Design Tips, Packaging, Small Business Resources
How to Elevate Your Product Packaging Design & What to Look Out For
Ready to elevate your product packaging to custom printed pouches?
For sleek, professional pouches that stand out on the shelf, here are my top tips to ensure your packaging upgrade is a success:
Measure Up
Before diving in, hit the store with a tape measure! Check out the shelf space where your product will live. Note dimensions, fill weights, and how competing packages look. Is there too much or not enough air? Do some sizes seem awkward?
Size Matters
Ask your printer about standard bag sizes—they often have samples you can test with your product. Sticking to standard sizes can save you money since the machines are prepped for these options or bulk-stock is already available.
Always Get a Printed Proof
This is non-negotiable in my opinion! A physical proof lets you confirm colors, contrast, sizing of type/elements and overall design before committing to a bulk order. Trust me, everything looks great on screen but can sometimes disappoint in real life. Get that physical proof to avoid surprises when thousands of dollars are on the line.
Understand the Printing Process
Ask your printer whether they use digital printing (think high-end inkjet process) or rotogravure/flexo printing (which uses separate plates for each color). For rotogravure, don’t forget to ask about plate and setup fees—these can be hefty and might not be included in the initial quote. Transparency is key!
Quantity Breaks
Even if a printer doesn’t require a minimum order amount, they have price breaks at certain quantities that make the cost per piece less. Ordering higher quantities decreases the per piece price which in turn helps keep your sale price as low as possible while maximizing your profit. Take into account the overall cost, individual piece cost, and the time it will take you to use the packaging to figure out what will work best for your business.
Hire a Pro Designer
(Yes, this is a bit self-serving, but it’s crucial!) A great packaging designer will properly set up dielines, manage color layers, and navigate print specs to make sure your packaging is a shelf superstar. Some printers may offer design services, but results can vary so always request design samples to ensure quality and a seperate design estimate.