Bringing Your Small Business Product to Retail
As a small business owner, bringing your product to retail is a significant milestone, and the packaging plays a crucial role in making a lasting impression on customers. Proper packaging not only protects your product but also enhances its visual appeal and brand recognition. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps and considerations for creating the correct and proper packaging for your product as you navigate the retail landscape.
Understand Your Product and Audience
Before diving into packaging design, take the time to thoroughly understand your product and target audience. What are the unique features and benefits of your product? What problem does it solve for your customers? Knowing your product inside and out will help you tailor your packaging to its specific needs and the preferences of your audience.
Determine Your Budget
Packaging costs can vary significantly depending on factors like materials, design complexity, and order quantity. Determine your budget for packaging early in the process to ensure you strike the right balance between cost and quality. Remember that packaging is an investment in your brand’s success.
Choose the Right Materials
Selecting the appropriate packaging materials is essential for product protection and presentation. Consider factors such as product fragility, weight, and environmental impact when choosing materials. Common packaging materials include cardboard, corrugated cardboard, plastic, glass, and more. If sustainability is a priority, explore eco-friendly options.
Focus on Functionality
Functionality is key when designing retail packaging. Your packaging should not only protect your product but also make it easy for customers to access and use. Consider features like resealable closures, easy-open tabs, and clear windows that allow customers to see the product inside.
Design for Brand Identity
Your packaging should align with your brand’s identity and convey a cohesive message. Use your brand colors, logo, and typography consistently across all packaging elements. A well-designed package enhances brand recognition and encourages customer loyalty.
Follow Retailer Guidelines
If you plan to sell your product through specific retailers, be sure to understand their packaging guidelines and requirements. Retailers often have specific packaging standards that must be met for shelf placement. Failing to comply with these guidelines can hinder your product’s entry into retail stores.
Test and Iterate
Before finalizing your packaging, conduct testing and gather feedback. Test the packaging for durability, functionality, and visual appeal. Seek input from potential customers, friends, or focus groups to ensure it resonates with your target audience. Be open to making adjustments based on the feedback you receive.
Consider Sustainability
Sustainability is an increasingly important factor in packaging design. Many consumers prefer eco-friendly packaging, so explore options like recyclable materials, reduced packaging waste, and sustainable printing practices. Highlight your commitment to sustainability on your packaging if applicable.
Work with Professionals
If you’re not confident in your packaging design skills, consider working with packaging professionals, such as graphic designers and packaging manufacturers. They can provide expertise and guidance to create packaging that meets industry standards and customer expectations.
Plan for Production and Distribution
Once you’ve finalized your packaging design, plan for production and distribution. Choose a reliable packaging manufacturer or supplier that can meet your production needs. Ensure that your packaging is compatible with your distribution methods and can withstand the rigors of shipping and handling.
Conclusion
Creating the correct and proper packaging for your small business product is a critical step in bringing it to retail success. Invest time and resources in thoughtful packaging design that aligns with your brand identity, appeals to your target audience, and meets retailer requirements. A well-designed package not only enhances your product’s chances of success on retail shelves but also communicates your brand’s values and quality to customers. With the right packaging strategy, your small business can make a memorable impact in the retail marketplace.
If you are interested in bringing your products to retail with the correct packaging solutions, then partner with Brown Packaging today to get started.
