# Conversational Crate Engaging e-commerce packaging design generates excitement around branding. By [Gil Cohen](https://www.trendhunter.com/ghaddi), SVP Client Success | Published Apr 12, 2017 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/conversational-crate ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.8/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Conversational Crate trend? **Conversational Crate:** Transforming the typical cardboard box into a conversation piece, online retailers are looking to engage consumers from the get go through playful designs. As the first element of the shipped product that comes into contact with the online shopper, the delivery packaging itself can be used to create brand recognition, make a statement and demonstrate personality. By feeding off of the consumer’s initial excitement from receiving their online purchase, all elements of packaging can be leveraged as opportunities for e-commerce shops to strengthen their bond with online shoppers and create repeat customers. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 29, 2016 to Jul 19, 2019 - Published: Apr 12, 2017 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Instant Entrepreneurship](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/instant-entrepreneurship), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Conversational Crate trend ### Engaging Packaging Design Online retailers are using their delivery packaging to create brand recognition, make a statement and demonstrate personality, presenting opportunities for e-commerce shops to strengthen their bond with online shoppers and create repeat customers. ### Efficient Shipping Solutions As the shipment of goods continues to increase thanks to eCommerce, businesses are investing in innovative and efficient shipping solutions to protect their products and reduce the total delivery expenditure. ### Direct-to-Consumer Models Direct-to-consumer models offer convenience, affordability, and a more personalized approach to shopping and are changing the way household products, from indoor plants to eco-friendly detergents, are delivered to consumers. ## What the Conversational Crate trend means for industry ### For E-commerce Engaging packaging design and efficient shipping solutions are transforming the way online retailers interact with customers, making way for more e-commerce opportunities. ### For Direct-to-consumer Direct-to-consumer models offer convenience, affordability, and a more personalized approach to shopping and are disrupting traditional means of sale and distribution. ### For Sustainability Businesses are investing in sustainable practices, from eco-friendly detergents to packaging design that is both functional and recyclable, in response to increased consumer demand for environmentally responsible products. ## Workshop question What features could you introduce to make the process of receiving and opening your product more memorable? ## Trend signals for Conversational Crate Trend score 3.8 out of 10, from popularity 53%, activity 52%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 53% - Activity: 52% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Conversational Crate trend 7 featured examples from Sep 29, 2016 to Jul 19, 2019. - [D2C Houseplant Start-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bloomscape): Bloomscape Conveniently Delivers Plants Across the US in Boxes (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The rise of online houseplant shopping presents disruptive innovation opportunities for e-commerce platforms looking to tap into the growing demand for plants. - [Ironic Sheet Mask Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sheet-mask-packaging): These Face Masks Capture Consumer Attention Through Their Name (Category: Fashion) Implication: Innovations in packaging design within the beauty and skincare industry to appeal to consumers and differentiate brands. - [Deceptive Bike Shipping Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flat-screen-tv-box): VanMoof is Shipping Out Bikes in Flat Screen TV Boxes to Stop Damage (Category: Marketing) Implication: Incorporating unconventional packaging methods can disrupt the bicycle manufacturing industry by preventing damage during shipping and reducing warranty claims. - [At-Home Wedding Dress Try-Ons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wedding-dress-try-on): 'The Bride Box' by Floravere is a Comfortable Shopping Experience (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: D2C online fashion companies can offer at-home try-on services to improve customer experience and gain a competitive advantage. - [Swift Hanging Mailbags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rapisac): The Rapisac Speeds Up Packaging for E-Commerce Deliveries (Category: Business) Implication: Rapid development of efficient packaging technology for e-commerce businesses. - [Non-Toxic D2C Home Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/society1): Society Offers Everything From Disinfectants to Candles (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Rethink the production and distribution of household essentials to provide consumers with non-toxic, stylish, and affordable options that align… - [D2C Eco Detergents](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eco-friendly-detergent): Dropp's Eco-Friendly Detergent is Packaged in a Shipping Box (Category: Eco) Implication: Industry players could explore the potential to create eco-friendly packaging solutions for a variety of products that can serve multiple purposes, such as packaging and shipping. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)