In 1995, almost thirty years ago, car maker, Volkswagen launched one of its most successful and memorable ad campaigns ever, the slogan was “Drivers Wanted”. Those ads still stand out in the long history of a company known for their clever and effective marketing. Some saw it as a metaphor separating drivers from passengers in life. Others thought it was calling to people who truly enjoy driving, appreciate power and are excited by a vehicle with exceptional handling.
At Salazar Packaging we recognize that same difference in customers and clients who ask us to assist them with their design or redesign their D2C packaging. There is a most definite distinction between stock/ standard e-commerce packaging buyers (passengers), and those who choose to create packaging that is new, and unique (drivers). We love them all but clearly the former follow the path created by others, while the latter prefer to forge their own unique trail.
The Economics of E-Commerce Packaging Design 
Before I continue, readers should remember attractive, well designed custom packaging is NOT all about spending a lot of money. Ever since the beginning of our company in 2007, we have always attracted and enjoyed working with new start-ups. We could relate to these customers because we too at that time, were a start-up company, operating on a limited budget. So, our focus has always been to produce great packaging at absolute minimal cost.
Do more with less!
That sounds easy enough but reducing board grade, or the number of square inches being used, is always a good start towards economical and effective design. Most of our packaging is custom printed and the print process can make a huge difference in the cost. For example, compared to digital or litho label printing, flexographic printing can save anywhere from 30% to as much as 100% on the printing. We have written many times about how the cost of e-commerce (D2C) packaging as well as inbound and outbound shipping can be dramatically reduced with the right design. Your graphic design and order quantity may help determine which print process is better for you and your DTC boxes.
Get creative!
We often ask potential customers to provide us with a photo or drawing of something they like. This is not so we can duplicate what they have already seen, but so we can get some idea of what they have in mind and improve on it. Our goal is not just to give you packaging like your competitors, our goal is to help you create packaging that is better than your competitors’.
If you have an idea, thought or question, please share it with us. Our packaging design work is always a collaborative effort, and we take great pleasure in making your dream packaging a reality. We can use flexographic, digital and litho label print processes together to create some very unique looks. Flexo out, litho in, litho out, digital in, or any combination can be utilized depending on your graphics.
Call us at 630-551-1700 or contact us via this web site. We will be glad to help you and answer any questions you may have.
Related posts
https://www.salazarpackaging.com/custom-e-commerce-packaging-rest-easy-weve-got-this/
https://www.salazarpackaging.com/which-printing-process-is-best-for-your-e-commerce-box/
