Six Common Packaging Mistakes
Six Common Packing Mistakes
Product packaging is one of the most important elements of a business. High-quality packaging can protect your product, reduce unnecessary costs and attract customers. However, packaging mistakes can make the packing process less effective, increase costs and frustrate customers, leading to loss of customer retention and reduced profits.
Many common packaging mistakes can be avoided. Sarah Ward, Sales Manager at WePack, discusses the six most common packaging mistakes businesses make and the best ways to mitigate them.
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Mistake 1: Wrong size packaging
Incorrectly sized packaging is an easily avoidable mistake. However, it can lead to unnecessary packaging costs and products not fitting correctly in their boxes. In addition, wrapping film which is too small will not seal correctly and could affect the shelf-life of a product.
There is no quick or cheap way to solve this mistake. The purchaser will need to revise their size requirements, which will increase their packaging costs.
Sarah recommends that the client should seek the advice of an established contract packaging company to avoid this mistake: “By seeking the expertise of a contract packer, the customer will ensure that their packaging components will be the correct size and type.”
Mistake 2: Unsuitable packaging material
Packaging is not a one-size-fits-all process. Different products require different packaging solutions. For example, not every container material is compatible with every type of liquid. Expert knowledge is essential to ensure that the product is appropriately packaged to minimise health risks, breakages, spillages and other potential hazards.
An example given to us by Sarah was to “avoid putting a chemical in a PET bottle and instead use a HDPE bottle. PET bottles become porous over time, which can lead to leaks. This would be disastrous for perfumes or other liquid products. Clients should seek the expert advice of a contract packer when selecting the correct packaging material for their requirements.”
Mistake 3: The cheapest option
Every business aims to reduce costs. However, choosing a packaging service based solely on cost can jeopardise your product and subsequently your business. Low-cost packaging services may involve wasteful production techniques or use inappropriate packing materials. The low-cost supplier may also be missing the required accreditation for certain products.
Sarah confirmed; “Purchasers should consider packaging an investment. It supports the brand, ensures the safety of the product during transit, and provides the most appropriate package design to encourage sales.”
Mistake 4: Overpacking
Some companies make the mistake of overpacking their product with unnecessary packaging to try and improve aesthetics, market more products or over-protect their product. However, overpacking increases material costs and product weight (which will raise transit costs), and frustrate the customer.
When it comes to packing, simplicity is key; it minimises costs and provides a better experience for the customer.
Mistake 5: Waste
Consumers have become a lot more environmentally conscious in the last twenty years and are constantly looking for ways to reduce their waste. Mistakes such as overpacking will lead to excessive waste and have an adverse environmental impact.
Some production techniques may also increase the amount of waste during the packing process. Contract packing companies will be able to advise the best methods to avoid unnecessary waste. Likewise, if a high level of waste has already occurred, a contract packer will be able to recommend alternative methods to maximise future efficiencies.
Mistake 6: Wrap rage
We've all experienced the frustration of trying to open a package only to be frustrated by an overly complex design. This experience is such a common occurrence it’s even been given a name: ‘Wrap Rage’! Some of the most common examples of wrap rage includes packaging for SD cards and foodstuffs such as jar lids.
Having difficult-to-open packaging is the quickest way to irritate your customer, especially if other tools (such as scissors) are required. According to a survey by Which? Four in ten people say they have hurt themselves while trying to open packaging.
The solution? Hire professionals
Many of the mistakes only become obvious with experience, but it’s the simple mistakes that can lead to reduced profits, bad reviews and damaged products.
Contract packers are an essential investment for any business, ensuring your product is protected and suitably packaged at a reasonable cost. As Sarah concludes: “Contract packers will ensure that your product is both appropriately protected and maximises the visual impact when on display. A contract packer will also provide cost efficiencies. We work in harmony with our customers to provide essential support for their business.”
To find out more about our co-packing services please contact WePack on 0115 852 9000 or get in touch via the form below.