1. Recycled materials

You see this a lot with image conscious, designer makers and clothes shops. This isn't just because it's sustainable and environmentally friendly, there are other benefits:

• It looks good - The wrapping is the first physical experience with your e-commerce store and has an immediate impact.
• Recycled materials are good - When the customers sees the postage and packaging is recycled they are going to know you're environmentally responsible.
• It's much cheaper - Recycled materials are usually cheaper, a great bonus when you're saving the planet.

Using recycled materials for postage aren't a must, but the benefits of positive reputation, aesthetics and cost are most certainly big selling points.

2. Special offer codes

We all love a good promotion. Special offer codes can help convert bargain hunters in to customers and can encourage existing customers to make repeat sales. Here's why:

• Loyalty - By giving special offer code you are encouraging customers to come back to your store.
• Stand out from the crowd - With an increase in competition you have to stand out from the crowd. Do this by exceeding customer expectations and offering money off vouchers.
• Word of mouth - The discount code doesn't need to be restricted to that customer - you can make them look generous by providing a few discount coupons that they can distribute their friends.

Your special offer codes are great for maintaining loyalty, exceeding expectations and newsletter signups which will all eventually increase sales, however be careful not to overdo it. If you do it could devalue your products. Maybe a special offer every five purchases.

3. Hand written notes

We have all watched those old films where they get out their antique fountain pen, write a letter and put a wax sealer on the envelope - in the digital age people are crying out for this type of considered communication.

Why don't you try out writing a nice letter and enclosing it with your products? Here's a few reasons why:

• Personalisation - By sending a personalised message you are showing personality and you could be differentiating yourself from larger rivals that can't do this.
• Authenticity - When you write a letter to the customer it makes the brand feel authentic instead of a robot churning letters out of a word template.
• Word of mouth - If you can make your letter beautiful or interesting people may discuss it and possibly post it to social media, all great word of mouth.

OK so we aren't saying you have to seal it with a red wax stamp... but take time out to write a neat letter, maybe just an introductory letter to the customer so that the invoice isn't the only piece of paper they receive.

By personalising each individual letter, making it authentic and reassuring you are exceeding customer expectations, differentiating yourself and encouraging repeat business.

4. How did we do?

Customer feedback is critical for any business as it lets you improve and spot mistakes in your offering. Sending a stamped and addressed "how did we do" slip lets customers provide feedback which could really make a difference to your business. The benefits are:

• Honest feedback improves service - Customers can give feedback (anonymously) and help you improve your business.
• Shows willingness to listen to the customer - By giving your customer a "how did we do" form it shows a willingness to listen to your customer which is another way you can differentiate especially compared with bigger brands.

Make sure you respond to all feedback, even if it's negative. Any common themes in complaints should certainly be investigated.

Another great tip is to offer Incentives for filling out a feedback form, such as a cash price, though take in to account that this may skew the feedback.

5. Free returns policy

ASOS are the kings of free returns, that's one of the reasons people love them. The free returns policy is great because:

• Customers are at ease - As soon as customers see a free returns policy during their purchase they are immediately put at ease. They are then purchasing the product knowing that they can return it if they so wish.
• They may not return it anyway - How many times have you bought multiple items and thought it doesn't matter I can just return them... and.... then don't bother. This is surprisingly common and means you may get less returns than you think.
• Another good place to get feedback - Ask why the customer is returning the item and you could get valuable information on how to improve your products or your service in general.

We often see that websites that offer a free returns policy end up with increased sales, even after taking in to account returns, because more people are willing to shop with them in the first place.

Conclusion

We hope this has been useful. Use your imagination, there are many ways you can improve your packaging and truly make it reflect your brand. Packaging is an extension of your brand and if you get it right you could see more word of mouth and more repeat custom, which we're sure sounds good to you.