wow” moments and watch them add up to “Wow” results.
Whether you’re crafting a vodka with a modern edge, or a bourbon steeped in tradition, or any packaging that you are trying to develop that "wow" moment, the right packaging is crucial to making your brand memorable, regardless of if you are a start-up, small or large business.
At Ashtonne Packaging, since 2007, we have been helping both large and small businesses develop and launch new products and expand product lines with product packaging and display strategy, design, and development, focusing our efforts to allow your products to stand out in the competitive ecommerce and retail markets.
For more information and a friendly conversation about what you might need to improve your product packaging and display and develop that "wow" factor, call Ashtonne Packaging at 877-832-7720 or contact us here, and let’s set a time to talk. We look forward to it.
