For many small businesses, customer service is crucial – both for retaining loyal customers and gaining new customers by recommendations or word-of-mouth.

Whilst social media can be huge for promoting any small business and setting of its momentum, the core of the business and brand should remain the same. Quality products, quality service and quality packaging.

With every parcel packed and shipped out to customers, quality packaging becomes key. From the boxes or mailing bags used, to the packing paper and any inserts or extras – in this guide, we’ll discuss the packing supplies every small business needs.

The importance of quality packaging

Picture this. You are a small ecommerce business, or a recent start-up. Your product is of great quality and of good value, so your orders start to roll in. Now what?

Here comes the process of carefully selecting the right box to put it in, securely package and ship. Seems simple, right? But this is where many small businesses can make the world of a difference to how the package is sent, received and the overall unboxing experience of the customer.

This is what can be all the difference between repeat customers, new customers or unhappy customers looking for potential returns.

For any small business looking to successfully achieve the ideal packing and shipping solution, there are some essential packaging supplies needed. This includes:

Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard boxes seem like the obvious choice when it comes to packaging your products. But great quality cardboard boxes are even better, especially the trusty and reliable corrugated kind.

Our corrugated cardboard boxes come in different sizes and types, such as double wall carboard boxes or large postal boxes. We even offer cardboard tubing rolls for thinner, longer items.

Whilst larger businesses may incorporate smart labels as a way of following recent trends, smaller businesses may consider personalising your packaging with customisable stickers, printing or logos – all of which add to the overall unboxing experience and create a lasting memory.

Mailing Bags

Not all products need to be packaged in cardboard boxes. For smaller items such as jewellery, mailing bags work just as well…if not better!

Considering how best to reduce waste by switching to smaller or more sustainable packaging solutions can help positively not only he environment, but also how your business is perceived by customers.

Kraft Tape

When it comes to packaging essentials, securing and sealing your products for shipping is crucial for ensuring safety and security during transit.

Kraft tape is not only a great adhesive, but is also sustainable – adding that extra touch of eco-friendliness to your business. As we already know, sustainability is ever growing and increasingly more important for all business, both big and small.

Packing Paper

Packing paper is essential for any business, as it provides extra security to packages and can come in a variety of types. Such as honeycomb packing paper, recycled paper rolls, paper void fill and even tissue paper.

Adding a more personalised touch by personalising the paper, using colours of your brand or simply elegantly wrapping the paper can make a huge difference to the unboxing experience that we know has now become an integral part of ecommerce business.

Slips, Inserts & Cards

For many small businesses, a personalised touch can really make a difference. Offering complimentary loyalty cards or thank you slips is a great way to not only promote your brand and business, but can also create that personal touch between your business and the relationship with your customers.

Think about what your insert should be and the message it should convey. Whether it is a heartfelt thank you message, or a special discount off the next purchase – these small details can make all the difference.

When deciding what note or card to put in your package, remember to think about the quality of this too!