Monthly Archives: January 2024

How to Make Packaging more Accessible

Packaging and accessibility do go hand in hand, and there are a few things that make it better for you and your customers. Here, we’ll give you a few fun things for you to use to make the packaging accessible for many, and in a way that’ll benefit everyone involved, in their own unique way. 

Have it Be Legible 

For a lot of people that can’t see well or are partially sighted, this may make a major difference in their life. 

It’s much easier to read something larger especially if you’ve got dyslexia and hyperlexia, and the colors may also help. Having contrasting colors is good for those with seeing issues to pick out various designs and words. 

Shapes and simples make it easier to read than complex ones too. 

Be Ergonomic 

If you’re looking to make a package feel right, then you need to have a texture that feels good. 

Cardboard is tactile, but the debossing and embossing of such does enhance the practical use, along with the appearance physically. It’s not only better to handle, but the texture such as embossing and debossing makes it easier to grip and hold.

Businesses might ask whether it’s good to add braille there.  While it is a nice gesture, this isn’t always necessary. Only a small percentage can actually read braille.  It’s better to make it better in terms of a tactile nature. 

Being flexible 

A lot of people that buy certain stuff online in terms of products are different in nature. So the packaging needs to be correct for everyone. So yes, packaging must meet the circumstances and needs that the abilities will have. Some packaging might have different facets, with each of them fulfilling different requirements. For instance, pop up boxes that are flat and take up far less space for storage at warehouses are simple for packers to utilize. They also fit in letterboxes for convenience, and also are easier for customers to open and get rid of. It’s a little feature but goes crazy for many.

Being Intuitive 

Regardless of the consumer, the products must be packaged so that unboxing is instinctive, and it can be good, as it doesn’t require more extensive equipment, or even brute force to do this. packages that’ll be easier for you to open, but it’s not as obvious how one might get inside. Then what is the point? People don’t want to have to play a game just to get something opened. 

Being Desirable 

Just because the packaging is made for certain requirements doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t look pretty. If you have a large font, or different color combinations on this package, it means accessibility. It also means that the package may be eye-catching and cutting-edge in terms of designs. 

Think of the NHS glasses during the 60s and 70s. they’re brilliant, but they look terrible on people. Glasses need to be attractive and suitable while also doing the job necessary.  One specific criterion doesn’t preclude the other ones. You can have beauty go with the function. 

You want to make sure that you have these factors on there, and while intuitive packaging might be good, they definitely need to be properly utilized. There are different features, and when they’re delivered, or even disposed of, it does matter to many people. Having intuitive, accessible packaging is what matters, and it’s something that businesses need to focus on. 

When you go intuitive, you make this matter, and you’ll be amazed at the difference this type of packaging can have on your needs too. 

How to Pack your House 

Packing your house is a great and fun activity, however it can feel almost overwhelming if you’re not careful. If you’re someone who wants to pack your stuff in a way that’s effective, you’re not alone. Here, we’ll go over the best ways to pack your home so that you’re not overwhelmed in the process. 

Use Free Supplies 

You don’t have to pay for cardboard boxes. In fact, you can get them for free. Lots of grocery stores, liquor stores, and even garden centers will have places for boxes that you can pick up. 

Repurpose After moving 

You also may want to try to keep the boxes and repurpose them when you move.  You may want to use your own too because some moving companies take them back when you’re done. Having your own also doesn’t create extra pressure on unpacking, especially any seasonal or used items that can stay in their location until you want to take them. 

Good boxes will last decades and are the ideal solution for storage for various items, including Christmas decorations. 

But, if you have more boxes than you need, remember you can recycle these.  You should try to reuse them whenever you can, and if you want to give them away, consider throwing them on eBay, marketplace, and Freecycle to help others. 

Declutter, Donate and recycle before Packing 

You may want to start to get inroads into the packing process, but you want to make sure you’re only packing things that you want. 

You may want to simplify and then minimize the items that you have. New houses mean fresh starts in so many ways.  Tackle the parts of overwhelmed items crafted together.  You should try to repair, dry, and clean them before you put them away.  you want to make sure everything’s rightfully packed prior to moving to your next house. 

Take it a Day at a Time 

You can build a schedule if needed. you don’t need to follow it, but it gives you an idea of the time necessary to get the possessions all together in order to transport them.  

You should try to go for a day per room and try to make it so that you pack the lesser used rooms first. 

Putting this off is quite common, and it can be underestimated by many.  A lot of households as well struggle with not getting things done in the right time. They’re also not done correctly, which thereby causes stress. 

Break things down into chunks that are manageable, and then allocate a bit of time for every single area. It seems like much, but it does work. 

