Running an online business has become more common than ever. From small Instagram shops to fully developed e-commerce websites, thousands of Sri Lankan businesses now ship products to customers every single day. But even with great products, good photos, and fast delivery, there is one thing that decides whether a customer will order from you again:
👉 How properly you pack their item.
Packing is not just wrapping something and sending it. It is a crucial part of your online business success. A well-packed parcel shows professionalism, increases brand value, protects the item, and improves customer satisfaction.
In this article, we will explore:
✅Why correct packing is important
✅What packing materials you should use
✅The Top 5 best packing materials
✅How to pack items safely and attractively
✅How proper packing impacts your online business
✅SEO-friendly tips to stand out from the competition
🌟 Why Proper Packing is Important for Online Business
Many beginners underestimate the power of good packaging. But in e-commerce, packaging is not optional – it’s
essential. Here’s why:
1️⃣ Customer Satisfaction
Proper packing makes customers feel valued. When a customer receives a clean, neat, carefully arranged parcel, they automatically trust your brand more.
A happy customer = repeat orders + positive reviews + referrals.
2️⃣ Product Protection
One of the biggest challenges in online selling is product damage during shipping. Delivery vans, bikes, and courier bags aren’t always handled carefully.
Good packaging protects your item from:
✨Scratches
✨Breakages
✨Pressure damage
✨Water exposure
✨Dust
This reduces returns, replacements, and losses.
3️⃣ Brand Reputation & Professionalism
Customers judge your business the moment they open the parcel.
If they see:
✔ Clean packing
✔ Branded tape or stickers
✔ Neatly arranged items
Your brand instantly looks more professional and trustworthy.
4️⃣ Aesthetic Appeal (Beauty & Unboxing Experience)
Many customers today share “unboxing videos” on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
So your packaging must look:
✨ Clean
✨ Attractive
✨ Social-media friendly
A good unboxing experience leads to:
More organic promotion
Brand recognition
Customer loyalty
5️⃣ Product Safety + Business Profit
Good packaging reduces:
❗Return items
❗Refund claims
❗Negative reviews
This directly improves your profit margin and reduces operating costs.
📦 Top 5 Best Packing Materials for Online Sellers (2025)
To pack like a professional online store, you need the right materials.
Here are the Top 5 packing materials every online business must use, with a simple guide on how to use each.
🥇 1. Bubble Wrap – The Best Protection Material
Why It’s Great❓
⭐Excellent shock absorption
⭐Protects fragile items
⭐Lightweight (reduces courier cost)
⭐Reusable
How to Pack Using Bubble Wrap
1️⃣Wrap the item fully, covering all sides.
2️⃣Use two or three layers for fragile items like glass, ceramics, cosmetics, electronics.
3️⃣Secure with cello tape or branded tape.
4️⃣Place inside a box with extra padding.
Perfect for
🥈 2. Corrugated Boxes – Strong & Professional
Why Businesses Love Them❓
⭐Strong cardboard structure
⭐Protects during transport
⭐Stacks well in courier vehicles
⭐Ideal for medium to heavy items
How to Pack Using Corrugated Boxes
1️⃣Choose a box that fits the item tightly (not too big).
2️⃣Add paper stuffing, foam, or bubble wrap.
3️⃣Place item inside and shake lightly — it should not move.
4️⃣Seal with strong packing tape.
5️⃣Add your label or brand sticker
Perfect for
🥉 3. Poly Mailers / Courier Bags – Best for Lightweight Items
Benefits
⭐ Waterproof
⭐ Cheap
⭐Lightweight
⭐Ideal for soft items
How to Pack Using Poly Mailers
1️⃣Fold your product neatly.
2️⃣Place it inside a small protective bag (optional).
3️⃣Add invoice/thank-you card.
4️⃣Seal the bag firmly with adhesive flap.
5️⃣Add label outside.
Perfect for
🏅 4. Packing Paper / Kraft Paper – Eco-Friendly Choice
Why Many Sellers Prefer It❓
⭐Eco-friendly
⭐Affordable
⭐Adds beauty and uniformity
⭐Prevents scratches
How to Pack with Packing Paper
1️⃣Wrap the product fully like a gift.
2️⃣Add tape or twine for a rustic look.
3️⃣Insert inside a courier bag or box.
4️⃣Add your brand sticker or thank-you note.
Perfect for
🏅5. Foam Sheets / Cushion Sheets – Light & Protective
Benefits
⭐Excellent for fragile items
⭐Soft and flexible
⭐Lightweight
⭐Does not increase parcel weight
How to Use
1️⃣Cut sheets into the size you need.
2️⃣Wrap the product tightly.
3️⃣Add tape to secure edges.
4️⃣Combine with a box or bubble wrap for extra safety.
Perfect for
📝 How to Pack an Item Correctly (Step-by-Step Guide)
Here’s a universal guide suitable for any online business:
✔️Step 1: Clean the item
Make sure the product is dust-free and fingerprint-free.
✔️ Step 2: Use the right wrapping material
Choose bubble wrap, kraft paper, or foam depending on item type.
✔️ Step 3: Add inner protection
Fill empty spaces using:
Crushed paper
Foam pellets
Bubble wrap scraps
This prevents shaking.
✔️ Step 4: Place inside a suitable box/bag
Use the correct size — not too big or too tight.
✔️Step 5: Seal securely
Use strong tape to seal the parcel.
✔️ Step 6: Add branding
A small sticker or thank-you card improves customer experience.
✔️ Step 7: Attach address label neatly
Ensure labels are clear and waterproof.






