100 days to Christmas – time to order your packaging?

As hard as it is to believe, we are just 100 days away from Christmas. For ecommerce companies and retailers, this is one of the busiest times of the year so it’s vital to make sure you’re prepared and ready to meet customer demand.

Why Packaging Matters

Shoppers are looking for presents, and their expectations around delivery and presentation are higher than ever. The stakes are huge: poor packaging can result in delayed deliveries, damaged goods or poor customer satisfaction—all of which can harm your brand’s reputation and cost money.

From branded boxes to sustainable packaging materials, every detail matters when it comes to standing out. Using thoughtfully designed and high-quality packaging protects your product, enhances the unboxing experience and creates customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Avoid Supply Chain Delays—Order Packaging Now

At ASC Direct, we pride ourselves on fast production, with an average delivery time for online box orders of 48 hours. But there are occasions where you need support designing new packaging perfect for your products. Where that’s the case, it’s better to start early – speak to the team sooner rather than later and they can help make sure your packaging is protecting your products and impressing your customers.

If you're just beginning to think about your packaging now, it’s time to act fast. Here’s why:

• Lead Times: When you factor in design, samples, approval, and production, you need more time to get it right
• Shipping Delays: The longer you wait, the more likely you are to encounter shipping delays
• Stock Shortages: High demand can result in longer lead times for popular materials.
• Bulk Buying: Ordering larger quantities of packaging at the same time can save you money

Customise Packaging for Brand Impact

The festive season presents an excellent opportunity to elevate your brand through custom packaging. This could be as simple as adding festive touches to your usual boxes, such as branded stickers, ribbons, or custom-printed wrapping. A memorable unboxing experience can have a positive impact on customer perception, social media engagement, and even future sales.

When ordering packaging, consider how it aligns with your Christmas marketing strategy. Custom packaging can:

• Create an emotional connection with customers, reminding them of the joy of giving.
• Strengthen your brand identity, ensuring your company remains top-of-mind
• Increase the likelihood of repeat customers through a premium, share-worthy unboxing experience.

Sustainability is Key

More than ever, consumers are looking for environmentally friendly options when they shop. Incorporating sustainable, recyclable, or compostable materials into your packaging not only helps the planet but also appeals to eco-conscious shoppers. Our packaging is made from corrugated cardboard, containing recycled materials and the boxes are recyclable and compostable.

Checklist for Packaging Preparation

To make sure your ecommerce business is prepared to meet demand, here’s a quick checklist to follow:

• Estimate Demand: Use historical sales data to forecast how much packaging you’ll need and order a surplus to avoid running out.
• Check Lead Times: Confirm the lead times for your packaging suppliers and factor in shipping delays to set a firm deadline for when packaging needs to be ordered.
• Design Your Packaging: Whether you're adding a festive twist or sticking to your core branding, finalise your packaging designs early and allow time for revisions.
• Consider Customisation: Invest in custom, branded packaging to make a lasting impression on your customers during the gift-giving season.
• Sustainable Options: Explore eco-friendly materials to meet rising consumer demand for sustainable packaging.

Don’t Wait—Start Now!

100 days may seem like plenty of time, but in a busy world, preparations must begin well in advance to ensure smooth operations. Packaging is one of the key elements that can make or break your success, so don’t wait to get started. Take action today and ensure your packaging is ready to protect your high value items while delivering a memorable customer experience.

James Palfrey-Smith is the Commercial Manager at ASC Direct with extensive experience in both operations and sales. James is passionate about solving packaging problems, delivering fast customer support, and building lasting relationships. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. A fan of real ale and business podcasts, he continuously seeks personal and professional growth. 

Find James on  Linkedin 

Find out more about James