Brought to you by Colorado Industrial Packaging:
As you begin to kick off your business and receive orders from customers, you’ll soon realize that you have two choices for shipping products to customers: custom or stock packaging. Custom packaging is that which is specifically designed and manufactured to ship a particular product or brand whereas stock packaging is pre-made and is available for purchase in bulk quantities.
Packaging can play a major role in product presentation, brand perception, and even the consumer experience, which is why evaluating the various pros and cons to both custom and stock packaging, along with deciding how to choose, is crucial for any business.
Custom Packaging 101
Starting with the first of the two options you can consider for shipping your products, there are many benefits to using custom packaging. Some of the most prominent of those include:
- Enhanced brand recognition: Custom packaging can incorporate specific brand elements, such as logos, colors, and fonts, to create a strong brand identity.
- Improved product protection: Custom packaging can be designed to fit the product perfectly, providing optimal protection during shipping, storage, and display.
- Increased customer satisfaction: Unique and visually appealing custom packaging can create a positive impression on customers, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty.
The aforementioned benefits are just the tip of the iceberg though. Custom packaging can also be tailored to suit your specific needs by allowing you to create a specific shape and size for boxes that will ensure a tight fit for your product. You can also choose the materials you wish the packaging to be made out of whether that be plastic, paper, fabric, or anything else needed to suit your product’s specific requirements. Additionally, industrial packaging suppliers can incorporate specific features such as windows, handles, or inserts into your packaging, which can improve both functionality and appeal.
With all of the above being said, there are some drawbacks to consider with custom packaging. The biggest of these drawbacks is the fact that custom packages come at a higher upfront cost as compared to stock packaging due to design, products, and setup fees. There are also longer lead times with custom packaging jobs as the time to create the packaging is significantly longer than in bulk stock packaging.
Stock Packaging 101
On the other side of things, stock packaging is the second option you can consider when shipping your products. There are a variety of benefits to stock packaging which rival those offered by custom packaging, and they include:
- Lower costs: Stock packaging is generally more affordable than custom packaging due to economies of scale and pre-existing production processes.
- Shorter lead times: Stock packaging is readily available for purchase, allowing for quicker turnaround times compared to custom packaging.
- Wider availability: Stock packaging is offered in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, making it easier to find a suitable option for different products.
Naturally, all of the above benefits make stock packaging appealing to those who are working with a limited budget or for companies that have products with a shorter lifecycle. There are downsides to using stock packaging, though, and these are primarily the limited customization options and a less distinctive appearance, both of which stop your brand from standing out on shelves.
Factors to Consider When Deciding Between Custom and Stock
Choosing between custom packaging and stock packaging is a difficult decision for businesses of all sizes, especially when considering that folding boxes can cost as little as $1 per box. When thinking about your decision, consider some of the following factors:
- Evaluate the long-term benefits of custom packaging, such as increased brand recognition and customer satisfaction, against the upfront costs.
- Consider the potential savings from using stock packaging for less critical products or short-term promotions.
- Larger or irregularly shaped products may require custom packaging to ensure a secure fit and prevent shifting.
- Products with unique features or functions may benefit from custom packaging that showcases these attributes.
Find the Right Packaging Solution for Your Business
Based on all of the above, both stock and custom packaging have benefits and drawbacks to consider. The right choice will be dependent upon your individual business needs and goals. Take into account key factors such as your budget, the type of product you’re sending, and the overall environmental impact your decision will have.
Oftentimes, a hybrid approach to packaging where you use elements from both custom and stock packaging is typically best as this can bring about the perfect balance of cost, customization, and sustainability.
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