Online and retail stores are emerging at an overwhelming rate. Competition is sky high, and becoming the top choice of customers in the buzz of brands seems almost impossible.
However, the first impression has always played an important role in making or breaking.
Custom packaging is the most effective and affordable way to attract customers, create brand loyalty, and drive sales.
In this detailed guide, we will discuss:
- Custom Packaging Definition
- Custom Packaging Vs Standard Packaging
- Types of Custom Packaging
- Custom Packaging Materials
- Benefits of Custom Packaging
What is Custom Packaging?
Custom packaging is the type of packaging that is designed and tailored to meet specific requirements of the brand. This includes everything from logo to color and design to size and slogan.
The purpose of custom packaging is to distinguish one product from another and build a deep connection with the customers. It also informs the customers about the product, its specifications, and the related information necessary to use the product.
For instance, a smartwatch packed in a custom box is not only used to display the brand name of the gadget, but also gives instructions on how to use and connect.
Similarly, a box of cereal contains information about the calories, its net weight, and some precautions about whom it is not suitable for.
Custom Packaging Vs Standard (Stock) Packaging: What’s the Difference?
Custom packaging is tailored according to the product’s specification, the brand’s identity, and the target audience. Whereas stock or standard packaging is pre-built with a standard size, no branding elements, and is more affordable than custom packaging boxes.
| Aspect | Custom Packaging | Stock Packaging |
| Design | Fully customized to match brand identity, product dimensions, and marketing goals | Pre-designed, generic shapes and sizes with no brand personalization |
| Branding | Supports logos, brand colors, messaging, and premium finishes | Limited or no branding options available |
| Cost | Higher upfront cost due to customization and setup requirements | More cost-effective and budget-friendly |
| Lead Time | Longer production time because packaging is made to order | Readily available with shorter delivery times |
| Fit and Protection | Tailored fit provides better product protection and reduced material waste | Standard sizes may result in a loose fit or the need for extra fillers |
Types of Custom Packaging Boxes for Small Businesses and E-commerce Stores
Not every packaging box is a one-size-fits-all product. Some are more fragile and require rigid material, while others are lightweight and not damaged due to external factors. In this section, we will briefly discuss the types of custom packaging boxes and their uses.
Custom Rigid Packaging Boxes
The custom rigid packaging boxes are made of thick paperboard, often used to package goods that are fragile and delicate. Some of the common items to store in rigid packaging boxes include electronics, perfumes, luxury items, and cosmetics.
Custom Flexible Packaging
Flexible packaging is a lightweight packaging solution used to package food, snacks, and other consumer items. Flexible packaging normally comes in bag and pouch forms.
Custom Corrugated Packaging
Corrugated packaging boxes contain several wavy layers that help in the long-term storage and shipping of heavy and fragile items without any damage.
Custom Retail Packaging
Custom retail packaging is often displayed on retail shelves, especially at the checkout counter, to engage customers and encourage impulsive buying. Some of the examples include snacks, energy bars, and chewing gum.
Custom Mailer Boxes
Mailer boxes are similar to subscription boxes and are generally used by eCommerce store owners to deliver the package and offer a seamless and memorable unboxing experience.
Custom Eco-friendly/Sustainable Packaging
Eco-Friendly Packaging is widely adopted by brands to attract eco-conscious customers. Generally, eco-friendly packaging is used to package cosmetics, food, and bakery items.
Custom Packaging Materials
Custom packaging boxes without the use of the right material can cost you a hefty loss. Not only does it result in hefty losses, but it also leads to ruining customer experience. In this section, let’s shed some light on different types of packaging materials.
Corrugated Cardboard
Corrugated cardboard is a common packaging material featuring fluted paper sandwiched between lineboards for durability and strength.
Rigid
Rigid boxes are made from thick greyboard, offering a premium and durable feel for luxury items, as seen in the iPhone packaging
Kraft Paper
The rustic and eco-friendly material made of brown paper offers sturdy packaging for cosmetics and food items.
Why is Custom Packaging Important for Small Businesses?
In the digital era, when e-commerce stores are emerging at a rapid pace, the real buzz creator is the uniqueness of the brand. The uniqueness can be offered through the product or packaging. However, as the first point of interaction is the packaging, it is extremely important to take packaging seriously. Here are few of the reasons why custom packaging is important for small businesses.
First Impression is the Last Impression
Why would anyone pick your product from hundreds of other products? It might be due to brand loyalty or the first impression. It is similar to the phrase “a book is judged by its cover”; the same applies to the packaging of the product. First impression and interaction are all it takes to entice customers to buy the product or reject it.
