Most people think about protecting their order – they don’t think about the box. Most people expect to be able to open their box at home. The right packaging supplies will help keep the product safe while making it easier for the customer to open the package.

The first step is to start with the outside of the box or mailer. Consider using a large flap that can be easily picked up and used to open the box. Or use a pull tab on top. Or use a tear strip that is easy to see and pick up. A small tab may be difficult for some buyers (i.e. older adults) or those who have sore hands to hold onto. Thick plastic wrap is very hard to cut. If there are other options available, a paper mailing box or mailer which has a clear opening point would be better choices for products.

When talking about tape, many people don’t realize how important it really is. A single clean strip over the seam in a box may provide more strength than several loose strips placed all around. Too much tape may make a box into a locked chest. Just enough to keep the item closed — leave room for the buyer to begin opening the box. Labels such as “open here” or arrows to guide them through this process, save the buyer from guessing.

Also consider the items inside the package. Avoid hiding anything under layers of filler. Fold any paper wrapping so the end where opening can take place does not rip everything apart. Bags should also have either a flap or edge that can be found by fingers. Instead of putting many pieces of small parts in tight layers, put them in one clear pouch. These choices will also help prevent losing parts during opening.

Labels on packages must also be clear. Use large print, plain terms & strong contrast between label color/color and background color. If the package needs to remain upright during shipping, let the buyer know where they will find this information. Bills, return papers & care notes should always go near the top of each package. A person should never need to empty out the entire box before learning how to open it.

Do a test run on each type of package before shipping orders. Simply set a box on a table and try to open it using only one hand. Do another test wearing gloves. Determine whether you can easily find the tab and if you needed sharp tools to complete any part of the process. If safety rules require certain packaging (such as child-safe packaging, sealed medical packaging), follow those rules first.

Using easy-opening packaging helps many more people than most may understand. It could help someone with arthritis, a parent holding a child, or a worker who has to open hundreds of boxes daily. Using easy-opening packaging could also lower the chance of an order being damaged because it had to be cut open with a knife. Good packaging supplies should protect what’s inside without making the buyer fight to get to it.