E Commerce has grown a whole lot. For the most part, people are satisfied with their purchases, but there are rare instances where returns are necessary. Sometimes it’s because of size and fit. Other times, it might not be what they ordered. 

Regardless of the reasons, you want to make sure that your packaging is seamless for product returns so that customers can have an easy time returning their items. 

The Problem with Returns 

Lots of times, the reason why customers don’t return things is because of how returns are handled. 

Their alternative is then to just go to another person, rather than focus on returns. 

One major factor is not enough protection, leading to damaged goods. For example, if the product is encased in thin packaging, people might not be inspired to return it, and as a result, they will hold onto it, but have a negative view of your company.

Some companies also make returns very complex. It doesn’t have to be, but the problem is some companies don’t facilitate it. Unlike amazon where it’s just scanned at a hub such as UPS and then they handle the return, companies might even ask the customer to pay for shipping, and that can turn away customers in many cases. 

What Packaging to Use? 

Obviously, you want to use packaging that will not only protect the item, but also will make returns seamless. 

This means durable and protective packaging materials.   Corrugated boxes are good ones, and you can even give incentive to ship it back in the same box, they just need to print out the label, or you can have a code scanned to facilitate ease of returns.

You can also use resealable packaging. These are mailers with a self-adhesive on there. the customer just has to put the tab over the top, closing it, and then they can ship this back.    This also is good because if it’s simple to open, it’s likely the package will remain intact as well. 

Finally, you want to add in some pre-printed labels with instructions that are clear. Some even include this in the packaging when the customer gets it.   some may send a link to download, or even a QR code for returning things easily. They just have to bring it to a packaging store, and it will help with making the returns easier. 

Amazon is one of the best examples of this, because they know the importance of returns, and staying ahead of the game.   They made sure that people could easily return the items that they have, using a label that will offer ease of access to their items.   After a person realizes they don’t want it, they can request a return. They then just have to bring it back in, and then they can return it. 

Any Innovations 

With returns, the goal is to make things easier. Smart technology is going to be a focal part of this.

For example, many customers might use a QR code in order to return the item. Through scanning this, the customer will have clear return instructions to make it easier. They may also offer labels as well, making it even better for people looking to highlight their packaging. 

AR technology might be used before the fact, so that if there is a chance that something might work or not work, then they will be able to see it beforehand.

Packaging is important for many reasons. Brand awareness, communicating intent, and so much more but most of all, it helps with returns and facilitating ease for customers.