--- title: 4 Ways Small Businesses Can Save Money on Packaging description: Top 4 ways to reduce rising costs and inflation and help reduce packaging costs . Custom designed packaging, retail packaging, ecommerce packaging and custom designed packaging help. image: https://www.ashtonne.com/hubfs/Ashtonne_Packaging_December2018/images/money.jpg --- [![ashtonne packaging company](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/ashtonne_logo.png?width=328&height=112&name=ashtonne_logo.png "ashtonne packaging company")](https://ashtonne.com/) [Request More Information ](https://www.ashtonne.com/surveys/creative-packaging-ideas-and-solutions) [877-522-6937](tel:8775226937)   × # 4 Ways Small Businesses Can Save Money on Packaging - [** ](https://www.facebook.com/AshtonnePackaging/) - [** ](https://www.twitter.com/Ashtonne_pkg) - [** ](http://pinterest.com/ashtonne8775226937/) - [** ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/11170776) - [** ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpVPPbg_6lPaoNol_G6PuPQ) ![4 Ways Small Businesses Can Save Money on Packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/hubfs/Ashtonne_Packaging_December2018/images/money.jpg) ** [Bill Madl](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/author/bill-madl) ** Posted on September 15, 2022 | Updated on September 7, 2025 Due to a variety of reasons within supply chains, including shortages and longer leadtimes, prices and costs are on the rise and inflation continues to be one of the challenges large, start-up, and small businesses are facing today. At [Ashtonne Packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/unique-custom-designed-creative-packaging-solutions), in business since 2007, we are fighting inflation too, and monitoring our costs to help ensure we provide value for our customers, helping them increase sales and profits. Please see the top ideas we suggest [small businesses](https://www.ashtonne.com/services/custom-designed-packaging-for-businesses) consider when dealing with rising costs. 1)** Consolidation of suppliers- **companies today don't have time to see all kinds of packaging companies and all the services each offers. - Save time and money by dealing with a [packaging partner, a custom packaging company](https://www.ashtonne.com/) that can provide all the products and services your company needs, and at a competitive cost. - **[One company](https://www.ashtonne.com/unique-custom-designed-creative-packaging-solutions),** servicing more of your packaging needs, puts more responsibility on them to ensure your packaging arrives when needed and only in the amounts needed. It also takes less time to manage your packaging, follow up orders, and reduce expedites. This should be your [packaging partner!](https://www.ashtonne.com/creative-packaging-and-unique-product-solutions) 2) **Process and packaging audits-** allow a supplier to come in and [analyze your processes and packaging.](https://www.ashtonne.com/surveys/packaging-concerns-0) - Identify how a package is handled through your [supply chain](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/benefits-of-a-packaging-partner-in-your-supply-chain) and develop solutions to move faster with fewer touches, getting your products to market sooner and with less waste. - Are there situations where you are hand-packing products that could be done by a third party, offsite, saving time, and labor and freeing up floor space? [Third-party fulfillment programs](https://www.ashtonne.com/services/custom-packaging-product-fulfillment) can allow you to focus on your core competencies and increase your efficiencies. - Many times a new set of eyes can help identify "cost opportunities" in your lines and how your products are handled. Many processes in a plant were "always that way" and could be in need of a revamp. - Review if your company is running a "LEAN" operation, identifying areas of improvement.[ Ashtonne Packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/creative-packaging-and-unique-product-solutions) will take the time to understand your operations and help you identify critical areas in your packaging process where costs can be taken out and efficiencies improved! 3) **Evaluate and re-design your packaging-** [review all your packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/surveys/packaging-concerns-0) and determine what is really needed in your [supply chain](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/benefits-of-a-packaging-partner-in-your-supply-chain). - Many times a product is over-packaged, either with too much filler or perhaps using a stronger box than what is actually necessary. - A re-design can eliminate excess packaging and save you costs with reduced shipping weight. - An [SKU consolidation](https://www.ashtonne.com/services/custom-packaging-product-fulfillment) can eliminate floor space and save you money by not keeping as much inventory on your floor, and having all of it usable, avoiding damage and waste. - Some packaging is designed to run on automated equipment which could result in leaner packaging and automated processes saving materials and labor. With labor rates in N. America is on the rise, and a [custom box](https://www.ashtonne.com/services/brand-marketing-with-custom-designed-boxes) designed to run on automated equipment could be a viable alternative. - Get samples that allow for different transit situations that will result in