Why Use Custom Packaging?
These days, many businesses choose to use custom packaging to make their products stand out. This trend became even more popular after Apple introduced the iPhone with its sleek, custom-designed box. People were impressed not just by the phone, but also by how it was packaged. It gave the product a premium feel and made the customer experience more special.
It’s true, Apple was one of the first companies to use packaging as part of their product’s identity. The box helped show the value of the phone even before it was turned on. That’s the power of good custom packaging.
Because of this success, many people will advise you to use custom packaging. It helps your product look different on the shelf. It grabs attention and makes customers fall in love with how your product looks, before they even try it.
But at the end of the day, no matter how nice the box is, customers still care about what’s inside. If the product is not as good as the packaging or if it’s the same as everything else, then the nice box won’t matter for long.
So before you jump into using custom packaging, take time to ask yourself an important question:
Can I justify why my product needs custom packaging?
If the answer is yes if your product is special, high quality, or luxurious, then custom packaging can be a powerful tool. But if not, it may just increase your costs without improving your results.
1. Understand What You Are Selling
The iPhone is a perfect example of a product that justified its custom packaging. It was a new kind of smartphone with a touchscreen, internet access, and a premium feel. Apple’s packaging helped highlight how different and valuable it was.
In the U.S., the iPhone might cost less than a month’s salary. But in many other countries, it could cost as much as three months of income. In China, when the iPhone was first released, some people went to extreme lengths to get one. That’s because it wasn’t just a phone, it was a symbol of innovation and status.
When you are selling something expensive, unique, or luxurious like a designer watch, fine pen, or jewelry, it makes sense to pair it with a custom box packaging. It adds value to the product and completes the experience.
But not every product needs that. If you’re selling something simple or low-cost, you should think carefully about whether custom packaging is worth it. A fancy box for an ordinary product might just raise the price without helping sales.
2. Know Your Target Audience
Understanding your customers is just as important as knowing your product. Who are you selling to?
Let’s take chocolate, for example. In Malaysia, many people enjoy chocolate. Local brands are affordable and come in simple packaging and they still sell very well.
But when it comes to high-end chocolate, especially from Europe like Belgian chocolates, the packaging changes. These chocolates are more expensive and often bought as gifts. Customers expect the box to look elegant and high-class. The packaging builds trust and gives a feeling of luxury.
That’s why it’s important to match your packaging to your audience. If your product is targeted at people who want something premium or exclusive, then custom packaging can help meet their expectations. But if your audience is just looking for something affordable, then too much packaging might be unnecessary.
Custom packaging is a smart investment when it aligns with the lifestyle and expectations of your target customers.
3. A Special Case: Mooncake Festival in Malaysia
One great example of how custom packaging works is the Mid-Autumn Festival in Malaysia. During this time, people buy mooncakes as gifts and for celebrations. It’s a competitive market, and custom box packaging becomes a big deal.
If you visit malls or supermarkets during this festival, you’ll see stalls from different bakeries and brands. Everyone is trying to grab attention with beautiful custom packaging in many shapes, colors, and styles.
Luxury hotels and fine restaurants also get involved. Their mooncakes come in elegant, exclusive custom packaging that looks like a luxury gift. Some even cost up to RM200 or more! Regular mooncakes cost around RM80, but people still choose the expensive ones because of how impressive the box looks.
In fact, many people admit that the mooncakes from local bakeries often taste better. But customers are still willing to pay more for the hotel mooncakes just because of the custom box packaging. That shows how powerful good packaging can be, especially for gifting.
4. Can Custom Packaging Help You Sell More?
Yes, it can, but only when used wisely. Packaging creates the first impression. A beautiful custom box makes people feel like what’s inside must be worth it. It builds trust, value, and excitement.
But remember, packaging can only go so far. If your product is average or not different from others, customers will quickly realize it. You must make sure your product quality matches the promise your packaging makes.
So, before using custom packaging, try to justify it. Ask:
• Is my product special or luxurious?
• Will custom packaging help me reach a certain kind of customer?
• Will the cost of custom packaging be worth the result?
If the answer is yes, then go ahead. If not, it might be better to stick with something simpler.
Also, think about the environment. More than 60% of customers say they prefer products with eco-friendly packaging. Many companies now use FSC®-certified materials to show their packaging comes from sustainable sources. This not only helps the planet, it can also improve your brand image.
Final Thoughts
Custom packaging can help your product shine but only when it makes sense for your brand, product, and customer.
At Uniquelink, we have many years of experience helping businesses create custom box packaging that protects products and builds value without breaking your budget. Whether you want something simple, elegant, or luxurious, we’ll help you find the right solution.
Let us help you create packaging that sells not just looks good on the shelf.