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 
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, 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 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
warehousing or shared space can help manage overhead. Flexibility matters more than bells and whistles in these cases. Here at Ashtonne Packaging, we are able to secure warehousing space 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 (like stuffing brochures or packaging and fulfilling small
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
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.
Food-Safe and Compliance-Ready Materials
Warehousing that Supports Growth
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 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 helps you think through shelf presence, unboxing experience, 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, 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, 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 just starting up, reach out today and let's talk about tomorrow. Call Ashtonne Packaging at 877-832-7720 or click here to let us know you’d like to talk.
