Monthly Archives: March 2016

Sound-Activated Features with Sonic Packaging

How this Works

Sound-responsible labels to your packaging are common. These labels react to various audio stimuli, or maybe a specific one.

Another is packaging that will have an alarm, alerting when it’s been tampered with. Just like how a security alarm alerts of intruders, this alerts when someone messes with the item, to the point where the item might be compromised.

There’s also audio branding, done through QR code based sound triggers, in order to showcase the item at hand. This is all somewhat new, but with the multitude of benefits, it can be a good way to provide another layer to your packaging.

Thee applications

A lot of brands that pride themselves on being interactive use this type of packaging. Interactive marketing is a fun way to show to customers the unique nature of your items, and improves the way that one looks at the items. You can also get other people to enjoy the item, using the audio as a means to make it shine.

Another one is child-proof packaging. Childproof packaging needs to have some kind of alarm or preventative measure, and this can alert parents right away when a child’s messing with the item.

Another is packaging that’s theft-preventative. Those items that are protected from pilfering use an alarm, offering a fun, enhanced experience for the items. The power of sound is something exciting, and offers a better way to protect such items from the others that might have less-than-bold intentions.

The Benefits

With sonic packaging, you’re able to enhance the engagement of the items. Your packaging is properly interacted with, and also will in turn markedly improve the items. A lot of kids like audio-based packaging because it’s fun to hear the sounds.

For those who have sensitive packaging, or items that you don’t want a kid to get into, this type of packaging offers an extra bit of security you might not get otherwise, so it can be good for protecting items, especially if you’re trying to keep the item safe and secure.

Finally, it offers an immersive brand element. A lot of brands, when they try to be immersive, use sonic packaging. They’re able to create a deeper connection with the item and customers who enjoy this, in turn making it something worthwhile that they will want to enjoy.

So eyes, sonic packaging can offer and bolster the packaging experiences in its own unique way.

The future of This Packaging

Sonic packaging has a lot of fun, different ways for you to really enhance the experience.

A lot of AI generated sound signatures might be on the horizon, which personalize your packaging based on the interactions of users. For example, if you have a brand ambassador that people like, when they open it, they can hear the voice, or maybe a specific, calming sound that will get users excited.

Overall, if you’re going to use that, make sure you have permission to use the sound. But with sonic packaging, you have a lot of enhanced experiences and better value to the items. So, when using this, it not only provides a better experience, but it can also be one that stays with a customer for a long time.

Make Every Return Easier

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A customer sends their shirt back (it didn’t fit) and while the product is good the mailer ripped when opened. The customer now must obtain a new mailing envelope, purchase some additional tape, create a label, figure out how to enclose all the parts, and now have spent most of the afternoon. What once was just a simple return has now turned into an after-dinner job.

Woman examining a torn package at a home table — A woman examines a torn delivery package while checking its contents at the kitchen table.

Packaging supplies designed specifically for returns can take care of many of those issues. Purchase orders in containers that can travel there and back are very effective for returning products such as clothing and/or shoes; sample kits and similar types of products that the customer may want to exchange.

One type of mailer used for this purpose includes two sealable edges. Once you ship your order using this type of mailer, the first edge will seal it prior to leaving your hands. Then if the product is returned by the customer, they will use the second edge to seal it. In addition to being able to use each of the two edges separately, there is a tear line placed down the middle that allows you to separate the two edges to access the contents of the mailer without having to cut through both edges at once.

You can also prepare boxes for returns. To open the top of the box with ease, include a “pull” strip that will allow you to separate the flaps from one another. Also include an additional strip to seal the box upon closing. While the box will still be strong enough to withstand its second journey, it may not provide the same level of protection as it did on its initial trip.

The instructions included with the container are important in making sure that the customer understands how to utilize the container properly. A brief note explaining to the customer that they should save the original wrapping material until they try on or test the product. Explain to them where to apply the new label and which seem to pull to open the mailer. Using plain language will minimize confusion and complaints.

Woman reading shipping instructions beside a labeled package at a shipping counter — A customer reviews shipping instructions beside a labeled package at a busy mailing center.

Do not forget about potential previous shipping labels. Any previous labels should be removed and blanked over so that the customer’s return label will be easily readable. Do not put anything on top of the return label.

