Custom packaging often seems like an exciting choice for businesses looking to enhance their brand and product presentation.
However, there are several drawbacks to consider before investing in custom packaging solutions. It might not always be the best choice, especially for small business owners. Here's why:
It's expensive
One of the most significant drawbacks of custom packaging is the expense. The initial investment includes designing and producing unique packaging, which can be quite substantial. This covers costs for creating custom molds, printing, and sourcing special materials. If you're looking into creating something without design knowledge, you might also need a professional graphic designer to do it for you. Additionally, any changes or redesigns further inflate the expenses, making custom packaging a costly venture compared to standard options.
It's time-consuming
The process of creating custom packaging is long and complex. From initial design concepts to final approval, it can take several months to complete. This extended timeline can lead to production delays, affecting your product launch schedules. Moreover, the lead times for manufacturing and shipping custom packaging are typically longer, adding to the overall time burden.
It requires storage space
Custom packaging often requires more storage space due to its unique dimensions. This is especially true if you're working with boxes. Because of this, you must allocate additional space to store these materials, which can be a challenge, especially for smaller companies without an office. The need for extra storage also incurs additional costs, both for the space itself and for managing the inventory.
The potential for overbranding
While custom packaging aims to enhance brand identity, there is a risk of overbranding. Excessive use of branding elements can overwhelm customers and lead to a negative perception of the product. Striking the right balance between brand visibility and customer experience is crucial, and overbranding can deter customers instead of attracting them.
Problems with scalability
As your product line expands or evolves, maintaining consistency with custom packaging can become difficult. The logistical complexities of managing multiple custom packaging solutions can hinder growth and flexibility, making it hard to adapt to changing market demands.
The Bottomline: It Might Not Be The Right Time Yet
With all this in mind, consider your goals carefully. If any of the factors mentioned pose a significant risk or impact, it might be wise to hold off for now. Even if a particular option isn't suitable for you at the moment, there are equally good and even better alternatives available.
What are the alternatives to custom packaging?
Here are some alternatives to custom packaging:
- Stickers and Labels: Add your branding easily to any standard packaging.
- Custom Tape: Use branded tape to secure packages and promote your brand.
- Stamped or Printed Inserts: Include branded inserts like thank-you cards or promotional flyers.
- Branded Wrapping Paper: Use custom-designed wrapping paper for a unique touch.
- Colored or Patterned Packaging: Select pre-designed boxes, bags, or mailers in your brand's colors or patterns.
- Custom Sleeves: Add a branded sleeve around your standard packaging.
- Decorative Ribbons or Ties: Enhance your packaging with branded ribbons or ties.
- Personalized Tags: Attach branded tags to your products or packaging.
- Branded Stickers for Sealing: Use branded stickers to seal your packaging, adding a personal touch.
- Eco-friendly Packaging: Opt for sustainable materials with subtle branding for an environmentally conscious choice.
While custom packaging can offer a unique and personalized touch to your products, the associated costs, time commitments, environmental impact, storage issues, risk of overbranding, and scalability challenges make it a less attractive option for many businesses. By carefully weighing these drawbacks and considering alternative packaging solutions, businesses can make more informed decisions that align with their goals and resources.
No Custom Packaging? No Problem!
At Impack, we are dedicated to helping brands achieve their full branding potential, especially with packaging. We offer a wide range of packaging options to suit various products, including mailers, bubble mailers, glassine bags, paper boxes, and more. Plus, you're not limited to one color or design. We understand that every business is unique, so we provide multiple patterns and styles to choose from. It's branding made easy—all for you!