lower labor costs, less waste, lower returns, better shipping rates, and [eco-friendly materials!](https://www.ashtonne.com/eco-friendly-packaging-materials) - Sometimes just "tweaking" the dimensions of a carton or shying flaps can help eliminate cost.   4) **Review your current printing techniques **on your product packaging and determine if there is a better method that would save money and labor, especially as more and more packaging travels through the [Ecommerce channels.](https://www.ashtonne.com/custom-ecommerce-packaging-solutions-from-ashtonne) - Consider all options as the cost of cutting and printing dies can be expensive and may not be needed. - Is it important for your [logo and brand](https://www.ashtonne.com/services/brand-marketing-with-custom-designed-boxes) to be identified prominently on your packaging?  - With the rapid growth of e-commerce, perhaps sending your products B2C is critical. Our success with [ecommerce packaging ](https://www.ashtonne.com/custom-ecommerce-packaging-solutions-from-ashtonne)and [retail packaging ](https://www.ashtonne.com/retail-ready-and-shelf-ready-packaging)and allowing customers to have an [unboxing experience, ](https://www.ashtonne.com/why-ashtonne/case-study-smilo-baby-products)creating a dramatic "moment of reveal", could be a solution to improve sales and profits. Bottom line: partner with a reputable packaging company that is committed to helping their customers solve their packaging concerns. Inflation happens as a result of a macroeconomy - what are you doing to offset those rising costs and labor rates? You may need to evaluate all your product packaging options with a [reputable company](https://www.ashtonne.com/creative-packaging-and-unique-product-solutions), a packaging partner that takes the time to understand your business, including all aspects of your [supply chain](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/benefits-of-a-packaging-partner-in-your-supply-chain), and can make it [eco-friendly](https://www.ashtonne.com/eco-friendly-packaging-materials) too! Call Ashtonne Packaging [(877-522-6937) ](tel:877-522-6937)and let us develop plans together to make this happen! If you are a new or start-up business, or just a [small business](https://www.ashtonne.com/services/custom-designed-packaging-for-businesses), and are ready to make a decision, or at least consider your options, [schedule a personalized meeting. ](https://meetings.hubspot.com/rwise?__hstc=&__hssc=&hsCtaTracking=d1844206-1f68-4200-a620-290dfb6eb73f%7Cb7a7a805-b15f-4823-9028-c59b37a2e6f0)[![Schedule a Meeting](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5108155/e4e11ddc-1c68-4dd1-9ef2-53becb61210b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5108155/e4e11ddc-1c68-4dd1-9ef2-53becb61210b)  ![Cost Saving Ideas with creative packaging and custom designed packaging solutions](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashtonne_Packaging_December2018/images/cost_saving_ideas.jpg?width=148&height=103&name=cost_saving_ideas.jpg)       ![Project Book to revew creative packaging ideas with your packaging partner](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashtonne_Packaging_December2018/images/project_book.jpg?width=157&height=105&name=project_book.jpg)    ![Cost Increase Collaboration to review creative packaging ideas using custom designed packaging with a packaging partner](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashtonne_Packaging_December2018/images/cost_increase_collaboration.jpg?width=162&height=101&name=cost_increase_collaboration.jpg)   ![Think outside the box with a packaging partner who provides creative packaging ideas](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashtonne_Packaging_December2018/images/think_outside_the_box.jpg?width=150&height=100&name=think_outside_the_box.jpg)     ## [![Ashtonne](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashtonne_Packaging_December2018/images/ashtonne_logo_white.png?width=328&height=112&name=ashtonne_logo_white.png)                                                                                              CLICK HERE TO Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed of CUSTOM DESIGNED packaging ideas AND TIPS for fighting inflation!                                                  ](https://www.ashtonne.com/surveys/get-our-enewsletter) ** **Tags:** [custom design](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/custom-design), [inflation](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/inflation), [corrugated packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/corrugated-packaging), [packaging companies](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/packaging-companies), [custom designed packaging ideas](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/custom-designed-packaging-ideas), [save money](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/save-money), [small businesses](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/small-businesses), [cost savings](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/cost-savings) [« Back to Blog](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog) [![Ashtonne Author Bio Box-01](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashtonne%20Author%20Bio%20Box-01.png?width=500&height=239&name=Ashtonne%20Author%20Bio%20Box-01.png "Ashtonne Author Bio Box-01")](https://www.ashtonne.com/about-bill-madl) #### Contact Us