Also consider what is inside the container. For example, if you are sending clothing items, including a reusable bag will help maintain cleanliness during transportation back to you. Consider where you would like to store loose items such as small parts, cords or paper guides so they do not get misplaced.

Before purchasing packages in bulk, test a complete round trip. Package a sample shipment, then open it. Seal it again and transport it for a few hours. If the secondary seal no longer adheres or if the package loses its structural integrity during transportation, then you might have purchased a less-than-ideal option.

In addition to providing a convenient experience for your customers, using return-ready packaging can also assist in reducing waste since the packaging is reused for both trips. Your customers will not have to search for alternative packaging materials and your company may receive damaged products in better condition. While minimizing waste is beneficial, you must ensure that your packaging protects your product during both journeys.

While returns can never truly be enjoyable, utilizing return-ready packaging options can certainly facilitate a relatively stress-free process. Since the original packaging is easy to reuse, your customer will know exactly what actions to take without a multitude of steps. Taking time to plan ahead can help transform an arduous return process into a seamless journey back home.

Returns Begin Prior To Delivery

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A return does not start when a buyer prints a return shipping label. A return starts the moment a buyer selects their first package. If that package has been opened (torn), sealed (with additional tape) and is now too fragile for the round-trip journey; then the buyer will have to locate another container or package. Having packages ready for returns (return-ready) makes this process easier for both the buyer and the retailer.

Reusable shipping box with return instructions and shipping labels on a wooden table. — A reusable cardboard box designed for multiple shipping trips sits on a table in a warehouse.

Review your most returned items. Items such as clothes, shoes and/or other merchandise sold in multiple sizes may require a reusable package. Examples include a mailer that contains two seal strips. One seal strip seals the original shipment going outbound. The second seal strip remains sealed until the time the buyer is ready to ship the product back. Make sure there are no pieces of dust, torn paper or loose filler materials near the unsealed portion of the return seal strip. Many boxes contain an optional second flap or seal specifically designed for use during a return.

When preparing for the return, be mindful of how you create access for the buyer to open the package. Be certain that any component that may be required by the buyer later in the return process is not damaged. When adding a “tear strip” be sure to put it on a separate area of the package than where the return seal is located. Provide short written instructions that clearly identify which direction to pull the tear strip and which portion of the seal to preserve. Create space within the package so that a new shipping label may be applied directly onto the package. Remove any existing barcode or address prior to applying a new shipping label.

You can also design inner packaging to be reusable. Folded tissue paper can surround the item once again if it was kept clean. Clear bags that can seal themselves can help protect smaller items and clothing. The cardboard inserts/pads/dividers should fit neatly back into position without requiring the buyer to solve a puzzle. Filler materials that are loose (i.e., Styrofoam peanuts, etc.) may cause problems since they can fall out during transit, become misplaced or provide inadequate protection for the item being returned.

Choose packaging based upon what type of product it protects, rather than what type of packaging would work best for each individual order. For example, soft-goods may travel well in a sturdy mailer. Products that are either hard or breakable may require a box. Using paper-based packaging alternatives/recycled materials may reduce packaging waste when reused properly. However, ensure that the packaging is durable enough to complete both legs of the journey.

Woman examining an open box with packaging materials in a packaging testing lab — A worker inspects a packaged box in a busy packaging testing lab.

Testing your packaging method via mock-ups (or asking another employee to test your packaging method) will allow you to identify potential weaknesses. Have someone attempt to disassemble the package and insert the item back into its original packaging. Once inserted, have them apply a return shipping label. Afterward, check to see if the seal remained intact and if the return shipping label laid flat against the package. Note if additional tape, scissors or a larger/new box were required to facilitate ease of disassembly/re-assembly. Any additional steps may pose difficulties for the buyer attempting to accomplish the return at home.

Easy returns do not indicate that you want more merchandise sent back to you. Rather, easy returns demonstrate that you view returning an item as part of completing an entire order. The buyer does not have to search for another box/containing unit. In addition, when receiving returns, you will receive a package of a predetermined size. By utilizing quality return packaging supplies, you can reuse one package for two purposes while reducing unnecessary packaging waste.