Brand packaging sells best, but there are so many reasons why one might choose to purchase stock boxes versus creating a custom box with professional Design Engineers. Even if you’re not taking the plunge into the competitive world of brand packaging, your product can still win your customers’ hearts just using basic stock packaging.
Stock packaging is like your personal blank canvas, and there are affordable tools out there that you can use to paint your own picture of your brand and write your own message to your customer.
Tap offers foil stamping and imprinting for words, images and logos on your stock packaging, but there’s so much more you can do to customize your stock boxes in addition to that. Whether your business is just blossoming or you’ve been in your market for years, these handy little DIY tips will help you take the reins on your brand’s image, your sales, and your budget.
Remember — when DIY designing, it’s important to keep the five senses (look, feel, taste, sound, and smell) in mind. Strategize, accent, incorporate a cohesive sense of unity, and above all – play!
1. Tie it All Together. The most popular DIY trick is probably adding bows and ribbons. Who doesn’t love a beautiful bow or rustic knot to accent their box? It’s that classic cherry on top and a symbol of charisma. Use ribbon (Tap's ribbon or your own), string, or yarn – whatever helps articulate your brand identity the best. Tying it up suggests a polished sense of order, unity, and completeness. Tap’s stretch loops can also do the trick.
2. Texture it Up. Feel: it’s one of the powerful five senses that engage the consumer with your brand, so use texture to your advantage. You’re one major step closer to selling your product when the consumer has it in their hands. Find ways to add lace, faux leather/suede, ruffles, metallic sheens, etc. If your product were a person, would they wear? Check out Tap's belly bands for another form of texture. For more on texture click here to read this post.
3. Get Stickin’. There are stickers, like the kind that your 3rd grade teacher put on your spelling test (which are completely fine to use). But then there are logos, studs, glitter, flowers, phrases, letters, jewels, decals, ink/paint stamps… What else can you find that’s stickable? The most popular sticker (besides the price tag) is your logo, which can be placed top front for best recognition. To learn more about logo placement and design click here.
4. Hand Doodled. If you’re an artist, this is an opportunity to market your product and your skills. There’s nothing more meaningful than a package design that’s personally crafted with individuality. It will make the customer feel like they’re purchasing something more than just what is inside the box – because the box itself is valuable. Use different tools like paint, pencil, or charcoal, or use stencils for a design that’s quick and consistent.
5. Mix it Up. When each box is different, it makes the consumer feel like they’re getting something special. It also gives them more freedom to make individual choices. Each box can have its own character, and the consumer can make a more personal connection and choose which one resonates with them most. It’s become a game! This is the antithesis of mass production, and it creates the illusion that you’re offering more.
6. Freebies. You know that free bread or popcorn that you get at a restaurant? Well you know that little basket goes a long way. The same strategy can be applied to your product packaging, as though your product is the “main dish.” Attach a lollipop, candy cane, free samples or just something beautiful, or have your boxes pre gift wrapped during particular holiday seasons. Nobody has ever turned down a free gift – or free bread!
7. Make More Marketing Opportunity. Take advantage of having a “blank canvas” to market your brand in other ways. Stick or stamp URL’s to your social media platforms or websites in a discreet area, inside, or close to where the consumer opens the package. You can even add a personal message or an inspiring quote that supports the meaning behind your brand identity. Use the element of surprise, like a fortune cookie. If your product were a person, what would they say?
Plain stock packaging meets your basic requirement, but it’s important to think about how your packaging is going to embody the character behind your brand identity. Now set yourself loose on a scavenger hunt in your favorite craft store or thrifty place! It’s time to win your customers’ hearts with your creativity.
Austin Johnson
Author