Best Packaging for Startup Companies: Tips and Ideas

Startup companies are more popular than ever. As of 2023, small businesses accounted for a whopping 99.2% of the UK business population. In this vastly populated landscape, it can seem harder than ever to stand out from the competition, and every tiny detail can make or break your chances of success.

If your small business is product-based, don’t underestimate the power of packaging. Aside from being functional, your startup packaging serves as the face of your business and is the first thing your customer sees when encountering your product. 

The right packaging should help to shape your brand identity and influence your target audience’s perception – in a good way. 

The Importance of Packaging for Small Businesses

Whether you intend for your product to be sold in shops or online, what you choose to wrap it in matters. For one, the right packaging should keep your product safe when in transit or storage. This will reduce the number of returns or refunds you’ll have to make due to breakages or damaged products.

Did you know that your packaging even has the power to influence people? Packaging psychology is a real thing, and numerous studies have been conducted on how the appearance of packaging can influence impulse buying. Little things such as the colour you use, font, imagery and even the messaging can all play a huge role in the buying decision. 

Memorable packaging for your small business can also help to inspire brand loyalty right from the start. Suppose you choose eye-catching colours that set you apart from your competitors on the shelves or craft a thoughtful unboxing experience for shipped products. In these cases, your customers will remember you and will likely make repeat purchases.

Related: Packaging for Product Launches: How Packaging Can Maximise Your Product’s Success

Factors to Consider When Choosing Packaging for Startups

Heading out on your startup journey is undeniably challenging, but it’s also full of possibilities for innovation and growth. Your packaging for your new business serves as a powerful tool to tell your brand story and set yourself apart from competitors.

Make sure you take the time to plan a thoughtful packaging strategy and invest in things such as quality materials to keep items safe and memorable branded packaging. Here are our top tips for crafting an unforgettable packaging experience that resonates with your customers, fosters loyalty and sets the stage for a memorable brand journey. 

1. Budget

In an ideal world, you’d have unlimited money to craft your packaging experience, but if you’re just starting and haven’t even launched your product yet, your company won’t be profitable, and you’ll likely be working with a smaller budget. 

There are numerous ways you can reduce packaging costs, such as opting for lighter materials to reduce parcel weight (and shipping costs as a result), reducing excess packaging materials, avoiding plastic packaging and buying in bulk where possible.

2. Packaging Materials

Another consideration is the material your packaging will be made from. Avoid plastic where possible, as use is being cracked down on with The Plastic Packaging Tax, and it’s not sustainable. 

Industry research has demonstrated that more customers than ever care about what their products come in. A huge 77% of UK consumers believe that brands should seek to use as little packaging as possible, and 66% stated that it was important that the packaging could be recycled, too. 

Choosing sustainable packaging can help protect the planet, boost sales and improve perceptions of your company. What’s not to love?

3. Customisation and Branding

Next up, you should consider whether you will brand your packaging. Customisation is a worthy investment as it’s a key way to establish a distinctive brand and stand out in the crowded retail space. If you have a higher budget, you can opt for a fully bespoke packaging design that uses your branding components and will instantly make your business attract attention. 

Branded packaging doesn’t have to be expensive, though. If your budget is on the smaller side, you can add thoughtful finishing touches to postal boxes with branded tape customised with your logo or use printed box sleeves, which is a fantastically cost-effective way to add your artwork or messaging to an otherwise plain box. 

4. Practical Considerations for Shipping and Storage

Shipping and storing your products and packaging can be a huge cost and strain on your new business. If you’re dealing with large volumes of product, you’ll need to rent a separate location to store products and packaging materials, and this can be incredibly costly.

An alternative solution is outsourcing your fulfilment and using a co-packing expert such as Packaging Supplies to pack, store and ship your products. We can provide competitively priced value-added services to help with all manner of things, from labelling to assembly and wrapping. We can even pick, pack and dispatch. 

We work with businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large operations. You’ll have the complete freedom to choose a production and fulfilment schedule that matches your company’s demand.

Get Packaging for Your Small Business

Navigating the world of packaging for your startup business can be daunting, but we’re here to help! Our team of experts at Packaging Supplies is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re grappling with material choices, exploring branded packaging options or seeking a seamless fulfilment solution, we’ve got you covered. 

Reach out to us today and let us help you shape your packaging strategy and set your startup company on the path to success.