When you have to make decisions about packaging for your brand, one of the biggest dilemmas is to choose between custom packaging and stock packaging. Both these options have their distinct advantages, but the right choice will depend on your business, budget, need and long term marketing goals.
What is custom packaging?
Custom packaging, as the name suggests, refers to a specific type of packaging that is tailored specifically for your product, brand and any other special instructions that you want to include. This can be about the unique shape of the packaging, the logo, colour, size and any other feature that will align with your brand identity. If you are a big business then you have to look for wholesale packaging products in case of custom packaging which you want to make make to order.
There are certain benefits when you go for custom packaging which are as follows –
Pros of custom packaging
Better branding
It will allow you to incorporate all the brand elements that you want to include like colour, tagline, logo or any other messaging. It is definitely a powerful way to reinforce your brand and create a memorable customer experience.
Unique fit and design in custom packaging
you can create designs specifically made for your product. This also ensures that there is better product protection during shipping and gives a more professional appearance on the store shelves.
Better customer experience
A beautifully designed package can actually help in bettering the unboxing experience. It will give your product about premium look and will enhance customer satisfaction which in long term can increase brand loyalty.
Competitive differentiation
Custom packaging will make your products set apart from your competitors as it will have a unique look which will stand out in the crowded marketplace.
Eco-friendly solutions
Many custom packaging will offer sustainable options that will give you a chance to market your brand as an environmentally friendly brand. This will increase your customizable loyalty as well because new-age customers look for brands that are more conscious.
Cons of custom packaging
Higher Upfront Costs
Faster packaging will definitely require much higher initial cost because it will have printing plates, manufacturing setup which might be a bit prohibitive option for smaller orders.
Longer lead times
As custom packaging will be made to order, it will typically take longer time in producing and shipping, which might sometime delay product launch or even in restocking.
Bulk order requirements
There are manufacturers which require minimum order quantities for custom packaging, which might not always be possible and therefore will make it a much less cost effective solution for startups or small businesses.
When to choose custom packaging?
If you want to create a strong brand presence, custom packaging is certainly the way to go. It not just makes your brand stand out from the rest of the competition, but you can actually put in your thought and ideas in making your brand speak what you want to convey. This is more ideal when you have premium priced items where presentation is most definitely a major selling point. It is applicable for electronics, luxury goods, cosmetics, etc.
What is stock packaging?
As the term refers, it is an off the shelf packaging which comes with a standard shape, size as well as design. It is available from the different wholesale packaging supplies and can be used across various industries.
Pros of stock packaging
Lower cost
stock packaging is mass produced. Therefore, it is much cheaper than custom packaging. It is a great option when you need to minimise the expenses in packaging.
Immediate availability
They are pre-made and therefore will be readily available as and when you want to use it for your business. When you have tight deadlines and unpredictable order volumes, this is one of the best option to choose from.
Flexibility for small orders
Stock packaging is available in any number of quantities, so regardless of bulk or small order this can be used.
Cons of stock packaging
Limited branding options
They are often generic in style, therefore you will have very limited opportunity to showcase your brand.
One-size-fits-all
Stock packaging will have a standard size and might not be able to give you the perfect fit for your product, which can also be a danger in the case of shipping.
Lack of uniqueness
Because stock packaging is widely available, your product might not stand out on the shelf and could look similar to any other product.
When to choose stock packaging?
When you have a budget-conscious business, it is ideal to go for stock packaging because it will offer an affordable packaging solution. Also, for one-off product launches any immediate special promotion or any seasonal item, you can go for this quick and cost-effective solution. Sometimes, when you’re testing new products and you just want to test the market, stock packaging is a low-risk option because it will not require any large financial investment.
Comparing stock packaging and custom packaging
- Cost efficiency – Custom packaging has a higher upfront cost while stock packaging is cheaper because it’s pre-made.
- Branding and Marketing – Custom packaging will provide unlimited branding opportunities depending on every aspect that you want to put in on the packaging. Stock packaging, on the other hand, has minimal options. The best you can do is add levels and stickers, which is otherwise not the best branding option.
- Product protection and fit – custom packaging can be developed according to your product’s shape and size and therefore will offer superior protection, but in stock packaging it is one-size-fits-all.
- Turnaround time – Custom packaging will often involve longer lead times, but stock packaging it is available immediately, which is where it is sometimes a great choice for fast turnaround requirements.
- Scalability – Custom packaging is scalable for businesses where there is an order of large quantities. Stock packaging is also available in large quantities, but it doesn’t offer the same branding benefits and therefore it will prioritize affordability over customization.
Both of them have their advantages and the right choice depends only on your business, budget, need and ultimately your branding goals.
