Autopack: How to choose the right packaging for a product – A guide

So, you’ve poured your heart and soul into your new product, it’s sure to be the next biggest thing, but how will you make sure that it reaches customers in one piece and stands out on the shelf?

Those are big questions, we know, which is why we’ve put together this handy guide on how to choose packaging for a product, with eight key things you should consider along the way.

Choosing packaging for your product – 8 things to consider

01. Protection

This consideration is at the top of our list for a reason. Making sure your product arrives in your customers’ hands in the same condition it was sent in is crucial. Paying to replace damaged products is almost always more expensive than investing in suitable packaging.

What constitutes the best packaging will vary based on your exact product and its individual durability, weight, size and shape. For example, you wouldn’t get very far shipping eggs in plastic bags, but they’d do a great job protecting a soft toy from the elements.

02. Sustainability

The next factor in how to choose packaging for a product is another big one (literally): the planet! The ever-encroaching environmental crisis makes opting for packaging that has the smallest possible impact on the Earth a top priority.

Growing awareness and education about climate change also makes it increasingly likely that your customers will, at least to some extent, base their purchasing decisions on your environmental credentials. Your packaging is one of the most obvious and tangible ways to demonstrate your commitment to making a difference. Opting for lightweight, recyclable or recycled materials can all help.

03. Cost

Good quality packaging can help sell products, but it’s important to balance the cost of your packaging with the return it’s likely to yield as well as the price to replace damaged items. Constantly replacing items that were packaged poorly will get expensive, as will cladding them in pricey materials.

You need to strike a middle ground that protects your products without leading to soaring costs, safeguarding your profit margins.

04. Aesthetic appeal

Looks matter when it comes to packaging. Remember you’re competing with other brands for shelf space, and the aesthetics of your packaging can be the difference between soaring success and a bargain bin flop.

Your packaging is your chance to make a first impression and to convey your company’s qualities and messages. What makes for visually effective packaging will vary from market to market, so make sure you do your consumer research to increase the chance of resonating with your target audience.

05. User experience

Think back to the last time you bought a pair of scissors; you needed another pair of scissors to open it, didn’t you? Packaging that frustrates your customers is unlikely to lead to repeat purchases, so it’s important to opt for a design that’s easy to transport, doesn’t require a whole toolkit to open and is simple to dispose of.

Also, consider the purpose of your product, can you design packaging that twins as a display, for example? Little touches like this don’t necessarily have to be costly for you but can make a lot of difference for the consumer.

06. Safety

Is your product governed by any specific safety regulations? It’s helpful to have the answer to this question before you design your packaging. This way, any necessary warnings or health and safety features can be incorporated from the start and not end up disrupting your final plans.

07. Storage and shipping

When reviewing how to choose packaging for a product, it’s easy to get wrapped up in how it will look on the shelf. While this is definitely important, it can’t be your only focus. Don’t forget that before your product even reaches your customers, it must first be stored and shipped.

This is your chance to save some money, as packaging that is easily stacked and stored and is lightweight and easy to ship will yield impressive cost efficiencies.

08. Customer engagement

Your packaging can also act as a chance to further engage your customers and immerse them in your brand and ecosystem. You could consider integrating features like QR codes for product videos, collectibles or competition entries.

Finding the ideal packaging with Autopack

The final step in how to choose packaging for a product is to speak to a trusted expert. At Autopack, we have been helping businesses like yours discover their ideal packaging solutions since 2012. Our friendly team can guide you towards the perfect equipment and materials to make sure your product reaches customers safely and stands out from the crowd on densely packed shelves.

We cater to a huge range of industries and can even help ensure that your packaging equipment stays in top shape.

To get started, just give us a call now on 01432 677 000, email us at [email protected] or fill out our contact form here.

This article was originally published by Autopack.