Packaging is more than just cardboard and plastic. It’s your customer’s first experience with your brand. Inadequate and generic packaging can be very detrimental to your company’s image if it leads to damaged products and fails to appeal to your customers. With custom packaging, you can make a positive impact, improve your reputation and stand out from your competitors.
If you’re a business in need of custom packaging, you must already know it takes longer to receive than something you can buy readymade. Have you thought of the different factors to achieve successful results before placing an order?
There are 5 factors you must consider such as:
- Packaging Type
- Printing & Finishing Options
- Quantity
- Dimensions
- Lead Time
Packaging Types
With many options to choose from, it’s important to select packaging which would be the ideal match for your products.
To put it simply, there are two categories you can choose from: boxes and bags.
If you’re looking for a box, you can choose between a folding carton, corrugated box and rigid box. Likewise, if you’re considering bags, you can choose between Kraft paper, white cardboard and reusable options.
Cost-effectiveness is an important factor – people tend to lean towards Kraft paper bags and corrugated boxes. However, at the same time it’s important to consider the purpose of your packaging.
For example, are you looking for packaging that can be used to hold gifts? In that case, white cardboard bags or rigid boxes are excellent choices because they both provide a refined look. They’re ideal for luxurious brands and to package gift sets.
Will your products go through an extensive distribution channel and require extra protection?
Corrugated boxes are made of thick paper with air columns inside which increases the strength of the material, making it more durable than the average cardboard. The air also acts as a cushion for the contents of the box. As a result, they’re perfect for protection.
Lastly, are you looking to reinforce a greener brand through custom packaging? Corrugated boxes, folding cartons and Kraft paper bags are recyclable; however you can take it a step further when you opt for reusable bags.
Reusable bags are primarily made from non-woven polypropylene (technically plastic), but there are specialty options such as cotton, hemp, and bamboo that can be customized.
Overall, all packaging options can be further customized with accessories, and the addition of custom inserts.
Printing and Finishing Options
In addition to selecting a type of packaging, it’s good to consider the various printing and finishing options available before placing an order.
There are 5 main types of printing techniques that are used in the packaging industry. They include;
- Offset Lithography Printing: the most prominent technique in packaging today due to its versatility in printing and high image quality. However, it’s not feasible for low volume projects.
- Flexography: very versatile because it is compatible with a variety of print surfaces. Examples include corrugated paper, folding cartons, paper sacks, plastic bags, and food wrappers. In comparison to offset, print quality is lower.
- Digital Printing (Inkjet Printing): a very popular option due to its precision and efficiency. It’s perfect for all business sizes, but does not offer many coating or colour options.
- Rotogravure: Ideal for printing magazines and newspapers.
- Silkscreen Printing: Reusable bags use this technique because it offers long lasting results, but can be a time-consuming process.
Printing techniques can directly impact how your final package looks and can limit colour options.
There are 2 types of printing options available: 1 colour and multi colour logo print.
Multi colour logo print is more expensive than 1 colour logo print but can substantially improve the appearance of a box or bag.
In addition to printing options, consider adding a custom finishing, such as:
- Lamination: glossy, matte or soft touch
- Oil Varnish: looks very similar to glossy lamination, however is 100% recyclable
- Spot UV: adds an overall depth and unique look to the final package
- Embossing/Debossing: results in either raised or recessed images and designs on paper materials.
Quantity
Quantity of packaging units can have a major impact over costs. In this case, it’s important to think of your current usage to forecast the quantity you demand.
Most suppliers have a minimum order requirement such as 1,000 units. This may seem like a lot especially if you’re a small business and consume as low as 200 boxes or bags a month.
However, ordering in bulk is actually more cost-effective in the long run because you are able to save time and additional shipping costs. As a result, it’s good to consider how often you plan on ordering packaging as well. It is also worth noting that the more units you order at once, the cheaper each unit will be.
With that being said, if you’re currently only consuming about 200 units a month, when you purchase in bulk for 1000 units, you’re actually covered for 5 months. During this time, you don’t have to worry about any shortages and can save a lot of in tracking your order and monthly delivery fees.
Dimensions
By using custom packaging, you don’t have to worry about fitting your products in a box. Your packaging units are designed specifically to suit your items, and our custom packaging specialists can actually help you measure everything. However, it’s important to have a general idea of how big you need your packaging units to be.
Of course, dielines are always adjustable as per customer requirements before going into production. However, there is not much that we can do once all details are approved. Unsure of how to get proper measurements for your packaging units? Click here to get more information on this topic!
Lead Time
Lead time to receive your order can vary on the time of year, and depends on how long it takes to process.
When it comes to custom packaging, customer satisfaction is a high priority. We want to ensure that you’re content with the artwork, materials, dimensions and any samples we provide.
Moreover, shipping time can vary due to slower business activity during holidays.
It’s always good to place an order 3-4 months before expected arrival date to account for production, overseas shipping, customs clearance and local deliveries made by third-party logistics companies.
Ordering in advance can also ensure that your products can successfully arrive in time for the holidays.
Be sure to stay tuned for our blog post on holiday shipping schedules!
Next Steps
Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the 5 key components, you can easily place an order for custom packaging!
If you have questions, concerns and would like additional information, you can always reach out to us!
Our design specialists have been providing custom packaging solutions for the past 14 years and will happily assist you in ensuring all 5 pieces of information are covered before placing any order. We can suggest additional packaging options, finishes, and accessories that will not only accentuate your brand and meet your product requirements, but will keep your wallet happy as well!
Contact us today for your free consultation!
It sure was helpful when you said that you won’t have to worry about packaging fitting your products when you consider custom packaging. This is a nice tip for business owners that need to find a way to make their products look as appealing as possible. I could imagine how the right custom wholesale packaging could benefit a business.
Thank you! We believe custom packaging is a great asset to any business. All of our packaging is custom-made to whatever specifications you need, so everything will always be the perfect fit!