Small businesses boast a bevy of products from screen-printed T-shirts to high-end gadgets. A large amount of thought goes into the design, production, and finishing of these items. Yet, the treatment of these precious products often falls short when it comes to packaging. Although packaging is only one stage in the journey of getting your products to market, it is an exceptionally important one. These are some reasons why more and more small businesses and entrepreneurs are turning to custom boxes to elevate their products.

You get one chance at a first impression

First impressions matter. If you see your product packaging on a shelf, would you be inclined to pick it up? Many small business owners choose not to invest in packaging because they feel that packaging only comes into play after the product has been sold. The truth is that packaging is part of the consumer satisfaction experience. A product may be good enough to be bought once, but fantastic packaging can convince a customer to purchase it again or gift it to someone else.

We are often told not to judge a book by its cover. Unfortunately, consumers do. This is why book cover design remains a thriving industry. You only have one chance to captivate your customer when they are handed your packaging. Will you come across as bland and forgettable or interesting and engaging? With unboxing videos being all the rage and younger consumers sharing unique product packaging images on social media, you cannot afford to lose the chance to make a striking impression.

Brand image demands consistency

With so much competition in the online and offline marketplace, brand image is important. A strong brand image helps you to raise awareness about your brand which, in turn, leads to more sales. Your website, product tags, and labels enhance your brand image, so why would you choose to use generic, unbranded packaging? A customized box can feature all the visual and typographical elements of your brand so that customers can recognize your product instantly when they see it on the shelf or in their mailbox.

Customized packaging is also an avenue for you to continue your brand story. Whether you add a small blurb on the box or use graphics to tell the tale, your packaging can help you to connect with your customers. Your brand story is a powerful tool that differentiates you from your competitors. Even if you all have similar products, a brand story that resonates with your audience will bring you more sales. So, do not let the opportunity go to waste.

It is not just the size, but the fit

Despite what anyone else tells you, size does matter. However, bigger is not always better when it comes to packaging. The size of the box should match your item well. Most standard mailing boxes are designed for general post and not products. While you could send your handmade jewelry or artisanal tea in a standard mailing box, the effect is not quite the same.

Imagine gifting your partner a Tiffany bracelet in a USPS box instead of the fitted Tiffany Blue Box specially designed to nest the item. I imagine that it would not go down so well. Your partner may even question the authenticity of the piece!

Having a box that is small enough to hold your item nicely increases the perceived value of your item. It also shows your customers that you care about how your item weathers its transit from your warehouse to their hands. Instead of having your items knock around in a big box, they can be snugly contained in custom boxes as small as 2.25″ x 2.25″ x 3.25″ before being placed in a mailer or shipping box.

It is easy being green

Customized packaging also allows you to make more sustainable choices. A small business can ship hundreds of products every month and your packaging choices can add up to have a significant effect on the environment. Consumers are becoming increasingly eco-conscious and are choosing to support businesses that have sustainable values. Show your customers that you care by using eco-friendly packaging materials.

Choose boards made from recycled material (or some recycled material) and be sure that they can be 100% recyclable. The active lifespan of packaging can be quite short so it is essential to ensure that the lifecycle of your boxes continues after your products are removed. Instead of glossy boards or bleached boards, choose brown boards to give your packaging a more natural look. High-quality packaging is also more attractive and durable; hence your customers are likely to reuse them as storage boxes instead of discarding them.

You have spent a lot of time perfecting your products and they deserve to be packaged in custom boxes. Customized packaging shows your customers that you care about the entire experience. They help you to enhance your brand image and tell your brand story. Whether you are a down-to-earth seller of herbal supplements or a vibrant creator of limited edition sneakers, use custom packaging to complete your product.