Packaging is the first interaction between the customer and the brand. With visual elements, bold colors, enhanced functionalities, and premium protection, Packaging Boxes can do wonders in attracting customers.
However, in some cases, they may disappoint customers if not designed and manufactured properly.
A study reveals that 81% of consumers purchased a new product because the packaging caught their eye. Whereas 63% of consumers repurchased a product due to enticing packaging.
In simple words, the impact of packaging is much more than just providing a quality product.
When it comes to packaging for small businesses, cost is the biggest factor that prevents them from creating enticing packaging boxes. But the consequences are quite dreadful as customers don’t pay attention to those boxes with poor design and aesthetics.
For those of you who don’t know, packaging is more than just a box. It helps in creating a unique experience, promotes brand identity, and provides protection to the product. However, a large number of brands often ignore the fundamentals of packaging, resulting in losing customers.
In this post, we are going to discuss some of the top packaging mistakes and how to avoid them in 2026. Without further ado, let’s dive in.
Common Packaging Mistakes and Solutions
Choosing the Wrong Packaging Material
Packaging materials are available in various forms and need to be considered carefully depending on the nature of the product. Some of the most common packaging materials used in making custom printed boxes include:
Kraft paper
- Corrugated cardboard
- Shrink wrap and stretch film
- Plant-based materials
- Bio-based plastics
For instance, if you go for shrink wrap to package glass items or electronics, you may end up breaking the product during shipping and transit. Packaging material matters a lot, and without choosing the correct one, you may end up losing customers and suffering huge financial loss.
Solution: Each category of product requires a specialized type of material to prevent it from damage. For example, food items require packaging that is air-tight and prevents them from any external factors such as air, water, heat, and light. Using the same type of packaging for fragile items will surely do more bad than good.
Ignoring Packaging Design
When it comes to customers, the first thing they notice is the packaging. The reason is that good packaging acts like a brand identity for your product. Imagine yourself walking into a supermarket with hundreds of similar products. Will it be easy for you to find the required product if it is packaged in a stock packaging or something that contains colors, slogans, and logos of the company?
The obvious answer is the latter one. When ordering custom packaging for your business, it is important to consider the high-quality printing of branding elements such as colors, logos, and product information.
Solution: Consumers are overwhelmed with unlimited choices, and without doing something extraordinary in packaging, it would not make any difference. Make sure to research before you order to get well-designed packaging boxes that represent your brand and entice customers.
Unnecessary Use of Packaging Material
Custom packaging is meant not only to help businesses create brand identity, but also to avoid unnecessary use of packaging material. A well-optimized packaging box produces little to no waste, and it can only be done if you outsource the order to a reliable and top packaging company.
The unnecessary use of packaging material without any purpose results in excessive waste, an increase in carbon footprint, and promotes a hazardous environment.
Solution: The packaging boxes for small businesses should be well optimized and serve the purpose without incurring loss to the product. Moreover, manufacturing appropriately-sized and shaped packaging boxes prevents the unnecessary use of material.
Packaging Fails to Secure Product
The primary purpose of packaging is to prevent the product from any damage. Whether it be stock packaging or custom packaging, it fails to protect from wear and tear, shipping and handling, and other environmental factors.
The packaging of the product is dependent on packaging material and other packaging extras, such as bubble wraps, etc, to give an extra layer of protection. Make sure to consult with a custom packaging box manufacturer for assistance.
Solution: If you are unsure about what type of packaging suits your product and provides enough protection, make sure to try the samples out. You can also see other products on the market to find the best packaging that offers protection.
Inaccurate Measurement
Custom packaging means to properly measure the shape, size, and dimensions of the product and make the boxes accordingly. Without taking an accurate measurement, the product is prone to damage during shipping and handling.
Another reason to tailor the Custom Boxes into the right shape, size, and dimension is to provide a seamless and memorable unboxing experience. If you are unaware of how to take the accurate size, you can either consult your packaging company or watch online videos to get an idea.
Solution: Custom packaging boxes without proper measurement will cost you hefty money. To avoid such losses, make sure to take the measurements accurately or send it to the packaging company to measure for you.
