Both stock packaging and custom packaging are suitable for different purposes. In this article, we look at the situations where custom packaging should be used and other situations where businesses should select stock packaging for their products.
Quick fulfilment
If you need to get your products out to your customers quickly to fulfil orders you’ve already received, stock packaging is the best option. Stock packaging is readily available to purchase quickly from a variety of different suppliers. You can often get stock packaging delivered the next day, ready for you to use to fulfil your orders. If you’re in a hurry, you can also buy stock packaging from stores to use the same day.
Tight budget
If you’re selling low-cost items, you’ll need to make savings throughout your business. One way you can do this is by choosing stock packaging for your products. Stock packaging will be suitable for low-cost, budget items as customers will expect a no-thrills experience. Products that are highly competitive and the only differentiating factor is price are well suited to stock packaging. This packaging will enable the business to pass savings on to the customers.
Free samples
Many businesses send out free samples to influencers and give out samples at trade shows. These free samples can cost the business a fair amount of money. To reduce costs, companies may choose to use stock packaging for free samples. If influencers and trade show attendees are only interested in reviewing the product rather than the packaging, then stock packaging is the best and most affordable option.
Production shortages
Suppose you have shortages with your printed packaging. In that case, you may need to switch back to stock packaging in order to get customers their products within your specified delivery time. This isn’t ideal, but for a short period of time, it can be acceptable to ensure customers don’t complain about late deliveries.
Testing different packaging options
It’s important to test your packaging before you rely on it to keep your products safe. This means putting it through a series of tests to ensure the product isn’t damaged in transit. You don’t need to use expensive custom packaging with printing when testing packaging. Basic packaging with the same shape and materials as your final packaging will be sufficient for the testing process and help save your business money.
Create a luxury experience
Custom packaging creates a luxury experience for your customers. Packaging is often the first thing customers see when they receive a product, these first impressions count and can change a customer’s view of your brand and business. Experience is particularly important if you’re selling a high-end product that has a high price tag. Customers will expect personalised boxes or sophisticated packaging to match the product they’re purchasing.
Your product is a unique shape
Products come in various shapes and sizes; some products have unique shapes that are unsuitable for stock packaging. Using stock packaging might mean you need to use a larger box and pay more for delivery, or you may need to compromise on the protection provided to the product. Custom packaging is the perfect solution; the box and inserts can be shaped to provide the product with the right level of protection and an exciting experience for your customers.
Promote your brand message
Custom packaging is great for promoting your brand values and brand message. The outside of the box can display your brand colours and message so your customers can see what your brand is all about when they receive and open your product. Some brand packaging is so appealing that customers may choose to keep the packaging on display in their homes. Adding your brand message to the outside of your packaging can help to promote your business to people that handle and see your packaging during transit.
Both stock and custom packaging have their place in different business operations. If you have the budget available, choose custom packaging, this will provide your customers with a better experience and help to promote your brand further. However, stock packaging does have its place; it’s useful for testing the strength of your packaging, reducing business costs and providing quick and efficient fulfilment when there are no other alternatives available.
Screenlock 