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The holiday season is the busiest—and most demanding—time of year for e-commerce packaging. Higher shipping volumes, faster turnaround times, and rougher handling conditions increase the risk of product damage. For packaging buyers, preventing costly returns and protecting brand reputation requires balancing structural strength, material efficiency, and smart design choices. The Risks of Peak Season Shipping During peak periods, parcels move through more touchpoints than at any other time of year. This creates conditions that amplify damage risks: Increased handling: More scans, transfers, and repacks. Stacking and compression: Trailers and warehouses filled to maximum capacity. Temperature extremes: Exposure to cold, moisture, or fluctuating environments. Rushed labor: Faster fulfillment increases the chance of rough handling. Key Packaging Strategies for Damage Prevention Right-size boxes: Eliminate empty space that allows product shifting. Reinforced materials: Choose double-wall or high-performance corrugated for heavy SKUs. Protective inserts: Foam, corrugated, or molded pulp provide stability. Edge and corner protection: Absorb shock during stacking and transit. Moisture resistance: Add coatings or liners for weather-sensitive deliveries. Testing Packaging for Peak Loads Simulation testing before the holiday rush ensures packaging is fit for purpose: Vibration testing: Replicates conditions of long-haul transit. Compression testing: Confirms stacking strength under peak loads. Drop testing: Evaluates impact protection across handling points. Investing in testing reduces the risk of large-scale returns that erode profit margins. Balancing Cost and Performance Not every product requires heavy-duty protection. Over-packaging drives up material and freight costs. Buyers should focus on: Identifying SKUs most vulnerable to damage. Applying protective features only where necessary. Leveraging data from past returns to guide improvements. Holiday Packaging Solutions with Brown Packaging Brown Packaging helps brands design e-commerce packaging that survives peak season conditions without unnecessary cost. From reinforced corrugated boxes to protective inserts and coatings, our solutions ensure your products arrive intact and customer-ready. Contact us to prepare your packaging program for the holiday rush. References ASTM International. (2023). ASTM D4169: Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems.Soroka, W. (2009). Fundamentals of Packaging Technology (4th ed.). Institute of Packaging Professionals.International Safe Transit Association (ISTA). (2022). ISTA Series Test Procedures for Packaged Products in Transit. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Ecommerce Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts
As a small business owner, bringing your product to retail is a significant milestone, and the packaging plays a crucial role in making a lasting impression on customers. Proper packaging not only protects your product but also enhances its visual appeal and brand recognition. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps and considerations for creating the correct and proper packaging for your product as you navigate the retail landscape. Understand Your Product and Audience Before diving into packaging design, take the time to thoroughly understand your product and target audience. What are the unique features and benefits of your product? What problem does it solve for your customers? Knowing your product inside and out will help you tailor your packaging to its specific needs and the preferences of your audience. Determine Your Budget Packaging costs can vary significantly depending on factors like materials, design complexity, and order quantity. Determine your budget for packaging early in the process to ensure you strike the right balance between cost and quality. Remember that packaging is an investment in your brand’s success. Choose the Right Materials Selecting the appropriate packaging materials is essential for product protection and presentation. Consider factors such as product fragility, weight, and environmental impact when choosing materials. Common packaging materials include cardboard, corrugated cardboard, plastic, glass, and more. If sustainability is a priority, explore eco-friendly options. Focus on Functionality Functionality is key when designing retail packaging. Your packaging should not only protect your product but also make it easy for customers to access and use. Consider features like resealable closures, easy-open tabs, and clear windows that allow customers to see the product inside. Design for Brand Identity Your packaging should align with your brand’s identity and convey a cohesive message. Use your brand colors, logo, and typography consistently across all packaging elements. A well-designed package enhances brand recognition and encourages customer loyalty. Follow Retailer Guidelines If you plan to sell your product through specific retailers, be sure to understand their packaging guidelines and requirements. Retailers often have specific packaging standards that must be met for shelf placement. Failing to comply with these guidelines can hinder your product’s entry into retail stores. Test and Iterate Before finalizing your packaging, conduct testing and gather feedback. Test the packaging for durability, functionality, and visual appeal. Seek input from potential customers, friends, or focus groups to ensure it resonates with your target audience. Be open to making adjustments based on the feedback you receive. Consider Sustainability Sustainability is an increasingly important factor in packaging design. Many consumers prefer eco-friendly packaging, so explore options like recyclable materials, reduced packaging waste, and sustainable printing practices. Highlight your commitment to sustainability on your packaging if applicable. Work with Professionals If you’re not confident in your packaging design skills, consider working with packaging professionals, such as graphic designers and packaging manufacturers. They can provide expertise and guidance to create packaging that meets industry standards