Packaging – a Necessity
Tips for Selecting the Right Packaging
Market Survey – Making a survey of how products similar to yours are packaged will help you to select one for yourself. A visit to various retailers dealing in similar products will let you see the different kinds of packaging being used, and judge how the product looks. Besides, if you have a particular kind of packaging in mind that you think is innovative, the survey will let you know if some other company is already using it.
Material Selection – Your product will dictate the kind of packaging material you will require. Although you will have some scope to select within that parameter it will be a limited one. For example, if you have a liquid product, you will have to use a glass or plastic bottle, a pouch, or some other suitable material. How you want the product to be presented to the consumer will also govern your selection, such as whether you want the packaging to be transparent, translucent or opaque. If you want transparent material, you will have to opt for plastic or glass. Then again, depending on the product, you may opt for a box, canister, bag, drum, tube etc. You will be able to choose the kind of material you need by familiarizing yourself with the packaging used for similar products in the market.
Optimizing the Package Size – Whatever material you use to package your product, it is necessary to determine the size of the package. Since shelf space in retail outlets comes at a premium, the shape and design of your packaging should be as compact as possible, without losing visual appeal. The shortage of space needs to be understood, and should form part of the sales pitch to the retailer. Creative designs should be adopted by selecting packaging that can be hung, or kept on a floor stand for display.
Be Open to Ideas – Being open to suggestions can often save you a lot of effort and expense. Sometimes it pays to get advice from people who may not know anything about your product, because they may have a fresh perspective. Take your vendor’s advice for design solutions.
Be Prepared to Compromise – If you have low production volumes, customized packaging may not be viable. However, a fresh label can also customize stock packaging. Small volume of products will also allow you to change the packaging frequently to give it a fresh look.
Packaging is a vital aspect of the marketing and sale of a product. Selecting the right packaging material and design will certainly help to boost your product’s sales.
