Why Protective Packaging is Critical for Business Success
Anyone running a business knows that product returns are more than just an operational inconvenience. Returns are a direct hit to profits, customer satisfaction, and brand reputation–especially when they’re due to a lack of protective packaging. Damaged goods are guaranteed not only to trigger returns but also to frustrate your customers. But fear not.
At Atlas Packaging, we specialize in protective packaging solutions that fit your needs. In this guide, we’ll show you how protective packaging prevents damage and enhances the customer experience, presenting a business case for investing in protective packaging.
But first, let’s dive into some of the notable facts and figures surrounding the high costs of damaged products.
Every Return Comes at a High Price
Yes, you already knew that. However, it’s also important to remember that the price of a return goes beyond the cost of the product itself.
Your business will incur expenses for reshipping, handling, and restocking damaged goods, but it’s the poor customer experience that can really take things to the next level. A bad unboxing can erode brand loyalty, prompt negative reviews, and prevent repeat orders. The negative consequences really can’t be understated.
Just so we’re clear, a recent study found that 73% of participants indicated that they would be unlikely to purchase from a company again after receiving a damaged product. Compared to sustainability and ease of product removal, 80% of respondents said that product protection was the most important packaging characteristic.
In short, don’t overlook protective packaging. If you do, it will cost you.
Good to Know: Returns aren’t just bad for business; they’re bad for the environment, too. Fast Company recently reported that U.S. companies spend an estimated $50 billion on product returns every year. Those returned goods are responsible for massive landfill waste and 27 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
How Atlas Packaging’s Protective Packaging Prevents Damage
For fragile and sensitive items, protective packaging is a no-brainer. We offer a variety of protective packaging solutions designed to absorb shocks, prevent shifting, and secure products on their journey to your customers.
From custom-designed corrugated materials to advanced foam solutions like polystyrene, polyurethane, and polyethylene foams, we have options that are engineered to give your customers a predictable and memorable unboxing experience. Molded foam inserts, partitions, and die-cut corrugated packaging provide secure protection against unexpected movements and impacts, making sure everything stays in place.
It all starts with our structural design department, where we work directly with businesses to determine the ideal combination of materials needed to ensure a smooth unboxing. Whether you need foam inserts for fragile electronic components, or die-cut corrugated solutions for large items, we’ll work with you to maximize protection and minimize costs.
Testing Solutions: We test protective packaging for real-world conditions, conducting drop tests, vibration simulations, and compression tests so that you can trust your packaging to perform when it counts. Investing in damage prevention helps brands avoid costly returns while enhancing the overall customer experience.
Protecting the Unboxing Experience Enhances Customer Satisfaction
As any great brand will tell you, protecting the customer experience is just as important as protecting your products packaging. And the two go together hand in hand.
Protective packaging plays a key role in creating a positive first impression by ensuring products arrive intact and presentable. Your packaging should secure your product, but also not be impossible to open–which is a fine balance.
At Atlas, we keep your customer’s unboxing experience top of mind as we incorporate protective packaging. That means using high-quality materials and designing with intention. Professional finishes can help convey trust and reliability to your customers, as well as work as an additional branding opportunity.
The Business Case for Investing in Protective Packaging
The question that comes to mind for many brands when discussing protective packaging is simple: Is this an expensive endeavor?
High-quality protective packaging may seem like an upfront expense, but it’s important to keep in mind that it delivers measurable returns over time. Over 85 million damaged parcels were delivered last year alone, leading to significant losses for businesses across the USA. The cost of returns adds up quickly, straining profit margins and damaging brand loyalty at the same time. Protective packaging minimizes these risks by reducing return rates and delivering your products as intended.
Sustainability is another growing factor worth mentioning here. Many protective packaging solutions, from corrugated materials to molded pulp inserts, are both recyclable and eco-friendly. Investing in sustainable packaging reduces your carbon footprint and communicates your brand values to your customers all in one shipment. Today’s environmentally conscious consumers will appreciate the effort.
Damage Prevention Protects More Than Your Product
For fragile and sensitive items like electronics and medical equipment, protective packaging with foam inserts and other features is a must. But even for less delicate products, it’s worth your consideration. Making sure that your product arrives without any movement or breakage ensures a consistent experience for your customers.
At Atlas Packaging, we offer a variety of protective packaging solutions that make damage prevention a priority. From custom-designed corrugated materials to advanced foam solutions, our packaging offers protection to cushion your items and prevent movement during the shipping process.
Contact us today if you’re ready to explore protective packaging options. We’re here to help answer any questions about keeping your products safe and secure.