Packaging for Fulfillment of Crowdfunding Products 

Crowdfunded items are great, because they let items that people want to see get funded and shared to others. But, crowdfunding does come with its own frustrations as well. 

Budgets that are limited for instance, are a major problem.   with a limited budget, you cannot use some fancy shipping or packaging usually, so you need to optimize as needed. 

Another problem is first-time logistics. Logistics for packaging that’s being shipped out for the first time is a little bit dicey, hence why certain people are always hesitant on using this. 

Finally, consumer expectations. When they’re high, it creates a whole other problem. you need to fulfill these orders, make them great. But, you also need to be mindful of not breaking the bank too. 

Scaling Your Shipments 

When doing this, you need to be mindful of scaling. This is where you transition the method of packaging as the orders grow. When you have a few, you might be able to use a bit more money for it, but when too many orders come in, you need to think of ways to make this scale, even when you’re shipping to tons of customers. You want to give them something worthwhile, while also making you look good, especially with limited funding. 

What Impress them 

When it comes to fulfilling crowdfunding, you need to look at things that impress the backers. 

Creative unboxing is one of them.   you want to make sure that the unboxing is good, and will show off the item in a unique, exciting way. 

Another, is personalized insets. These are inserts that you put in there that are delivered and catered to them. If nothing else, adding a little bit of a personalization method will make your crowdfunded packaging so much better. 

Finally, branded thank-you notes.   A thank-you note that’s branded with the name and words of thanks is great, because it will make the customer feel nice and special. Give them something that they will remember, and try to keep the branding positive, and also catered to those that buy from you. 

Prevent Returns and Breakage too 

Now, with crowdfunded packaging, the last thing that you want is for those small orders to be shipped out, and then customers complain about breakage. Not something you want, that’s for sure. so, you need to be a little more protective with your items. 

Wrap them in some extra void fill. Give them a little more cushion. Anything that they can use to protect their items early on, making it easier for you to package and share such items is so important. In doing so, you’re getting early credibility, and will in turn, make it better for you to sell such items to others. 

Any Brands that do This? 

Yes, there are some brands that have been successful with the packaging for crowdfunding delivering exactly what you need. 

Tech gadgets are one of them. These gadgets, with unique features and other little additives, are something that people want to try out, and it can be a good way for you to make it stand out.

Board games are another. Board games that have a unique form of packaging really impress the people who buy from you, in turn making things better. 

Finally, wearables and other unique items.   When you give these items an extra bit of flavor, it will Take the mass delivery of these items to the next level. 

Consider those buying crowdfunded items from you, and see for yourself the difference it makes in your overall packaging experience, and results of your actions. 

How Packaging Affects E Commerce Returns 

Returning products can be a challenge, but it’s even worse when you ship out something, only for it to be damaged, the packaging eventually is a jumbled mess, or just plain messy. This increases returns, and while you can’t prevent people from improperly reading a size chart, you CAN get them to reduce returns through better packaging incentives. 

Here, we will go over how packaging affects this, and how first impressions, along with the correct solutions, will reduce the return rates. 

Smart Packaging Techniques 

There’s’ a few smart packaging techniques you can use. The first, being labels that are clear. That way, items don’t get lost, and you’ll be able to keep track on where they go. You also want designs that are easy for you to open.   Finally, if the item is fragile, get some protective layers in there. 

Is there any Return-Friendly Packaging 

Sometimes, you want to prepare ahead in the event of returns. This is important for items that might be messed up, or you know that it may need to be returned. Fashion and beauty brands deal with this. 

You can make the packaging easy to return by adding mailers that are resealable. These resealable mailers mean that, with just pulling off the tab, you seal it and put it back. 

There’s also reversible boxes, where the box can be reversed to a different design, used for returning the packaging. Again, including a free label in there that pays for postage in the event of a return is good, and will reduce your overall costs. 

The costs Savings 

With packaging and ecommerce, you’ll be able to reduce all of the packaging, making it easier for you to use it. 

