Admit it. We’ve all done it. You’re not meaning to be nosy, but you can’t help but notice the package your neighbor has sitting on his doorstep.
It might be that distinctive, smiley box from Amazon, or one of those Blue Apron boxes that seem to crop up everywhere—or maybe it’s something you’ve never seen before.
Just the other day while driving in my neighborhood, I saw a bold, purple-colored box with the words “Purple Carrot” emblazoned on the side. What’s a Purple Carrot? I’d never heard of the company. But the vibrant colored box was enough to capture my attention and stick out in my mind.
Guess what I did when I got home? I googled Purple Carrot and found out they’re a plant-based meal delivery service. Talk about effective marketing.
By merely using distinct, recognizable packaging, Purple Carrot piqued the interest of a casual observer (me), and eked out a little free advertising too.
For businesses of all sizes, effective custom packaging can yield impressive marketing results.
Just consider these stats:
In a Dotcom Distribution study, over 60% of those surveyed said that gift-like packaging gets them excited about what they ordered.
40% of these online shoppers said they would be more likely to purchase from a retailer again if the retailer used premium packaging.
And pretty packages can lead to social shares:
50% said gift-like or branded packaging makes them more likely to recommend a brand to others.
Suffice it to say, custom packaging is an easy way to spike interest in your products and build excitement for your brand. Not to mention that your competition is probably already putting effort into how they package their products. Don’t get left behind.
Packaging does more than hold a product and protects your items during shipping. It usually reaches the customer before anything else, so it shapes their expectations early. A box can signal care, speed, or indifference, depending on how it’s built. Small details matter. Even the way a lid lifts can affect what people think of your product.
Whether you’re new to custom packaging or trying to redesign what you already use, Refine Packaging breaks down the basics and uses of quality custom boxes, keeping you focused on what truly affects the result.
So how can your business stand out from the crowd?
Let’s take a look at how you can incorporate custom boxes and branded packaging into your marketing arsenal.
And fear not, there are price points that will work for every size business. If you’re curious how custom packaging solutions can elevate your products, request a quick quote or a sample box today.
Gone are the days of haphazardly tossing some goods in a post office box and calling it a day.
The physical box you put your product in is important, so put some thought into it. You only have one chance to make a first impression. Don’t miss this opportunity.
Making a memorable brand experience is especially relevant for one very important consumer group—millennials. Millennials now make up nearly 25% of the US population and possess an annual purchasing power of over $1.3 trillion dollars. For millennials, feeling a connection with a brand is of paramount importance when making purchasing decisions.
Unique packaging is a great way to initially wow your customers and make them feel special. When done right, you’ll increase brand exposure, through social sharing, and directly pump up brand loyalty and sales.
Types of Custom Boxes
Knowing the basic types of custom boxes helps you narrow down your choices before you start thinking about graphics or print.
Die-Cut vs. Standard Boxes
Die-cut boxes rely on a custom cutting die that stamps the board into a set layout. That die controls the folds, the lock style, and the way the box holds its shape. It also lets you create snug spaces or small structural features that follow the product. Brands use die-cut formats when the fit needs to be exact or when the opening style is part of the customer experience.
Standard boxes follow fixed measurements and familiar templates. They’re sturdy and widely used. Since they don’t need a custom die, they’re also commonly cheaper to produce. They’re perfect for products with simple dimensions or when you want boxes you can reorder without delays.
Mailer Boxes vs. Shipping Boxes
Mailer boxes fold into themselves and close with built-in flaps. No tape. No extra steps. You open them in one motion, which is why so many subscription brands use them. They work for apparel, small accessories, and lighter items that don’t need heavy protection. Most of the time, they can be shipped on their own. If the product is fragile or has sharp edges, you may need padding or an outer layer.
Shipping boxes use a regular slotted layout and always need tape. They’re built to handle rougher routes, warehouse stacking, and carriers that don’t treat packages gently. They hold more weight than mailers and stay cost-efficient when you’re sending large batches. Bulk shipments, mixed orders, and anything headed through long distribution chains are usually shipped in shipping boxes.
