When it comes to packaging up your orders, there is more to the process than initially meets the eye. As well as ensuring your orders arrive at your customer’s homes in pristine condition, the appearance of your packages will contribute to their first impression of your brand. Whether you are designing custom paper bags, boxes, or mailing bags, we delve into the difference between stock packaging and custom packaging so you can make the best decision for your brand.
Stock packaging
Ideal for businesses who are looking for a lower-cost way to package their orders, stock packaging is readily available for order. By being mass-produced in standard sizes and designs, businesses can order packaging in their desired quantity as and when they need it to meet demand. Common examples of stock packaging include drink bottles, food cans, sauce bottles, and takeaway packaging.
Stock packaging tends to follow simple designs so it can be used across various industries and each brand can put their own stamp on. Once the empty packaging has been acquired, custom labels can be stuck on to brand the products and provide customers with all of the necessary information they need when browsing.
As well as suiting smaller businesses who cannot justify manufacturing their own packaging, stock packaging is also an effective option for businesses who only need to develop small volumes in a timely manner. For occasions like sending samples, limited edition ranges, or trade show orders, stock packaging is a much more convenient approach that can be ordered in a short timeframe.
Custom packaging
Unlike stock packaging, custom packaging is designed and manufactured to perfectly fit a particular product or range. The tailor-made approach means that brands can produce unique packaging that is custom made for their product, finding the perfect size and standing out on a crowded shelf. With the creative freedom to produce new shapes, sizes, and designs that are not possible through stock packaging, brands can better portray their brand image and maintain a consistent image.
Custom packaging only tends to be used for large-scale businesses that mass produce packaging within their own factories. Whereas for small to medium-sized businesses it is more cost-effective to buy stock packaging, the large-scale production of global brands can make it more efficient to produce their stock in-house, not having to rely on third parties. As well as not having to buy externally, the custom-made packaging is designed to suit the size of the products within, minimizing waste and creating the perfect fit.
Of course, producing custom packaging is a more expensive approach as it requires thorough planning and research before the final outcome is established. Once the design is finalized, the production process needs to be set up, installing the appropriate machinery and buying all the materials needed for manufacturing. Although the initial stages are costly and demanding, the long-term benefits can mean large scale corporations can meet their own stock demand and
produce high quantities of packaging at a cheaper cost per unit than stock packaging.
