When to Rethink Your Packaging Budget
Your packaging budget isn’t just about cost—it’s about timing, opportunity, and alignment with your business goals. Sticking with the same spend year after year might feel safe, but it could be holding back your growth, hurting efficiency, or wasting resources.
Whether you’re overspending or under-investing, here are the moments that should prompt you to revisit your packaging strategy and budget.
You’re Launching a New Product or SKU
A new product deserves more than a recycled box layout. New sizes, audiences, or channels often call for a different structure, material, or finish.
Why it matters:
New SKUs are an opportunity to streamline, improve presentation, and rethink how much you’re really spending—and what that packaging is saying about your brand.
You’re Expanding Into Retail
Retail-ready packaging often has very different requirements than e-commerce or wholesale. Club stores, chains, and boutique retailers all expect shelf presence, compliance, and clean branding.
Why it matters:
Retail packaging might require a higher initial investment, but it must deliver on visibility, protection, and speed of setup—making your budget worth every cent.
You’re Experiencing Increased Damage or Returns
If your return rate is creeping up due to shipping damage, broken seals, or crushed boxes, it’s not just a fulfillment problem—it’s a packaging problem.
Why it matters:
Investing in stronger board grades, better inserts, or improved closures can reduce product loss, customer complaints, and return shipping costs—saving more in the long run.
Your Shipping and Fulfillment Costs Are Rising
Higher freight bills or warehouse inefficiencies are often tied to inefficient packaging: oversized boxes, time-consuming assembly, or mismatched pallets.
Why it matters:
This is the moment to reallocate budget toward structural redesign or automation-friendly packaging that reduces labor, materials, and dimensional weight.
You’re Rebranding or Updating Product Presentation
Visual upgrades require packaging that reflects your new identity. Fonts, color palettes, finishes, and unboxing elements all play a role in reinforcing your new look.
Why it matters:
A rebrand without packaging alignment creates disconnect. It’s worth reevaluating spend to ensure your packaging amplifies—not undercuts—your brand’s direction.
You’re Scaling Fast
Rapid growth often exposes flaws in outdated packaging systems. What worked at 1,000 units a month might break down—or blow out your budget—at 50,000.
Why it matters:
Scale brings leverage. You may need to spend more upfront for better design and automation, but the unit cost savings and operational gains are well worth it.
Your Customer Expectations Have Changed
Today’s buyers care about sustainability, ease of use, and presentation. If you’re receiving feedback about excess packaging, hard-to-open boxes, or lackluster branding—listen.
Why it matters:
Updating your packaging to meet expectations may cost more or less—but it’s worth reevaluating where your current spend is going and if it’s achieving the right impact.
Final Thoughts
A packaging budget isn’t just about reducing costs—it’s about investing wisely based on where your business is going. When the moment is right, a budget shift can unlock better efficiency, stronger branding, and fewer downstream issues.
Not sure if it’s time to revisit your budget?
We’ll help you identify key triggers, analyze your packaging ROI, and guide you toward smarter, more strategic spend that supports your goals.
Need help sourcing or designing your custom pouches?
We’re here to walk you through every step—from material selection and printing to structural design and compliance.
