Custom packaging on a small budget

It’s never been easier to start a direct to consumer business. But having a good product to sell is just one piece in the puzzle. Your customers also expect great custom packaging. This can create a challenge for small or micro businesses – how do you balance meeting customer expectations, within the constraints of a tight budget?

Your packaging is the first physical touch point consumers will have with your brand, so It’s important that your packaging is both well designed and delivers its functional purpose – getting your product to the consumer in one piece! Your choice of packaging can go a long way to building trust and affinity with your customers. It sets the tone for their experience with your product before they even unwrap their purchase.

It can be easy to fall into the trap of over-investing in packaging for a small business. These days there are plenty of options for packaging, but many require large upfront investment, and can require high minimum order quantities.

The good news? You don’t have to over-invest in custom packaging for your brand to be noticed. It is possible to create beautiful and impactful, customised packaging with very little investment. Options such as a custom stamp or embosser is a versatile alternative. 

Consider these tips for quickly and affordably creating a great packaging experience.

Consistency is key

Your packaging should be consistent with your brand proposition. When you’re planning how to package your goods, think about whether it feels true to your brand’s personality. Good packaging sends a consistent message to customers and reinforces your brand’s look and feel.

For example, if your brand is environmental, you should ensure this flows through to your packaging and select sustainable options – like using recycled or repurposed materials or even better, packaging that is home compostable. 

Work with the budget you have

Custom packaging and printed boxes may be great for established brands that have sufficient volumes (and budgets!) but may not be a viable option for smaller or new brands. With a smaller budget, you’ll need to think outside the box and DIY to deliver a branded experience. It might be a good idea to invest in one key piece, like a thoughtfully designed printed card, or custom ribbon, and keep everything else basic.

Personally? I think almost any business should have a custom rubber stamp in their toolkit. It’s such a versatile, inexpensive tool that can be used on almost any surface. Hand-printing with a stamp offers a unique and often rustic look – perfect for handmade items! 

There are lots of sellers offering blank shipping boxes [try eBay or a local packaging company] in loads of shapes and sizes and low minimums. Stamp these with a rubber stamp of your logo and et voila! A custom branded piece! Similarly you can create custom gift wrapping with inexpensive kraft or butchers paper. 

Choose sustainable wherever possible

Customers reward brands demonstrating thoughtfulness in how they carry out their business. Being aware of the environmental impact your brand has is crucial for brands to be aware of and this is particularly apparent with your choice of packaging materials.

These days, there are so many options for packaging that is recycled, compostable or recyclable. We love water activated paper tape for sealing shipping boxes, as it doesn’t need to be removed from the cardboard box before being recycled through curbside recycling. Paper hex-wrap for void fill is a great alternative to plastic bubble wrap.

With so many choices, it can be difficult to know what the best packaging solution is for your product. When you’re in doubt? Prioritise good quality, functional materials that are suitable for protecting your products in transit. Once you have that, then you can add more some creative flair to enhance your packaging.