eCommerce Packaging Options: Satchels, Boxes, Padded Mailers, Tubes, and More

In the world of eCommerce, the way you package your products plays a crucial role in ensuring safe delivery, managing shipping costs, and enhancing the overall customer experience. With the vast range of packaging available, deciding the best options for your business can be difficult.

Types of packaging available include:

• Satchels
• Boxes
• Padded Mailers
• Tubes
• Filler products

This guide will help you understand the key packaging types, when each one is most beneficial for your business, and important factors to consider.

Satchels

Best for: Small, lightweight, and non-fragile items such as clothing, accessories, and soft goods.

Benefits:

• Cost effective
• Saves space in storage and during shipment
• Available in multiple sizes

When to use: Satchels are an excellent option if you’re shipping items that don’t require much protection but need to be contained securely. These are lightweight and take up minimal space, making them a cost-effective choice. Many satchels are now available in compostable or biodegradable materials making them an ideal choice for eco-conscious businesses.

Boxes

Best for: Fragile, large, or multiple items that need strong protection such as electronics, homewares, or bulkier goods.

Benefits:

• Provides excellent protection from damage
• Allows for the use of fill materials if the box isn’t a perfect fit or where extra protection is required

When to use: Boxes are ideal for shipping delicate items or when you need to combine multiple products into one shipment. They offer better protection against bumps and drops during transit. If you sell ceramics, glassware or electronics – boxes are essential for keeping your products safe.

Padded Mailers

Best for: Items that need extra protection but aren’t overly large or fragile.

Benefits:

• Built-in padding for additional protection
• Lightweight and cost-effective
• Compact and easy to store

When to use: Padded mailers are great for small products that need to be protected from minor bumps and scrapes during shipping, but don’t require the full protection of a box. Items like makeup, small electronics, or paperback books fit perfectly in these.

Tubes

Best for: Long or cylindrical items such as posters or artwork. 

Benefits:

• Prevents bending or folding of items
• Made from sturdy material which offers extra protection during transit
• Lightweight

When to use: Perfect for shipping items that must remain flat or undamaged. Tubes protect the integrity of products such as artwork and keep them in pristine condition during transit.

Things to note: Australia Post requires you to use a mailing tube sleeve when shipping tubes in their network, more information can be found here. It is important to check individual carrier requirements to ensure your parcels move smoothly through their network.

Packaging options considerations

Filler products: Materials such as bubble wrap, packing peanuts and paper fillers are essential for protecting fragile items and filling empty spaces in boxes to prevent movement during transit. Sustainable options such as honeycomb wrap, biodegradable packing peanuts and compostable air pillows are great alternatives to the traditional bubble wrap.  PackItIn offers a range of packing fillers and protective materials to ensure your products arrive safely to your customers.

Maximum weight and size limits: Be aware of weight and size restrictions for different carriers, and ensure your parcel is within those limits to avoid any additional charges or delays with the shipment.

Custom vs. Generic Packaging: Generic packaging is usually more cost-effective but custom packaging offers branded options that can enhance the unboxing experience and increase brand recognition. Affordable alternatives to custom packaging include branded tape, custom stamps and branded stickers. Woodruff and Co is an eco-conscious Australian business with a great range of options to help you create a custom unboxing experience.

Cubic Weight vs. Actual Weight: Some carriers charge based on cubic weight or actual weight, whichever is larger. Cubic weight is calculated based on the size of the package rather than the product’s physical weight. Choose packaging that minimises volume without sacrificing protection.

Eco-friendly Packaging: With increasing demand for environmentally friendly business practices, eco-friendly packaging can set you apart. Look for materials that are recyclable, compostable or biodegradable. A great option is Awesome Pack, who specialise in compostable satchels and sustainable packing materials.

Conclusion

Selecting the right packaging for your products is more than just a practical decision – it is a strategic one that can impact your shipping costs, product safety and customer experience. Whether you choose satchels, boxes or padded mailers, the key is to match your packaging with your products’ specific needs. Additionally, opting for eco-friendly packaging not only helps reduce environmental impact but can also attract customers who prioritise sustainability. By selecting the right packaging, you’ll protect your products and deliver a memorable unboxing experience for your customers.