When shipping heavier ecommerce items, structural considerations become critical, and custom shipping boxes often are designed to meet these demands. Choosing between mailers and shipping boxes comes down to the conditions your box will face. Visit our custom shipping boxes guide to learn more.
Folding Cartons vs. Rigid Boxes
Folding cartons are the light retail boxes you see everywhere; they ship flat and pop into shape fast, making them cheap to print and easy to store. They look good on a shelf but offer minimal protection against impacts, so most brands stick them inside a mailer when they’re shipping orders out.
Rigid boxes feel heavier from the moment you pick them up. Thick board, wrapped in printed paper, built to stay solid. They’re commonly used for perfumes, gift sets, and higher-priced cosmetics. They cost more and take up space, but their substantial feel reinforces the premium experience.
Where To Start
It all begins with choosing the type of outside shipping box you need.
Boxes come in all shapes, colors, materials, and sizes, but cardboard and corrugated rectangular boxes are the most popular choices, because they’re sturdy and affordable.
When it comes to packaging design or box design, there are two main types of packaging to consider: Fully customized boxes and printed stock boxes.
Let’s take a closer look:
Type of Box & Packaging
Who Should Use It?
What Does It Cost?
Fully Customized Boxes & Packaging
Companies looking to create an entirely branded “unboxing experience”. These types of boxes often include lots of little extras that set them apart from the competition, including stylish print designs, fitted inserts and dividers, custom wrap or tissue paper, and custom container boxes or bags inside.
Can be a few additional pennies per box, but can increase to several dollars per box. The cost depends on many factors, including the size of the colors used in printing, box material, number of boxes, inserts included and more.
Printed Stock Boxes & Packaging
Companies who want to create the same kind of unboxing impact, but at a lower cost than ordering custom boxes.
Varies, but it’s typically less expensive than going fully custom. As with custom packaging boxes, the cost of printed stock boxes varies widely depending on specifications.
You can choose to go the fully customized route, but maybe a printed stock box will fit your needs. It’s always best to ask packaging companies for a quote. A lot will depend on your budget and the type of products you’re shipping.
With a custom box, you can pick any size you want, add fancy designs, fitted dividers, inserts, throw in some custom tissue paper, or make use of inner boxes and bags.
In other words, you can get exactly what you want and know that your brand will have something entirely unique.
When you design your custom retail packaging, don’t let the inside flap of your shipping box go to waste. Take a company like Loot Crate, for example. They use this piece of precious real estate by including “unboxing instructions,” as a way to encourage social sharing.
Of course, you’ll pay more for a fully customized box. But a killer box design doesn’t have to break the bank. A few extra pennies per box can go a long way towards crafting a stunning custom package.
But not to worry, you can still offer your customers a premium unboxing experience even with more budget-friendly stock boxes. If you just need a few sizes, stock boxes may be the way to go. You can save money on custom packaging by only printing on the outside of the box, and using a single color.
Also, you can add your own interesting elements inside the box. By combining your branded inner packaging with a stock box, your costs can stay pretty low.
Whichever route you decide on, make sure to research your options and find the right custom box manufacturer. Don’t forget to ask for samples before placing your order. You’d hate for any unpleasant surprises to crop up with a 10,000 box order.
Get Your Design Done Right
Successful packaging starts with a compelling design.
Your company probably already has a logo or a particular color associated with your brand. Try to incorporate these elements into your boxes or other packaging. It will promote brand awareness and help people remember you.
There are all kinds of variables that can inflate the costs of your packaging. When weighing your printing options, don’t forget to consider things like cutting dies, printing plates, flute size, dielines, and minimum orders.
Keep in mind printing costs are usually lower for bigger orders. So if you can, figure out what you’ll need down the road, and order accordingly.
And always get a printed sample proof before approving the job for production. You’d hate to place a large order only to have your company name misspelled, or the colors to be all wrong. That’s definitely not the kind of branding you want.
NOTE: We offer 100% free design for all of our customers who need help. Don’t have a design? Let us help you make it.
