As a small or medium-sized business owner, you know that every dollar counts. You also know that impactful custom packaging is crucial for branding, customer experience, and standing out in a crowded market. While we will always advocate for custom packaging off the bat, we understand that it just may not be feasible for everyone, and low cost options are a necessity. The good news? You don’t have to break the bank to create packaging that wows!
In this guide, we’ll share some tried and true tips for achieving effective, low cost custom packaging solutions that elevate your brand without draining your budget. It’s all about smart choices and clever combinations.
Tip #1 – Embrace the Power of Plain + Personalised Touches
One of the best ways to achieve a low cost custom look is to start with plain, readily available packaging and add your unique flair. This avoids the higher printing setup costs of fully customised runs.
- Plain Kraft Paper Bags + Custom Stickers – instead of getting fully custom-printed paper bags (which often have a higher MOQ and per-unit costs), opt for simple, unprinted Kraft paper bags. Then, design eye-catching stickers or labels with your logo, brand colours, and a small message.These stickers can be applied by hand, giving you a custom, rustic look at a significantly low cost per bag. You can ever order different sticker designs for seasonal promotions!
- Plain Corrugated Boxes + Custom Stamps or Tape – similar to the example above, when it comes to shipping boxes, opt for standard brown or white corrugated boxes. Elevate them with a custom rubber stamp of your logo and brand message, or even get custom-printed packing tape. Both options add professionalism and branding, often for a much lower cost than full box printing, especially for smaller batches
Furthermore, the inside of your package matters just as much as the outside. But you don’t need expensive custom-molded inserts to protect your product and create a great unboxing experience.
- Crinkle Paper or Shredded Kraft Paper – instead of custom foam inserts, use shredded Kraft paper or crinkle paper in our brand’s colours (or a natural tone). This provides excellent cushioning and a pleasant visual texture at a very low cost
- Simple Tissue Paper + Ribbon/Twine – a sheet of plain tissue paper (perhaps in one of your brand’s accent colours) wrapped around your product, tied with a simple piece of natural twine or a narrow ribbon can go a long way. Both of these options provide an elegant and thoughtful look without the high price tag of branded tissue paper or ribbon
Tip #2 – Key Branding Elements
You don’t need to brand every square inch of your packaging and accessories. Focus your efforts on the elements that make the biggest impact.
- Logo Visibility – first and foremost, your logo needs to be prominently displayed where it will be seen first
- Consistent Colour Palette – even with plain materials, sticking to your brand’s core colour palette for stickers, ink, or fillers, can create a cohesive and professional look. A simple black ink on natural Kraft can be incredibly chic and low cost
- Focus on One of Two “WOW” Elements – instead of trying to customise everything, pick one or two elements to really shine. Maybe it’s a beautifully designed product label, or a stunning thank you card insert
Tip #3 – Optimise for Size and Weight for Low Cost Shipping
This tip impacts both packaging and shipping costs – which can be a huge part of your overall expenditure.
- Fit is King – avoid using oversized boxes or bags. Packaging that’s too large means you’re paying for unnecessary material and often higher shipping rates due to the dimensional weight. If you have a variety of products, it’s best to invest in a couple different sizes rather than one huge size that could risk damaging the products during shipment
- Lightweight Materials – opt for lightweight yet durable materials like thin corrugated cardboard or poly mailers (for non-fragile items). Less weight equals lower cost shipping!
Tip #4 – Plan Ahead and Partner Wisely
Strategic planning and the right partner can unlock significant savings.
- Order in Smart Quantities – while it’s tempting to order very small quantities more often, you may be wasting money. Per-unit prices often drop significantly at higher volumes. Calculate your usage and try to order a quantity that balances upfront spend with long-term savings (PSST! This is something our team can do for you!)
- Consider Digital Printing for Smaller Runs – for smaller quantities of custom printed items, digital printing can be a more low cost option than traditional offset printing. We would only advise that you opt for digital print if your design is very simple.
- Consult with Experts – who, us? A reputable packaging supplier understands how to achieve a premium look on a budget. They can advise on material choices, printing techniques, and smart design compromises to ensure you get the most bang for your buck.
Custom Packaging Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank!
Creating custom packaging that capture attention and elevates your brand doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavour. By implementing these low cost tips, you can make a huge impact on a budget.
At LeKAC, we understand the unique needs of growing businesses. We’re passionate about helping you find the most cost-effective solutions that align with your brand vision and budget. From advising on material choices o helping with your design, we’re here to guide you.
Ready to explore smart, low cost custom packaging options for your products? Contact LeKAC today for a free consultation. Let’s craft packaging that makes a big impression, not a big dent in your wallet!
