Choosing the Right Packaging Partner
Choosing a partner to package your products is not an easy decision. With so many factors at play, it’s important you understand the packaging process and what makes your partner the right choice. Below are what we at DFM Print Pak believe to be the five most important factors.
Capabilities
As obvious as it sounds, the first factor to check is the actual capabilities of your packaging partner. Do they create point of purchase displays? How about corrugated cartons or product display trays? A packaging company will unfortunately be limited in their ideas by their capabilities. Double check your partner can create as many packaging options as possible to ensure you’re not limited in scope.
Creativity
Combining unique style, different package specs and your branding, the right partner will find a way to ensure that your product stands out. It’s important to understand the audience and the product. Once this is accomplished, your partner should be able to generate ideas that tell a story and catch your customer’s attention. We love thinking outside the box, literally, and developing packaging that adds to your product.
Never forget: packaging can play a major role in the presentation and sale of your product.
Experience
There’s nothing wrong with a young upstart. These types of companies bring fresh ideas and different perspectives to packaging. However, an experienced packaging partner knows what works. With over 100 years of experience, DFM has had the pleasure of packaging a wide range of products. This experience helps us understand what is feasible for your product, as well as if it will actually help your product sell. This saves you time and money, all while putting your company in the best position to be successful.
Price and Value
It’s impossible to ignore the price. If you are unable to package your product in a cost efficient manner, your profit margin could be drastically affected. Understand from the start how your packaging partner charges. Look into quantity breaks, the type of materials being quoted and any extra charges you could be liable for.
A trustworthy and effective packaging partner will outline and make clear the project from the start, calling attention to the types of materials being used as well as how it affects price. Remember, too low of a quote should be as concerning as one that is too high.
At the end of the day, be sure to understand the value coming along with the price. A slightly higher price point may actually be the right decision if your packaging partner can demonstrate how this packaging will lead to higher than expected sales.
Chemistry
As we mentioned in the last section, you shouldn’t ignore price or value. However, chemistry is equally as important. If you are an overly professional company, a casual packaging partner may not be the best fit for you even with the right price point. They may not hold to deadlines as strictly, or be able to convey the brand standards as well, pushing your brand to a place you aren’t comfortable with. On the flip side, an overly conservative packaging partner may not reach the ceiling you were hoping for as a more aggressive and risk taking company.
Speaking the same language and sharing the same values as your packaging partner leads to a more enjoyable experience and a more successful packaging endeavor.
Are we your right choice?
No matter the stage of your project, DFM Print Pack is the perfect partner. The team boasts over 100 years of combined experience in the print, packaging and fulfillment industry, giving us a unique way of seeing things others can’t. Our creative problem solving results in a straightforward, cost efficient process that leads to on time delivery and higher profits for you. Acting as an extension of your print buying and purchasing department, we’d fit right in as your packaging partner.
For more information or to start a no cost quote, please contact us today!