It’s crucial to choose the right packaging materials and presentation for the products your business sells. In fact, many businesses find that their packaging does play an integral role in how popular or successful their products are. Selecting the right packaging for your merchandise goes beyond design and aesthetics. The right choice for your company is a box that is the ideal representation of the quality of the items you sell while also offering adequate protection for the product during transportation.
Any box or container you choose to employ for your company should offer a sleek design as well as ideal branding elements. Of course, functionality is just as important, if not more. Below, we will discuss some of the things you should actively consider when choosing the key components of your packaging.
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1. Consider your budget and which materials are appropriate for your business
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The actual scope of your budget is perhaps the most vital aspect of selecting packaging for your company. It’s directly responsible for dictating the quality and the overall durability of the materials that are available for you to choose from. If you’re on a tight spending budget, avoid natural materials or anything with glass as they are expensive to manufacture and transport.
Fortunately, regardless of your budget, you can find many affordable options when it comes to packaging materials. Food-grade cardboard boxes are perhaps the most popular as they offer the ability for full customization without breaking the bank. Plus, they are reasonably crush proof and will protect your merchandise during shipment.
Another popular material to choose is plastic. Though many people are against the excessive use of plastics, you can purchase packaging made from recycled materials. Though slightly more expensive, opting for recycled and sustainable packaging whenever possible can serve as a good selling point for your products.
Apart from caring about the environment, however, it’s even more important to offer your products adequate protection during transportation. It’s always best to choose a box or casing that is nearly the exact size of the item it houses. Too small and the item will get damaged, but too large, and you will either need to cushion the product or consider dealing with further damage.
2. Consider how your packaging design will actually serve its function
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After carefully selecting the design of your choice, you will need to consider how it will actually function with regular use. No matter how luxurious your packaging is, if it doesn’t withstand the rigors of transportation and rough handling, your packaging has ultimately failed. There are some companies like customboxworks.com that can help you with design for free and provide affordable pricing.
If your company sells merchandise that’s either fragile, bulky or has an odd shape, consider materials for their durability and the strength they offer. Likewise, products that have a long shelf life will need to retain their luster and crisp packaging after months of repeated use. In these instances, UV-treated finishes and liquid-based coatings can help do the trick.
Though our society is constantly talking about sustainability, cutting corners and choosing inferior packaging materials will cost you more in the long run. Inadequate protection for the handling of your merchandise will mean having to replace your products in an endless loop, essentially, costing you more than is necessary. It is best to try and strike the perfect balance between the cost of your packaging materials along with the cost of how much it is to replace potentially damaged items.
3. Create a design with your branding in mind
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Though the packaging materials you choose to employ in order to house your products is important, so is the actual packaging design and branding. In fact, what consumers are likely to remember about your brand is your packaging such as the fonts you use, the logo displayed, and the colors that represent your company. It is important to carefully consider how all of these aspects of your packaging come together to create a memorable product.
Whenever working on the design of your packaging, it’s crucial to keep your intended demographic in mind. What is likely to appeal to your audience? What colors and graphics do they respond best to? Knowing your target audience will eliminate guesswork on your part and will make your packaging stand out on the shelves.
If your product is sold in stores, you will always need to consider your competitors as well. What does their packaging look like? You need to convey a clear message of why your product is the best choice, but you also need to draw attention to your packaging right away. Having a friend or a family member who’s a part of your target audience you can bounce ideas off of can help you make better choices.
Is Sustainable Packaging Worth The Extra Cost?
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When designing packaging, more and more companies are starting to consider just how crucial sustainability is. Many consumers, according to recent studies, find brands that engage in sustainability more desirable. That means, as a selling point anyway, choosing packaging that’s recycled and easy to recycle can enhance your brand’s image.
Of course, painting a sustainable image of your company goes beyond the surface. Many consumers also want to know that the materials you source aren’t toxic or harmful to their own health. It’s vital to source your packaging from responsible sources and be upfront and honest about it.
Choosing to remain sustainable doesn’t always mean spending a fortune on packaging supplies. In fact, cutting down on the use of unnecessary packaging is also a great way to remain environmentally conscious and relevant. In most industries, companies engage in producing excess waste, but you can set a record of excellence for your company by opting to do the right thing.
At the end of the day, the packaging of your products does play a crucial role in how consumers perceive your company. Many opt for sustainable and safe products while also wanting merchandise that is high quality and performs well. As a business owner, it’s up to you to strike the right balance between cost and opportunity to meet modern standards.