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Corrugated boxes, commonly referred to as cardboard boxes, are a ubiquitous presence in our day-to-day lives. From moving houses to shipping products, these boxes are employed in a myriad of applications. As varied as their uses are, so are the demands placed upon them. Two critical factors dictate the effectiveness of a corrugated box: its size and its strength. Let’s delve deep into why these aspects are so important. Ensuring the Right Fit Protecting Contents An appropriately sized box ensures that the products inside do not jostle or shift significantly during transit. If a product is moving freely within a box, it’s more susceptible to damage from impacts or sudden movements. Efficient Space Utilization Especially when it comes to storage or shipping, using boxes of the correct size ensures maximum utilization of available space, whether in a warehouse or a shipping container. Overly large boxes waste space, while small ones may necessitate the use of multiple boxes where one might have sufficed. Cost Efficiency Using the right-sized box can save costs. Employing a box larger than necessary implies more material usage and potentially increased shipping costs based on dimensional weight pricing. Strength to Withstand Pressure Material Composition The strength of a corrugated box is primarily determined by the composition and configuration of its corrugated fibers. There are various flute sizes, with larger flutes providing more cushioning and smaller ones offering better printability and foldability. Stacking Strength When boxes are stacked, especially in storage or during shipping, the strength of the box determines how much weight it can bear without collapsing. A box with appropriate strength will ensure that the contents are not crushed, regardless of its position in a stack. Environmental Protection A sturdy corrugated box can provide some protection against environmental factors like humidity or minor water exposure. The corrugated design, combined with certain coatings or treatments, can help resist moisture infiltration. Balancing Strength with Weight While strength is essential, it’s also crucial to consider the weight of the box. Overly thick or heavy boxes can increase shipping costs and may be overkill for certain lightweight items. The strength-to-weight ratio is thus a crucial aspect when determining the best box for the job. Sustainability Considerations Today, environmental concerns play a significant role in packaging decisions. Corrugated boxes are favored because they are often made from recycled material and are recyclable themselves. By ensuring that a box is neither too big nor stronger than necessary, resources are conserved, and waste is minimized, contributing to a more sustainable packaging solution. Conclusion When selecting a corrugated box, one must consider both size and strength in conjunction to ensure the safety of its contents, cost-efficiency, and optimum space utilization. With the rising emphasis on sustainability, it’s also crucial to choose boxes that align with environmental goals. Whether you’re a business owner or simply moving to a new house, understanding the significance of these factors can make a world of difference in your packing and shipping endeavors. If you are interested in corrugated boxes, then partner with Brown Packaging today to get started. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Folding Carton Packaging Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Corrugated Boxes Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts
As the 2025 holiday season approaches, retailers are gearing up for what promises to be another bustling period of consumer activity. For brands looking to capitalize on this seasonal surge, Point of Purchase (POP) displays remain a crucial element in attracting customers and boosting sales. In this blog, we’ll explore effective strategies for retailers to prepare and utilize POP displays to maximize their impact during the holiday season. Understanding the Power of POP Displays POP displays are designed to catch the shopper’s eye and can be strategically placed to influence purchase decisions at critical points within the store. They are especially effective during the holiday season when competition for consumer attention is fierce. These displays can range from simple shelf talkers and countertop displays to elaborate floor stands and interactive kiosks. Benefits of POP Displays: Increased Visibility: Products featured in POP displays are more noticeable and more likely to be picked up. Enhanced Product Promotion: These displays can be used to promote special offers, new items, or holiday-specific products. Encourages Impulse Buys: Strategically placed displays can drive impulse purchases, significantly boosting sales. Brand Reinforcement: Well-designed displays reinforce brand messaging and create a memorable image in the consumer’s mind. Strategies for Effective POP Displays Start Planning Early Begin planning your POP display strategy well before the holiday season starts. Consider your sales data from previous years to identify which products sold well and how their placement influenced purchasing behavior. This data can guide your decisions on which products to promote and where to locate your displays. Design with the Holiday Spirit in Mind Design your displays to reflect the festive spirit of the holiday season. Use thematic elements like winter scenes, festive colors, and holiday motifs. Ensure that the design aligns with your brand’s image while also standing out in a crowded retail environment. Focus on High-Traffic Areas Place your POP displays in high-traffic areas of your store. Entrances, ends of aisles, and check-out counters are prime locations where displays can attract maximum shopper attention. Leverage Technology Integrate technology into your displays to create more engaging and interactive experiences. Digital screens can show product information, promotional videos, or interactive content that allows customers to engage directly with the display. Train Your Staff Ensure your staff is well-informed about the products featured in the POP displays and can effectively communicate their