Tips For Developing Custom Packaging For Small Business

Custom packaging for small business
Custom packaging is crucial for businesses that want to make a strong impression on customers receiving their merchandise. When you can make a positive impression, it increases the chances that the recipient will speak well of the brand, recommend it to others, and become a repeat customer.

Customization allows for product packaging to appear unique from offerings from competitors. Standing out will draw attention and make it easier for your repeat customers to pick out your product when displayed. With custom-fit packaging, you can also limit shipping costs while ensuring the materials used in production are eco-friendly.

Developing custom packaging for small business is important as this is the stage at which most brands enter the market. They need to appear distinct from other related products in the market and make it tempting for shoppers to want to try the product. When working on these designs, here are some key considerations to factor in.

Custom packaging for small business customer preference

You need to consider your target customer demographic and what kind of packaging will appeal to them. If you are dealing with a high-end market, then luxury packaging will be your best bet. If your target market is made up primarily of a single gender, then even the choice of colors, font, and imagery will matter. It is a clever idea to research comparable products in the same niche that are already in the market and consider testing your product packaging with your target clientele to see what kind of feedback they will give before settling on a final design.

Custom packaging product specifications

Various products require diverse kinds of packaging to ensure they are a good fit and well-secured. Custom packaging ensures that you get boxes that are specifically designed to fit your product. Even with odd-shaped items, it becomes possible to create a box design that perfectly matches the shape. This can be a safe way to make a product stand out in the market, however, most businesses will opt to retain a box shape to their packaging as it makes it easier to arrange on a display shelf and ship. While trying to create unique packaging, it is advisable to also consider the practicalities.

Safety of custom packaging for small business

One of the key qualities of packaging is its ability to protect the contents within. To ensure your product is kept safe within the packaging, you need to consider several factors including the thickness of the walls of the box, how it is to be sealed, and what kind of cushioning you may need to incorporate in the interior. For instance, you will find that mailer boxes can be self-locking while ordinary cardboard boxes would require sealing with tape. When designing your box, ensure the contents are well secured, beautifully presented, and will impress your target customers.

Why Offer Countertop Display Boxes to Retailers

countertop display
Countertop or counter display boxes are typically found around checkout areas. They offer brands a fantastic way of displaying their products and tempting shoppers to make a purchase. It is a promising idea to incorporate them as part of your marketing strategy, especially if your products are sold through retailers.
A display box is usually used for small retail items. They are customized in assorted styles, colors, sizes, and shapes, with the goal being to capture the attention of people and make them want to try the product. They need to be compact enough to accommodate a selection of the product and fit in with the limited counter space that shops offer. Here is why you should budget for their production and encourage retailers to display them well.

Display boxes encourages impulse buying

With times having become harder, people are striving to keep their shopping within budget, this makes them less likely to try new products and tend to be focused when they enter stores to get what is just on their shopping list and nothing else. This means displaying new products alongside the competition will result in shoppers quickly walking by to get what they usually do and head to the checkout. However, when you have display boxes next to the checkout, you can capitalize on this idle time to capture their attention and tempt them into picking out a sample of the product. That exposure to the display as they wait to check out is more likely to result in impulse buying which is a gateway that turns a prospective customer into a repeat one.

Display boxes capture attention

A display box is designed to capture the attention of customers. They are customized in diverse ways that will make them eye-catching and appealing. This is what drives impulse buying as it makes the shopper aware that this is a new product they have yet to try. Since the item sizes are small to fit in such displays, you will often find that this means the items are more affordably priced and thus more likely to encourage a customer to try it.

Neat display

When you have a customized display for your products, they are more elegantly presented. Having an organized display can help appeal to shoppers who tend to ignore items that have been haphazardly strewn about on a shelf. Keeping your products meticulously organized will more easily tempt shoppers to want to read what is written on the display about the product and reach out for it. Neat displays are better at capturing the attention of shoppers and making them want to engage with the product and information being shared.

