You Need to Change Your Product Packaging Now

A visit at your local supermarket will give you all the warning signs that you will ever need and it never changes each time. It will all be the same cartons, boxes, and cheap single use plastics. And yes, you could also see some blandly printed pouches. Which would make everyone ask, “Why is noone innovating anymore?”. Why are packaging manufacturers averse in trying something else just to stir it up a little? It seems that trends that are set will make each one rush into copying it. And what we would like is for each brand to take back the reins on innovating and think for themselves. This article will try to show why you have to try new methods of packing your products in ways like custom stand up pouches.

This may sound too harsh, but sadly, at the rate things are going, it is all too true. For every unique new idea out there, there will be about hundreds of other brands doing all the same things. What these companies often fail to realize is that packaging is part of the product themselves and selling the brand’s package is part of selling the brand. The package is essentially a million dollar worth of free advertising which is part of the marketing strategy. Not to mention, that in today’s society where each one has realized a moral responsibility to the environment, will start to consciously pick out products that offers lesser environmental impact. And probably the sadder part is no one is telling the retailers to stay the same way.

To appease the retailers

First of all, you want to appease your retailers before even getting a sniff of dominating the consumer space. They want the products that they sell to jump at you while you are walking down one of their product aisles. It does not have to be too flashy as you do not want the packaging to over power what you are actually selling. But you want it to have enough to let the walking shopper know that your product is there and they can turn around, and pick it up for consideration. Think about how your product is going to stand out in a sea of commonness. Perhaps, use custom stand up pouches, which are not just perfect to store almost all kinds of things, but are functional and quite pretty as well.

To understand how you are going to package your product, you have to heartily understand your product as well. Know how it will speak to the onlooking customer. These fickle bunch will always have room in their shopping time to take a gander at what you are selling. But it could only be quite a short while. Try to put as much stories about your product that you can into these brief moments and convince the walking customer to think twice before taking that next step away from your product. Retail packaging may not be everything, but it will be your first attempt at making sure your product hits the right consumer emotion.

Aversition in Innovation

No one really wants change and this is true as well in the retail and particularly, the packing industry. We all want that shiny new idea to highlight our product but not one will take a bold risk knowing how stiff the competition is. Research suggest that at least 90% of brands for most line of products use almost the same packaging to house their items. This is quite the blow for creativity in this market space. Sure, there is much reason to focus on the product and not on the product packaging, but if you truly want to be the first one among the pack, you have to beat them to the punch with calculated gambles.

The real problem here is the value in thinking out of the box is not really recognized. Why would would you go out from your comfort zone only to be blatantly rejected by your consumers. This could spoil your brand and give your competitors the opening to leave you in the dust. The key here however, is to take the right risks. Keep in mind that you have to do all the necessary market analysis and studies before slapping on an entirely new packaging.

This is not to say that you have to throw caution into the wind with packing your products however. There are some basic things that you should always keep in mind that should seem obvious to you if you have the right amount of experience. For instance, if your product should not be contaminated by light, then better keep that bland dark bottle in there because that can keep it from reacting and spoiling it. Custom stand up pouches, though quite versatile, cannot be used to house products that are have sharp edges. Imagine stuffing the thin plastic bag with a bunch of nails.

Conclusion

If you think your company has been staying put at a comfortable yet unfulfilling level, it would not be the worst idea to try to rethink your entire approach. The airplane was not invented because the wright brothers were safely content riding horseback and what was then rickety cars. Your company can do so much more and you can be the spark plug to drive it all into the race. If you are not the decision maker in your company however, it could be good for your career as well to try float the idea into finally making the pitch in front of your company’s executives.

As with all things in life that matter, changing how your brand looks and feels can be a daunting task. It is true that it will not be without hurdles. Just thinking about color schemes, fonts and layers can drive a non graphic artist nuts. The key is to jump the first hurdle with the strongest leap that you can muster then just run with it towards the finish line.