5 Simple Steps to Start Packaging Your Product

Feel overwhelmed trying to develop packaging for your products? I’m not surprised. Packaging is the third largest industry in the country. In fact, there are over 10,000 packaging manufacturers in the United States alone. The proliferation of material choices and suppliers is extensive. First, you must narrow down your resources and materials before you pack anything. This is your first step because, without packaging, there is no product.

Which supplier is right for you? What is your packaging material of choice? Do you understand the differences between each material and what value each will bring to your product marketing? How do you sift through the wealth of information and resources to begin packaging your products?

Here are 5 simple rules to help you get started

Do some research

Before you decide how to package your product, you need to know and understand what is already on the market. Even if your product is the greatest new invention, you will still face some kind of competition. Check it out first. Visit stores that sell similar products or products in the same category. For example, if you have a housewares product, you should check out places that sell housewares. Don’t just choose one outlet. Go to a variety of stores. You don’t want to develop a great new packaging concept just to find out that others are already doing the same thing. The more you look, the more knowledgeable you will become. Be careful not to visit every retail store there to avoid information overload. This will only confuse your decision-making process.

Optimize your package profile

This is called the retail footprint, which is how much space your product will take up on the shelf. Your goal is to reduce the size or number of packages as much as possible while optimizing the shape and design of the package. It’s important to understand the concept of retail footprint. Retail space is at a premium, so the less space you use, the happier retailers will be. They may even specify that your products are only allowed so much shelf space. In any case, you need to understand this concept and incorporate it into your sales pitch to retailers.

Many times, you can package your product in many different ways. This is where creativity comes into play. Your product doesn’t just need to sit on a shelf in a box. It can sit upright; it can be hung or displayed on a floor stand or similar display case. There are many unique ways to sell any product. You just need to think outside the traditional way of doing things. Look at other products from different industries. See if you can incorporate design ideas into your own product packaging.

Choose your packaging material

This is not as simple as it sounds, as there are many external factors that influence why a product is packaged with a specific type of material. Certain products lend themselves to special distribution. Certain products can only be sold using specific materials. The way a product is sold may determine the type of packaging material you use. For example, if you need to see the entire product clearly, then you may need plastic. The choice of material may also depend on availability.

Packaging materials are classified by their primary raw material. Two simple examples are paper and plastic. Within each material type, there are many subcategories of different types of packaging. If you choose paper packaging, it could be a box, a bag, a drum, a tube, a can, etc. See the diversity of choices? It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the options and it can be hard to figure out what the best choice is. Since products are available in many different packaging materials, it’s best to start with materials you know are available for similar products. Even if you choose the same material as a competing product, the packaging doesn’t necessarily need to look the same.

Think big, but be prepared to compromise

I know you have a great product, but you may need to start smaller than you think. One of the biggest hurdles may be finding a supplier. Generally speaking, custom packaging is a high-volume order, and you may not have one yet. But don’t despair.

Look for stock items that can be customized. The inventory container market has improved dramatically with the advent of innovation and new designs. In fact, there are now many companies that offer only stock containers. You can customize your inventory on a smaller scale. With a simple label change, your package may be right there. In addition, limited ordering allows you to change and modify your packaging as your sales volume increases. You don’t want to have 10,000 old packages on hand when you make design changes or need to change what’s on the package due to some regulatory issue.

The important fact to understand is that packaging is not static, it evolves and changes with the needs and demands of the consumer. It can even change as you have more business and can order larger quantities. What worked in the past may not work tomorrow. You need to be innovative and creative in your thinking. Look for guidance and expertise in outside resources. Keep up with packaging changes and materials. Don’t get caught out by ordering too much inventory that will never be used up. Think big and start small.

Be prepared to take advice

I know you’re in love with your product and you’re sure you know all the answers, but you can’t be an expert on everything. Listen to what others think of your product packaging. Don’t get so hung up on your own ideas that you make design mistakes or merchandising mistakes. Get a reality check from people who know nothing about your product. See if your packaging concept appeals to outsiders. By that I mean they are interested enough to pick your product off the shelf.

There are many resources available to you at little or no cost. Many suppliers offer design expertise as part of the order. There are an unlimited number of resource materials available to provide you with basic information that can save you a lot of time and costly mistakes. Be sure to take the time to check them out. 

Company profile

Taizy Packaging Machinery Co., Ltd is a professional packing solution provider. We are always here to offer excellent packaging ideas and equipment to benefit your project. If you any interest, ask our experts to help you to start your business as soon as possible.