Why Custom Packaging Matters More Than You Think
Packaging is more than just a container, it’s the first physical touch point with your brand for your customer.
What Your Box Says Before You Do
The Power of the written word.
With a plain and simple box, one can send a message, but may not be the intended one. Custom Product boxes are a way to convey a brand’s message beyond just the product, they convey the overall product experience.
But more than just a perception, this matters more for smaller brands seeking to build brand trust with prospective customers.
Busting the Myth: “Custom Packaging Is Too Expensive”
Some of the common misconceptions about custom packaging is that it is just used by luxury brands. The truth is that custom packaging doesn’t always cost a lot, as it depends on the material that you use, number of orders and how complex the design is.
Once you grasp the significant factor that actually makes the big difference in price, you have lots of ways to go cheap.
What Actually Drives Custom Packaging Costs?
There are a number of factors that will determine the final cost of the custom box, and if you know what these factors are, you can make smarter choices, rather than guessing.
| Cost Factor | Its impact it will have on the product prices. |
| Material | The Kraft and standard cardboard boxes are the less expensive boxes produced when compared to the rigid or specialty stock boxes. |
| Size and Design | Simple architecture will cost less than more complex buildings or superfluous large buildings. |
| Printing Method | The cost of digital prints are lower per unit than offset for small runs and lower per unit than offset for larger runs. |
| Order Quantity | The more units that are requested, the better the price per unit will be. |
| Finishes | There is an extra cost associated with overlays like foil, embossing and spot UV. |
Material: Where Your Budget Starts
There are just two basic materials that can be used for packaging: kraft and standard cardboard. Kraft is the cheaper of the two materials, and is the least expensive to produce.
- Corrugated material: No stock is needed to achieve shipping strength properties.
- Rigid or specialty board: A better quality board that will be premium-priced.
Size and Shape: Simple vs. Complex
If the design is folded and/or special types, the box cutting design will be more expensive than the normal regular box cutting design. It’s possible to have a focus on straightforward shapes which will not break the bank, but won’t take away from professional look.
Digital or Offset: Which Prints Cheaper?
Digital printing has a lower initial investment, is good for fine detail designs and small quantities, and since there is no plate set up, it is an ideal solution. The more printing you require, the more economical it is with offset printing.
Order Size: Bigger Batch, Lower Cost
The more the better and the cheaper the price will be per box. It has been lowered, but if the company is not ready to get these large amounts, it is also possible to customize the package.
Finishes That Add Cost
- The embossing and foiling is a luxurious touch.
- Spot UV is a shiny “high-ish” logo or word finish.
- It is less costly than the “gloss” lamination, it’s available in matte or gloss and it is looking polished.
- So soft touch lips, luxurious look at an affordable price.
Packaging on a Startup Budget? Here’s What Works
For smaller businesses, the price of custom packaging is lower than they realize.
Low MOQs: Test Without the Risk
Low MOQs aid startups to not have to order thousands of products and get custom packaging. This makes it possible that you are able to try a new product or design without making a significant investment initially.
Keep It Simple: Tuck End Boxes Done Right
Brands on a budget should start with tuck end boxes, and they check a lot of boxes for a new company that’s looking to have a low cost of operation.
- Easy to manufacture, hence low manufacturing cost
- Can be easily printed to ensure the branding is clear
- When a customer comes home from the store the experience of unboxing is as intuitive as it can be because it is so familiar to our customers.
- Available in most sizes and types of products.
Scale Up, Costs Go Down
The bigger the scale the cheaper the cost.
The more that you order, of course, the more you will save per unit. If the design is successful, many small businesses will follow suit and start doing a lot of the same, adding the bulk pricing.
Scaling Up? Here’s How to Keep Packaging Smart
Larger and established companies have to deal with a different issue: a premium brand image that can be balanced with efficient financial outlay.
Premium Look, Reasonable Price
Rigid boxes look luxurious, this is something that many new brands wish for. These are more costly than regular cardboard, but can be used wisely and the more they are used in flagship products or gift sets, the less of an impact they will have on the price.
Order Big, Save Per Unit
If your business has a consistent demand, bigger orders can certainly ensure that your cost per unit decreases. It also helps to ensure consistency, making packaging not a constraint as orders increase.
Branding That Doesn’t Break the Bank
This is that brand which doesn’t break the bank.
The idea of custom boxes With Logo having printing has not been that they should be done in an over-the-top fashion for everyone.
- A good Logo, when placed in good brand colours, is powerful enough to stand on its own.
- Box styles have uniform dimensions and costs.
- High quality finishes are used sparingly where they will make a difference, and control spending.
Quick Wins for Affordable, Quality Packaging
Here are a few simple practices that could help ensure cost-effective and quality packaging.
- Don’t over-specify material for your product: use the right material for your budget.
- It is better to have a good foundation, logo, colors, typography, etc. than a complex design, don’t compromise on brand identity.
- If possible, purchase in bulk: The higher the quantity the lower the price will be per unit, and the less you will need to reorder.
- Use a trustworthy packaging partner: A partner such as Go Boxery that offers transparent pricing, low MOQs and design support, means that the cost is predictable from the beginning.
Picking a Packaging Partner You Can Trust
Not all packaging suppliers are created equal and there are a few points that will make the difference between a satisfying supplier and a not so satisfying supplier.
Look for Transparent Pricing
Be aware of clear pricing – definite costs with no on-the-spot estimates or hidden fees.
Check Reviews and Portfolio
Review portfolio and reviews: previous work and client feedback is a true indication of quality and consistency of print.
Ask About Turnaround Time and Support
Turn around time and support are as crucial as price, especially if a launch date is involved.In terms of launch date and speed, it is not only a price factor, but also quickness and responsiveness.
Custom Packaging Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank
When choosing custom packaging, it is not so much about getting the cheapest as it is about making the correct choices, right material, and a good design and order quantity for your stage.
Whether it’s from start-up to small batch orders and all the way up to big brands that want to grow, there’s a path that looks good, and that’s in the budget. All custom cosmetic boxes, tuck end boxes and rigid boxes prove that there is no conflict in quality presentation and value.
Get a Free Custom Packaging Quote Today
You now have the vision for using a low cost custom packaging solution for your company, and you’re ready to go! Please call Go Boxery for a no-cost, no sales pressure quotation and our staff will help you select the material, size and design that will suit your budget.
