Sending out a new product for customers and clients is an exciting time. You may already have a steady client base ready and willing to support your business in its future endeavors, or you may be just launching your new business. Product packaging is about more than simply making a container for the products you’re selling. Your packaging is also going to go a long way towards attracting buyers. If you want to design packaging that can help you attract new customers, learn what elements you should consider in your design.
Clarity
Consumers don’t have a ton of time to shop. They want to walk into a store, find what they need, and get back on their way. Clarity in your packaging can help with this process. For example, if someone is looking for rye bread, they should be able to look at the packaging and immediately identify what type of bread it is.
If a person has to take a long time to determine this, they are also more likely to look elsewhere. From the type of product in the package to its key selling points, the more clarity you’re able to deliver in your packaging—the better.
Consistency
What your packaging claims should also be what your product delivers. If you’re failing to be consistent in your packaging, you may have made a sale this time, but the chance of a repeat customer is on the lower side.
For example, if you’re selling a brand of grain cereal with raisins inside and you show an image of a bowl loaded with raisins, but the ratio of raisins actually included in your product is far less, a customer might be disappointed at this discovery. Then, they may be less likely to buy your brand again. Not only does this affect your sales, but it can also affect your brand reputation, so always be consistent.
Versatility
The goal of many businesses is to expand over the years. For example, if you currently produce cheddar cheese, you may want to add a different variety of cheese in the future. To make it easy for your customers to identify your new additions, you want to ensure your packaging is versatile.
For instance, a customer should be able to look at a bag of shredded cheddar cheese and a block of mozzarella cheese and quickly determine that they are both made by the same company. Ensure you’re choosing a design that you can tweak for each new product offering.
One of the best things you can do is partner with a design firm. A design firm will use their experience and knowledge of the industry to design packaging that includes these, and many other, elements to provide you with an effective and efficient design.
When you’re starting to send out a new product, it’s important to keep the packaging and other shipping considerations in mind. While these may seem like minor details, these protect your product so that it reaches your customers safely. Keep these packaging tips in mind when expanding your business and discovering new ventures.
Weight
It’s essential to know how much your packages are going to weigh. Knowing the weight of every new product before you ship determines whether a flat-rate box or multiple package variations is the best option. You’ll also be aware of any necessary additional fees that can affect your projected earnings.
A postal scale is an excellent investment for small businesses. You’ll have a better understanding of what your packages weigh and what rates and business options will best suit you. Nearby postage centers like Staples or OfficeMax can also often provide weighing services.
Priority
Customers want to know their packages are safe at every step of the process. Determine ahead of time what priority you’ll be using and how much you expect to be shipping out. Ask your chosen mail carrier for their domestic zone map to better understand when packages will arrive in your target area. Consider the benefits of carrying more than one priority option to meet all your clients’ needs.
Packing Materials
Your product will inevitably be jostled around somewhat on its journey. To keep it safe, you need to make sure that you use the right packing materials. Even if your product seems sturdy, some protective padding between the object and the box can prevent it getting hit in a weak spot.
A common packing material is polyurethane foam, which is a solid that acts as a shock absorber around the product. It can be fit to your specifications to fit your specific needs. You can talk to packaging companies, like Sterling Manufacturing, about how to choose a packing material that best suits your needs.
International Requirements
Many companies put off international shipping until they have a handle on the domestic side. Always check a country’s requirements before agreeing to ship to a customer there. Some items aren’t legally allowed overseas. Completing a thorough market analysis before launching a new product gives you insight into where the product will be most successful. Avoid expanding where the product is shipped until you have a thorough understanding of the costs, risks, and gains.
Shipping a new product can be a stressful time for a small business. However, with the proper planning and preparation, new products can be professionally shipped with ease.
