OPTIMAL PACKAGING A GOOD FOLDING BOX ENRICHES YOUR PRODUCT

 

Astounding customers with well-thought-out shipping boxes and folding boxes are now part of the strategy of every successful company.

The characteristics of such optimized packaging are vastly different. Some are tall, and some are small, some are colorful, others are minimalist. But all good packaging should have one thing in common: it has to be practical and, above all, match the product.

Design custom packaging and place your order with a few clicks. SM Custom Packaging offers mailer boxes, shipping boxes, folding and rigid boxes.

The properties of an optimal packaging

Indeed, there is no single proper packaging solution, but there are features that characterize perfect packaging.

This article provides you with a guide and explains which properties the optimal packaging must have and why. In addition, we will show you what you should pay particular attention to when designing packaging and give you an overview of how you can attract more attention with well-designed packaging and lay the groundwork for long-term consumer connections.

How the optimal packaging contributes to the success of your product

Which factors play a role in the proper packaging design

Which properties an optimal packaging has to fulfill

Which tips and tricks you can use to design a packaging that inspires

optimal packaging contribute to product success

According to a broad study by the STI Group, 99% of those surveyed said shipping packaging is essential. The right trimmings are therefore crucial to the success story of your articles.

But what is it that speaks to customers through the packaging and makes them understand: "This is a great packaging experience! "? In the following, you will find three critical factors that influence the success of your product using the proper packaging.

1. The first impression

Even before the product, the packaging is the first thing your customer will hold in their hands. Every Marketing 101 rightly states how important the first impression is. There is no second chance because, in the first 7 seconds, a person decides whether he likes someone or something or not. 7 seconds. There is not much time for explanation. It just has to be right immediately. 

This first impression is a unique opportunity. The few but valuable seconds can already decide whether your customer is enthusiastic about the product or your company or whether they reconsider their purchase decision.

With packaging that arouses enthusiasm, you can easily set the course for success and positively influence the buyer's perception even before unpacking. As? For example, with an impressive corporate identity design, an unusual form of packaging, or a loose slogan ("packed with love") on the otherwise dull adhesive tape.  

Take advantage of this opportunity to wow your customers right away. Optimally coordinated packaging is the best way to lay the foundation for a good, long-term customer relationship.

2. The unboxing experience

The most popular videos in this category have tens of millions of views. In 2017, a 6-year-old from the USA even made it onto the Forbes list with over 10 million subscribers.

Countless pictures of packaging that land on Facebook or Instagram underline this trend. The charisma of personal photos sent via messenger and other communication channels should also not be underestimated.

We love to brag about new achievements. According to a survey by Dotcom Distribution, 39% of those questioned said they had already shared a photo on social media platforms immediately after the parcel was delivered. Typical unboxing experience at Apple Unboxing videos also attracts an incredible number of viewers. According to Google's market research tools, every fifth person watches "unpacking films" online. The short films, in which the process of opening the packaging is documented, are more successful than ever and arouse the voyeur in us. But why is that so?

The secret is probably in the first palpation of the product of desire. Interested customers watch such videos to get a first impression of the product without making advance payments.

In the video, all properties of the article are carefully examined in advance. It, therefore, says a lot not only about the quality of the product but also about the experience with packaging and delivery. The producers of such videos often pay attention to little things and details, as the video below shows.

 

The popularity of this trend is impressive proof that packaging has become an essential part of the overall product experience. From a marketing perspective, this phenomenon can be a potent tool when used correctly.

You Tubers and end customers talk interactively about the advantages and disadvantages of the product. In the case of potential customers, this can ultimately decide whether to buy or use a competing product. So make sure you use the effect and ensure a positive unboxing experience.

3. The packaging is your company's calling card

The packaging stands for your external image and is the figurehead of your company. The positive perception of the box supports the quality of the product and strengthens customer loyalty subtly.

The Dotcom Distribution survey shows how important this is. 61% of the respondents indicated that the packaging influences the perception of the brand. They also stated that they perceived the product as luxurious due to the beautiful packaging.

High-quality items are perfectly packaged

Make sure that your customer has a positive memory of the last online purchase with a beautiful packaging design. Therefore: the better and more attractive the packaging, the more laurels your product and ultimately your company will reap.

What properties should the optimal packaging have?

There are a few factors to consider when designing and developing good product packaging. With this guide, you can avoid your product maneuvering itself out of hand before it is used for the first time.

1. The optimal packaging should attract attention

But don't stand out negatively. Make sure that your product packaging does not shine with an ominous feel. Packaging that is much too big for the product it contains attracts attention immediately. Be sure to check the correct fit before ordering boxes.

Get your customers to appreciate the excellent packaging. A box that is difficult to open creates annoyance and will reduce the perceived quality of your product.

In the best-case scenario, the article should convince with optimal packaging properties. Also, packaging materials are the product of experience as an essential part. An original unpacking experience will make your product feel perfect. 

Atypical or unusual solutions can also ensure a good unboxing experience. A deviation from the boring standard box sets you apart from the competition with little effort.

'A package that is much too big for the product inside attracts attention immediately. It is essential to ensure the correct fit before ordering boxes. '

Great shipping packaging is ideally designed so that your customer takes a photo of it and shares it with the rest of the world out of sheer enthusiasm. Use modern technologies and transform a simple folding box or maxi letter into a miniature art with an appealing design.

Give the packaging a stylish character through the proper selection of significant colors and harmonious contrasts. However, anomaly does not automatically mean that the packaging has to be particularly unusual. First and foremost, the packaging must match your product.

