Packaging Mistake 1:
Contacting the packaging company late in the game. Not involving your packaging company early in the process is one of the most frequent mistakes.
Marketing departments spend considerable time and money creating a packaging design that could end up being problematic to produce. In some cases, the design simply isn’t functional.
- Speed kills! Rushing through the process creates errors.
- The corrugated material may not be able to create the design or graphics the marketing department desires.
- The design won’t meet the specifications of your end user: Amazon, Target, Walmart, etc.
- The packaging requires additional resources. Which can blow the budget or create rework, because it’s too costly to produce as designed.
Whether it’s a problem of function, cost, or materials, these mistakes result in unnecessary cost or time delays. Collaboration between the marketing team and structural designers early is the design process is paramount to success.
Packaging Mistake 2:
Not working with an experienced packaging team. A sales representative or company that has a long resume will be able to assist you in ways that others cannot.
Packaging Design has over 50 years of experience. Besides manufacturing our own boxes and displays, we’ve built long-term relationships, collaborating with other packaging companies to provide complete packaging solutions, these include chipboard, rigid packaging, tubes, foam, packaging supplies.
Packaging Mistake 3:
Not considering the end-user. If you don’t consider your end-user, you’re likely to miss out on branding opportunities or create a package that is not user friendly.
Ask yourself, “What’s the point of this package?”
- At a minimum, how will you ensure the product ships safely?
- What do you want the unboxing experience to look like?
- Do you need to enhance the perceived value of the product?
- Does it need to ship overseas? Do you understand these requirements?
Packaging Mistake 3:
Missing out on branding opportunities. The three main functions of packaging are protection, containment, and communication. If you’re only containing and protecting your products, you’re missing out on the opportunity to communicate about your company and your brand. Branding and messaging can differentiate your brand from your competitors.
Research indicates that the right packaging and message can increase brand loyalty.
Packaging Mistake 4:
Forgetting about function. If your packaging is too flimsy, it may collapse somewhere in the supply chain. This will affect the first impression your customer experiences. Consider the abuse your package can sustain on its journey to your customer. Your package will likely need to be stacked on pallets and on shelves. It even may be tossed unceremoniously into a truck, plane, or train!
Packaging Mistake 5:
Overcomplicated packaging. Overcomplicated packaging may frustrate end-users who must open the package. The unboxing experience needs to be easy and awe inspiring! What’s more, too much packaging is a wasteful practice, from an eco-friendly and a budget consideration.
Packaging Mistake 6:
Not relying on your packaging vendor. Submitting specifications without the advice of your packaging vendor can result in numerous issues.
- You may inadvertently miss an important detail that an experienced account manager or structural designer could easily identify.
- Your packaging may not maintain its integrity during its supply chain journey.
- The design may be problematic or may not meet important specifications.
- Newer or less expensive materials may be available.
- More sustainable materials may be an option.
Contact Packaging Design at info@pack-design.com or 630-323-1354 in order to avoid these mistakes and ensure you create the best possible package for your next marketing program!
