--- title: When To Save and When to Spend in Custom Packaging description: Doing business must generate profit. When costs exceed sales and revenues, something has to change. Controlling costs is one way to turn things around. But be aware…controlling costs and cutting costs aren’t necessarily the same thing. image: https://www.ashtonne.com/hubfs/Ashtonne%20Cost%20vs%20Quality%20blog%20image%20.png --- [![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)   × # When To Save and When to Spend in Custom 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) ![When To Save and When to Spend in Custom Packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/hubfs/Ashtonne%20Cost%20vs%20Quality%20blog%20image%20.png) ** [Bill Madl](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/author/bill-madl) ** Posted on January 26, 2025 | Updated on June 3, 2025 ## SMART PACKAGING STRATEGIES FOR GROWING BUSINESSES Doing business must generate profit.  Everyone knows that, and there are a multitude of ways to make it happen.  When costs exceed sales and revenues, something has to change. Controlling costs is one way to turn things around, but beware.....controlling costs and cutting costs aren't necessarily the same thing. Every penny matters, especially in a competitive environment. And so you should save where you can.  But, sometimes cutting costs can lead to trouble down the line. What sounds like a good idea now, without experience or knowledge of potential ![image-png-Mar-21-2025-09-00-54-8544-PM](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Mar-21-2025-09-00-54-8544-PM.png?width=259&height=194&name=image-png-Mar-21-2025-09-00-54-8544-PM.png)ramifications, can cause real problems. Every penny matters, especially in a competitive environment. And so you should save where you can. But, sometimes cutting costs can lead to trouble down the line.  Problems can be expensive, and that’s the opposite of what you’re trying to do. The thing is, when it comes to packaging, spending more can save you more down the line. It’s a tight rope to walk, especially when you’re trying to make decisions that make a difference now. So what’s the right move? Where does it make sense to save a little, and where does it make sense to focus on quality instead? At [Ashtonne Packaging,](https://www.ashtonne.com/) we believe in helping small businesses, especially new ecommerce start-ups, make smart, strategic choices. That includes helping to decide where to cut costs and where to invest for the long-term success of your brand. Here’s our guide on when it’s okay to go with the low quote… and when you shouldn’t.                                                             ### Where it Might be Ok to Save Standard Shipping Materials  Not every product needs [custom shipping boxes ](https://www.ashtonne.com/services/brand-marketing-with-custom-designed-boxes)with high-end finishes or durability. If your product can stand up to the forces of shipping and transit, or if you don’t necessarily need to make a brand statement with your packages, then you could afford to save a little here. Don’t cut too far, as damaged product or an unprofessional appearance can affect customer satisfaction. You might not need fancy, but you always need to be effective.   Temporary Storage Solutions     If you're dealing with a seasonal product or one-time promotion, opting for short-term![Inventory storage](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Inventory%20storage.jpg?width=260&height=173&name=Inventory%20storage.jpg) warehousing or shared space can help manage overhead. Flexibility matters more than bells and whistles in these cases. Here at [Ashtonne Packaging,](https://www.ashtonne.com/) we are able to secure [warehousing s](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/benefits-of-a-vendor-managed-inventory)pace for you in ways that enhance your logistics and shipping strategy. These don’t have to cost a lot of money and can actually decrease your shipping costs and efficiencies. In-House Labor for Simple Assembly Simple [packaging assemblies](https://www.ashtonne.com/services/custom-packaging-product-fulfillment) (like stuffing brochures or packaging and fulfilling small![Clean Bar assembly packaging-1](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Clean%20Bar%20assembly%20packaging-1.jpeg?width=261&height=196&name=Clean%20Bar%20assembly%20packaging-1.jpeg) orders) might be doable in-house if you have the time and labor available. For small volumes, this can offer real savings without sacrificing quality. It’s a DIY approach that new businesses, especially new ecommerce start-ups, might benefit from when they are working hard to scale. ### Where it Pays To Invest [Temporary Storage Solutions      ](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/benefits-of-a-packaging-partner-in-your-supply-chain) [When your product is headed to a store shelf, the packaging is your first—and sometimes only—chance to grab attention. Investing in attractive, brand-aligned, and structurally sound retail packaging is money well spent. Poor design or flimsy packaging can get your product overlooked or even pulled from the shelf.       ![Come ready Nutrition 9](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Come%20ready%20Nutrition%209.jpg?width=275&height=183&name=Come%20ready%20Nutrition%209.jpg)Food-Safe and Compliance-Ready Materials ](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/creating-an-advantage-with-premium-retail-packaging-and-placement-strategies-to-boost-revenue) If you're in food and beverage, never compromise on materials that impact safety, freshness, or compliance. The lowest quote might not meet FDA or industry standards, and cutting corners here can lead to serious consequences down the road.   