Top 4 Corrugated Cardboard Benefits

Custom cardboard box, corrugated cardboard
Corrugated cardboard boxes can be found in about any kind of business. They are utilized by all kinds of industries and brands thanks to the many benefits they offer. This includes being lightweight, low cost, easily customizable, and available. They also offer reliable protection that makes them well-suited to protecting goods while in transit.
Their benefits when it comes to safeguarding the environment can also not be understated. Environmental concerns have become a hot-button issue, especially for younger consumers. For businesses to appeal to younger demographics, they need to ensure their activities are having minimal or a positive impact on the environment. By incorporating corrugated containers in their packaging, these businesses can benefit the environment in these four ways.

Recyclable corrugated cardboard

Cardboard containers are easily recyclable. This means that after use, instead of just disposing of them, you can return them to manufacturers who will break down the material to make new cardboard boxes. This action makes it possible to reduce reliance on trees to produce new boxes. Old boxes become repurposed as raw material to produce more boxes, meaning that fewer trees need to be felled to support this process.

Strength of corrugated cardboard

Despite being lightweight, corrugated containers can be quite sturdy and long-lasting. This makes them easily reusable. Some people can even manage to keep reusing such boxes for years. Being reusable has a similar effect as recyclability as it reduces the need for a person to purchase new boxes. With less demand for new boxes, fewer trees or wood pulp is required to make the boxes. It is advisable to collapse, and store corrugated cardboard boxes in a clean and dry place to better preserve them for repeated use.

Sustainable production

Corrugated boxes can be sustainably produced. This is partly due to the variety of trees that are processed into wood pulp for their production. These varieties tend to be fast-growing, making it possible for manufacturers to organize growth and production processes without the need to expand deeper into indigenous forests. With some of the raw material supply coming from recycled boxes, there is also less reliance on the wood pulp for production.

Biodegradable

Corrugated boxes are easily biodegradable and do not produce a harmful residue. This means that even if they are disposed of in the natural environment, they do not cause any harm. However, this may not be the case if certain dyes, bleaches, and other materials have been incorporated into the box design. Since most boxes are partially made up of recycled material, you can expect them to degrade even faster.

General Tips for Packing Cardboard Boxes

Custom cardboard box
Cardboard boxes offer several key benefits that make them ideal for packing and shipping a wide variety of goods. They provide good protection for items, ensuring that they can safely arrive at their destination, free of damage.
The lightweight nature of these boxes also allows for minimal addition to shipping costs and easier handling during transit. They are also easily customizable and adaptable, allowing box makers to create unique designs that are sure to impress. So, whether your products are big and heavy or small and lightweight, choosing a cardboard box for packing is an ideal choice. Here are some helpful tips on how to ensure your goods are properly packaged and secured before shipping.

Choose the right cardboard box

It is important to choose a box that is well suited to supporting the weight and size of your product. Single-walled boxes are suitable for lightweight smaller and non-fragile items, while double and triple-walled cardboard boxes are better for heavier products. The size of the box should also be big enough to accommodate the entirety of the item being packed and ensure no stress on the seams or occurrence of perforations that would compromise the structural integrity of the box.

Fill the cardboard box empty space

It is important to keep items stable when packed inside a cardboard box. They should not be free to rattle around inside. Since many items are not box-shaped, it means that there is likely to be void space left. This should be filled with packing material that will help keep the item stabilized in the box. You can use filler and cushioning materials like packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and old newspaper to help fill these voids. Remember to keep the item as centered as possible in the box and pad the bottom of the box with some additional cushioning material for added protection.

Wrap individually

If you are packing a box with several items, ensure that each item is individually wrapped before placing them inside the box. Materials like bubble wrap and newspaper can be used for this purpose. They will help provide additional cushioning and prevent the items from colliding with each other while in transit and causing damage.

Cardboard box proper sealing

Once your items have been well packed inside the box, you also need to ensure that it is well secured from the outside. Using the H-taping method is a clever way to reinforce the edges and seams of your box, boosting the chances that it will hold its shape throughout the transport.