and customer expectations. Plan for Production and Distribution Once you’ve finalized your packaging design, plan for production and distribution. Choose a reliable packaging manufacturer or supplier that can meet your production needs. Ensure that your packaging is compatible with your distribution methods and can withstand the rigors of shipping and handling. Conclusion Creating the correct and proper packaging for your small business product is a critical step in bringing it to retail success. Invest time and resources in thoughtful packaging design that aligns with your brand identity, appeals to your target audience, and meets retailer requirements. A well-designed package not only enhances your product’s chances of success on retail shelves but also communicates your brand’s values and quality to customers. With the right packaging strategy, your small business can make a memorable impact in the retail marketplace. If you are interested in bringing your products to retail with the correct packaging solutions, then partner with Brown Packaging today to get started. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Retail Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts
Retail point of purchase (POP) displays are essential tools for marketing products directly to consumers within retail environments. These displays vary widely in shape, size, and design, each tailored to specific marketing and placement needs. Corrugated POP displays, known for their versatility and durability, offer an array of options to suit various retail settings. Here, we explore nine popular types of corrugated POP displays, detailing their applications and benefits to help you choose the right one for your products. What is a Corrugated Retail POP Display? Corrugated retail POP displays are made from corrugated fiberboard, which is notable for its structural sturdiness yet lightweight properties. These displays are customized with unique structures, sizes, shapes, and folds, and are often enhanced with vibrant graphic designs, various print options, and finishes. Designed to be temporarily installed, from a day to several months, they provide a flexible and cost-effective solution for seasonal marketing or promotional campaigns. Detailed Overview of Corrugated Retail POP Displays Floor Displays Full Pallet Display Half Pallet Display Quarter Pallet Display Power Wing/Sidekick Dump Bin Pallet Skirt/Wrap Counter Tops PDQ Trays Floor Display Floor displays, or floor stands, are the quintessential type of POP display used in retail. Positioned in prominent store aisles, they provide access from multiple sides, maximizing consumer interaction. Applications: Ideal for new product launches or special promotions. Benefits: High visibility and easy accessibility increase consumer engagement and potential sales. Full Pallet Display These displays are built directly on a shipping pallet and are commonly seen in wholesale and bulk retail environments. Applications: Best for large-volume promotions or wholesale club stores. Benefits: They facilitate bulk selling and are easy to set up directly from the shipping pallet, reducing setup time and effort. Half Pallet Display Smaller than full pallet displays, these are versatile for both product showcasing and promotional uses in retail environments. Applications: Effective in retail settings where space is more limited but product visibility is still a priority. Benefits: Offers a balance between the bulk promotion of a full pallet and the space-saving design of smaller displays. Quarter Pallet Display Designed for small spaces, quarter pallet displays optimize retail areas by accommodating compact display needs. Applications: Suitable for checkout areas or in narrow aisle endcaps. Benefits: Maximizes retail space efficiency and is ideal for highlighting smaller product quantities. Full Pallet Display Half Pallet Display Power Wing/Sidekick These are secondary displays attached to existing shelving or at the end of aisles using hooks or adhesives. Applications: Perfect for promoting small, impulse-buy items next to related products. Benefits: Enhances product visibility and encourages impulse purchases; easy to install and move. Dump Bin An open container for bulk or loose items, placed strategically to attract customers through ease of access and the allure of rummaging. Applications: Great for clearance items, seasonal goods, or promotional products. Benefits: Encourages spontaneous purchasing by making items easily accessible and visibly appealing. Pallet Skirt/Wrap A decorative and informative wrap around the base of a pallet, this display type is often used in warehouse-style retail environments. Applications: Enhances the aesthetic of bulk product displays on pallets. Benefits: Provides significant branding space to communicate marketing messages effectively; quick to install. Counter Tops Small displays designed to sit on counters or other surfaces where space is at a premium. Applications: Ideal for checkout areas to promote small, last-minute purchase items. Benefits: Utilizes otherwise wasted counter space and captures customer attention during the checkout process. PDQ Trays Pre-packed display trays that are easy to set up and can be placed on shelves, counters, or alongside larger displays. Applications: Suitable for quick setup in retail environments, offering versatility for product placement. Benefits: Streamlines the merchandising process, reducing labor costs and enhancing product turnover. Dump Bin Countertop Display Summary: Different Types of Corrugated POP Displays Choosing the right type of corrugated POP display can significantly impact the effectiveness of your in-store marketing efforts. By understanding the specific features and benefits of each display type, you can tailor your approach to better meet your promotional goals and engage more effectively with your target customers. If you are interested in POP displays, then partner with Brown Packaging today to get started. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Folding Carton Display Packaging Rigid Box Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. POP Displays Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts