How to Brand Plain Shipping Boxes

In today’s competitive marketplace, every detail matters when it comes to standing out from the crowd.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to make an impression is through your packaging. Thoughtful, branded packaging not only enhances the customer experience but also serves as a powerful marketing tool, turning each shipment into a memorable moment that reinforces your brand identity.

From custom stickers to personalized tape, incorporating unique touches into your packaging strategy can make all the difference, ensuring your brand is front and center from the moment your package arrives at your customer’s door.

1. Custom stickers: A quick and easy branding tool

Custom stickers are an easy, affordable way to instantly elevate your business packaging and create a lasting impression. Their versatility allows you to add a personal touch to almost anything. From product packaging to envelopes, stickers can be applied in seconds and provide great visibility for your brand. Here are some options:

• Logo Stickers: Showcase your brand logo on every package.
• Thank You Stickers: Add a personal note of gratitude to your customers with a simple “Thank You” sticker.
• Social Media Handle Stickers: Encourage customers to follow and engage with your brand by including your social media handles on the packaging.

Pro Tip: Opt for weatherproof vinyl stickers to ensure that your branding remains intact, even during rough shipping conditions. Vinyl stickers are durable, long-lasting, and can withstand exposure to water and outdoor elements.

2. Rubber stamps: A classic favorite

Rubber stamps offer a timeless, classic way to add branding elements to your packaging. The best part? They’re reusable, which means you can keep using them for different packaging needs, making them an environmentally-friendly option. Here’s how you can use them:

• Branding: Stamp your logo or brand name on boxes, bags, or envelopes.
• Handling Instructions: Mark packages with messages like “Fragile” or “Handle with Care.”
• Personalized Notes: Create a rubber stamp with a short thank-you message to add a thoughtful touch.

Bonus: Since stamps are reusable, they also reduce the need for excess packaging material, making them a more sustainable branding option.

3. Custom tape: Seal it with style

Custom printed packing tape does more than seal your boxes securely—it reinforces your branding every time a customer opens a package. The continuous display of your logo or design across the tape ensures that your brand stays top of mind throughout the shipping journey. Benefits include:

• Brand Continuity: Match the tape to your brand colors and design, so it’s consistent with the rest of your packaging.
• Increased Visibility: Your logo appears repeatedly across the tape, enhancing brand recall.
• Professional Touch: Custom tape adds a polished, cohesive look to your packaging.

4. Kraft paper wrap: The gift-like Eeperience

Kraft paper wrap offers an earthy, premium aesthetic that makes every package feel like a gift. It’s a great way to elevate your packaging and enhance the unboxing experience for your customers. Use it to:

• Personalize: Add custom touches by stamping your logo or applying stickers with brand elements.
• Artisanal Appeal: For a handcrafted look, tie the kraft-wrapped package with colored twine or ribbon to create a more luxurious feel.

Tip: Kraft paper is also eco-friendly, and its neutral tone makes it the perfect backdrop for highlighting your brand elements.

5. Insert cards: A personalized touch

Insert cards are a low-cost but effective way to communicate directly with your customers. Whether it’s a thank-you note or care instructions, these cards provide an opportunity to make your packaging more personal. Use them for:

• Thank You Notes: A small card expressing gratitude makes a big impact on customer satisfaction.
• Care Instructions: If your products require special care, include clear instructions on the insert.
• Social Media Engagement: Add a message encouraging customers to share their unboxing experience on social media, possibly with a branded hashtag for user-generated content.

Bonus: You can also include discount codes or limited-time offers to encourage repeat purchases.

6. QR codes: To bridge physical and digital worlds

QR codes are a tech-savvy addition to your packaging that can instantly connect customers to your digital platforms. They’re easy to scan with a smartphone and can be placed on stickers, stamps, or insert cards. Here’s what you can link them to:

• Website: Drive traffic directly to your website with a simple scan.
• Special Offers: Create a sense of exclusivity by linking the QR code to special discounts or offers.
• Unboxing Videos: Enhance the unboxing experience by linking to videos that showcase product features, instructions, or a thank-you message from your team.

Pro Tip: Make sure the QR code design blends seamlessly with your branding so that it looks cohesive with the rest of your packaging.

7. Designed mailer bags: Flexible and eye-catching

For businesses shipping soft goods or items that don't require rigid boxes, custom designed mailer bags offer a fantastic branding opportunity.

• Full-color printing: Showcase your brand's visual identity with vibrant, edge-to-edge designs.
• Various materials: Choose from poly mailers, bubble mailers, or even compostable options to align with your brand values.
• Multiple sizes: Select the perfect fit for your products to minimize waste and maximize impact.

Check out our mailer bag size calculator to work out the minimum size you need for your mailer bags.

Elevate your packaging with Impack's custom stickers (we offer both paper and vinyl die cut stickers!), flat mailers, padded mailers, and paper boxes that perfectly align with your brand. Whether you’re looking for personalized touches or eco-friendly options, we’ve got you covered. Transform your packaging into a powerful branding tool and make every delivery stand out. Explore our range of customizable solutions today and leave a lasting impression on your customers!