The Benefits of Custom Packaging for Any Online Store with Examples

12 min read

Various factors go into creating a successful ecommerce store, including branding, marketing, and product design.

However, many sellers tend to neglect one of the most efficient ways to stand out from the competition: custom packaging.

Custom packaging effectively protects products during shipping and allows a company to emphasize its brand.

Let’s take a closer look at custom packaging and where to begin in creating your own.

The Impact of Custom Packaging Boxes

The impact and value of custom packaging boxes cannot be understated.

For example, will a customer be more likely to buy again from a brand that sent their product in a plain cardboard box or from one with color and vibrant impact? Of course, the answer is the latter.

This is a way to connect with customers and show them that the brand cares about their image and customers. In turn, this will lead to the customer wanting to connect with the brand again.

Where to Begin with Designing Custom Product Packaging

Some sellers may be wondering where to begin with designing custom product packaging. Well, much of the answer lies in the details and audience of the product. Here are some factors to consider for beginning the process:

Product details: The first step is to evaluate all the information on the product. How big is it? What is it made of? Is it delicate? The answers to these questions already establish requirements for the packaging. If the product has a unique shape, the packaging must fit that shape. If the item is delicate or fragile, the packaging must adequately protect it.
Target audience: While the point of packaging is to house the product and protect it on its travel to the customer, it is also for branding. This means that the packaging needs to appeal to the target audience. Who will be using or buying the product? Is it a specific age group or demographic? Or does it cater to a particular interest group? This helps to establish design elements to include. For example, custom jewelry packaging can include elements of luxury or elegance.
Competitor habits: Evaluating competitors is a great way to get inspiration for custom product packaging. To be clear, this does not mean copying their packaging, but it is the perfect place to look for what works and what doesn’t. Check out the packaging of successful competitors to see what appeals to customers, and evaluate competitor reviews to find out what customers don’t like.

Design Elements for Custom Packaging Bags or Boxes

While the right design for custom packaging bags or boxes can vary between businesses, there are some basic elements to consider, including:

Product size and shape
Logo inclusion
Colors
Imagery and graphics
Written copy
Eco-friendly packaging
Packaging Material

Custom Packaging Examples

Now that we’ve covered the general purpose and elements of custom packaging design, let’s discuss some examples to inspire businesses to create their own. We’ve included some ideas along with some product examples.

Embracing Colors

Colors are king when it comes to capturing attention. A vibrant or well-themed package will cause the viewer’s eyes to gravitate to it. For example, check out this custom coffee packaging for Beso de Sol.

Holographic Coffee packaging design by Daria V.

Eye-Catching Patterns

A well-done pattern can add a simple but appealing visual flair to any product packaging. This custom tea packaging from Cooper&Flyn is a great example, as it uses a unique color and pattern for each flavor. It would catch anyone’s eye in a sea of boring tea boxes.

Cooper & Flyn custom package designed Contrast Studio

Another great example is this custom restaurant packaging, which features patterned coffee cup holders instead of the boring brown cardboard.

Keep it Simple

Sometimes, it is better to keep things simple. In fact, minimalist design can have an incredible impact when done right. This custom candle packaging is a top example of minimalism executed perfectly.

Wine glass candle packaging design by eolinart

It features little imagery other than a patterned top and a small drawing on the front but communicates precisely what the buyer is getting.

Storytelling

Storytelling has always been one of the most powerful marketing methods, and this is also true for product packaging. For instance, this custom clothing packaging concept for Zkano Socks that uses the exterior and interior of the package to connect to the company’s lineage.

Zkano Socks custom design created by Jonathan Yurek

Moreover, the package also functions as a way for buyers to mail their old socks back to be repurposed. This engages the buyer as part of the story. Custom packaging sleeves can even be used to introduce the story while the packaging continues it.

Engage the Senses

Using the package to engage the potential buyer’s senses can be an excellent way to grab their attention.

This can be done in several ways, such as scratch-and-sniff custom soap packaging. The scratch and sniff effect could also be achieved through custom packaging stickers.

Scratch and sniff labels by Alpine Packaging, Inc.

Not only does this inspire the buyer to pick up the product, but it also allows them to know what they are getting.

Let the Product Do the Talking

If the product is visually appealing or has its own selling points, sometimes it’s better to let it do the talking. Check out this packaging design for Harper+Ari bath bombs.

Harper+Ari bath bombs package design

The cut-out design lets the buyer see the bath bomb’s color, feel its texture, and smell its scent. Creating custom blister packaging can also be an excellent way to show off the product.

Get Silly

We all need to be a little silly sometimes, and this can translate into packaging. For instance, check out this custom snack packaging for SeaveG Crispies.

Seaveg Crispies package design by Holiday26

It features the snacks arranged into a dancing figure with the primary flavor incorporated into the figure design.

Engage the Buyer

Sometimes, opening a product is all about the experience. Creating product packaging that is engaging to open can draw a buyer in over the competition. Check out this custom jewelry packaging concept that spirals open.

Custom package design for jewelry by Mary Vinogradova

This package is appealing enough that you wouldn’t ever want to get rid of it.

Display Luxury

Embracing the luxury of certain products in package design can help attract the target audience. For instance, this slide-out custom cosmetic packaging from Kjaer Weis offers a simple yet luxurious design that is easy to carry around.

Kjaer Weis cream blush package design

Relate to the Purpose or Intention

Relating the product packaging to its purpose can inspire various designs. Consider custom eyelash packaging in an eye-shaped box. Talk about eye-catching. Another great example of this is this custom baking packaging design concept for Thelma’s Treats.

Thelma’s Treats custom package design

Imagine grabbing a dozen cookies that the buyer gets to pull right out of the “oven.”

Endorse Eco-Friendly Design

The large amount of waste in today’s world has led to more people becoming environmentally conscious. Additionally, more companies are embracing eco-friendly methods of packaging and products. This Hangerpak concept is a brilliant execution of eco-friendly packaging. It is a clothing box that can then be turned into a clothes hanger when empty.

Hangerpak concept by Steve Haslip

Even better, there are ample resources out there to find recyclable custom plastic packaging materials and more. However, this often takes custom foam packaging out of the equation, as these materials are typically not recyclable.

Conclusion

Custom packaging can be one of the most worthwhile investments for an ecommerce business. It is an essential part of helping your brand stand out from the rest. Additionally, it can help create a loyal customer base that will keep returning to your products for their needs. We wish you the best of luck in the creative endeavor of creating your own custom packaging!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it to create custom packaging?

Yes! Custom packaging is definitely worth the time and effort. Not only will it help hold and protect a product better, but it is also a massive boon to the brand. It can assist in creating a brand image that keeps customers coming back.

What should a custom packaging design include?

Inherently, the right design elements for custom packaging will vary between sellers. However, some common elements to consider in the design include imagery, color scheme, shape and size, logo incorporation, and any identifying factors that emphasize the brand.

Can I create my custom packaging myself?

If you have design experience and understand your product well enough, you can absolutely design your own customer packaging. However, if you don’t have any experience, it can be a better idea to hire a professional. A professional packaging designer will have valuable insight into creating packaging that really pops.

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Nov 28, 2023

About the author

Max has been working in the ecommerce industry for the last six years helping brands to establish and level-up content marketing and SEO. Despite that, he has experience with entrepreneurship. He is a fiction writer in his free time.