Merits to Securing Packing Boxes

There are unusual ways by which packing boxes can be secured, both internally and externally. Internally, items will often be packed using wrapping paper, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and inserts to ensure the items remain stable and secure while being shipped. Externally, the edges and openings of the boxes can be reinforced using packing tape to ensure the box retains its shape and the contents do not burst out.
Any business that ships products need to train its employees on how to properly and securely pack and seal boxes. Here is why it is worth going this extra mile.

Cost savings on boxes for packing

When boxes for packing goods are not secured, it can cost the business a sizable amount. This is because there is an increased risk of the merchandise being damaged while in transit. The onus is typically on the seller to ensure safe transit and if the goods are damaged before they arrive at the destination, make a suitable replacement, or provide a refund. If a replacement is being made there is also the additional cost of transport. This can cause a sizable dent in a company’s profits.

Protecting reputation with packing boxes

Financial damage can also come by way of reputation. People are inclined to share shocking news faster. If you have many clients that are receiving damaged merchandise, they will spread this information by word of mouth and online reviews. This can negatively affect marketing efforts as many consumers will look up information on products online or ask family and friends for recommendations. With negative publicity, a business can lose a lot of potential sales and have its bottom line suffer.

Safer handling of packing boxes

We have seen many videos of shippers mishandling packages when making deliveries. Sometimes their actions are deliberate, while in other cases it is a case of poor packaging. If a pallet has been poorly secured or a box lacks a way for the handler to safely carry it, accidents can easily happen that would cause damage or shipping delays. It is important when carrying out packaging design that you consider what features can be incorporated that will make delivery of the items safer. For instance, some desktop computer manufacturers have boxes for packing that come with handles that make it easier to keep hold of the merchandise during shipping.

Insuring your packing boxes

Many businesses that engage in e-commerce will take up insurance cover to protect themselves against financial losses that can arise from damage to merchandise while in transit. However, to qualify for compensation, they may be required to prove it was properly packed. Such businesses need to develop a packing methodology that ensures a suitable choice of packaging materials and their assembly before shipments are sent out.

Enhance Your Branding with Custom Labels

Custom labels are an easily affordable tool that such businesses can use to help their products stand out in the market. They can be used to enhance the brand’s marketing, branding, and advertising efforts. They are also easily customizable to suit whatever product and complement whatever branding you already have. Here are some helpful tips you should apply when adopting them for your business.

Simple custom labels

While custom printed labels can be customized in many ways including size, shape, color, and texture, this is one of those situations where less is more. When designing your label, you need to ensure that you create a captivating design that will draw the eye of the observer. While you can technically use all the colors of the rainbow and then some, you do not want to create clutter or confusion. Keep the design nice and simple, something that will complement your branding and contain bite-sized information that a reader will be able to quickly read briefly.

Stick to your brand identity

When choosing the colors that will appear on your custom printed labels, ensure that they complement your existing branding. The color scheme should easily be identifiable with your business. You will find that people often pick items off shelves immediately because they know the brand colors of the products they usually buy. The rule of thumb is to use no more than three distinct colors on a label to avoid confusion.

Custom labels materials

Depending on your product and the conditions it will be exposed to, you need to ensure you choose the right material. For instance, if you sell a product that requires refrigeration, you will need waterproof material. Paper would not be ideal as it will absorb moisture and the ink will bleed out. Vinyl may be a better choice because it is waterproof, durable, and fade resistant.

Find a suitable printer

The quality of your custom labels will often depend on the quality of the printer you use. There are a variety of excellent quality printers at various price points to choose from. Do the research and you will find a viable choice that will fit your budget. Ensure that you research not just the cost of the printer, but also the ongoing cost of using it to produce your labels.

Test your custom printed label

Relying on your own opinion about a label can be problematic. It is advisable to test out your labels and seek feedback from multiple people before settling on a final design and beginning production. From color to font size, there are many considerations. Try to keep your design options simple and have several people rate and review them.

