Great Design Always Begins With Essential Steps
When considering designing a custom box or a custom shipping box, or developing a creative packaging design, or a point of purchase display, there are some essential steps to keep in mind to help ensure the product performs as expected and arrives on time and without issue, including claims or damage:
- What is the value of the product?
- It is critical to eliminate damage and ensure product safety. Returns on an expensive product can more than offset profits, so be more conservative when designing your creative packaging here.
- What is the supply chain and distribution cycle of this product- how long might this sit in a warehouse, under what conditions.
- The creative packaging design must take into consideration how high it is stacked, the humidity conditions of where it is stored, the amount of time it will sit, and how the packaging is handled.
- The specific Supply Chain is critical to any creative package designed, be it a carton or a display, and especially if it will be a B2C transaction through e-commerce
- Will it be shipped on a pallet or single unit via UPS, FedEx, etc.?
- Will there be pallet overhang, and if so, can an alternative pallet be used or a different pallet pattern so as not to jeopardize the package integrity?
- UPS and FedEx shipping cost increases should focus our creative design on eliminating inner-packing and fillers since these elements add cost.
- What is the weight of the product?
- All designs must follow weight guidelines to ensure proper shipping compliance with burst and ECT certificates to help eliminate damage and liability. You have a great product, so make sure it looks great when it arrives!
- What is the quantity of items included in each custom corrugated box or display package?
- Should the shipping box be designed for one product or more so the right custom design can be achieved?
- Can the shipping box be used as a shelf-ready display?
- How many samples/prototypes are required?
- Are there any budget /cost constraints for your packaging?
- Don’t design a $1.00/ea. shipping box that has a $.50/ea. cost budget!
- Is this product replacing a current item, and can you use that packaging already developed?
- Are there similar SKU’s after this item to take into consideration for this product package?
- Does your customer have any specific requirements or expectations when it arrives?
- How will it be handled/distributed/ merchandised/sold by your customer?
- Will this be in a retail, online or wholesale environment?
- How will the carton be sealed, ie, tape, glue, etc?
- Will the carton or product need to be assembled by the end-user?
- If you design to your customers specifications, they won’t be disappointed, surprised or have cause for rejection on their end when they receive.
- Does your packaging supplier have the capabilities and materials to oversee the manufacturing of the product packaging?
- Don’t design a creative package that can’t be made efficiently and cost effectively.
- Will your supplier be able to control or manage the process?
- If your design calls out specific materials, check if your supplier carries them routinely, and what alternatives they might have in the event of a stock out. Don't let material options, or lack thereof, limit the design alternatives.
- Will your custom corrugated shipping box run on automatic equipment?
- If so, the design must take into consideration what the supplier requires that will facilitate that specific equipment. Consult with them when designing.
- How important is it that your packaging is eco-friendly and sustainable?
- Not all suppliers carry recycled materials, so check with them as to how they would manufacture.
- Your customer may have requirements on “green initiatives” and recycled %’s that need to be adhered to.
- Some big companies today have “sustainable” goals.
Although not all of these steps are needed for every custom box, display or custom shipping box that you design, this guide will help ensure your product will arrive to your customer with the least amount of damage, and usually, cost. Custom designed creative packaging solutions are what we do! Now, we are sure you may have other questions you need answered, such as:
* what is your cost going to be?
* as a small business getting started, how will I be considered a priority amongst all your customers?
* how long will it take to manufacture and deliver my order?
* how can I ensure it will be sustainable and eco-friendly?
These and other questions will be answered once we agree on the design you need and samples are approved. Click here to receive a bonus eBook on how to choose the right packaging supplier for your company!
If you are ready to make a decision on your unique product, and it's that important for you to get it right, contact us NOW or schedule a meeting!
If you aren't ready to make a decision, and want more information, please visit the Ashtonne website to learn more about how they take care of customers, call them at 877-522-6937, or follow them by getting their blogs and e-Newsletter.
Bill Madl
Consultant, coach, training expert for the packaging industry for over 50 years