Designing Your Custom Box
Designing a box sounds easy until you start adjusting layouts and testing dimensions. Small choices often have the biggest impact on the final result.
How to Design Quality Custom Boxes Online
Online tools help you see how a box comes together before you spend anything. You open a template, drop your artwork in, and the panels show where the folds cut through the design.
If the logo sits too close to an edge, you reposition it. If a crease hits the wrong spot, you move the panel around until it’s properly aligned. Some tools let you switch board types or colors so you can see how the print sits on different surfaces.
A quick digital mockup saves trouble later. You catch sizing issues without ordering a sample. Save a few versions to compare or pass around for feedback. It’s an easy way to test the idea before you start paying for plates or anything that needs reprinting.
Best Logo Placement & Printing Techniques
Custom printed boxes with a logo say, “We paid attention; we planned this for you.” That small signal sticks with people since it only takes 10 seconds for them to form an impression about your brand.
A box with a logo is a quiet form of persuasion.
Where the logo sits depends on how the box opens and what the buyer sees first. Some put it on the lid. Others place it on a corner so the artwork has more room. What matters is keeping it out of the folds. A logo that lands on a crease loses its shape, and one hidden under a flap might as well not be there.
The print method affects the design’s impact. Flexography works for bigger runs when you want steady results, while litho-laminate offers sharper detail for retail shelves. Digital print helps when you need short runs or frequent design changes. Foil or embossing can push the logo forward if the brand needs texture or shine. These choices change both the cost and overall feel, so most look at a few samples before deciding.
Eco-Friendly Custom Box Designs
Eco-friendly design usually starts with the board. Kraft, bux stock, or lighter liners cut waste and are easier for recycling centers to handle. Some coatings break down faster, and some printers use soy-based inks, which keep plastic out of the mix. Many brands check for FSC marks or similar labels so they know where the material came from and how it was sourced.
Plenty of companies keep the graphics minimal for a simpler box. Less ink means the box breaks down more easily. A single-color print can do the job. Some shops skip laminates, so nothing needs to be peeled off before recycling.
A McKinsey survey noted that most buyers say they’d pay more for sustainable packaging, and they expect brands and packaging makers to lead that shift.
Common Mistakes
A design can look perfect on your screen, but real packaging shows the flaws quickly. Here are the issues that show up most often:
Logos scaled by eye instead of ratio. A logo that looks fine on a monitor shrinks once the box is folded. Some teams stretch it to make it fit, and the shape gets distorted. Maintain the original proportions and test-print a panel before finalizing.
Artwork created at low resolution. Artwork can appear fine on-screen but poor-quality in print. Uncoated boards magnify these flaws. If the file looks blurry in the proof, it’ll look worse on the actual box. Always check the source file, not just the exported image.
Ignoring box strength. A lightweight board can sag under weight, causing the artwork to warp. Heavy items can press against weak walls and distort the print. Match the design to the board’s durability, not the other way around.
Crowding every panel. Filling each side with color or graphics makes the box feel noisy. Leaving one panel plain can help the rest of the design breathe.
Missing or incorrect bleed. When the artwork doesn’t extend far enough, trimming can expose a thin white strip. Small mistake, but it wrecks the finished look.
Copy errors. Misspelled ingredients, missing warnings, or odd spacing inside the lid go unnoticed until the boxes are printed. It’s important to catch these errors, particularly when designing CBD packaging boxes, where fine-print labeling requirements are strict.
Printing a single flat panel before the full run catches most of these issues.
Choosing The Right Type of Box: Custom Boxes By Industry
Order minimum is typically 100 boxes, all the way to 500,000 boxes. Most cosmetic boxes are relatively low-cost compared to other box options, because the size of the boxes are smaller.
Cosmetics require enough space for ingredient lists and other required details. Many brands use premium finishes like foil, soft-touch coatings, or spot UV to boost shelf appeal. Some brands lean toward recycled board or low-ink designs as they shift toward cleaner packaging.
Custom display boxes for store end-caps, cash register and checkout displays. These boxes can include cosmetic display boxes, display packaging for candy and other types of products.