Use Protective Packaging 

It’s something commonly underestimated. People scrimp on bubble wrap and paper.  You should use towels, clothing, linen, and even toys to help with buffering and some padding for items.  

Try to wrap ornaments and other items that are fragile in bubble wrap or newspaper before packing.  You don’t want these to rattle about, so ensure the boxes are securely fastened.

Choose the correct size for the items that are packed and ensure that the voids inside are securely fastened. 

Don’t’ Overfill 

Finally, be smart with boxes, and make sure that you pack them correctly. 

Label them so you can identify them, especially if there’s necessary vital items for everyday life. 

You never want to overfill the boxes either, so that they’re not too heavy. Spread it out. I’s better to have more boxes aptly packed than less. 

These are all important for ensuring proper packing of your items for moving to new places. 

The Journey of Ecommerce Shipping and Digital Printing 

With shipping dynamics changing immensely in recent years, and a bigger shift towards purchases online, with no signs of that stopping, many people are turning to buying stuff online when they need it. 

One downside, however, is being unable to interact with the items prior to purchase. 

Most stores allow for customers to examine, touch, and even look at products with a firsthand eye.  This gives them a chance to make the right decisions prior to purchase.  You may wonder how brands are able to convey this, especially virtually. 

This is where ecommerce packaging steps in, saving the day. It’s different, because it allows for protective functions, allowing you to become the main brand’s face. 

When a package comes to the doorstep, either in a bag or a box, this does represent the more tangible encounters that you have, whether it’s in a box or a bag form.  This allows for someone to really stand out. If it doesn’t align with the values of the brand, this sways them away from perceptions, despite admiring the product. 

Packaging in the ecommerce world isn’t just a container but think of it more as the correct medium that tells people about who they are, and also the significance of such. 

The importance of Packaging 

Ecommerce is the ambassador that’ll speak volumes in many cases about the quality of a product, and ethos of the brand. 

It’s important because of the following; 

  • There’s protection that allows it to make the journey. Packaging that’s robust allows for safer transit and minimizes damages from goods. Beyond the protection, it boosts brand value, allowing for unblemished impressions in the delivery sphere. 
  • It offers better marketing, and when customers are able to get their order, they receive it.  it also builds brand equity, and gets them excited for more, boosting that emotional connection. 
  • It fosters better branding, and perceives a higher value, differentiating from regular customer loyalty.  Investing in said packaging, resonating with the ethos of the brand, improves both the reaction of customers, and the brand identity within the market. 

How Ecommerce Works 

Ecommerce involves two steps that’ll be a big part of how it works. 

The first is online presentation when compared to a real experience. The first impression might be on a screen, but when you have them open the box, that’s when customer retention happens. 

The second part is sharing unboxing, which serves as a great way for customers to work with the brand and products. This anticipation does build from the image that’s seen within the screens, imperative for businesses to meet and get beyond the expectation. 

The main challenge for this is really just in exceeding those expectations which are crafted from a more digital type of representation, choosing the package that’s more than superficial appeals. 

Starting ecommerce Packaging 

Ready to get started with ecommerce packaging? Well you’re in luck. 

The initial step that you must do is to research the packaging, to get the right first impression. Choose different planning and research which will align with the merchandise, packaging, and the identity of the brand. Building a compelling identity via packaging is what will get customers interested and boost the sales too. 

First, you need the goals, and then allocate this budget through protection, promotion, and then complementing the product that’s there. understanding this market, studying the packaging strategies and the like, does influence the brand and product differentiation. Various factors such as volume, type, shape, and measurements of this packaging are optimal for protection, allowing better transit too. 

How Much weight Can boxes hold 

If you’ve ever needed to move something, you’ve probably wondered just how many boxes can hold. Well, we have the answers here, s we dive in and show you exactly just how much weight your average box can hold. 

First, What are corrugated Boxes 

Corrugated boxes are usually called “cardboard boxes” but it’s a bit different than that. they are two pieces of cardboard, with fluting in the middle, responsible for holding all of the items that you have. 

Have you ever tried to move something and the box just up and gives out? Chances are, that’s a cardboard box, and probably a low-quality one at that. but there is a science to this! this is the edge crush test, or ECT. Essentially, it’s a box muscle test, with the higher your ECT, the stronger the box will be. 

The weight Capacities of different types of boxes 

Now that you know about what they are, let’s break down what each box can hold. 

First, we’ve got the single walled corrugated box, which is good for everyday items. They’re good for lighter things, such as clothes, toys, and even small bits of kitchenware.  However, they’re not good for books, or anything really heavy. 

