The perfect scenario is one where the packaging and the product do not clash, and you can check out some interesting ideas here!
Gifting seasons often have most people scouring the internet for gift ideas. After finally buying the gift, comes the wrapping Olympics. From making the perfect bow to neat corners, you purpose to get it just right. Why do we do all this? Presents are an expression of a certain desired emotion; we want them to look beautiful enough to express what we feel.
In retail, it is not any different. Presentation is your first point of contact with consumers. You could be selling fairy-dust or a magical potion but how you package it decides if it sells or not. Think of it this way, which gift do you want to open first on Christmas morning: the sleek classy one with a big bow or the dull one in a cardboard box? It is not just appearances but also about giving your customers something they are proud to buy.
If you are looking to start packaging your products right, read on for tips to help you make that choice.
Nature of The Product
Have you ever wondered why all beer bottles are brown? Well, to cure your curiosity, it is because a transparent bottle would expose the beer to light and ruin its taste. The name for beer and ales altered by light is ‘skunked beer’, which says a lot in itself. Partially, this is the reason why canning beer became popular in America by the ’40s; aluminum cans are opaque.
Similarly, the nature of the commodity you are selling is a major factor in the kind of packaging that would be ideal. It is advisable to test the product against different materials and decide on which would work best. The perfect scenario is one where the packaging and the product do not clash, and you can check out some interesting ideas here!
Additionally, evaluate perishability given that some foods go bad quickly when exposed to moisture. They require to be preserved in containers that are not easily perforated. Options such as airtight tins sealed using an aluminum can sealer would ensure they reach the market in top condition.
Budget
Technology provides a variety of solutions for just about anything lately. Equally, there are already so many options to use for packaging. A few of them include:
- Woven biodegradable bags
- Boxes
- Plastic containers
- Tin cans
- Sisal bags
As with all things, money is a significant determinant. How much of it you are willing to spend will influence what option is available to you. However, a tip to get around this would be to consider making your own packaging as opposed to outsourcing. Given as this in an input you will need for the entirety of your business’s future, it is a worthy investment. Not only will you cut costs, but you can also inspect the quality.
User Experience
There are jars that require the group effort of a whole family to open. It truly should not be that hard to get a product open. With this in mind, endeavor to design containers and wrapping for your merchandise that gives users a pleasant experience. Sophisticated does not have to mean difficulty in using.
Relative to this, your target market is important to consider. For instance, if your product is for children then child safety becomes a priority. The package design would have to avoid pertinent issues like choking hazards and sharp corners. On the other hand, some products require discretion and should thus be packed in a dignified way.
Further, some products are corrosive when they leak or pungent when opened. An example of these is bleach. Consumer safety is very important as it could easily result in legal consequences. Ensure that such items are well sealed and that the labeling indicates the necessity of precautions. It would also be a good marketing tool if you enclosed helpful additions, like gloves, along with the product.
The Greener the Better
No, your packaging does not have to look like a kale smoothie but it could be recyclable. The world may soon run out of names for hurricanes, we have lived through quite a number of them. Experts say global warming is upon and being exacerbated every year. What does packaging have to do with it? Every tree cut and every gigantic plume of smoke that goes up in the air makes an environmental impact.
Green options are environmentally safe. They include the use of glass and metal. Most companies that have gone into recycling, have collection points for empty cans and bottles. A popular trend is to reward those that drop off certain amounts with a free item. Moreover, efficient recycling cuts down on your packaging costs in the long-term. In fact, some companies handle their own recycling in-house.
Still not convinced? Then, how do you feel about tax incentives? States such as California give businesses tax credits for recycling. Most governments around the world are catching up to this trend as well. So, besides just doing your bit to save the planet, you save money too.
Pretty, Please
The truth is consumers will judge your product based on the packaging. Forget what you heard about books and covers, this is the truth about consumerism. It is not that the quality does not matter but generally, people trust things that look like they were prepared with care. If the outside looks rough and disheveled, will the contents be any better?
Taste is subjective; what one finds pleasant to look at maybe boring and bland for another. It is unlikely you will satisfy everyone’s preference but you can try to find a compromise. In this case, research studies and user testings may prove efficient. A sample of your target market could help you understand preferred trends.
Consider various aesthetic touches like:
- Different colors for different genders
- Message cards inside the packaging
- Slightly scented boxes
- Use of ribbons
Conclusion
At the end of it all, the aim is to get your product flying off shelves in the best condition possible. The harder task is actually making the product and if after scaling that mountain, these tips will help you conquer packaging.
Leave a Reply