Display packaging can be created with a minimum order of 100 boxes. It’s formulated with no-bleed inks, so the design will be crisp and vivid. Pricing will range based on box dimensions, design and quantity.
Useful when a product needs quick visibility in a store. It can also shape unboxing moments. Brands often use it for short runs, seasonal setups, or anything placed near checkout. Read our guide to custom display boxes for more details.
Ideal for environmentally-conscious businesses, who want to help reduce waste from discarded boxes, eco-friendly boxes are made with crucial attention and care toward using sustainable materials.
You’ll enjoy considerable cost savings by using recycled bux board boxes or kraft stock. Eco-friendly boxes can also incorporate raised ink and embossed patterns for a trendy, upscale look.
Popular among small business owners and specialty shops that want minimal designs or recyclable materials. Perfect for brands that practice sustainability.
Pricing will range based on box dimensions, design and quantity. The high quality printing and paper used in the printing of food and beverage boxes is designed to help maintain freshness.
Food boxes need boards and inks that pass food-contact rules. Some items need grease resistance or a simple liner so the box stays intact and doesn’t become soggy. Others stay fresher with a few vents or a tighter fold. Labels often list handling notes or what’s in the item. A window cutout works when you want people to see the food without opening the box.
Pricing will range based on box dimensions, design and quantity.
Many small and novelty shops use this packaging to make their orders feel more personal; it’s especially handy for pop-up setups or one-off releases.Flexible order minimums also make gift boxes budget-friendly for small runs while still offering room to scale as your volume grows.
For anyone who’s looking to add a touch of sophistication to their products. With gold foil boxes or silver foil boxes, metalized boxes can include embossing and raised ink to add a layer of dimension and pattern to the box. They can also include a customized window cut-out to showcase the product inside.
The cost of gold foil or silver foil boxes will depend on several factors, including the size of the box and any additional enhancements you’d like to add to the finished product.
Great for cosmetics and retail when a product needs a higher-end look. Order minimums can vary, so small runs are possible when a brand is testing something new.
Minimum orders are usually 100 custom retail boxes, and can be produced in quantities up to 500,000. Pricing will range based on box dimensions, design and quantity.
Favored by small shops and online sellers that need the same size every time they ship something out. These boxes hold up well in transit and during returns and keep the product looking clean when the customer opens it. How the box arrives usually shapes how people feel about the order.
Pricing and Cost Factors
The custom box market is expected to reach $77 billion by 2035, indicating the growing use of tailored packaging by brands.
Custom Box Pricing: What to Expect
Material, size, and the run itself drive up most of the price. Thicker board costs more. Bigger boxes eat more sheet space and push the number up. Color adds to the cost. One shade prints cheaply; a full spread across every panel doesn’t. The run size decides whether the job stays digital or moves to plates, and that switch changes the cost per unit fast. These factors are what people usually mention related to custom box pricing explained, especially when you’re planning your first order.
If you’re producing for one product, keep the box size compact. Even small reductions in length or height can lower material use and shipping fees.
Bulk Order Discounts & Minimums Explained
Every manufacturer sets a minimum order quantity, or MOQ. It covers setup, plate work, and the time it takes to prepare the press. Digital runs start lower because they need less prep. Plate-based methods ask for higher minimums, but the price drops fast once you reach the next tier. This is why a lot of brands jump from a small batch to a few thousand after the design stops changing. Reorders cost less because the setup is already paid for unless the artwork changes.
If you want a clearer view of how these tiers affect storage and cash flow, our guide on how to purchase custom boxes help map out what happens as you scale.
Cost Comparison: Custom vs. Standard Packaging
Standard boxes cost less upfront because the template already exists. No tooling or plates required. However, they rarely fit well, so you end up buying filler, paying higher shipping fees, or dealing with products that shift and break. Custom boxes cost more at the start but there are cost-saving benefits of custom packaging in the long run when the product fits the box perfectly.