If you are a new entrant in the market, you need to take packaging seriously and make a first impression with your boxes.
Promote and Market Your Business
Packaging is the representation of your brand if designed properly with appropriate branding elements. For instance, your logo, slogan, design, and color are the story of your brand and represent you on the shelves of retail stores.
For instance, a customer walking out of the store with your product packed in a well-designed box will surely attract the people nearby. They will definitely take a moment to ask the name of the brand or memorize it.
Protection and Safety
The primary purpose of any packaging is to provide protection and safety to the product wihtin. If not packaged correctly, it might end up in huge financial losses during shipping and handling. It may also create a bad impression on the customers if the product arrives in damaged condition.
Benefits of Custom Packaging Boxes for Small Businesses
Custom packaging boxes are more than just preserving and securing the product inside. The need for custom packaging in today’s digital era, when competition is fierce, has become more than a necessity; instead of a luxury. In this section, we will shed some light on how small businesses can benefit from custom packaging boxes to stay visible, relevant, and customers’ first preference.
First Point of Interaction
Imagine entering a retail store where hundreds of products are available at first glance. Picking out your favorite product is synonymous with finding a needle in a haystack. However, things get easier if the brand has its own brand identity and utilizes custom packaging to make it distinct from the rest.
Imagine you are selling a skincare product where a large number of giants are competing; the only way to get yourself recognized is by investing in custom packaging boxes.
Protection of Product
Custom packaging boxes are made to fit and adjust the product without leaving any space. From shipping to delivering to the consumers’ homes, the product remains intact and saves a lot of time and money for the company.
When it comes to fragile and delicate items, the risk of damaging goods is much higher during shipping. For instance, electronics, cosmetics, and glass items are vulnerable to breakage during shipping and handling. However, custom add-ons, sizes, and other precautionary measures taken during packaging can save a lot of money.
Custom Packaging is a Means to Satisfaction
The goal of any brand is to provide 100% satisfaction to the customer, without ruining the experience. When it comes to packaging, a lot of brands fail to deliver the product in its original form, resulting in a huge turn-off for the customers.
According to Forbes, 60-80 percent of consumers do not return to the same business if the packaging is not up to the mark.
A book is judged by its cover, and a product is judged by its packaging. Instead of focusing on saving a few bucks, invest a bit higher to ensure better customer satisfaction and intact product delivery.
Enhance Brand Recognition
In the buzz of brands in the digital era, building brand recognition is somewhat challenging. No matter how good the product is, unless the packaging fails to attract customers, the rest of everything is useless.
Small businesses in order to stay competitive and top of customers’ priority must think of investing in enticing packaging. An aesthetic design, a perfect blend of colors, an enticing slogan, and other branding elements act as a marketing tool for your product. It also helps customers to recognize your product and add it to their carts if you have done the work in building customer loyalty.
Customer Experience with Creative Packaging
As discussed earlier, custom packaging for small businesses is the first point of interaction. As soon as the product is delivered to the customer, it could either start with a “wow” or “meh”. The wow factor is only possible if the packaging provides a seamless unboxing experience.
Custom packaging can provide unforgettable memories and leave a long-lasting impression on customers. However, it all comes down to how professionally the box is designed.
Environmental Sustainability
Nowadays, customers are vigilant about eco-friendly materials and prefer buying from brands that are committed to sustainability. By choosing biodegradable and eco-friendly packaging boxes, you can not only attract more customers but also contribute to a greener planet.
Make sure to go for minimalism without sacrificing the quality and aesthetics of boxes. Moreover, make sure to avoid packaging materials such as plastic, tapes, and bubble wraps to avoid increasing the carbon footprint.
Cost Effectiveness
Custom packaging is the best way to optimize the use of material and reduce shipping costs. The products fit into the packaging boxes, which eliminates excess use of material, resulting in less waste. The result is that your material cost is slashed, and your packaging process from warehouse to customers becomes more efficient.
Summing Up
In this post, we have covered some of the basics of custom packaging, such as what it is, how it benefits small businesses, the differences between stock and custom packaging, and much more.
If you are looking for packaging boxes at wholesale prices, Packaging Pyramid is a one-stop solution for all your packaging needs. We strive to deliver custom packaging boxes for small businesses at affordable prices without compromising on quality.
With a dedicated team of designers and packaging experts, your custom packaging boxes are delivered to your doorstep as per your requirements. Choose boxes from various industries, including cosmetics, oil display boxes, food boxes, CBD boxes, and many more. Visit our website now to explore our premium quality packaging boxes or place your order directly at sales@packagingpyramid.com