We have compiled a list of issues that will affect packaging quality and appeal.
Everyone knows that packaging is just as important as the product itself when it comes to making a purchase decision. With the decision-making process on the store shelf taking only a few seconds, you need to consider certain “eye-catching” features that will make it easier for consumers to purchase your product. This ability is entirely dependent on your packaging.
When you need packaging, remember that “it’s more than just a box.”
Your priority should be the life cycle of your packaging, which is a long journey that extends from the materials you use to the design, printing, logistics, display, and recycling. So let’s get started:
Set your budget. The cost of packaging is not negligible. We recommend that you determine it in relation to the price of the product it contains. The more expensive the product inside, the higher the budget you should prepare. Your customer base and the process leading up to a smooth and enjoyable unboxing experience will be decisive. We know that the budget you have prepared for product development and producing hundreds of thousands of that product can be very large. Don’t forget or overlook the packaging’s share.
Evaluate the product. Determine the product’s physical characteristics and the features that will help it be transported in the best possible way. Note all characteristics such as wet, dry, cold chain, premium or non-premium, and risk of breakage. Because many characteristics, from the substrate material to the ink used, will be determined based on the content.
Next up is the product’s weight and outer dimensions. Based on the product’s weight, you’ll need to design a box that can carry it in the best way possible using the right base material, and you might even need to use internal reinforcements.
When it comes to the filling process, it is necessary to determine whether an automatic or manual filling process will be used. For automatic filling, the box design must be correct and tested. For manual filling, design measures will be required to ensure that the packaging can be easily opened and closed.
Where will the product be stored, or more precisely, in what environment? Exposure to cold, heat, water, and air vapor, as well as seasonal effects, must be anticipated. The light the product will be exposed to is also important. Remember that your corporate color may appear differently under sunlight, supermarket, or store lighting, and of course, how will your products be stacked? What are the dimensions of the storage area? Will stacking be necessary? If it is a store shelf, standard shelf dimensions must be known. If it is warehouse storage, how many products should be in a box, what is the maximum box size and weight, and the possibility of boxes and cartons crushing each other when stacked must also be considered.
Determine your target audience and, of course, the selling price of your product. This will allow you to note the basic characteristics of your target audience, such as age, gender, and culture. The selling price of the product affects the printing material of your packaging, the printing techniques, and how much it can be enriched. The bigger the budget, the greater the impact…
Other product features are also important. For example, will the product be opened once or reopened multiple times? Do you want the packaging to show the contents from the outside? Do you want to convey a message through the packaging? Are you considering current trends like organic products, recyclable cardboard, or recycled materials? We recommend being realistic when making these decisions.
Legal requirements. The packaging must include legally required information. Sufficient space must be allocated on the packaging for this information, and the text and graphics must be clearly visible and of a readable size. Yes, this is related to the design, so make sure to leave enough space for the product identity in your design.
In summary, work with your printer from the very beginning. The most important issue is whether your packaging, which looks great in the prototype, fits within your initial budget and is compatible with printing, finishing, and filling.