Here’s the difference at a glance:
Factor
Standard Boxes
Custom Boxes
Fit
Loose, generic
Sized to product
Material use
Often wasteful
Lean and efficient
Shipping
Higher due to extra empty space
Lower per unit
Damage risk
Higher
Lower
Long-term ROI
Moderate
Strong
How Custom Boxes Save Money
Small design choices can add up to big savings. A box that fits better lowers dimensional weight and trims shipping fees. Stronger boards prevent crushed corners, which cuts down on returns. Bulk orders spread setup costs across more units, so the price per box drops once the design stops changing. Many shops clear storage space because custom boxes ship flat and stack without wasting room.
A small retailer can lower its bill after switching to a shallower mailer that needs less filler. Another can see fewer returns after moving from a flimsy stock to a thicker board that doesn’t sag in hot weather. These fixes don’t cost much. Each adjustment was based on intentional choices instead of guesses.
On A Tight Budget? Think Beyond The Box
Not every company has the budget to digitally print their logo on the side of their shipping boxes. But that doesn’t mean you have to forfeit all attempts at promoting your brand. The little things inside the box are an important component of adding that personal touch.
Looking for a little inspiration? It’s not hard to find.
Even a cursory search on Pinterest will have all kinds of packaging eye candy pop up. Many pinners devote whole boards to packaging ideas.
Here are some ideas to consider:
Notes
How about the thrill of receiving a personalized, handwritten note?
If you find one of those tucked inside your product box, you’ll take notice. A simple thank you note can go a long way. And it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. For mere pennies, you can print up some thank you inserts, and make your customers feel special.
You can get as fancy as you want, but if money’s tight, you can even print some out on your own computer.
Stickers
Logo stickers are another way to promote your brand. You can even slap one on the outside of the box if custom printing is too expensive. A common use of stickers is to secure tissue paper together.
The cost of stickers will depend on the size, shape, and number of colors involved. Stickers come in either rolls or sheets. You typically have more options with sheets of stickers, but the trade-off is they’re more expensive.
Inserts
Another option is to include inserts, such as special offers, coupons, care instructions, or clever descriptions of your products. Don’t be afraid to get creative and inject a little humor in your enclosures.
Remember that printing costs usually go down for larger orders, so you may want to stick to evergreen offers that don’t have expiration dates and are not seasonal. Save the festive Easter or Halloween promotions for when you have a bigger budget.
Small Embellishments
Tags and other embellishments can also give your goods a high-end feel. A simple stylish business card, attached with a little piece of rattan can add some style.
Other Containers
Bags, inner boxes, and colorful paper sleeves are other ways to set you apart from the crowd. Since your inside box isn’t used for shipping it doesn’t need to be as sturdy.
Go ahead and get creative with different inner containers. Try a coffee bean sack, a little Chinese takeout box, or a different geometric shaped box to add a little oomph.
Keep It Eco-Friendly
The days of packing your goods in ugly styrofoam peanuts that never break down are over.
You can’t watch the nightly news without seeing stories about how humans are destroying the planet. No one wants to add more unnecessary junk to our landfills or clog our oceans with more plastic.
Fortunately, today there’s an emphasis on companies being more eco-friendly—even with their packaging decisions. Using recyclable and reusable materials is where it’s at.
Easy disposal for customers, if packaging is made from compostable or recyclable materials.
Purple Carrot—the company I mentioned earlier—devotes an entire section on their website about how to reuse their packaging. They offer tips on composting and give seven suggestions on how to upcycle their meal kit packaging.
Ordering and Working with Vendors
Once you know how vendors operate and which details matter, you avoid the usual mistakes and cut down on surprises.
How to Request and Use Packaging Samples
Samples matter because a screen hides most flaws. A sample shows the real color, the weight of the board, how the folds line up, and whether the logo looks correct and undistorted once the box is assembled. One physical box tells you more than multiple on-screen proofs. Open it, close it, press on the corners, load your product inside, shake it a bit. If the print rubs off easily or the board dents with light pressure, that’s your warning before you pay for a full run.
Best Custom Box Options for Startups
Startups need short runs and less risk. A vendor with low MOQs lets you test without stacking a warehouse with boxes you may never use. Digital printing helps because you avoid plate charges and can change the artwork without resetting everything. Smaller brands switch designs early on, so a vendor who can update files quickly keeps costs under control.
