8 Essential Consumer Considerations In E-Commerce Packaging

The seventh annual e-commerce consumer research from Dotcom Distribution, a supplier of B2C and B2B fulfilment and distribution services, has been published. The study investigates how consumers are adapting to today’s new normal in the wake of the pandemic and amid constrained supply chains, utilising responses from 1,150 U.S. internet shoppers. One of the most important findings is that packing for online orders increases sales and client retention, especially among people who care about the environment.

The study’s eight main conclusions about consumers’ opinions of e-commerce packaging are as follows:

1. In comparison to ethical sourcing and fuel-efficient transportation, 66% of consumers say eco-friendly packaging is the sustainability element that will influence their decision to buy from a particular company.
2. When choosing who to do business with, 43% of customers place a higher value on eco-friendly measures (such as sustainable packaging, fuel efficiency, and ethical sourcing) than charitable purchases.
3. Consumers are more likely to purchase with a brand again, are more thrilled about opening the package, and think the company is more upscale when they are presented with premium packaging, according to 34% of respondents.
4. 26% of respondents said they would be more inclined to post images or videos of a product they received in an eco-friendly container on social media, and 30% said packaging that resembled a gift would also increase their propensity to do so.
5. Consumers ranked eco – friendly packaging above free product samples, swag (stickers, keychains, etc.), personalised notes, and luxury package experiences when asked what elements would make them more likely to purchase with a company again.
6. What is most likely to prompt a customer to scan a QR code on packaging for an online store? 28% said when it enters them in giveaways or contests; 26% said when it sends them customised offers based on previous purchases; and 22% said when it informs them about the products’ history, components, and carbon emissions.
7. Of the 81% of consumers who prefer to receive their purchases in boxes as opposed to bags, 32% expressly attribute this preference to boxes being more environmentally friendly.
8. Premium packaging creates a favourable image in the minds of premium consumers: 42 % say they are more inclined to make another buy from a brand, 44% say the brand appears more premium, and 47% say they are more eager to open the package.