Custom Packaging for Small Businesses

If you’re starting your own business, there’s a lot to take into consideration. There’s your product, your brand and your customer base. However, an often-overlooked part of starting your own business is your product packaging. 

As well as keeping products safe and secure during transit and delivery, there are many potential benefits to packaging that your customers will appreciate - even helping you to stand out from your competition. Sustainability, personalisation and creating an unboxing experience can improve customer loyalty, create positive PR and give your brand a unique story. You can also see some more tips on starting a side hustle.

You can find out more about packaging for small businesses below, or see our wrapping and packaging advice.
 

Choosing the right packaging for your items

It’s important to consider what you’ll be packaging, as well as where your products will be delivered to. If you plan on transporting fragile items, you’ll need sturdier packaging, as well as making sure the item fits securely in the box. If you’re transporting items abroad, it’s worth investing in strong packaging materials as there’s a higher chance of the product getting damaged in transit.

Ordering the wrong size packaging increases the chances of the item becoming damaged, meaning you can lose money and have an unhappy customer. With fragile items, packing these with bubblewrap or even scrunched up paper will to help protect them.
 

How much will my packaging cost?

Finding quality packaging at a good price can be difficult. It will vary for each business, however, there are a few elements for you to consider.
 

The size of the packaging

• How much material will you need?
• What are your product and boxing measurements?
• Will the packaging affect shipping costs?

 
Printing and aesthetics

• Will you be printing onto the box?
• Will you need to print onto the box’s exterior and interior?
• What kind of printing is needed (matte, gloss, lamination)?

If you’re starting a small business, it can be tempting to opt for the cheapest packaging available. However, opting for custom packaging can be more cost efficient in the long-term:

• Optimising package sizing can reduce waste and shipping costs
• Better quality fitted packaging can reduce damage in transit
• High-quality packaging can make packing quicker and more efficient
   

Should I invest in sustainable packaging?

Consumers are increasingly becoming more interested in eco-friendly products, sustainable delivery options and even packaging. As well as doing your bit for the environment, there are many benefits to investing in sustainable packaging for your products.
 

Appeal to more consumers

As the world becomes more environmentally-aware, consumers are constantly looking for eco-friendly alternatives. If you offer sustainable packaging but your competitor doesn’t, there’s a good chance customers will opt for your product rather than your competitor’s.
 

Customers are willing to pay more

Just as consumers are willing to pay more for premium products, the same now goes for sustainability. As well as appealing to a wider customer base, sustainable packaging can also be more profitable than non-eco-friendly alternatives. Eco-friendly packaging materials don’t have to be expensive, either. Some options include:

• Corrugated cardboard and bubble wrap
• Recycled paper and cardboard
• Bamboo, seaweed or mushroom packaging
   

Why should I go the extra mile for my customers? 

If you’re a new e-commerce business, your customers won’t have a bricks-and-mortar store that they can judge their experience of your brand. One way you can create an experience and brand story for your customers is with your packaging.
 

Create an unboxing experience

Unboxing is a social media phenomenon that involves customers unpacking a box or package with their product inside. Although they already know what’s inside, the packaging itself creates excitement and a more premium, memorable experience. When done right, it’s compared to the childhood thrill of opening birthday gifts.

Custom packaging where the customer recognises your brand instantly is important for unboxing, as the customer can then relate the excitement of opening a gift with your brand and packaging.
 

Great for social media and PR

Unboxing is also good for PR and social media exposure. Customers often film themselves and their reactions of unboxing products, with these videos often going viral.

Leaving a small card inside the packaging with your business’s social media handles also persuades consumers to share their experience with your brand. Including some free samples into your packaging is also good for customer loyalty - who doesn’t love a freebie?
 

Create a unique signature asset

No matter what you sell or how diverse your product range is, your packaging gives you the opportunity to bring it all together in a distinct and iconic way. Make sure your customer knows the package is from your business by using a consistent design - including your logo and using your brand’s colour scheme makes your packaging instantly-recognisable and reassures your customers. 

Whether it’s a certain colour, finish, or print, your packaging is the first thing customers see when their order arrives. This gives you an opportunity to wrap up every part of the buying journey into one moment. They can associate their feelings of desire, anticipation, and joy with one small package - leaving them want to re-order and experience again.
 

Brands to inspire your packaging

Deciding on the perfect custom packaging for your brand can depend on personal preference, as well as the types of products your business sells. Here’s a range of brands who have mastered their distinct, custom packaging.
 

Apple

One of the most successful companies in the world, Apple don’t rest on their laurels when it comes to their packaging. There’s no one better when it comes to simplicity and unboxing.

White dominates their boxes, with the use of sharp lines and hi-res images of their products turning simplicity into beauty. Each product is carefully placed within each Apple package, and unboxing feels like a premium experience. Whether it’s a phone, watch, charger or earphones, each product feels like a new gift for the customer.
 

Hermes

Although more colourful than Apple’s packaging, Hermes’ is just as distinct and recognisable. The bright orange packages are available in round, rectangular or square boxes, and can pack everything from ties, shoes, bags and tableware. All of which comes in a deep, recognisable shade of orange with a minimal Hermes logo in the centre.

This robust packaging is custom-designed to efficiently fit a range of differently shaped and sized products. This ensures minimal materials are wasted, products are safely packed during delivery, and packages aren’t too big to be delivered.
 

Patagonia

Patagonia are one of the most sustainable and eco-conscious brands in the world, ensuring all of their products go towards the fight against climate change.

This brand identity is transferred into their distinct and inventive packaging. Their efficient, functional and unique boxes come in a cardboard, hexagon shape. They also don’t use plastic or any other unnecessary materials in their packaging.