Many businesses put a lot of time and effort into designing and creating their products. But thinking about how these products are going to be packaged and presented to the outside world is almost just as important. Here are some eye catching ideas for packaging up products, as well as tips on how to make sure they stand out to future customers.
Product packaging is important for many reasons. Functionality is key; if your product is not adequately protected by its packaging, then it is basically useless. If labels with bar codes and product information become detached easily, this can become a problem at the check-out stage in traditional stores. Next in line after the functionality of packaging is the marketing angle. How will your product’s packaging stand out to consumers enough that they want to buy the product? What’s more, trends in packaging change all the time, and many business owners want to keep on top of these to remain at the cutting edge.
Together, all of these aspects mean product success. Here are the key things to think about when it comes to packaging a product to lead to sales and prosperity.
Think of the Practicalities
First and foremost, product packaging must do a good job of keeping a product secure and undamaged. This is its number one priority. If a product arrives at its destination in less than perfect condition, it will likely be returned or simply not used.
In order to make sure products are well protected, materials such as bubble wrap and packing peanuts can be used inside boxes. It’s also important that the exterior of the packaging is strong enough to withstand being dropped or thrown around.
For example, many electronic items come in cardboard boxes that have an extra layer of protection on the inside. This is often a thin layer of Styrofoam that helps to keep the product in place and stops it from moving around too much during transit.
Labels are very important too. Ensure you use product stickers that are not so sticky that they cannot be removed easily by consumers, but that do not detach easily either. Heavy duty labels are worth investing in to strike the right balance.
Make It Eye-Catching
If you want customers to actually pick up and buy your product, then you need to make sure that it looks appealing. This means that the packaging needs to be designed in an eye-catching way.
One way to do this is by using bright colours. This will make the product stand out on a shelf full of items with more muted tones. Another way to make products more visually appealing is by using interesting shapes and patterns.
For example, many food and beverage companies use packaging that is in the shape of their logo. This makes the product instantly recognizable and also gives it a more premium feel.
Consider Branding
Another important aspect to think about when it comes to product packaging is branding. This can be anything from using a certain colour scheme to having a specific typeface on the labels.
The goal of branding is to make a product feel like it is part of a larger whole. This will make customers more likely to return and buy other products in the future.
One way to achieve this is by using consistent packaging for all products in a range. This gives customers a sense of familiarity and makes it easy for them to identify your products.
It’s also important to make sure that the branding on the packaging is in line with the overall image of the company. For example, if a company is trying to project a more environmentally friendly image, then using sustainable materials for packaging would be a good idea.
Use High-Quality Materials
It’s important to use high-quality materials for product packaging. This will make the products feel more valuable and give them a higher perceived quality. It’s often worth it even if you end up spending a little more money on these materials. This is because using lower quality materials can make a product look cheap and unprofessional.
For example, if you are selling a luxury item, then using cardboard packaging with a matte finish will make it feel more decadent and appealing. Another way to achieve a more expensive look is by using thick paper or cardboard for instructions or invoices. Another option is to use glass or metal containers instead of plastic.
It’s also worth considering the packaging from a recyclability standpoint. Many consumers are now looking for products that come in packaging that can be easily recycled or reused. By using high-quality recyclable materials, you can show that you care about the environment and also make it easy for customers to do their part in reducing waste.
Find an Extra Flourish
If you want to give your products a little extra wow factor, think of some innovative extras for your packaging. Bows and ribbons could be one option, but also consider more original ideas, such as including a one-of-a-kind postcard or a small piece of art with each purchase. This will add a personal touch that customers will appreciate.
If you sell food items, consider packaging them in creative ways. For example, you could use fun shaped cookie cutters to package up baked goods. Or, if you sell candy, you could use glass bottles with decorative cork stoppers. Consumers with eco-values will enjoy things like this for their possibilities for re-use too.