Debbie Whether your product is for an e-commerce company, event promoter, or a brick-and-mortar store, well-designed boxes can excite customers when they open them. They will notice the details, which can make or break a brand impression.
To get started, look for an all-in-one service provider that handles box shape, design, and printing simultaneously. Start by measuring your product or products to determine the box size you need.
Choose a Material
The material you choose for your custom shipping box will play a significant role in creating the right unboxing experience. A box that is too flimsy will lead to products being damaged during shipment, which can cost you more in the long run than investing in higher-quality materials that offer better protection.
The best choice for e-commerce brands is a sturdy corrugated material that can protect your orders and add an experiential element to the packaging process. It’s also the most environmentally friendly option since it doesn’t require manufacturing chemicals.
Once you’ve settled on a material, consider the box style you’ll need. If you’re sending small, individual items in one delivery, a mailer may be the right fit for your business. For more oversized, bulkier items, a product box with full-color printing and a finishing coat is an ideal solution.
To find the correct dimensions for your product box, lay out your product on a flat surface. Measure its length, width, and height and then round up to the nearest inch. It’s essential to include a little wiggle room when measuring so your product fits securely. When in doubt, choose a box size slightly smaller than your item to prevent shifting during transit. For extra security, opt for a corrugated material with thick flutes, which absorb external impact.
Design
To create custom shipping boxes is a great way to increase brand loyalty and boost product sales. These boxes can be designed to fit your products and convey a unique unboxing experience. Additionally, they can serve as mobile billboards that spread your brand message during shipping. However, it is essential to choose the right box size and design for your business. It is also necessary to find an all-in-one service provider that can handle the box shape, design, and printing simultaneously.
When designing your box, consider the dimensions of your products and whether you need inserts or dividers to protect them during transit. You can even use the box to communicate important information about your business, such as return policies, special offers, and discounts. The details in your packaging can make or break the customer experience. If your customers see your packaging as a positive interaction with your brand, they are likelier to recommend you to others and buy from you again.
If you’re looking to create a unique, eye-catching box, consider using an online 3D design tool that allows you to see your project come to life directly on your browser after you input your specifications. This tool is an easy, low-cost way to get the look you want without hiring a professional designer.
Printing
A custom-printed box is a small but significant way to make your brand stand out. Whether your customers are considering your products in-store or receiving them on their doorstep, the details of your packaging will build their first impression and brand loyalty. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to print custom boxes.
To get started, you’ll need vector-based graphic software that allows you to create shapes. Once you’ve made a file that mimics the dimensions of your box, it’s time to start adding the details. For example, if you’re printing a white box with black text, the text must be easily readable. Shipping plant workers and delivery people may have to hold your box up to a light or scan it with a barcode reader from several feet away.
To minimize your printing costs, consider using water-based ink rather than plastisol. This is because plastisol ink can cause your box to look matte or dull, and it isn’t as durable. In addition, if you’re going for a high-resolution print, it’s essential to use the correct printing method. Screen printing offers the highest resolution, but it’s also the most expensive option. Digital printing is an affordable alternative, offering a good mix of speed and quality. However, it doesn’t provide weather-resistant or glossy finishes.
Assembly
A custom shipping box is the first thing a customer will see and associate with your company. It can generate a stronger first impression, enhance the overall customer experience, and protect your products better than standard cardboard boxes. The key is to choose a company that offers quality packaging and printing.
The first step in creating your custom box is determining the size and strength needed to hold the product or products you ship. Start by measuring the product or items and using a box configuration tool to get a rough estimate of the size.
Next, find a second-hand piece of cardboard and a box cutter (razor blade works best). Make sure that you lay down a scrap piece of paper to protect the surface that you cut on, as well as your blade. Once you have the sheet laid flat with the interior side facing up, you will notice several scores on the edges. One by one, fold each score into the interior side of the box. This process is called creasing.
The company will use these creases to cut your box to the proper dimensions. Once the cutting is complete, your box will be ready to assemble. It should be made so that the front and back flaps snap into place over the tuck flaps, creating a perfectly symmetrical structure.
