Stock vs. Custom Packaging: What's the Difference?

By understanding the differences, pros and cons of stock and custom packaging, you will be able to make this decision with confidence and make the best impression for your product to your customers.  These are the things you need to know before deciding between stock or custom packaging.

 

You've created an amazing product. Now it's time to put it in the hands of an eager customer. 

You've made countless decisions, but now is the moment of truth. It's time to decide on something that could make or break your customer's first impression of your product.

Should you choose stock packaging or custom packaging? 

It's a tough decision. Especially when you consider.

❤ In one study, more than 60% of respondents said that gift-like packaging made them excited about the item they were ordering.

❤ 40% of online shoppers said they would be more likely to buy from a retailer again if that retailer used quality packaging.

 

By understanding the differences, pros and cons of stock and custom packaging, you will be able to make this decision with confidence and make the best impression for your product to your customers. 

These are the things you need to know before deciding between stock or Carpet Protector Film.

 

 

What is stock packaging?

Stock packaging is pre-made, generic packaging with little to no customization in size, color, shape or finish. Stock packaging can be mass produced at low cost, but is limited to standardized box sizes, colors and styles that do not reflect the unique message or identity of the brand.

 

Stock packaging is off-the-shelf packaging that is easily accessible and immediately usable. It is often the default choice for shipping warehouses. As the name implies, stock packaging is provided "as is" with little to no customization. Because it is not designed for your needs, it will have a basic and generic look and feel. 

If you need to get your product into the hands of consumers urgently and you are not worried about the impression your packaging will make on your customers, then you will want to use stock packaging. Stock packaging is fast, available for free, and comes in a variety of sizes and shapes (all of which are very broad and not specifically tailored to your product). It's also economical, so if you're looking for ways to save money, stock packaging may be the solution for you.

 

What is custom packaging?

Custom packaging is packaging that is uniquely tailored from scratch around a company's specific needs, rather than using a standard or pre-made box or package that the product may fit inside. The custom packaging process involves modifying the shape, size, style, color, material, varnish and other specifications of the package. 

 

Custom packaging is basically anything that is not stock packaging. Imagine that your product has a unique size or shape. You may need retail packaging specifically designed to accentuate the shape of your product and to hold it comfortably and securely. Custom packaging can help you do just that. In fact, if all you want is a plain white box, as general as it may sound, you'd be surprised how few stock packaging suppliers actually have the exact box size you need.

 

Custom packaging is also available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and you can customize almost every aspect of it - not only in terms of design, but also with the added benefit of printing that makes your brand and product really stand out and leave a lasting impression. Even if you don't want all the "bells and whistles" that custom packaging can offer - such as matte or gloss lamination, foil stamping, embossing or embossing or partial UV customization - choosing custom packaging It's still a good idea.

 

Just search "unboxing" on YouTube and you'll see how many people are obsessed with beautiful custom packaging. In a recent Lechan Pack study, 50% of people said that gift or brand-like packaging made them more likely to recommend the brand to others. It's safe to say that custom packaging is an easy way to generate interest in your product and build excitement around your brand.  

 

Stock vs. custom packaging: when to use each

With all these pros and cons of stock vs. custom packaging in mind, you may find it difficult to really narrow it down when you want to use each type of packaging. To make it easier for you, we've compiled a list of examples where one option may be better than the other. 

You should use stock packaging when. 

â–º You want to test different marketing options and don't want the expense and time of custom printing until you're ready.

â–ºYou are a startup on a tight budget and are looking for an economical way to market test or run other promotions.

â–ºYou are facing a production shortage and need to get a usable product to market as soon as possible. 

â–ºYou are preparing to distribute conference samples to attendees.

 

As you can see, the name of the stock packaging game is that it's fast, cheap, easy to get and almost certainly available. 

 

You should use custom packaging when:

â–º You have a luxury item that you want to create a sophisticated look.

â–º You want to take full advantage of the product's custom box design or shape options.

â–ºYou want users to unbox your product and share their reactions on social media

â–ºYou need or want unique and over-the-top packaging, and you're prepared to pay more for virtually unlimited customization options

â–ºYou need a lot of printed packaging and you want all aspects of packaging production to fit your specific needs 

â–ºYou have a subscription box service or e-commerce type service and want to highlight your product in a unique way.

 

Stock packaging can be cheap, quick and easy, but when you choose out-of-the-box packaging, you can lose out on a lot of things you may not have considered. With custom packaging, you can open up a whole world of design and personalization advantages. You can take advantage of flexible printing technologies and tools to deliver an impressive customer experience. Every angle of the package, even the material itself, can be printed, embossed, highlighted, varnished, and more to make it stand out from the competition. 

 

The bottom line on stock vs. custom packaging

As you can see, the "debate" about stock versus custom packaging is not really a debate at all. When you consider the obvious differences between the product that comes with stock packaging and custom packaging, it's true that sometimes one option is better than the other. 

When it comes to choosing custom packaging, it's critical to get it right. At Lechan Pack, we have years of experience creating custom packaging for all types of products, sizes and configurations. The world of custom packaging can be confusing and overwhelming for first-time product designers, and even if this isn't your first product design rodeo, it's still nice to have a team of knowledgeable experts by your side to help guide you and offer advice. Whether you already have an idea or want advice, our team of artists are trained in a variety of styles and mediums and can easily maneuver between different graphic styles to create a complete design that accurately captures your ideas and the look of your product.

 

The team at Lechan Pack is eager to help you take the next step through custom packaging and guide you through the process so that you have packaging that perfectly reflects and embodies the best features of your product and brand. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote on your custom packaging needs and we will work with you to create a look and package that combines your brand personality, social appeal and quality product design to create a look that is undoubtedly your own.