You have the double walled corrugated boxes, which are two layers of cardboard together. The weight capacity is much heavier and is considered heavy duty. They handle much higher weights and stress. For those fragile items, or even just stuff with a higher weight, they’ll be your best friend. 

So yes, ceramics, glassware, tools and books, and anything that needs a little extra TLC will benefit from double-walled corrugated boxes, used during transit. 

Then we’ve got the heavy duty corrugated boxes.  These are very strong and are ideal for international shipping. After all, you don’t want to just wrap it in some bubble wrap and call it a day. Essentially, they’re good for valuable items, and anything that’s heavy during movements, as they can handle all of the bumps and jostles that come with transit. 

There are also large side loading boxes, which are good for shipping flat screen TVs and the like.  They are essentially side loaded, and are used for awkward items, or flat ones that won’t fit in a regular box.  Artwork, mirrors, and other screens too may also benefit from this. 

Remember when you choose these, you should always make sure that you factor in different things, such as your own needs and the like, to protect your valuables as best as they can. 

The Factors that Impact Weight 

So we’ve mentioned plenty of times the different factors that impact weight capability of corrugated boxes. 

There are a few that can really stand out however, and we’ll go over it too: 

  • Design of a box: if the box is designed correctly, it distributes your weight in an even manner. 
  • The material quality: not every box is the same, and the quality of this does matter 
  • The ECT rating: the ECT rating should be the best way to determine the right box for your needs, as this is something that’ll help you see exactly what it can hold. 

Some people may know from the moment they stare at their items, that they need the heavy duty shipping boxes, for a few reasons. After all, they have a variety of benefits to them. If you’re shipping stuff halfway across the world, you want something strong, right? 

These factors all impact the way that the box is handled, and you’ll be able to have peace of mind, no matter what you ship. 

How to Organize your Packaging Supplies 

Organizing supplies is not easy, and it can be chaotic.  Here, we’ll go over the best strategies for organizing these supplies. Whether they’re cardboard boxes that are corrugated, or packaging paper, you want to make sure that you have the proper organization in place. 

Why does Organization Matter 

Keeping the shipping supplies organized isn’t just to sit there and look pretty, but rather it’s a vital part in keeping the efficiency of the shipping and operations. 

The right organization is basically a linchpin for proper supply chain management.  This offers a lot of benefits that are more than what you might be thinking. Orderly shipping is great for productivity. With everything in its rightful place, it drastically reduces items and searching for them. It speeds up packaging, as this will help with shipping goals, without the possibility of delay. 

Then of course, there’s an organization and system that allows you to replenish your supplies without any problems.  This prevents you from running out of stuff unexpectedly, especially boxes and packaging paper. 

It also prevents damage to items.  Your packaging supplies wont’ be subjected to wear and tear with this, so it’s good for the business, but also what the customers think too! 

Now that you know why you should do it, here we’ll go over how to do it. 

Give yourself a packing station 

This is where you make the magic happen. Keeping this stocked, and properly organized will streamline all sorts of processes for packaging. 

Make sure that the station accommodates the shipping and makes it adequate. This includes boxes, paper, and other necessities. 

Get good Storage! 

You want to have good storage, since this is something that you’ll want to make sure that you have in place. 

Shelves, bins, drawers, and the like are good for organizing these supplies. 

Label these too to make it a lot better.  That way, you’ll know exactly where everything is, so you won’t have to rummage for it. 

Have a Restock System 

Restocking is super important. 

With proper restocking, you’ll never run out of the supplies deemed critical.  The system ensures that you’ll have everything at all times. 

Set it up so that when it gets low, you’re notified.  Check this on the regular, making a list of those items that are getting a little bit low.  When it reaches a certain threshold, start to replenish all of these supplies. 

Keep it Clean 

Finally, cleanliness should always be in order. 

Having a clean space is great for productivity, and also extends the lifespan of these supplies.  Maintaining this also offers an overall benefit, one that you can’t always just dismiss. 

You should try to keep this clean whenever you can. If you see it start to pile up, take action into your own hands in order to clean it.  start to promptly replenish any supplies that aren’t put together, and make sure that you do keep it nice and orderly. 

If you have tools that are taken out of the wrong rooms, put them in the right place.  Also make sure that the tools get returned to the storage areas that are there after they’re used. 

Organization is critical for the smooth shipping management of your business. It prevents product and supply shortages, helps with productivity and also makes you look more professional. 

If nothing else, make sure you start to organize. You won’t regret it, and you’ll be happy to see the differences once you start to work on this, and the results of the efforts that you put in and the overall wellness of your efforts too.