Mistakes That Can Damage Your Packaging Box
When you meet a new client, you dress appropriately to make a good impression. Showing up untidy, with a torn shirt and messy hair, would likely leave a negative impact.
The same goes for product packaging. No matter how good your product is, the first thing customers notice is the packaging box. The look and feel of the packaging box can determine whether they pick it up to learn more or overlook your brand entirely.
Customers scrutinize every detail of a product’s packaging, and if something seems off or unappealing, they may hesitate to buy. Don’t let poor packaging box damage your brand and business. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
Packaging box design
Is packaging box design really that important? Can it influence customers to buy your product?
In Southeast Asia (SEA), the best-selling car is Honda. Although many recognize Toyota as a quality car, Honda’s sporty, innovative design makes it extremely popular across SEA countries like Malaysia and Thailand. Honda’s design appeals to customers’ aspirations, making the brand desirable.
Similarly, a well-designed packaging box instills confidence in the product inside, giving customers a sense that they’re buying something superior. Working with a design expert to create an attractive packaging box can enhance your brand reputation and boost sales.
Using the Right Materials
Meeting a client while poorly dressed might suggest a lack of professionalism. Similarly, if your packaging box feels cheap or low-quality, customers may question the product’s value.
Using durable, high-quality materials for packaging box is essential, especially if your product will be shipped. Fragile packaging box can lead to damage during transit, frustrating customers and making them less likely to buy again.
For e-commerce businesses, sturdy packaging box is crucial, as it may be handled roughly. Receiving a damaged package can lead to disappointment and lost customers.
Excessive Packaging
In Malaysia, car dealers often add extra accessories to increase perceived value. However, this approach can complicate matters, as more components may mean more maintenance later.
The main purpose of packaging box is to protect the product. Avoid unnecessary extras that will only end up in landfills, as excess packaging box is neither sustainable nor cost-effective. Use only what’s needed to safeguard the product.
Hard-to-Read Labels
Font size matters! While standard fonts are readable at 9 points for body text and 6 points for captions, some designers use smaller fonts for a “cleaner” look.
Ensure that your labels are easy to read without a magnifying glass. Small text can frustrate customers, and they may skip important information or even abandon the product altogether. Make sure the key selling points are clear and the barcode is easily scannable.
Typographical Errors
Typos and grammatical mistakes can reflect poorly on your brand. In Malaysia, packaging box often includes multiple languages which are English, Malay, and Chinese, which can increase the chance of errors. Using tools like Google Translate may not capture nuances correctly, leading to misunderstandings.
It’s crucial to thoroughly proofread all text on the packaging, ideally involving multiple departments for a final review. Ensuring an error-free package leaves a strong, positive impression.
Unclear Messaging
What exactly are you selling? Sometimes, the design choices, such as colors or images, can confuse customers.
For instance, a brightly colored detergent box might resemble candy packaging, potentially confusing young children. Ensure that your packaging box clearly communicates the product type.
A well-chosen image can reinforce the product’s purpose, helping customers feel informed and confident about their purchase.
Misrepresentation
Some brands exaggerate product claims to attract buyers, but misleading customers can harm your reputation in the long run. Once customers realize that the claims are inaccurate, they may never trust your brand again.
Avoid over-promising. Honesty builds customer loyalty and trust, which are essential for repeat business.
User-Friendly Packaging Box
Convenience is key in today’s world, from remote controls to automatic car doors. Make sure your packaging box is easy to open. If customers need scissors or have to struggle, it could frustrate them and make them less likely to buy again.
No matter how good your product is, if the packaging box is difficult to open, customers may prefer a competitor’s product that offers a better experience.
Environmentally friendly
Environmental consciousness is growing, especially in regions like Southeast Asia, where haze from forest clearing is a recurring issue. More customers appreciate sustainable packaging box choices.
Using recyclable or biodegradable materials for packaging box shows your commitment to the planet and resonates with environmentally conscious consumers.
Create an Actual Mock-Up for Your Packaging Box
One of the most critical steps in packaging box printing is creating an actual sample mock-up before going to print. Regardless of how simple the packaging box design may be, a physical mock-up allows customers and stakeholders to see a 3-dimensional sample, helping them visualize the final product.
This step is especially valuable when printing custom-made packaging. An actual mock-up provides peace of mind, showing exactly how the final packaging box will look and feel.
As the Chinese saying goes, “Buy a cow and make sure you have a strong rope to tie it.” Make sure to work with a professional packaging box printing company and follow all the essential steps to ensure the best results for your packaging.
Wrapping up
In today’s social media-driven world, customers may call out packaging box issues online, from typos to hard-to-open boxes. Avoid these common mistakes to give your customers a positive impression and reinforce your brand’s value.
Well-thought-out packaging box leaves a lasting impact, ensuring that customers remember your brand and come back for more.