Today! ["Ashtonne Packaging has been our primary supplier of custom display products for several years. Their creative designers go above and beyond to quickly turn our ideas into physical samples, which helps ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner)[Bendon](https://www.bendonpub.com) secure a great deal of promotional sales. Once we go to production, Ashtonne always delivers high-quality and eye-catching display solutions which allow our products to stand out from the competition at retail. I can sincerely say that Ashtonne’s overall service is the best I have experienced in the 8 years I have been a buyer of corrugated products!" [Rachel Rabalais](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Bendon](https://www.bendonpub.com) Ashland, Ohio [“We have been buying boxes and using Ashtonne Packaging for years now. The prices have stayed very competitive and the VMI service really works in our favor. They come once a week to do inventory and I am never out of boxes.”](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Mike Buckingham II](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Lake Erie Frozen Foods](http://www.leffco.net/) Ashland, Ohio ["The Ashtonne Packaging team has been instrumental in our business. The Ashtonne Packaging Team was able to work with our design team seamlessly from creating final drawings, artwork, and material selection, through production. We have continued to rely on them for other print and packaging needs."](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Josh Wiesman, Co-Founder and CEO](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Smilo Baby Products ](https://www.smilobaby.com) ["We talked to plenty of packaging people, and we tried to do that early on...I think we could go to a number of different companies that could deliver on budget and on time...But it was the level of detail and the craftmanship that you get at Ashtonne Packaging that I haven’t seen before.” ](https://www.smilobaby.com) [Keith Tritschler](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Smilo Baby Products](https://www.smilobaby.com) ["Ashtonne Packaging brought in several prototypes of a four-pack carrying carton for my approval… their designs met my specifications for functionality and attractive design… and they delivered on time, with quick turn-a-round!” ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Doug Reynolds, Co-Founder and CEO](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Uniontown Brewing](https://www.uniontownbrewing.com) Ashland, OHIO [Working with Ashtonne Packaging was a dream. As a new business, we rely on business partners and vendors not just for their service, but for the experience and education they offer. Rich and the Ashtonne Packaging team were super knowledgeable, flexible, and patient. I also appreciated their willingness to work with low volumes (critical for new products) and that they have the capacity to handle so much more as we grow. They also provided some thoughts on our business outside of packaging showing that they were focused not just with their piece of the puzzle, but interested in supporting our all-around growth. And perhaps most importantly, our launch packaging was gorgeous and we get rave reviews from our customers on it! ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Adiya Dixon, Founder](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Yubi Beauty](https://www.loveyubi.com) Powell, Ohio ["We continue to look for new ways to get in front of the consumer and are leveraging off-shelf displays more than ever before to achieve this objective. John Baxter and the team at ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner)[Ashtonne Packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com) continue to deliver innovative display solutions that provide the flexibility and quality we need." [Tim McNamara, VP of Marketing- Perio, Inc](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Barbasol](https://www.barbasol.com) Ashland, Ohio ["We appreciate Ashtonne Packaging's keen packaging insights, and design expertise that have vastly improved our e-commerce packaging for both our own ecommerce business, and our Amazon business." ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [John Domurad](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Lenox](https://www.lenox.com) ["I'm very happy with how smoothly the process went with Ashtonne Packaging. They are very helpful, the pricing is competitive, and the design team has been great."](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Mike Nash](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [SPX Brands](https://solarxeyewear.com/) [“Ashtonne Packaging worked with us for many months until we had the perfect packaging for our product. They went above and beyond every step of the way, and we are very happy with the final results. I’d highly recommend them, especially for those looking for quality packaging Made in the USA.” ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Michael C. Rice, Inventor/Founder/Co-CEO ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Gripknife LLC](https://www.gripknife.com) [“Before we installed the automation equipment from Ashtonne Packaging, we would need twenty to twenty-five employees to produce about 2,000 packages. On typical days, six workers would produce 750 units . Now just four employees can produce 800 units. It has completely exceeded our expectations.”](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Eric Wentworth](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Fin Fur Feather Outfitters](https://www.finfeatherfur.com) ["I want you to know that I receive amazing feedback daily, from customers and fellow business owners, on the quality and style of your packaging. You knocked our packaging out of the park and I am truly grateful. You will be hearing from me soon with another order. Until then, keep doing great things!"](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Heather Chabino, Co-Owner](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Hob Nob Candles](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) ["Regarding the Skullmate Hanger Project, we and our client have been thrilled with how it turned out and how it functions". ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Emily Miller, Owner](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Inspire Design](https://www.inspiredesignco.com) [“We talked to plenty of packaging people, and we tried to do that early on...I think we could go to a number of different companies that could deliver on budget and on time… But it was the level of detail and the craftsmanship that you get at Ashtonne Packaging that I haven’t seen before.” ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Keith Tritschler](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Smilo Baby Products](https://www.smilo.com) [" Thank you for being such a dependable supplier to us. It's nice not to have people I don't have to worry about". ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [J. Howard](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [J-Lenco, Inc](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) ["We can tell you that the first batch that was sent to REI sold out around Thanksgiving, good and bad problem. The distributor has sent a second batch to REI and we are waiting for the product to activate on the site again. It was cool walking into our local store and seeing the product on the shelves/peg board".](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Brad Kenemuth](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [The Liftie](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Regarding the Tasting Board Retail Kit Project, Matt Snyder said: "Whoa! Mind blown! That is incredible! I love it! Cheers!"](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Matt Snyder](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Founder](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) ["As a consumer-facing brand, we really value a customer's first impression of our product in-store. When we expanded into a larger retailer, we looked to Ashtonne for help designing a custom display to showcase our alcohol infusion kits. The team at Ashtonne listened to our needs and quickly came up with a creative way to show our products. Everyone we worked with at Ashtonne was flexible and offered solutions for pricing that worked within our budget. As a result of using the display stands, our product is selling faster than accounts that do not have a display case!"](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [John Feller, co-Founder](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Aged and Infused](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) ![Ashtonne Packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashtonne_Packaging_December2018/images/ashtonne_logo_white.png?width=328&height=112&name=ashtonne_logo_white.png) 1235 Jacobson Ave, Ashland, OH, 44805 Toll-Free: [877-522-6937](tel:877-522-6937) Fax: [877-292-5660](tel:877-292-5660) Follow Us: [![Linkedin](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashtonne_Packaging_December2018/images/linkedin-512.png?width=50&height=50&name=linkedin-512.png)      ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/11170776)  [![Facebook](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashtonne_Packaging_December2018/images/fb-f-logo__blue_100.png?width=50&height=50&name=fb-f-logo__blue_100.png)      ](https://www.facebook.com/AshtonnePackaging/) [![Twitter](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashtonne_Packaging_December2018/images/twitter_logo_transparent.png?width=55&height=55&name=twitter_logo_transparent.png)](https://twitter.com/Ashtonne_pkg)      [![Youtube](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashtonne_Packaging_December2018/images/youtube_2.png?width=55&height=55&name=youtube_2.png)](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvH14R6_JrMsTINzuWseni4dUfcHsJezO)      [![Pinterest](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/pinterest-logo%202.png?width=89&name=pinterest-logo%202.png)](https://www.pinterest.com/ashtonne8775226937/)[![Instagram hi-res](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Instagram%20hi-res.png?width=93&name=Instagram%20hi-res.png)](https://www.instagram.com/ashtonnepackaging/) Digital Marketing Powered by Bryan Media and Bill Madl [![blue-seal-200-42-bbb-235829533 copy](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blue-seal-200-42-bbb-235829533%20copy.png?width=200&height=42&name=blue-seal-200-42-bbb-235829533%20copy.png)](https://www.bbb.org/us/oh/ashland/profile/packaging-design-and-development/ashtonne-packaging-inc-0272-235829533/#sealclick)   Copyright © 2018 Ashtonne Packaging. 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