Custom Boxes vs. Stock Boxes: Which Should You Choose?
Stock boxes are cheap and readily available, which helps when you only need basic shipping protection. The problems come later: loose fit, more filler, and shipping rates that climb because the box carries too much empty space. High-quality custom boxes require more planning but fit the product, cut down on empty space, and make a lasting impression.
Factor
Stock Boxes
Custom boxes
Cost
Lower upfront
Higher upfront, lower long-term
Branding
Minimal brand identity impact
Higher brand recognition, memorable unboxing
Volume
Easy for small runs
Scales efficiently
Custom Packaging Vendors Compared: What to Look For
Start with experience, then evaluate how they handle samples, their MOQs, and turnaround times. Inquire about their methods for maintaining color consistency from one reorder to the next.Certifications matter if you’re in food, cosmetics, or supplements. Some vendors also help brands use multiple product packaging options when a single box type isn’t enough. Sometimes the benefits of branded paper bags make more sense than boxes for light retail goods or quick handoffs.
A vendor like Refine Packaging is a good reference point because we publish our process clearly, offer samples, and handle both small and large runs without forcing you into oversized batches.
Certifications
FSC marks show the board came from responsibly managed forests. ISO standards focus on quality and consistency during production. Eco-labels point to coatings or materials with a lighter footprint. Some categories need compliance certifications for food contact or cosmetic use. These labels build trust and give you something concrete to cite when you say the packaging meets certain standards.
Case Studies and Brand Inspiration
Now that you have an idea for how to get started with custom boxes, let’s cover some examples. Here are five businesses that are effectively using custom packaging to promote their brands and values:
#1: Dollar Shave Club
Do you remember Dollar Shave Club’samusing Super Bowl commercial from a couple of years back? I think that’s the company’s only commercial I’ve seen on TV, but it stuck with me. One viewing of their commercial and I knew that it’s a company that understands the power of branding.
I wouldn’t expect any less from their packaging. And I’m not disappointed.
Dollar Shave Club keeps it simple, but injects their irreverent humor. The outer box is your typical brown box with the logo on top. Inside a brown paper, packaging mesh covers the goods in the box. There’s nothing flashy, rather the emphasis is on sticking to the basics and keeping it entertaining.
The inside box flap has a quote that sets the tone. Boxes also contain some literature for light bathroom reading and a flyer that talks about other products in their line.
The service starts at $72 per box, which includes nine glass-size samples of wines. It’s not cheap, so customers no doubt expect to be wowed by the whole experience of opening their quarterly delivery.
Vinebox’s shipment arrives in a simple cardboard box with Vinebox printed on the side, but inside is a gorgeous matte black box containing the wine samples in narrow glass containers that resemble test tubes.
In addition to the high-end box, and cool-looking vials of wine, are beautifully printed descriptions of each wine that offer details about where the wine is from, kind of grapes, tasting notes, quotes, etc. They’re the kind of card you’re likely to hold onto to refer back to later—keeping the brand front and center in your mind.
The novelty of Vinebox’s packaging is enough to encourage social sharing, and likely spur some repeat orders.
#3: Stitch Fix
I don’t know about you, but my social media channels seem to be littered with Stitch Fix unboxings. Stitch Fix is a subscription clothing and accessory company. When you sign up for the service, you’re assigned a stylist who picks out apparel items for you and sends them your way.
It truly is a gift-like experience because when you open your box you never know what’s inside. This uncertainty lends excitement to unboxings and makes them fun to share.
The box has Stitch Fix’s distinct blue-colored logo covering two sides of a typical brown corrugated cardboard box. The box is secured with packing tape with the company’s logo.
Inside the box, clothing items are neatly wrapped in colorful tissue paper, secured with a logo sticker. If you happen to get shoes in your order they come in a fabric drawstring bag printed with a design in Stitch Fix’s color palette.
A mailer for easy returns is also included with every order. But perhaps the most special element is a style card describing your items, along with a highly personalized note. The note reinforces that these items were picked out specially just for you.