Typography is Difficult to Read
The size and shape of the packaging matter, along with branding elements. But one thing that is often ignored in the process is the use of the right typography. When it comes to buying decisions, the text on the packaging plays an important role.
For instance, a pack of cereal for a person who is on a weight loss spree might be interested in knowing about the calories per 100 grams, ingredients, and other useful information. Moreover, the typography should not be so large that it looks odd and nor too small that it becomes difficult to read.
Solution: The text size and color should perfectly blend with the packaging box and branding elements. Moreover, the text should not be overloaded, and the box must contain only the important information as per devised by ISO standards.
Eco-friendliness is Missing
If you are new to the business, you may not be in a position to decide what type of material to use. Presentation plays an important role, undoubtedly, but the key element in capturing the attention of the masses is to consider the eco-friendly aspect in mind. Plastic and other hazardous materials may look appropriate for the time being, but in the long run, your brand’s image tarnishes as most of the rivals choose eco-friendly, sustainable, and recyclable materials.
Solution: Custom packaging box manufacturers are available in abundance. Before placing the order, you must ensure that it strives to provide only an eco-friendly packaging solution without any compromise. If not, make sure to choose another one.
Ignoring Regulatory Compliance
The best way to entice customers is to make sure that the box is well-designed and offer a memorable unboxing experience. However, the standard practices and laws devised by the government should not be put aside. Otherwise, it would result in hefty fines and other legal matters.
Solution: Ask your packaging box manufacturer to provide the appropriate certificate allowing them to manufacture packaging boxes. Moreover, they should also provide a sample of the packaging box to help you figure out whether the standards are met or not
Complicated Unboxing Experience
Unboxing experience is the new trend that provides the reason for others to buy your product. For instance, if the unboxing is complicated and the video is shared on social media by influencers, your product may not get as much traction as it might have if the unboxing experience is memorable.
Solution: The unboxing experience should be such that customers can smoothly unbox the packaging and take the product out without any extra effort. Make sure to test a sample from your packaging company before ordering in bulk.
Overloading Packaging With Information or Graphics
Some brands might think of adding extra graphics, unnecessary additions of elements, and overloading with product information. All of these result in nothing more than rejection from customers right after they take the first glance.
Solution: Avoid too much information, use minimal design, and print only graphics that are appropriate.
Not Testing Packaging Before Full Production
One of the reasons small businesses suffer a huge loss in the beginning is when they do not test the packaging box. Requesting test boxes from the packaging company gives you an idea of how your packaging box will look and whether it is appropriate for your product or not.
Solution: To avoid hefty losses, especially as a startup, you need to check the packaging and, if required, request changes from the company to avoid financial losses.
Ignoring Customer Feedback
When your product is ready to display on the shelves for sale, the time is right to collect customers’ feedback. Make sure to look for unboxing videos from different customers, check reviews on social media, and take a close look at brand mentions. If you are serious about your business and want to gain maximum traction from customers, don’t ignore the customer’s word of mouth.
Solution: For better response about the product and its packaging, there is no better way than social channels, videos, and forums. A lot of customers may find your product satisfactory, but the unboxing or packaging might be a huge turn-off for them due to some damage or inconvenience when unboxing.
Where to Buy Custom Packaging Boxes for Small Businesses?
Whether you are just starting a new business or revamping your packaging boxes, the need for a top packaging company is a must. Worry not, Packaging Pyramid is here to help you out at every stage. From initial concept to design, development, and delivery, our dedicated team strives to serve the optimal packaging solution.
Some of the reasons to buy custom printed boxes for small businesses include:
- Wholesale prices on bulk orders
- Premium packaging material
- State-of-the-art printing techniques
- Add-ons and finishing options provided to enhance packaging
- No minimum order required
- Get free shipping on all orders with no minimum
- Dedicated support around the clock
What are you waiting for? Place your order now by talking to our sales representative at sales@packagingpyramid.com. We are ready to serve you with a premium packaging solution appropriate for your business.