Warehousing that Supports Growth ![Ready drinks in pallet box](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ready%20drinks%20in%20pallet%20box.jpeg?width=318&height=239&name=Ready%20drinks%20in%20pallet%20box.jpeg)It may be tempting to go with the cheapest warehousing option but consider what happens when orders ramp up. A packaging partner that understands forecasting, product rotation, and rapid fulfillment can save you thousands in lost sales and logistical headaches. You need to pay attention to [product fulfillment](https://www.ashtonne.com/services/custom-packaging-product-fulfillment) channels, efficiency, and location. It all goes together to increase efficiency, which can provide logistical savings in the long run, even if it ultimately costs a little bit more. Strategic Packaging and Sales Support You’re not just paying for materials—you’re paying for experience. The [right packaging partner](https://www.ashtonne.com/) helps you think through shelf presence, [unboxing experience](https://www.ashtonne.com/ecommerce/unboxing-experience-0), and how your product moves from warehouse to customer. That expertise is hard to put a price tag on, but it’s worth every penny. The Real Cost of Cutting Corners Trimming expenses in any area you can without affecting product quality is always an approved strategy. Find partners who will help you see the different options you have in front of you, instead of those who might simply sell a solution that benefits them, perhaps more than their solution benefits you. We’ve worked with manufacturers who tried to reduce costs by sourcing the absolute cheapest packaging overseas or using generic materials that didn’t match the weight and specifications of their product. What seemed like a smart savings strategy at first quickly led to damaged shipments, unhappy customers, and product returns. Once they switched to a slightly higher-quality, purpose-built packaging solution—along with a more reliable warehousing and distribution setup—they saw a dramatic decrease in damage claims, more efficient [product fulfillment](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/-signs-you-should-hire-a-fulfillment-company), and stronger relationships with retail buyers. The upfront investment paid off many times over in long-term savings and reputation. Ready to Grow Smarter? At [Ashtonne Packaging,](https://www.ashtonne.com/) it’s about much more than the box. We help small businesses scale with packaging that makes sense—financially, functionally, and visually. Let’s talk about how to build a packaging and logistics strategy that works as hard as you do. Whether you a small business, a large business, or even a [new ecommerce business](https://www.ashtonne.com/custom-ecommerce-packaging-solutions-from-ashtonne-video) just starting up, reach out today and let's talk about tomorrow. Call [Ashtonne Packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/) at 877-832-7720 or [click here](https://www.ashtonne.com/surveys/cost-effective-retail-and-wholesale-packaging-designs) to let us know you’d like to talk.           [![Sales Sheet- custom designed packaging and packaging services from a packaging partner near me](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Sales%20Sheet%20Updated%201-6-2021-2.jpg?width=328&height=425&name=Sales%20Sheet%20Updated%201-6-2021-2.jpg)](https://www.ashtonne.com/custom-designed-packaging-services-ashtonne)                                             ## [![    Contact Us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5108155/2cd96a44-0ce6-4705-b635-7aa158274279.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5108155/2cd96a44-0ce6-4705-b635-7aa158274279) ** **Tags:** [custom designed packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/custom-designed-packaging), [custom packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/custom-packaging), [packaging company](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/packaging-company), [packaging partner](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/packaging-partner), [ecommerce packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/ecommerce-packaging), [Brand packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/brand-packaging), [branding tool](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/branding-tool), [brand merchandising](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/brand-merchandising), [marketing](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/marketing), [warehousing](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/warehousing), [trusted packaging partner](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/trusted-packaging-partner), [supply chain](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/supply-chain), [business strategies](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/business-strategies) [« Back to Blog](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog) [![ashtonne_logo](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/ashtonne_logo.png?width=328&name=ashtonne_logo.png "ashtonne_logo")](https://www.ashtonne.com/) #### Contact us using the form below or call us at [877-522-6937](tel:8775226937). ["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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