Build Your Brand & Save Money in 2014

Can you count the hours you put into making sure your store is just perfect? The lighting, the sinage, equisite product displays, the music and maybe even the smell. All of it designed to give your customers the exact experience you spent so many nights dreaming about when creating your business. As a small business owner you’re always looking for ways to enhance that experience, but as always time and resources are limited.

Here’s one way to do just that, without breaking the bank… packaging! Packaging isn’t always the most exciting topic to talk about, it’s something that you have to buy because your customers need a way to carry their products home but beyond that keeping the cost low is a must. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking packaging is just a typical business expense. If used properly it can be an afforable and highly effective tool for building your brand. These 3 tips will help you get the most out of your packaging without breaking the bank.

1. Follow the 80/20 rule: Make sure the core items of your packaging ensemble are of high quality. Just as you appeal to your customers senses, to provide a great experience when they are in your store, they will be able to see and feel the difference in your packaging  and bring the experience home with them.
2. Custom Print your Packaging: This is far less expensive then you might think, and it turns your packaging from a cost of doing business to a brand builder. Seeing a gift came from your store will add to the delight of both the gift giver and receiver. It has been discovered that custom printing is far less than some advertising aspects.
3. Accessorize: Make sure your main packaging (bags and boxes) is suitable for all seasons.  Then you can change your ribbons, tissue paper, and gift wrap with the seasons. These items are very inexpensive and don’t take up much storage space, which means you can have packaging that looks completely different based on the occaison without spending a lot of money.

Don’t miss the opportunity to give your customers the same experience they have in your store as when they walk out the door. Large brands spend millions of dollars making sure their packaging is just right, they wouldn’t do that if it didn’t have a big impact on their bottom line. With a little creativity and only a few bucks you can also leverage the power of packaging to build your brand.  Brand messaging is the best way to spread the word about your store… as well as making sure you encourage repeat business.

Contributed by Sally Mustaca, the Marketing Manager for Premier Packaging. Premier Packaging specializes in custom hot stamping gift or retail packaging. They have a wide selection of gift bags, boxes and accessories at low prices as well as an industry wide reputation for supporting independent retailers.

Photo Credit: Premier Packaging