Packaging is one of the most important aspects of a business. Product packaging can make or mar a business, depending on how the consumers receive it. In most cases, there’s no preset blueprint for packaging; the choice falls to the brand, its resources, and how effectively those resources are allocated.
For an excellent packaging workflow, a brand needs to understand the different options available to them as well as the different elements involved in packaging management. An in-depth understanding of these elements can help select the right combinations to deliver excellent packaging outcomes. Below, we discuss the key elements of packaging.
Outer Box
Product packaging begins inside, but the consumer sees the exterior first. This means that the perfect outer box must appeal to the customer and offer maximum protection to their product. The standard outer box is usually a corrugated box made from multiple layers of cardboard. This standard packaging has proven effective in protecting products from shipping hazards while ensuring that customers get their orders in one piece.
For smaller yet fragile products, businesses may consider a foldable box; otherwise, they can consider polyethylene bags. Polyethylene bags often require the right mix of creative branding to ensure a catchy and pleasant reception from the consumer.
Container
The container is the box, container, or packaging in which your product is housed. Unlike the outer box, which may present a generic outlook, containers are a step closer to the product and require the right branding for a perfect delivery.
Containers can be smaller boxes for fragile items, or they can be polyethylene bags for non-fragile products. In most cases, businesses can skip on this for less fragile items to save money.
Filler
Fillers, as the name suggests, are an important part of the product packaging process, especially for fragile and expensive products. The fillers keep the container safe and in place inside the outer box.
Common fillers often used include bubble wraps and air pillows. These two options are cost-effective and readily available to business owners looking to safeguard their products and prevent shipping or logistics damages.
Smaller items requiring smaller outer boxes and containers can take advantage of tissue or packaging paper. These are relatively small, inexpensive, and perfect for cushioning logistics effects on smaller products.
Stickers and Sleeves
Product containers are a great way to market your product and brand to others. In most cases, customers keep product packaging for subsequent use, thus prolonging the advertising potential of the container. Ensure to use clearly designed stickers and sleeves with important business information on each container.
Cost-wise, stickers and sleeves are inexpensive and generally have a low minimum order, especially as they’re only valuable for container-packed products. You can effectively skip this step if your product isn’t fragile or does not require a container.
Tape
Keeping the boxes closed, protected, and intact adds credibility to your product packaging. The use of clear packaging tape has become a standard in the industry. However, depending on your brand and packaging goals, you can choose from the other available tape options and dispensers on the market.
For instance, some brands use reinforced paper tapes to seal products. The option is simple, cost-effective, attractive, and effective. Business owners can also add their logos on the tape to increase brand awareness and improve marketing. Printing your logo on such tapes can cost you a few extra dollars; however, it may be essential for converting one-time customers into regular buyers.
Receipts
Receipts are an important part of the product packaging sequence. They are a certificate of product ownership and are often kept for years to come. Most customers carefully go through their product receipts to ensure the details on it, from the customer name to product name and price, are accurate.
Your receipt or product insert is a good way to further convince your customer that they made a perfect choice choosing your product/brand. You can consider including product pictures, a call to action to inspire subsequent purchases, discount and product price breakdown, and others.
Receipts and inserts can also be used for effective marketing by introducing discount codes. You can make the entire experience more personal by inserting a personalized note, especially for personalized gift items.
Having considered the basic elements of packaging management, you should also know the common problems that could affect your product packaging and branding success. They include;
- Fabrication errors that lead to false advertising and product misrepresentation
- Difficulty opening product packaging
- Similar designs to competitors
- Product packaging errors in the form of copy errors, design errors, errors on receipts, etc.