benefits to customers. Staff enthusiasm can complement the physical display, enhancing its overall impact. Monitor and Adapt Once your displays are in place, monitor their performance. Keep an eye on the products that are moving quickly and those that aren’t. Be prepared to make adjustments to your displays or the featured products based on real-time sales data and customer feedback. Conclusion POP displays are a powerful tool for retailers, especially during the holiday season. By planning effectively, designing with intent, placing displays strategically, incorporating technology, educating staff, and being adaptable, brands can maximize their impact and ensure a successful holiday sales period. As you prepare for the 2025 holidays, consider these strategies to make the most of your retail space and drive sales through effective use of POP displays. Happy holidays and happy selling! If you are interested in POP displays for the holiday season, 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. POP Display Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts
Color plays a pivotal role in product packaging, serving not just an aesthetic purpose but also communicating values, emotions, and expectations to the consumer. Effective use of color in custom packaging can significantly influence customer perception, enhance brand recognition, and ultimately drive purchasing decisions. Let’s delve into how different colors can convey various messages about your products and how they can be strategically used to achieve your business goals. The Impact of Color in Packaging Overview of Color Psychology in Packaging Colors are a powerful tool in packaging design because they have the ability to trigger different emotional responses and convey specific attributes of a brand or product. Understanding the psychology behind colors can help businesses strategically choose hues that align with their brand identity and appeal to their target audience. Below are a list of the most popular colors used in custom packaging and what they say about your product: White Black Blue Red Orange Green Yellow Purple Pink Using Multiple Colors Shades Of Colors Common Colors Used in Custom Packaging and Their Meanings White Implications: White symbolizes purity, cleanliness, and simplicity. It is often used to create a perception of safety and sterility, which is ideal for healthcare and personal care products. Applications: Commonly used as a background color to make text and graphics pop, enhancing readability and highlighting important product information. Black Implications: Black is associated with sophistication, luxury, and seriousness. It suggests a premium quality and is often used in packaging for high-end products to convey elegance and exclusivity. Applications: Effective for creating contrast and making other elements stand out, particularly in luxury goods packaging. Blue Implications: Blue evokes feelings of trust, security, and calmness. It’s preferred universally and is deemed reliable and dependable. Applications: Widely used in products that aim to promote relaxation and trust, such as in the wellness and financial sectors. Red Implications: Red is a bold color that stimulates excitement, passion, and urgency. It can increase heart rate, which is why it’s commonly used to attract attention and encourage impulse purchases. Applications: Often used to highlight calls to action or special offers on packaging. Orange Implications: Orange combines the energy of red and the happiness of yellow, representing enthusiasm, creativity, and affordability. Applications: Frequently used to draw attention in retail settings and signal affordability without sacrificing quality. Green Implications: Green is synonymous with nature, health, and renewal. Darker greens are associated with wealth and luxury, while lighter greens are used to promote eco-friendly or natural products. Applications: Ideal for products that want to emphasize organic or sustainable attributes Yellow Implications: Yellow is a cheerful color that exudes optimism and youthfulness. It’s also attention-grabbing and can be used to make packaging more eye-catching. Applications: Effective for products targeting young demographics or those looking to convey affordability and fun. Purple Implications: Purple is often associated with creativity, luxury, and spirituality. It tends to attract attention with a sense of mystery and prestige. Applications: Used in beauty and luxury goods to suggest sophistication and rarity. Pink Implications: Pink is traditionally linked to femininity, warmth, and romance. It ranges from playful shades to more serious, muted tones. Applications: Common in products aimed at the female market, particularly in cosmetics and children’s products, to evoke softness and warmth. Using Multiple Colors Utilizing multiple colors in packaging needs a balanced approach to maintain brand integrity and ensure clear communication. Complementary colors can create vibrant dynamics and enhance visual appeal, but they should be used judiciously to avoid overwhelming consumers and diluting the brand message. Shades of Colors The intensity and shade of a color can alter its impact. Darker shades often convey a more professional and luxurious feel, while lighter shades can appear more accessible and soft. Choosing the right shade is crucial in aligning the packaging with the product’s target audience and brand values. Summary: What Does Color of Your Packaging Say About Your Product The color of your packaging is a direct communication tool with your consumers. It not only influences how your product is perceived but can also significantly impact its market performance. By carefully selecting appropriate colors, businesses can effectively position their products, enhance consumer experience, and meet specific market needs. For personalized guidance on leveraging the power of color in your packaging strategy, partnering with packaging experts like Brown Packaging can ensure that your packaging colors align with your brand identity and marketing goals, maximizing the impact of your products on the shelves. (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. Custom Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts