As millions of online orders cross the globe via land, sea, and air, the importance of effective e-commerce packaging cannot be overstated. E-commerce package testing is a critical process that ensures products not only survive the rigors of transit but also deliver a seamless experience to customers upon arrival. As online retailers navigate the complexities of shipping hazards and consumer expectations, understanding the intricacies of e-commerce package testing has never been more essential for maintaining product integrity and enhancing customer satisfaction.
What is E-Commerce Package Testing?
Ecommerce package testing is the process of evaluating the effectiveness and suitability of packaging materials and designs for products sold online. This includes testing for durability, protective properties, and ease of use for both the customer and the business. Testing may involve simulations of shipping and handling processes, environmental conditions, and customer experiences. The aim is to ensure that the packaging effectively protects the product during transit and arrives in good condition, while also providing a positive experience for the customer.
E-Commerce packaging has evolved and risen significantly, presenting online retailers with new challenges as their packaged products are transported to their end destination. Whether products are sold directly to the consumer or through a third-party platform or vendor, finding and simulating the shipping environment hazards products face in route to the customer can ensure that the proper packaging is in place to withstand the demands faced in distribution.
E-Commerce Package Testing Protocols
The International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) is a member led organization committed to creating a world-class data repository to better model distribution locally, nationally, and internationally. Developing procedures and protocols, according to which packaged products are evaluated and confirmed, ISTA is revered as the certification standard for package testing for distribution, including in e-commerce.
Some of the common e-commerce package testing protocols include:
- ISTA 3A – Packaged-product testing for distribution through the parcel delivery system with four specific package types: standard, small, flat, and elongated.
- ISTA Project 6-AMAZON.COM-SIOC, Ships in Own Container (SIOC) – Packaged-products shipped through Amazon.com distribution system.
- Type A – Parcel delivery of individual packaged-products, standard handling method, less than 50lbs, and girth equal or less than 165”
- Type B – Parcel delivery of individual packaged-products, standard handling method, 50 lbs to less than 100 lbs, and girth equal to or less than 165”
- Type C – Parcel delivery of individual packaged-products, standard handling method, 100 lbs or greater, and girth equal to or less than 165”
- Type D – Less-than-truckload (LTL) delivery of individual packaged-products, standard handling method, less than 100 lbs, or girth greater than 165”
- Type E – Less-than-truckload (LTL) delivery of individual packaged-products, standard handling method, 100 lbs or greater, or girth greater than 165”
- Type F – Less-than-truckload (LTL) delivery of individual packaged-products, pallet handling method
- Type G – TV/Monitor, parcel delivery of individual packaged-products, standard handling method, less than 150 lbs, and girth equal to or less than 165”
- Type H – TV/Monitor, less-than-truckload (LTL) delivery or individual packaged-products, standard-handling method, 150 lbs or greater, or girth greater than 165”
- Project 6-AMAZON.COM-Over Boxing – Packaged-products shipped through Amazon.com distribution system.
E-Commerce Package Testing for Amazon
As the largest online e-commerce retailer on the planet, Amazon has its own standards sellers and shippers must test against in order to earn their status as a member of the Amazon network.
- Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP) is the first tier of Amazon’s packaging certification and provides e-commerce packaging that is designed with customers and environmental footprint in mind. FFP certified packaging is capable of shipping in its own container in minimized and fully recyclable, easy-to-open packaging.
- Ships in Own Container (SIOC) is the second tier of Amazon’s packaging certification and minimizes waste by ensuring the e-commerce packaging is designed to ship without the need for an Amazon Over Box. Some products require additional protection using non-recyclable packaging materials, such as foams to ensure minimal damage during shipment.
- Prep-Free Packaging (PFP) is the third tier of Amazon’s e-commerce packaging certification and is designed for items not capable of shipping in their own container (i.e. liquid product that is not six sided), which require an Amazon Over Box. A certified PFP package is designed to ship effectively without the need for Amazon to apply additional prep to prevent damage of leakage.
Purple Diamond: Your E-Commerce Packaging Partner
As e-commerce continues to grow, investing in robust e-commerce packaging solutions will not only protect products but also contribute to long-term success in a competitive marketplace.
If you’re looking to ensure your e-commerce retailer can effectively and safely ship your products to your consumers, contact our team of package testing experts at Purple Diamond. With decades of experience, our experts can help you design, engineer, and test packaging that protects your product, your brand, and your customer satisfaction.
