The Importance Of Packaging And Shipping Your Handmade Products For Export

Right now, India is growing its export market, and in the last couple of years, the share of consumer products has also doubled. India is exporting a vast catalogue of commodities to every corner of the world. But there is an increased demand for especially traditional items. The prime example of this is handmade products made in India.

In tandem with the popularity of Indian handcrafted items in retail worldwide, the export market for handmade goods has been on the rise. It is evident that factors such as quality, packaging, customer experience, and shipping are fundamental to diversifying export markets. Read till the end of this blog to understand the importance of packaging and shipping your handmade products for export.

3Ps of Good Packaging System

To simply define packaging, assume that it is an external layer for a product in the shape of a box. It is imperative to follow the norms of packaging during the delivery of products. Let’s address the 3Ps of quality packaging:

1. Protection: The primary function of packaging is to protect the handmade products from any kind of physical damage, such as bumps or scratches, so that they stay intact for the buyer. Just imagine when a customer receives a handmade product of Christmas decor in safe condition with no defects; it definitely leaves a positive impression on them.
2. Prevention: The second purpose of the packaging is to avoid any defacement of the interior of the box until the time of product use. In the case of handmade products, it becomes mandatory to prevent any abrasion to the product from factors like moisture, sunlight, other pollutants, etc.
3. Promotion: Last but not least, packaging offers a chance to do marketing and help in promoting the company. It is always useful to display necessary information on it that might be valuable to the user, even if it is small items like soap dishes. A terrific graphic on the packaging of your handmade products can strongly impact sales and develop a brand name.

Pros and Cons of Packaging Goods in the Correct/Incorrect Form

It doesn’t matter how many differences there are between mass-produced and handicraft products, but this thing is the same: “Your packaging is the silent salesman of your product.” It can readily influence the decisions of the consumers. To grasp this concept, let’s discuss both aspects of packaging goods for export:

Pros

• It raises the product value and hence the overall user experience. Unique packaging makes the buyer feel special and ensures a smooth unboxing experience. It forces them to think that they’ve got more than they imagined. This also makes them feel good about their investment.
• It helps in achieving flawless transitions in managing and shipping the products. The usage of customized boxes for packaging will help you control and arrange the shipments precisely and get high fees from the box suppliers.
• It establishes a systematic chain of interaction among the business and also with the customer. If all the vital information is printed on the packaging, the shipping service will have no trouble locating the package without opening the box.

Cons

• Incorrect packaging of handmade products can lead to ruining the status of the product, which means loss in the brand and a waste of efforts of the craftsman and other people linked to the business operation.
• Suppose that when a product is delivered in poor condition, we more easily lose the faith of the customers in the brand. Therefore, the bad condition of the packaging directly affects revenue and sales. The customer will not buy any more products from the brand and spread bad words about it to others.

Things to Keep in Mind While Packing and Shipping Handmade Items

When it comes to where to sell handmade items or how to ship artisanal goods globally, packaging is an extension of your craft and an overview of your brand’s story. Here’s how you can master the art of packaging:

• It is necessary to consider that the handmade products will be shipped to faraway locations and hence are prone to getting damaged. They are checked more times than the domestic shipments.
• There are generally two types of handling: first is manual handling, and second is mechanized handling. Hence, the right measures must be taken in order to do packaging that can bear the manual handling, especially in nations with limited infrastructure where the labor cost is too low.
• The climatic conditions must also be considered while exporting products. This involves violent sands, moisture, dust, humidity, heat waves, and other harsh conditions that might harm the product in any possible way.

Industry Standards for Packaging Handmade Products for Export

For small-scale industries and B2B wholesalers who produce handicrafts, understanding packaging basics is key to successfully exporting their products. Handmade goods are often produced in limited quantities, so it’s normal to face challenges like sourcing affordable materials and maintaining quality packaging. Here’s a breakdown of industry norms to simplify your export process:

1. Clear Labeling: Genuine labeling on your packaging is a must for uninterrupted shipping. It helps in quick customs clearance and assures that your products reach their destination without delays.
2. Compliance with Destination Regulations: Packaging must follow the local rules and standards of the destination nation/city. Conforming your system with these regulations not only avoids penalties but also facilitates hassle-free transit.
3. Certifications for Materials: If you use materials like wood to package products like key cabinets, proper certifications are indispensable to prove safety and authorization. They reassure buyers and regulators about the quality of your packaging.
4. Buyer-Specific Packaging Standards: Engage with buyers to understand their specific packaging requirements. This avoids conflicts and ensures satisfaction during the shipping process.
5. Tailored Packaging for Fragile Items: Fragile products demand special care. Use custom packaging materials and follow detailed guidance to keep your goods secure throughout the journey.
6. Detailed Instructions and Graphics: Include clear instructions and graphics on your packaging to help in smooth handling, both for transporters and consumers.

To Put it Bluntly

There are several improvements being made in the packaging and shipping industry that provide better protection as well as result in increased sales of the products. Additionally, it also helps brands establish a sense of trust with their clientele and a brand recall factor. Now, we can all agree that a good shipping and packaging system for your handmade goods can help you grow your business worldwide. Lastly, if you’re looking for the best online marketplace for handmade products, visit ArtistryBazaar.