SHOULD I CHOOSE A SHIPPER OR MAILER FOR E-COMMERCE?

We’ve all done it, ordered something that came in a box so great, you HAVE to keep it. Viral content producers, the Holderness Family have a video you’ve probably seen about boxes. That's how awesome an awesome box is! https://www.youtube.com/shorts/a_RItKx-36M?app=desktop

What is it about boxes that has people (and cats) so obsessed? Who knows. But if you’re selling your products on an e-comm site, one thing we know for sure is that your packaging is an important part of your customer’s brand experience.

E-commerce packaging serves a number of functions for your brand. The most obvious (and practical) is to protect your products as they are transported from your warehouse to your customer's homes or businesses. From a purely technical perspective, your product needs be delivered undamaged to your customer's hands.

The first impression your customers get from your brand is the "unboxing" experience. Whether your shipper or mailer is a simple brown (kraft) box, or a custom-printed, branded and tactile experience, the package that you ship your product in is a conversation with your customers about the personality, values and ethos of your brand. 

When it comes to packaging, the choice between mailer boxes and shipper boxes is crucial, especially for businesses looking to optimize delivery, protect their goods, and make a great first impression. Both types of boxes are commonly used in the e-commerce and shipping industries, but they serve slightly different purposes and come with their own sets of advantages. Here's a detailed look at the differences between mailer boxes and shipper boxes.

Mailer Boxes

Mailer boxes are typically made from corrugated cardboard and are known for their aesthetic appeal and durability. They are designed to be both a shipping container and an unboxing experience, often used for direct-to-consumer products. Here are some key features:

Appearance: Mailer boxes often have a more refined and polished look, making them ideal for branding. They can be easily customized with colors, logos, and designs that resonate with the brand's identity.

Protection: While they provide significant protection thanks to their sturdy construction, they are generally used for items that need moderate protection during shipping.

Cost: They can be more expensive than simple shipping boxes due to their customizability and the quality of materials used.

Uses: Best suited for retail products, subscription boxes, and items that require a high-quality presentation.

Shipper Boxes

Shipper boxes, on the other hand, are primarily focused on functionality and protection. They are also made from corrugated cardboard but are typically thicker and more robust than mailer boxes. Here are some distinctions:

Durability: Shipper boxes are built to protect against more severe shipping hazards, including drops, weight, and punctures. Their primary purpose is to ensure that the contents arrive safely, regardless of handling during transit.

Design: They tend to be more utilitarian with less emphasis on the look and more on the strength. However, customization is still possible but usually less elaborate than with mailer boxes.

Cost: Generally less expensive per unit than custom-branded mailer boxes, especially when purchased in bulk.

Uses: Ideal for heavier items or products that require extra protection, and for long-distance shipping where handling can be rough.

Choosing the Right Box

The choice between a mailer and a shipper box often comes down to the specific needs of the product being shipped and the brand's marketing strategy. If the goal is to create a memorable customer experience right out of the box, a mailer is preferable. However, if the priority is to ensure the product's safety during transit, especially for fragile items, a shipper box is the better option.

In conclusion, while both mailer boxes and shipper boxes provide essential protection and can be customized to varying degrees, their use cases differ significantly based on the product requirements and branding importance. Businesses must assess their priorities-whether it's creating an unboxing experience or ensuring product safety-to choose the most suitable packaging solution.