ExecutiveChronicles | 6 packaging tips and ideas for your start-up business | If you run a company selling products rather than services, then one of the things you must give a bit of attention to is your packaging. You will have a million and one other things running through your head, but it’s an important area that should be given some consideration.
You are likely to be selling multiple products of various shapes and sizes, so you need to consider how to safely send your items, as well as how much each item will cost to pack and ship. Packaging not only protects your products but can also be a great way to promote your logo and brand and offer a great first impression to your customers.
Here are 6 packaging tips for your start-up business
All shapes and sizes
The chances are that your products come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, so when shopping around for packaging, you need to consider what will be the most cost-effective and versatile. You could purchase a box for every single product you sell, but that will not only cost a fortune but could put you in a situation where you run out of space to house it all.
Buy a few different sizes, ensuring you have packaging to accommodate your largest items, and you shouldn’t go far wrong.
Promote your brand
Packaging provides the ideal opportunity to promote your brand. You can arrange to have your logo printed directly onto your packaging, but it can be expensive, so might be something to consider further down the line rather than immediately.
A far cheaper interim option is to have a custom stamp produced with your logo and brand your packaging yourself! Brand awareness is crucial for any successful business, so you should use every opportunity to promote yours.
Protect your products
Although your packaging may look great, its primary function is to protect your products so that they arrive at their destination in one piece. For example, if you sell perishable food products, cold packs for shipping may be crucial if you want your customers to receive fresh, quality produce. If you are selling fragile items, bubble wrap and packing pellets should help avoid your items being broken or damaged in transit.
Consider what you will need for each item, and don’t cut any corners. Sending out replacement items can cost a business a lot of money each year, but if you use the correct packaging and get it right the first time, you shouldn’t encounter too many issues.
Consider the environment
People are more environmentally conscious than ever before, and business owners need to bear this in mind when purchasing packaging. Pretty boxes filled with an array of colorful tissue paper, glitter, organza bags, flyers, and stickers galore may look great, but it can also put a lot of people off buying from you.
There are loads of recycled, compostable, and eco-friendly packaging products on the market these days, so if they fit within your budget, opt for those instead. Loads of small businesses will even opt to use second-hand packaging for many of their orders. It may not look fancy or particularly great, but given that most of it will end up in the trash anyway, it makes sense.
Labeling
If you are selling anything fragile or that requires a safety warning, make sure that you include suitable labeling within your packaging. Similarly, if you are selling clothing or other products that need to be washed from time to time, it’s a good idea to include care instructions.
The more knowledge you give customers, the less likely you are to encounter issues with returns and faults, so make sure you provide all the relevant information from the outset.
Buy in bulk
Typically, when you buy in bulk, your unit price comes down, which is generally the case with packaging too. It is wise not to over-purchase as things can change down the line, which may result in you owning hundreds of bags and boxes that you no longer have a use for. Be realistic and order enough to keep you going for at least six months.
When stocks are depleting, shop around for better deals rather than automatically placing another order. There may be new products on the market, or the competition may be able to offer you a better deal on comparable products. The more competitive the prices, the better it is for your bottom-line profits, so it pays to do a bit of research and shop around.
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