Gift Box Ideas That Will Impress

A gift box is a special type of packaging that is often as specially considered as the gift itself. When it comes to gift giving, the recipients will often take as much delight in the unboxing experience as they will in the gift itself. These boxes are designed to be unique and to impress. Here are a few helpful ideas that small businesses can offer to help make their offerings more appealing to shoppers.

Gift box that matches the season

When designing gift boxes, it is ideal to have a theme to them, so they better match the occasion. You can have birthday-themed boxes that incorporate imagery like birthday cakes, candles, and balloons. You should also stock up on gift boxes that mark special times of the year, like Christmas, Easter, and New Year’s. Depending on what part of the world you are in or the local culture, ensure that you make note of gift-giving holidays and stock up on boxes that adhere to the theme.

Target the product with a custom gift box

Some products are more inclined to end up as specially presented gifts than others. If you sell high-end and customizable items like jewelry, chances are there is a sizable segment of your clientele that will want items that are specially packaged in gift boxes, like engagement rings and watches. Ensure that you create beautiful box designs that would suit this demand.

Gift card or note vs custom gift box

Personally presenting a gift is not always possible. However, even so, it can help to have a gift card or note included in or on the packaging to convey a special message to the recipient of the custom gift box. Having the message handwritten is ideal. However, if not possible, using an attractive font or calligraphy can also impress. It makes the gift seem more personal and thoughtful.

Classic Bow and gift box

Even with a beautifully designed gift box, there is an added allure when you include a classic bow on top. This is a beloved tradition in gift-giving that often delights the recipient and builds anticipation for the unboxing experience. Where it might not be possible to attach a physical bow on top, due to shipping challenges, even incorporating the image on an external design can add that special touch.

Brown paper packaging for a custom gift box

Though deceptively simple, you may find that wrapping your custom gift box in brown paper packaging and a ribbon or twine bow will do much to build anticipation. This is another rustic way in which gifts have long been beautifully presented, especially during the holidays. Unwrapping this to reveal the even more exceptional design beneath will make for a delightful experience.

The Benefits of Shipping Bags

When people think of packaging for shipments, shipping bags are rarely the first to come to mind. Businesses are typically known for making use of cardboard boxes and paper envelopes to fulfill their packaging needs. These bags are, however, a worthy addition to the repertoire of any eCommerce business. Here is why you should include them in your shipping materials.

Shipping bags are affordable

Shipping bags are easily affordable. More so than cardboard boxes. They are very lightweight and space-saving meaning that you get to save even more when it comes to shipping costs to clients. With lower costs on your packaging materials and shipping costs, businesses can enjoy even greater margins on their sales. And just like with cardboard boxes, if you order them from a supplier in bulk, you can get discounts. Given their simple flattened design, you should not have a problem finding storage space for these materials.

Customization

You can have a packaging supplier customize these bags with your brand colors, messages, logos, and more. This will help to boost your marketing and branding efforts. It will also help build recognition amongst your clients when they see custom bags in your brand colors. It can make for great anticipation and a more enjoyable unboxing experience.

Shipping bags protection

These bags are usually used for small, hardy, and flexible items that do not require extra protection. However, if some level of protection is needed, they can easily be reinforced by wrapping the item in bubble wrap before placing it in the bag. However, it is best to stick to using them for small items that do not require that added protection. Larger items should be shipped in more suitable options like corrugated boxes.

Quick packing

The bags typically come with a self-sealing fold-over lip. You do not require shipping tape or any other adhesive to seal them. This makes packing them faster and more secure. The material that these bags are made from is easy to fix a label on as well. This makes it easier to prepare for shipping. Just slip the product in, seal, slap on a label, and you are good to go.

Eco-friendly

These bags can be made from biodegradable and recyclable materials. This makes them Eco-friendly and suited to brands and businesses that espouse Eco-conscious values. They are a fantastic way to reduce the introduction of harmful waste into the environment and hold strong appeal for consumers that prefer patronizing brands that demonstrate care for nature. Be sure to consult with your packaging supplier to ensure they can provide you with bags made from recyclable and biodegradable materials.

