7 Budget-Friendly Custom Packaging Ideas for Shopify Stores was written for Playlouder by a contributing author. Please note that contributing opinions are that of the author. They are not always in strict alignment with my own opinions. –Joe
Small business owners are always looking for new and cost-effective marketing ideas. If you own or run a Shopify store, you know how much it costs to create the awesome packaging that is your calling card.
In this post, we will share a few packaging tips that are both cost-effective and visually appealing.
Whether you're a Shopify store owner or a freelancer, taking the time to present your products attractively will make clients take note. After all, your presentation when shipping a product says a lot about you and your company.
The Importance of Product Packaging
Here are a few reasons why you must focus on your product packaging:
Protection
First and foremost, product packaging protects the goods from getting damaged in transit. This is vital to ensure that the product arrives in perfect condition and the user experience isn’t hampered. For example, how often have you opened a box to find the contents smashed to bits?
The point of product packaging is to provide customers with a seamless unboxing experience, so they don't need to worry about the condition of their goods when they arrive.
Marketing
Product packaging is also an excellent marketing tool — it allows you to showcase your brand and design something unique that stands out from your competitors. You can think of it as a way to communicate with your customers before they even open the parcel.
You can achieve this by custom printed tape, logo tags, packaging sleeves, or adding a personal note. Use this opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your customers.
Interesting Custom Packaging Ideas
Not sure how to design custom packaging? We've got you covered! Here are some of our favorite packaging tips and ideas for Shopify merchants.
1. Go Sustainable
One of your first choices will be the material to use for your packaging. If you're interested in making your brand sustainable and more eco-friendly, there are many options.
The most popular option for sustainable packaging is kraft paper, being 100 percent reusable. You can also go with compostable or biodegradable materials from corn and sugarcane, which have a much lower carbon footprint than traditional materials.
2. Customization
One way to make your product stand out to consumers is by adding a personal touch. If you have the budget, you can customize each of your packages with a handwritten note by you or the team behind the product itself.
Simply adding stickers (stickers aren't just for kids!) or custom shapes cut out of paper can greatly impact consumers. You can also add one big sticker with your logo, contact information, and website URL so people know how to reach you if they love the product.
3. Be Minimalistic
You don't need to go all out on fancy packaging when you're just starting — sometimes less is more. A minimalistic approach can be very effective and save you money. Here are some tips:
- Avoid tissue paper or other filler products that add weight but don't enhance the customer experience.
- Choose a basic box style that doesn't require additional work like die-cutting or windowing.
- Consider not including a box at all — where it is applicable.
4. Implement Color Schemes
If you want your packaging to stand out, consider using a color scheme that reflects your brand's style. Since there are a variety of colors to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which ones will work best for your branding.
One thing you can do to make this process easier is to look up Pantone and CMYK codes for specific colors. This way, you'll be able to select the exact color that fits your brand's style and make a colorful design.
5. Make Logo Tags
A simple way to add custom flair to your packaging is by making logo tags. These are small cards featuring your logo and branding that you can include in the packages that you send out to customers.
They can be made from paper stock, and you can choose from hundreds of different fonts and styles for your logo. You can easily create beautiful graphics that make your packages look more professional using Canva or even Microsoft Word software.
6. Try Different Printing Patterns
You don't need to have expensive custom wrapping paper for your packages when you don't have the budget. If you're looking for a budget option, consider using printed tape with different patterns!
Any pattern printing on the outside of an envelope or box will make it more appealing to your customers.
7. Introduce Custom Packaging Sleeves
Plain shipping boxes are boring and don't contribute much to the first impression. Custom packaging sleeves are an elegant way to add branding to your pack without the cost of custom printing.
Custom packaging sleeves don't need to be expensive if you have a designer and know where to order them. Custom packaging sleeves can be ordered for as low as $0.50 each.
What to Consider When Packaging?
If you want to put extra thought into how your products are packaged, here are a few things to think about:
Budget
You have to be aware of your affordability. Don't make the mistake of spending too much on packaging, especially when you're just starting, as it’s important to save money at this time.
Weigh the cost against the return on investment. If you're selling a $5 product, spending $5 on a fancy box won't be profitable.
Product
What type of product do you sell? Does it need special packaging? This can be anything from food products to beauty products or even fragile items like glassware or delicate jewelry (which may need extra protection). Your product will determine the type of packaging that you need.
Location
Think about where your customers are ordering from — do they live in an area prone to extreme weather? Do most of your sales take place during certain times of the year? These factors may influence whether there's a need for waterproofing or heatproofing your boxes.
Conclusion
These are just a few ideas for custom packaging, but this should give you a good idea of approaching your packaging if you are on a tight budget. Don't be afraid to experiment.
You don't need thousands of dollars to make your packages pop—the right concept and colorful design will go a long way. No one will know how little you spent if you get creative enough!
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