Packaging is an important part of visually showcasing a business’s brand and products to give customers a professional impression. When customers receive a product in the mail, its packaging is the first element they lay eyes on and its presentation will have an effect on the customer’s overall experience. When you run a business to sell 3D printed products, having the option to create custom packaging should not be overlooked.
The process of acquiring the right packaging for your business can also be time consuming, which is why in addition to on-demand printing and fulfillment services, Shapeways offers businesses custom packaging solutions that will help set your products apart from your competitors.
Not only is it possible to ship in boxes that differentiate your products from the standard Shapeways packaging, but you can also customize these boxes with your business’s unique branding to give your customers a more high-end experience. Another option is to include custom inserts and promotional materials inside these boxes. By partnering with Shapeways to handle your custom packaging needs, you can focus your attention on what you do best.
How Custom Packaging Can Benefit Your Business
Here are a few reasons why custom packaging can enhance your business and products.
Brand recognition
The more people are able to see your logo or branding, the more they will become familiarized with your business. Having your branding printed on your packaging will showcase your business wherever it goes and enhance your business presence.
Make your packaging share worthy
The more creative and appropriate your packaging is, the more likely people will share it with others. Customers can play an important role in word-of-mouth marketing with their ability to share their experience with your brand on social media. “Unboxing” videos on YouTube, for example, in which customers post videos of themselves receiving and opening new packages, could be enormously powerful in attracting new customers for you. Whenever existing customers share their unboxing experience with friends and family, having your branding clearly printed on the box they are opening from goes a long way to establish your brand recognition.
Increase customer satisfaction
Customers are usually pleased with a delivery experience that meets their expectations. But loyal customers are often gained when you can exceed this by going the extra mile. Making deliberate choices in packaging and making an event out of their reception of your product will give your customers an elevated boost of confidence in your business. Whether you choose a minimalist box or feature custom branding to make it stand out, purposeful presentation can greatly increase customer satisfaction by creating a memorable experience.
Create additional marketing opportunities with custom inserts
Inserts are a low-cost way of giving your customers something extra while also taking the opportunity to directly market to them. By including a coupon or a sticker with your branding in your package, you increase the value of your shipment to your customers and cultivate goodwill. And because you know what each customer is ordering, you can market similar products directly to them. Whether it’s a discount code, a cross-selling promotion or a thank-you note with a personal touch, inserts can help your brand build a positive relationship with your customers.
How can Shapeways help?
Now that you know how custom packaging can benefit your business, how will you go about implementing these changes? Luckily, by allowing Shapeways to handle all of your custom packaging needs, you can reap these benefits without having to create additional workflows. In addition to additive manufacturing services, Shapeways offers a range of custom packaging solutions to help you get started. Once Shapeways 3D prints your products, these can be shipped directly to your customers with your unique branding added. This is a highly efficient way of taking your business to the next level.
Shapeways’ custom packaging options
Shapeways can offer three kinds of packaging solutions depending on what works best for your brand.
Non-branded packaging
If you prefer a sleek, minimalist look, we recommend you choose between a white or brown cardboard box without external branding. This is a great option for you if your business is shipping a minimum of 100 orders a month and are looking to upgrade from our standard, Shapeways-branded packaging.
Branded packaging
For a more professional packaging option that includes your unique branding, you can choose white or brown cardboard boxes that are sealed with custom-branded tape. This is an upgraded option if your business is shipping a minimum of 500 orders a month and are looking to strengthen your brand presence.
Premium Branded packaging
Premium Branding is our top-tier custom packaging option that can help your packages stand out wherever they are delivered. With this option you can have your own custom branding printed onto either brown or white cardboard boxes for maximum brand exposure. This is especially advantageous for your business if you are shipping a high volume of orders each month.
Custom inserts, stickers and promotional materials
Including additional information or promotional materials in your product’s packaging is the most convenient and effective way of reaching your customers directly. Have you unveiled new products that you would like your customers to know about? Do you have instructions on how customers can re-order in the future? How about providing coupons for a similar product? Shapeways can work with you to incorporate these messages into your packaging. Custom stickers are another fun way of giving your customers something extra while promoting your brand.
Custom packaging can provide your customers with a memorable and consistent experience that encourages brand loyalty and repeat purchasing. With Shapeways’ packaging and shipping solutions, your business can have access to a one-stop-shop for the manufacturing and fulfillment of your products so that you can run your business efficiently and effectively.
Contact the Shapeways team to get started!
