Every ecommerce seller knows the importance of good packaging—but not everyone realizes how much it affects your bottom line. Between material costs, dimensional weight charges, and shipping damages, your packaging choices can quietly drain profits.
Here are practical packaging hacks that actually help you save money while maintaining a professional and protective presentation.
Use the Right-Sized Box Every Time
Oversized packaging not only wastes materials—it also costs more to ship. Carriers calculate shipping costs using dimensional (DIM) weight. That means you’re paying for size and weight.
Use a box that fits your product with minimal extra space. Keep a variety of common box sizes on hand to avoid using one-size-fits-all packaging. A simple box size chart taped near your packing station can save time and money.
Use Lightweight Fillers
Avoid heavy fillers like crumpled paper or bubble wrap when possible. Lighter options like kraft paper, biodegradable air pillows, or foam inserts offer adequate protection with less added weight.
Not only will this help with DIM weight costs, but it can also reduce your supply budget over time. Companies like EcoEnclose and Uline offer eco-friendly and lightweight solutions tailored for ecommerce businesses.
Skip the Branded Boxes (At First)
Branded packaging looks great—but it comes with a cost. Until your margins can justify the investment, opt for clean kraft boxes or mailers and use branded stickers or inserts instead.
Sites like Sticker Mule or VistaPrint allow you to create affordable branded touches without committing to full custom packaging runs.
Cut Costs with Poly Mailers for Soft Goods
If you’re shipping clothing, accessories, or other soft items, use poly mailers instead of boxes. They’re lightweight, cost less to buy and ship, and reduce the need for void fill.
EcoEnclose and The Packaging Company offer recycled and compostable versions if you want to maintain a sustainable brand image.
Buy in Bulk—and Use Cashback Apps for Extra Savings
Shipping materials get much cheaper when purchased in bulk. Sites like Uline or Staples offer wholesale quantities of tape, mailers, and labels.
To stretch your supply budget further, consider using cashback platforms. For example, you can earn cashback with a Staples gift card or get rewards with an Office Depot gift card through apps like Fluz, helping you offset costs on essentials you already buy.
Invest in a Quality Label Printer
If you’re still printing labels on standard printers and taping them on manually, it’s time to upgrade. Thermal printers like those from Rollo or DYMO save money in the long run by eliminating the need for ink or toner.
They also speed up fulfillment, helping you get more done with less labor.
Reuse Packaging Materials When Appropriate
If you’re receiving regular shipments from vendors, don’t toss that packing paper or those bubble mailers. As long as the materials are clean and undamaged, reusing them can cut down supply costs and reduce waste.
Just be sure to remove any previous shipping labels or branding before reusing boxes.
Conclusion
Smart packaging isn’t about spending more—it’s about spending wisely. By choosing better materials, avoiding hidden shipping fees, and earning cashback with a Staples gift card when restocking supplies, your packaging process can enhance your brand while protecting your profit. Even small changes can lead to significant long-term savings.
