Creating and sending packages seems like a straightforward process. However, there are a few different boxes that must be ticked here, especially for businesses.
Packaging is more than just a cover for a product. It can also help land a first impression, serve as protective casing, and be an integral part of your branding. It could also form part of any eco-policies your firm is practising. There can be a lot on the line here, reputationally, and how you can create and send your packaging can be of great importance.
Fortunately, you’re not alone in these endeavours. Here’s a quick list of professionals who can help you create and send a great package!
Activist Organisation Representatives
Activist organisations, particularly around the environment, can provide many useful tools and nuggets of wisdom to strengthen your eco-credentials. Consult them before shipping anything; they may help you boost your green credentials.
Sadly, there can also be tensions between activists and industries today for many understandable reasons. So, anything that can be done to encourage collaborative teamwork and minimise disruption is undoubtedly worth exploring.
Representatives from activist organisations may advise you on the logistics around:
- Establishing a returns policy for any empty containers that can be recycled and reused.
- Helping to offset any emissions from delivery by developing carbon-neutral shipping procedures.
- Utilising compostable packaging options.
- Performing recycling initiatives on behalf of partners and suppliers.
Obviously, you don’t need to explore all of these options if you don’t wish to. That said, each can help your packaging logistics feel a bit more well-rounded and dynamic. There’s more depth to the service you provide; no matter what happens with it, something good will come out of each effort.
Label Makers
Sticking with the eco-conscious theme, even label makers can contribute to these wholesome goals you’re setting. Working closely with them is highly recommended.
There are green solutions available for sticky labels and printed labels today. They tend to be 100% biodegradable, made from white, elemental chlorine-free, wood-free, and non-coated paper. The stock can also have a permanent acrylic adhesive. Compostable packaging isn’t compromised either if the label represents less than 1% of its total weight.
Label makers can also help with weatherproof varieties as well. If packages are being left outside or stored in damp or humid warehouses that you’re not directly responsible for, these additions can also be immensely beneficial. That way, no essential label information gets lost, and your consumers can engage with your products safely.
Try to work with services like the aptly named Sticky Labels. They’ve been around for 50 years and endeavour to keep costs as low as possible. Moreover, they’re very friendly, wishing only to contribute positively to all of your packaging needs!
Graphic Designers
Designing a great package can be harder than it looks. Remember, it’s not necessarily about creating something you think is nice to look at, as it has to appeal to as many people as possible.
That’s why the input of professional graphic designers can be integral. Not only will they create something aesthetically pleasing and consistent with your brand, but they can also rein in your creative energies and ensure you present something that’s palatable to the masses.
Working with graphic designers should also be a collaborative process. Some of the things you can do to improve your working relationship include:
- Leaving time for feedback and offering notes constructively.
- Setting realistic deadlines gives them ample time and space to produce the best work possible.
- Supplying examples of other packages that at least partially demonstrate what you’d like to achieve with your own, paying attention to everything from fonts to colour schemes.
- Building on draft versions rather than setting impossibly high standards on the first try.
Designing packaging is a creative endeavour that needs breathing room for trial and error. Create ample working conditions for graphic designers, and together you’ll be far more likely to develop something extraordinary.
Reputable Couriers
Great courier services can be hard to find today. After all, one small business owner recently decided to fly their parcel to the US themself rather than entrust it to the Royal Mail. Delays spurred on the individual, and it’s understandable to see why they chose that course of action.
So, when choosing a courier, they must be of good standing and have excellent testimonials to their name. Browse reviews on third-party services. Do they work with reputable businesses themselves? Even when you choose to work with a courier, perhaps consider giving them smaller delivery jobs first before sending them out on more consequential liaisons. There’s no harm in being extra careful.
It’s not just about the promptness of delivery either. How do the drivers behave, and how will they likely treat your potential customers on delivery? Do they drive optimal routes? Are they fuel-efficient? Can you find reports of packages being damaged in transit? Some of these enquires may matter to you more than others, but they’re all worthy of further investigation on your part.
