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The 5 Secrets to Great Packaging

August 18, 2020 in /by

The 5 Secrets to Great Packaging

Everyone in today’s society is busy, including consumers. Most don’t have the time or energy to compare the pros and cons of different brands in the grocery aisle. So, the best way to win the sale is to entice consumers with attention grabbing packaging. Package design is one of your most powerful tools to help you stand out from your competitors. Take Apple for example; Apple’s minimalist packaging is unforgettable, especially compared to the unwrapping experience of their competitors. Apple products stand out. You cannot walk past the electronics department without noticing a new Apple product and its packaging.

1. The Right Materials

Analyze your market and competition to find the perfect materials for your packaging. For example, although plastic blister packaging might save you money on materials, it’s not going to fly if you’re in an Eco-friendly dominated market. Similarly, a paper carton may not stand up to the more formal rigid boxes in a luxury brand market.

2. Be Concise

The average consumer only dedicates a maximum of 4 seconds to a product before determining whether they will buy it. Make sure a consumer immediately knows your brand and what your product is for. Be sure to include any key details on the front of your packaging, such as key buzz words or ingredients. Test out your packaging design with friends, family, and strangers.

3. Think Practical

The practicality of a product’s packaging deals with the shape, size, and functionality. You should ask yourself, does this packaging make the product easier to use? It’s wonderful to design aesthetically unique and pleasing packaging, but make sure not to lose sight of the practicality. You might consider if your packaging can be reused by the consumer, or how easy it is to transport and store. Consider all variables before landing on a final design.

4. Security and Fit

Your package design must protect your product from breaking or easily cracking before the consumer opens it. Is your product delicate or basically indestructible? How does your product normally get to the consumer? If you are shipping your product, you may want to consider investing in more secure packaging like custom fitted inserts, extra padding, protection from glass scratching, etc. to avoid consumer complaints (and more $) down the line.

5. High Quality Printing

Printing can be the simple difference between high-end looking and cheap. You want high-quality imagery and branding that stands out from the competition. Consider artistic prints and extras like metallic foil to really set your product above the rest. Don’t skimp on printing!

Need Help Getting Started?

Get in touch today and we can help you with anything from designing your packaging to sourcing a new product.

Contact Us

Why Doing Nothing Might Just Be The Silver Lining You Need

April 9, 2020 in /by

Having your packaging, or other product, produced overseas comes with its fair share of risks. Here's how to prevent some common quality issues.

  1. Have Someone You Trust Available Overseas

We realize this is not possible in all scenarios, but having someone on site at the manufacturer to monitor production is the ultimate way to prevent any quality issues that might arise. Having someone on your team that will be able to effectively communicate updates and issues before production units are shipped, is absolutely ideal.

2. Quality Assurance via Sampling

Make it clear that you will not approve production without first article physical samples. You need to have the product in hand to evaluate any unforeseen issues with quality that cannot be seen via photo or video.  When changes are necessary, make sure to use very detailed photos and drawings to communicate with the factory.

3. Give Your Project and Accurate Lead Time

Your timeline is important when launching a new product. Supplier lead times may initially sound appealing, but they are often not accurate due to a variety of variables that might delay the process. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to deal with any quality issues that might arise, so that you are not sacrificing anything in order to have your product arrive on time.

Another reason not to rush production, is that overseas manufacturer quality will always suffer if lead times are rushed.

 

4. Use a Project Management Company

Sourcing and manufacturing overseas can carry significant risks if you don’t know what you’re doing. Without someone to rely on to review production for quality assurance, you could risk receiving low quality or defective units and a whole host of issues that ensue.

Avoid the risks of sourcing overseas by working with a trusted supplier. With offices in the US and a team of expert quality assurance employees in China, GLS has you covered.

 

Need Help Getting Started?

Get in touch today and we can help you with anything from designing your packaging to sourcing a new product.

Contact Us

Brighten Your Day – Stories of Kindness and Light in this Difficult Time

March 26, 2020 in /by

Having your packaging, or other product, produced overseas comes with its fair share of risks. Here's how to prevent some common quality issues.

  1. Have Someone You Trust Available Overseas

We realize this is not possible in all scenarios, but having someone on site at the manufacturer to monitor production is the ultimate way to prevent any quality issues that might arise. Having someone on your team that will be able to effectively communicate updates and issues before production units are shipped, is absolutely ideal.