#4: Goodbeing
Your packaging should represent your company’s values. Goodbeing is a natural beauty subscription service. They promote non-toxic, green, organic products, and their packaging reflects this sensibility.
The box is a simple brown box with the brand printed on top and a colorful chevron pattern on the side for added interest. Inside, the goodies are packed in understated crinkle cut paper. The packaging is simple, which reinforces Goodbeing’s natural vibe.
Each package has a card on top of the merchandise. This card includes an inspiring quote on one side, while the other side filled with special offers for subscribers.
#5: Adidas
Adidas’ World Series popcorn box activation was a hit, thanks to Refine Packaging. The brand relied mostly on digital ads and generic promotions, but Adidas wanted a tangible brand presence inside the stadium, not just on screens.
Popcorn made sense. Fans carry it around, which makes the box part of the game.
Refine Packaging helped Adidas create packaging. We guided them on packaging strategy, including shape, coating, and embossing, so it looked great both on camera and in fans’ hands. Adidas needed thousands of boxes in less than a week. They arrived on time and gave the brand a tangible presence at the World Series that stuck with fans after the final inning.
If you’re curious how custom packaging can transform your brand, request a free consultation with Refine Packaging today.
#6: Amazon
I’d be remiss to write an article about custom packaging that did not include the eCommerce goliath—Amazon. Who doesn’t recognize the Amazon boxes with their distinct smile logo?
Amazon’s packaging varies with certain promotions, but for the most part, it’s simple—their logo on the box, with some branded packing tape. Inside, the goods are usually protected by kraft paper or recyclable air cushions.
But Amazon is concerned with the customer’s overall unpacking experience, not just a pretty box.
That’s why Amazon has what it calls Frustration-Free Packaging. This type of ecommerce packaging is easier to open than traditional packaging and there’s less waste since it’s all recyclable. In fact, in 2017, Amazon reduced packaging waste by 16%, avoiding 305 million unnecessary shipping boxes.
One of the first products to use Amazon’s Frustration-Free Packaging was the Fisher-Price Imaginext Adventures Pirate Ship. Amazon’s website touts that with its Frustration-Free Packaging, you can unpack your new toy in 42 seconds. Now let’s compare that with the agonizing 11 minutes that was needed to get the item out of the traditional packaging.
There are many other companies doing it right. It’s ok to keep an eye on the competition. Go ahead and check out your social media channels to see who’s garnering the most unboxing buzz and get some ideas.
Don’t Forget the Practical Details
You may be so excited with your beautifully designed boxes, filled with your branded tissue paper and logo-inspired stickers, but don’t lose sight of the practical requirements for shipping your goods.
You’re ultimately running a business, so profits are key. It’s important to keep in mind shipping costs—which are impacted by size and weight.
Another priority is ensuring that your goods reach their destination in one piece.
Packaging must also be practical and protect the enclosed items.
You can have gorgeous high-end boxes, filled with beautiful wrapping, but if your items arrived damaged that’s all your customers will remember. And damaged goods definitely won’t go over well in an unboxing video.
Wrapping it Up
Custom packaging covers a lot of moving parts. The box style, structure, board, and how the print sits are all factors that shape a customer’s first impression. Costs depend on materials and run size. Ordering gets easier once you know which samples to ask for, how MOQs play into the budget, and what separates one vendor from another.
If you follow this guide, you’d be surprised how custom boxes can help you save a ton. What’s not a surprise is how Refine Packaging works well for teams that want a smooth, predictable process. We handle short runs, large runs, and the steps in between. We catch issues before they hit production. If you need packaging that makes sense for your product, we’ve got you covered.
Amanda is a professional writer and brand strategist at Refine Packaging who is based in Los Angeles, California. With a background in writing and journalism, Amanda entered the manufacturing industry 6 years ago to explore her unique passion for beautifully conceptualized packaging. With years of packaging experience, Amanda has a deep understanding about how brand psychology and box design trends impact emotions and desired actions. When she’s not writing, Amanda can be found snuggling her two Beagles or outdoors sipping on sparkling white wine.
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