A packaging insert is an additional item that eBusiness retailers place into shipments prior to sending them off to customers, and they are a great way to level up your shipping and fulfillment strategy. Packaging inserts (also referred to as packing inserts) are generally, unexpected and can build goodwill with new customers.
Mr. Jalan says customers do not have to pay anything additional for a packaging insert. Rather, a packaging insert is a thing that a brand will use to spread awareness regarding its campaigns and promotions and lending added value. Overall, packaging inserts are a cost-effective and versatile gesture for forming a relationship with your customers.
This blog by Mr. Gaurav Jalan, Founder, and Director Packman Packaging Pvt Ltd India’s top manufacturer and supplier of custom eCommerce boxes talk about usage of packaging inserts.
Further, Mr. Jalan reiterates that every shipment will either fall short, meet or exceed your customer’s expectations. There are several ways, some even beyond your control, that you will fall below expectations. If everything goes fine and the post office is not late, you may meet your customer’s expectations.
It is the small extra things though, such as using the correct packaging inserts, will assist you to stand out and exceed expectations. Let us take a look at some of the top reasons why packaging inserts are so important:
Packaging inserts can be low-cost: One does not need to invest a lot to bring packaging inserts into the mix. Each of the instances given below is low-cost and can yield a high return.
Inserts can be broadly targeted: The recipient of the product is already a customer, and you know what they bought. You can customize your package insert to the exact individual receiving it.
The expense of delivering the message has already been paid: The package is already being shipped, so you may as well as make the most out of it.
Package inserts are great for cross-selling: Since you know exactly what your customer already prefers, you can add highly aimed cross-sell opportunities.
Package inserts are an excellent way to liquidate merchandise: Difficult-to-move merchandise can be changed to a marketing expense and enhance your relationship with the present customers.
The right inserts boost loyalty: Customers are more possibly to return to a brand that appreciates them, and packaging inserts can assist your customers to feel special.
Package inserts are quite simple: Just slip a flyer or coupon inside the box whenever you ship an order. But there are several options you can use to deliver more value and build bigger loyalty with your customers. Let us take a look at some of the most popular kinds of packaging insert options.
Discount Offers
One of the highly popular and straightforward kind of package, insert is a discount offer. Though you can supply these by email, including them simply in the box ensures your customers will receive the offer in their hands rather than in their spam folder. Also, it leaves them with a tangible reminder.
One of the most cost-friendly ways to make a discount or deal offers to be included with your packaging is having them printed at business card size (business cards are quite a commodity at this point they are extremely inexpensive).
Some examples are: Free Shipping on Next Order, Free Gift with the Next Order or 20% Off on Next Order.
Small Gifts
Pretty much like samples, small gifts can be an excellent way to surprise and delight customers without making them feel like you are looking to sell them other products. The gift you give does not have to be expensive. Because it is unexpected, the majority will be pleasantly surprised by any additional gifts.
The small, mostly inexpensive gifts make people feel special, and it puts in place the law of reciprocity to work for you. It is a top psychological trigger that leaves people wanting to return the favor, and can assist encourage repeat business while leaving everyone feeling good about the transaction.
Product Samples
Samples could be a great value add to the packages for a few reasons. First, depending on the products you sell, you can at times get samples for free from the vendors. Second, product samples provide a good way to cross-sell customers and introduce them to other products and product lines that they might not know about or have been curious about giving a try.
Thank You, Card, or Personal Notes
The easiest, least expensive, and most personalized insert one can add to customer packages is a handwritten thank-you card. A simple card could be a really thoughtful gesture that can help form loyalty.
Cards could be particularly impactful when first starting out, as it is a competitive advantage that larger-scale brands can no longer offer. Use this to your advantage.
Review for Product or Share on Social Request
Since the shipped package normally represents the end of the transaction for most customers, packaging inserts could be a great place to ask for a product review or for customers to share their views on social media. It may also help to boost your brand presence on social media quite effectively.
The truth is packaging inserts are actually about providing added value by exceeding expectations and matching the correct offer with your particular audience.
As with all direct marketing strategies, be certain to try various package insert programs and different offers to form your own successful program that will improve loyalty, sales, and profit for your brand and business.
