Black Friday brings a sales boom, but also a surge in returns. Many of these are preventable. Poor packaging causes items to arrive damaged, mislabeled, or unfit for resale. The result? Lost profit, wasted resources, and unhappy customers.
At TEC Packaging, we help retailers and eCommerce businesses improve customer satisfaction and reduce returns through durable, efficient, and sustainable packaging.
Here’s how to make your packaging work harder this peak season.
Protect Products with the Right Materials
Damaged goods remain one of the top reasons for product returns. Using high-performance corrugated boxes, protective void fill, and impact-resistant tapes ensures products arrive safely.
Choose double-walled boxes for fragile or high-value items.
Add eco-friendly void fill (like paper cushioning or air pillows) to stop movement in transit.
Avoid oversized boxes, they increase damage risk and shipping costs.
Design for a Seamless Unboxing (and Re-boxing) Experience
It's suggested that 95% of consumers say return convenience affects whether they shop with a brand again. Smart packaging design can simplify returns without encouraging them:
Include easy-open tear strips and resealable closures.
Use reversible or double adhesive mailers so customers can reuse the same packaging for returns.
Clearly print return instructions to reduce errors.
This approach also strengthens brand perception, showing customers you care about their post-purchase experience.
Reduce Mis-picks and Mis-labels with Clear Labelling
In the Black Friday rush, fulfilment teams handle thousands of orders. Using clear labelling and barcoded packaging helps eliminate fulfilment errors.
Apply printed boxes or labels that match product SKUs.
Use tamper-evident tapes to prevent mix-ups.
Implement colour-coded packaging for quick visual checks.
Choose Sustainable, Recyclable Packaging
Returns create waste, not just in products, but in packaging materials. Opt for recyclable and compostable solutions to minimise your environmental impact. Consumers are roughly 66% more likely to repurchase from a retailer using sustainable packaging.
At TEC Packaging, our eco-friendly packaging range includes recyclable cardboard, paper void fill, and biodegradable wraps, helping your business stay green while cutting costs.
Plan Ahead for the Black Friday Surge
Poor preparation is one of the biggest causes of return chaos. Don’t leave packaging to the last minute.
Forecast order volumes and stock up early.
Test packaging for weight, durability, and ease of use.
Train staff on correct packing methods to ensure consistency.
A proactive approach prevents breakages, delays, and costly repackaging.
Partner with a Packaging Expert
Working with a trusted packaging supplier like TEC Packaging means you’ll have access to industry insight, bespoke packaging advice, and fast UK delivery ahead of the Black Friday rush.
We help businesses across retail, eCommerce, and manufacturing find the perfect balance between protection, presentation, and sustainability.
Returns are costly, but with the right packaging, they don’t have to be inevitable. By investing in durable, sustainable, and well-designed packaging, you’ll protect your products, impress your customers, and protect your margins this Black Friday.