Five Tips to Revamp Eco-friendly Packaging

Eco-Friendly Packaging, Eco Friendly Custom Boxes
Businesses have become more aware of the need to opt for Eco-friendly packaging that will help to better conserve the environment and allow customers to choose to support brands that are doing their best to do the same. They will carefully consider the design of their packaging to ensure an optimal amount of material to support the weight of their products, offers a snug fit, and can be recycled. Here are a few more ways such businesses can do more to be environmentally conscious.

#1. Eco-friendly boxes bulk order

When ordering Eco friendly boxes, especially from a manufacturer that may be located far away, it is smart to order in bulk. Keep in mind that a vehicle or even multiple transport options may be used to deliver your order of packaging to your premises. This means some level of pollution occurs along the way. You can minimize this impact by ordering your packaging less often and in bulk. Choosing a local box manufacturer can also help to reduce this impact.

#2. Eco-friendly packaging discounts

If your business accommodates bulk orders from customers, then it may be an innovative idea to encourage this through discounts. Applying the same principle as above will allow you to deliver your products to your customers with less environmental impact. Also, discount offers do help to stimulate sales that are good for business.

#3. Eco-friendly packaging returns

While using less material to make your Eco-friendly boxes can be good, you should never do so at the expense of safety. Ensure that the box design you apply will ensure the products arrive at their destination in a safe condition. The better secured your products are, the less likely returns will happen that would require more shipping and thus more pollution.

#4. Recycle Eco-friendly packaging

Eco-friendly packaging can be made using virgin wood pulp or recycled cardboard. Wood pulp comes from trees. Opting for recycled cardboard means you will be utilizing an Eco-friendlier material to create new boxes. This is ideal where you have products that are lightweight as these boxes tend to be weaker than those made of virgin wood pulp.

#5. Eco-Friendly packaging rewards program

Instituting a rewards program can help to encourage your customers to reuse packaging. You can offer them discounts whenever they return packaging so it can be refilled. You will need to invest in reusable packaging and find ways of sharing this information with clients to encourage this Eco-friendly behavior. Many consumers are happy to be provided with the chance to be less wasteful.

Impressing Customers with Carton Packaging

Custom Folding Carton
A carton box is the most widely used type of packaging for shipping. With more consumers opting to shop online, it has become increasingly important to ensure that this packaging is well-received. Many companies will invest the bare minimum to ensure their products get to their destinations safely, but more thought needs to be put into the design to ensure a good unboxing experience. The better an impression you can make with consumers, the more likely they will remember your brand positively and want to make repeat purchases and give glowing reviews and recommendations.

Delightful carton

You can customize a corrugated carton box in a variety of ways to make it more visually appealing. Adding color and imagery is a terrific way to make for a more interesting unboxing experience and delight the recipient. Plain carton boxes are not as enjoyable to open. Chances are the recipient will be even more careful in opening the box so they can keep reusing it, which is good for the environment.

Perfect size carton

When packaging your products, you should ensure the box can comfortably but snugly fit the contents. Too large and will appear wasteful. It will also cost more to ship. Too small and you risk the box coming apart before it has even arrived at its destination. Not to mention the recipient needing to struggle a bit to get the contents out of the box.
If the item you are packaging is an odd shape, make use of filler or an insert to stabilize and protect it within the box. Your customers will be happy to see that what they ordered has been delivered intact and well-secured.
Corrugated carton sturdy design
There are many ways to ensure the box you use is sturdy enough to endure the journey to its destination. If you are shipping heavy items, you may want boxes made from virgin wood pulp. They tend to be stronger than those made from recycled material whose fibers are weakened and shortened by repeated processing. You can also opt for more fluting or laminating the box. There are many ways you can strengthen a box to ensure a sturdier construction that can withstand even the roughest transit journeys.

Secure and seal carton

The last thing you want is for items being shipped to become exposed or even fall out of the box you packed them in. You need to ensure that whatever tape you use will securely seal the box and withstand even rough handling without coming apart. Water-activated tape is considered the best option for sealing shipping boxes.