But as every seller on Shopee, TikTok Shop, or Lazada knows, good packaging isn’t cheap and bad packaging can be even costlier. The good news? You can lower packaging expenses without damaging your brand perception. In fact, smart packaging optimisation can actually strengthen it.

Let’s explore how.

Unlike brick-and-mortar retail, e-commerce customers interact with your packaging before they ever touch the product. That brief moment of unboxing can shape how they perceive your brand and whether they buy from you again.

Here’s why packaging is more than just a box:

• Brand Identity: From the box to the tape, inserts, and even stickers, every element tells your brand’s story. Skimping here can weaken the connection you're trying to build.

• Customer Experience: A thoughtfully designed unboxing can feel like a gift, not just a delivery. These moments often end up on social media, turning customers into brand advocates.

• Product Protection: Damaged items lead to returns, replacements, and poor reviews, all of which are expensive. Good packaging minimises this risk and boosts trust.

But, while nice packaging is important, overdoing it with things like expensive custom boxes or excessive fillers can eat into your profits.

So the key is to find a balance: your packaging should be simple and cost-efficient, but still carry enough branding to make a good impression.
 

1. Understand Where the Costs Are

Before making any changes, take a step back and audit your current packaging setup. Many businesses jump into cost-cutting without fully understanding where the money is going.

Break down the full cost of packaging, including:

• Primary packaging: product boxes, containers, jars

• Secondary packaging: mailers, shipping cartons, protective fillers

• Branded elements: custom stickers, inserts, printed tissue

• Shipping dimensions & weight: which affect courier charges

• Labor & packing time: manual effort adds hidden costs

By identifying which components are inflating your costs, you can prioritise your optimisation efforts where they matter most without compromising on branding or customer experience.

2. Rethink “Branded Packaging”

Let’s be clear: branding isn’t about luxury packaging with magnetic closures and gold foil. It’s about creating consistent, memorable touchpoints that reflect your identity even on a budget.

You can deliver a strong brand experience with:

• Branded stickers or stamps instead of fully printed boxes

• Thank-you cards or inserts with a short message, brand story, or QR code

• Consistent brand colors and fonts applied to simple packaging materials

• Eco-conscious messaging that aligns your brand with sustainability values

A plain kraft mailer + a custom sticker + a handwritten note = high perceived value at a low cost. Sometimes, simplicity feels more personal and authentic than high-end finishes.
 

3. Downsize Packaging to Save on Shipping

One of the quickest and most effective ways to reduce packaging costs is by simply using the right size. Oversized boxes don’t just waste material, they also inflate shipping fees due to higher volumetric weight.

Here’s how to optimise:

• Use custom-sized boxes or adjustable mailers that fit your products snugly

• Eliminate unnecessary layers. Wrap items securely, not excessively

• Switch to flat packaging or flexible pouches when product type allows

4. Buy Smarter: Leverage MOQs and Supplier Relationships

You don’t need to sacrifice quality to cut costs. You just need to negotiate smarter and optimise how you source packaging materials.

Here’s how:

• Order in bulk or split quantities with other sellers to reduce unit costs

• Request semi-custom options like stock boxes with custom print zones

• Combine packaging and inventory orders to save on shipping and logistics

• Explore local suppliers as they often offer lower minimums and faster delivery compared to overseas vendors. Building a relationship with local packaging suppliers can also open doors to flexible payment terms or rush orders when you need them.
   

5. Streamline Packaging Workflow

Packaging time is also part of your cost structure and every extra minute adds up. Streamlining your packing process can significantly reduce labor costs and minimise costly mistakes.

Here’s how to improve efficiency:

• Use pre-folded mailers or self-sealing bags to cut down on manual steps

• Batch-print shipping labels and integrate automation tools where possible

• Train your team on consistent, efficient packing methods to avoid errors and product damage

The result? Faster fulfillment, fewer returns, and more time to focus on growth without increasing your costs.

Cut Costs While Keeping Your Brand Strong

Packaging doesn’t have to be a trade-off between cost and branding. While it’s tempting to slash packaging budgets, the smarter move is to optimise. That means identifying where the waste is, keeping what adds value, and improving what slows you down. Sellers who strike this balance not only save money, but also deliver better experiences that drive reviews, repeat orders, and long-term growth.

With the support of BigSeller, these improvements become easier and more scalable. Whether you're managing multiple sales channels or trying to pack faster with fewer errors, BigSeller gives you the tools to reduce waste, cut fulfillment costs, and stay true to your brand. It’s the backend engine that supports a better front-end experience for your customers.

Sign up for BigSeller today to access tools that help you save on costs while growing your brand.

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