This will reduce the instances of damaged goods, a major problem for many. Less damaged goods, means less refunds for those that are involved. Again, it all works well together, the overall cost savings are something worth noting, so yes, it’s good for you as a business and company, to take advantage of better packaging. 

You also look better as a business too. When customers see that you take returns pretty seriously, and are giving customers an incentive to return if something is amiss, it builds better customer repute, and makes things better for you as well. 

So go ahead, use those return labels and generate more buzz.   Your customers will thank you for a better, more intuitive system. The packaging does affect it, but when you give them another alternative, something that they can work with, customers are more willing to try this, and really make it work for their needs and yours too. 

The Future of This 

With packaging, you want to look at new ways to return these items, without much trouble. 

Built-in return QR codes is one of them.  These QR codes can be scanned at the post office, giving you a free return label. Amazon does this to a certain degree, and that’s why a lot of customers will buy from there, since they don’t have to eat the return costs. 

The other option is AR-assisted repackaging instructions. If you have a certain way that the item needs to be returned, then you will want to use this.   with repackaging, you’ll be able to make it so that your items are able to be easily given back, and improve the return rates. 

Returns stink, and they are something to avoid. With the right packaging in place, you can do that, and making your packaging return friendly is not only a good suggestion, but helps immensely with customer reputation. 

Is Edible Packaging a Gimmick, or a Game Changer 

Some brands are trying to make their packaging edible. What this means is that the packaging can literally be eaten, because it’s made from safe materials for consumption, such as seaweed, starches, rice, and the like. 

Though seen primarily with takeout items, other brands are using this.  is it worth it? What are the benefits of this, and what are the drawbacks? 

Well,. the benefits are for zero waste incentives. For companies looking to make sure their carbon footprint is next to nothing, this is a godsend. But, even though it is great for reducing carbon footprint, it does come with major logistical challenges, which we’ll go over here. 

The Logistical Challenges 

Some of the biggest logistical challenges involve the safety of these items. Though it does encase the item, it might not be enough to preserve it.   shelf life of the items becomes a challenge, especially when you’re trying to prevent it from getting bad or spoiling. 

Another issue is moisture resistance.   In humid atmospheres, it can get into these items, and then degrade the item. The last thing you want is for the item to be soggy when you consume it.

Finally, the FDA regulations are another challenge. Though it is allowed, there are some challenges with how long it can be on the shelf. There are certain instances as well, that the items are not FDA regulated, putting the person at risk for getting sick if the item is spoiled. 

Cases that Use This Type of Packaging 

Though there are some challenges especially when getting people to even consider this type of packaging, there’s also some use cases which are coming forth.

Food subscription services use this type of packaging. For food subscription businesses, having a constant means in which your foods are shipped, and offering a sustainable edge to them, can help with improving your business. 

Some promotional campaigns might benefit from this. offering some limited edition edible packaging is great, because when you use it to promote, people will flock because it is limited in use.  A promotional campaign that also focuses on sustainability might want to use this too. 

There are also, of course, zero-waste products. Products without a single bit of waste left behind are popular. With such products, you will be able to reduce the waste of these products, and also make it useful for them. a company that offers products with no waste is great, and it can be a major game changer. 

Customers Who Enjoy It 

Most of the time, customers do like this type of packaging. It comes with the surprise and delight factors of this. Many customers feel excited when they have an edible piece of food that they can eat, package and all. 

There is also less guilt that comes with this. Most of the time, people don’t want to throw out wrappers. They feel bad, and it can be a challenge. However, if you’re able to reduce waste, you will also in turn, reduce disposal guilt, a huge thing for companies of all kinds. 

Again, it has its perks. 

Will It Replace Styrofoam 

Some may wonder if edible cushioning will replace Styrofoam. 

Though it will not happen right away, it is always possible. Many companies are changing their tune with Styrofoam, and want to get past that. edible packaging may be the evolution that these companies have been waiting for, as a game-changer that will improve and drastically monitor the different nature in which your packaging works, and will in turn, reduce guilt associated with disposal.