So pay attention to the big picture. The customer probably doesn't necessarily expect a bamboo toothbrush made from renewable raw materials in a highly colorful and extravagant box. Even plastic packaging would logically be out of place in this example.

2. Shelf life as a quality feature of optimal packaging

Properties such as stability and durability represent one of the most significant challenges in the development of packaging. Folding boxes should be both light and durable. Specifications that must not be mutually exclusive. Make sure that the shipping box you choose corresponds to the product. Coordinate the shape and weight with the outer packaging to avoid surprises.

Shelf life is essential for optimal packaging

The motto here is to find the optimal packaging for the respective product. While high-quality folding boxes and maxi letters are perfect for smaller items, sturdy cardboard boxes are particularly suitable for products with special requirements.

A little tip: think about a possible return. If the box is to survive another delivery unscathed, it must be designed accordingly.

3. Convey your brand's message directly through the packaging

A folding box or an individually designed maxi letter offers excellent opportunities to tell the customer more about your company. Trigger a positive emotion in your customers with the packaging design by communicating a special feeling through the packaging.

In the "Coffee Republic" example, the folding carton expresses the excellent value coffee has for the company. Likewise, the packaging turns supposedly simple beans into something extraordinary.

Company policy on the packaging

The packaging design works as a kind of marketing tool and can influence very different areas of your company. For example, implement your company's product policy and brand management directly through the packaging.

Think of it as a kind of dialogue with the customer. For example, if your company takes an environmentally friendly approach as one of the essential features, an eco box will convey that better than plastic packaging.

However, if you intend to sell stylish and colorfully designed clothing, a creative and crazy design might be the right approach. Minimalist designs coupled with clear messages, on the other hand, can prevail against the competition.

The personalized maxi letter listed below underlines its raison d'etre with a clear statement and virtually advertises itself.

Clear statements on the maxi letter

The outer packaging is also a great information carrier. Show the customer the advantages of your product on the folding box. Use cleverly used seals that your company relies on.

Under no circumstances should you let your customers identify the product with standard packaging. Instead, emphasize your recognition value and implement your corporate identity concept on the packaging.

'Use the packaging to convey to the customer that you put all your heart and soul into your product range at every step of the value chain.'

4. Optimal security a must for perfect packaging

Especially when shipping online, the article must reach the customer intact. Sure, right? For this reason, the essential property of good packaging is product safety. 

Nothing leaves a more negative impression than a damaged product. Therefore, it is essential to know the product's properties and consider them when designing the packaging.

Security in packaging design

In plain language: If you send donuts, they should ideally still look like donuts when the customer opens the packaging. In the case of a box full of destroyed pastries, a lousy rating would be the slightest evil. Annoyance and a lack of conversion are the resulting and logical consequences. Save yourself that. 

5 The handling of the optimal packaging

Let your creativity run free when designing the packaging. However, do not neglect functionality. For example, packaging with particularly freaky shapes is of no use to the customer if the box is difficult to open.

There is hardly anything worse in the packaging world than a product that takes too long to be unpacked. Just think of these shrink-wrapped transparent packaging. Nobody wants to spend their time unnecessarily struggling through complicated packaging.

 Easy to open packaging as a folding box

Optimal packaging must therefore be intuitive to use. In the worst case, the customer has to destroy the packaging to get to the contents. The chance to guarantee an all-around good product experience is thus irrevocably lost.

An exemplary implementation of an "easy-to-open" concept is the solution by Chen Chen Hu. The corner pack he designed is only opened via a small corner on the side.

6. Make your packaging environmentally friendly

Fortunately, sustainability has become a big issue. This development not only brings significant benefits to our planet earth but also your company. So take advantage of the increasing awareness and opt for environmentally friendly packaging.

A study carried out by SM Custom Packaging Panel Services in 2009 showed that sustainable packaging is an essential concern for around two-thirds of consumers. If your cardboard boxes or maxi letters are also recyclable, you can score additional points.

Sustainable folding box as product packaging

Zero waste movements are also on the rise, and rightly so. Make sure that there is no unnecessary packaging waste. With the proper packaging that is optimally tailored to the product, you save yourself unnecessary filling materials. There are also no negative experiences with the customer.

When designing the optimal packaging, take a close look at your packaging manufacturer in this regard.

'Sustainability is no longer a green fantasy. It is simply a necessity.'

7. Make the packaging up cycled

What is better and cheaper advertising there than a mailing box that has been printed with your logo on your customer's shelves for years? Probably not.

When designing, consider that your packaging may be given a second life. For example, if one of your boxes is used for storage instead of the boxes by the Swedish furniture store, the marketing is of the highest quality.

Reuse of shipping boxes

Your customer will most likely not immediately dispose of a sturdy cardboard box like the one from "coffee spot." Therefore, the chance that the box with your logo will continue to be used is relatively high.

To-Do: Design your packaging so that it offers the customer added value even after the primary purpose. Include innovative tips for reusing your package in the box and increase the chances of your package being reborn. With this, you master the supreme discipline in packaging design and benefit from the happy yields.

Optimal packaging better conversion

Packaging can look beautiful and of high quality. However, the best design is of little use if it neglects essential properties such as durability and safety.

Therefore, try to incorporate all elements of our contribution to the optimal packaging into your packaging design throughout the entire development process. This creates a positive first impression and builds lasting trust in your product, ensuring better conversions.

Design proper and stylish packaging and add value to your product so that the package, possibly in a repurposed form, can secure a permanent place in your customers' homes.

SM Custom Packaging provide burger boxes made from paper board, bagasse, or recycled material.