2. Quality Assurance via Sampling

Make it clear that you will not approve production without first article physical samples. You need to have the product in hand to evaluate any unforeseen issues with quality that cannot be seen via photo or video.  When changes are necessary, make sure to use very detailed photos and drawings to communicate with the factory.

3. Give Your Project and Accurate Lead Time

Your timeline is important when launching a new product. Supplier lead times may initially sound appealing, but they are often not accurate due to a variety of variables that might delay the process. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to deal with any quality issues that might arise, so that you are not sacrificing anything in order to have your product arrive on time.

Another reason not to rush production, is that overseas manufacturer quality will always suffer if lead times are rushed.

 

4. Use a Project Management Company

Sourcing and manufacturing overseas can carry significant risks if you don’t know what you’re doing. Without someone to rely on to review production for quality assurance, you could risk receiving low quality or defective units and a whole host of issues that ensue.

Avoid the risks of sourcing overseas by working with a trusted supplier. With offices in the US and a team of expert quality assurance employees in China, GLS has you covered.

 

Need Help Getting Started?

Get in touch today and we can help you with anything from designing your packaging to sourcing a new product.

Contact Us

Navigate the Trade War – How Will Tariffs Affect Your Business?

August 27, 2019 in /by

Having your packaging, or other product, produced overseas comes with its fair share of risks. Here's how to prevent some common quality issues.

  1. Have Someone You Trust Available Overseas

We realize this is not possible in all scenarios, but having someone on site at the manufacturer to monitor production is the ultimate way to prevent any quality issues that might arise. Having someone on your team that will be able to effectively communicate updates and issues before production units are shipped, is absolutely ideal.

2. Quality Assurance via Sampling

Make it clear that you will not approve production without first article physical samples. You need to have the product in hand to evaluate any unforeseen issues with quality that cannot be seen via photo or video.  When changes are necessary, make sure to use very detailed photos and drawings to communicate with the factory.

3. Give Your Project and Accurate Lead Time

Your timeline is important when launching a new product. Supplier lead times may initially sound appealing, but they are often not accurate due to a variety of variables that might delay the process. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to deal with any quality issues that might arise, so that you are not sacrificing anything in order to have your product arrive on time.

Another reason not to rush production, is that overseas manufacturer quality will always suffer if lead times are rushed.

 

4. Use a Project Management Company

Sourcing and manufacturing overseas can carry significant risks if you don’t know what you’re doing. Without someone to rely on to review production for quality assurance, you could risk receiving low quality or defective units and a whole host of issues that ensue.

Avoid the risks of sourcing overseas by working with a trusted supplier. With offices in the US and a team of expert quality assurance employees in China, GLS has you covered.

 

Need Help Getting Started?

Get in touch today and we can help you with anything from designing your packaging to sourcing a new product.

Contact Us

Holiday Packaging Design Inspiration

July 16, 2019 in /by

The holidays can be a great time for sales, but your packaging has to stand out to reap the full benefits.

  1. Start Simple

    If you’re running out of time to come up with a holiday design, consider going for a simple change to grab consumer attention. For example, change your typical white box to a black box with gold foil logo and ribbon, or opt for a new shape but keep your artwork the same. Work with your manufacturer to come up with a new solution that saves time and money (let us know if you need help!). You can also view our stock holiday catalog here.

    Limited Edition

    If your branding is usually distinct and on point, releasing a limited edition holiday version of your packaging can be a great way to increase sales. Think bold and dramatic. The holidays are a great time for shiny foils, whimsical artwork, and innovative shapes.

    Try an Advent Calendar

    From chocolates to beauty, many brands are releasing special advent calendars (yes we make those too!)  for the holidays. This is a unique way to allow consumers to sample many of your products, and marvel at your branding. The custom options are endless.

    Use a Project Management Company

    Creating brand new packaging for the holiday season can be a daunting task  if you don’t know what you’re doing. Without someone to rely on to help find solutions, design, and review production for quality assurance, you could risk receiving low quality or defective units and a whole host of issues that ensue.

    Avoid the risks by working with a trusted supplier. With a team of experts (engineers, designers, QC) and offices in the US and overseas, GLS has you covered.

Need Help Getting Started?

Get in touch today and we can help you with anything from designing your packaging to sourcing a new product.

Contact Us

5 Reasons Sourcing on Alibaba Can Be Risky

August 7, 2018 in /by

Do you know the risks associated with sourcing products through Alibaba? Here are the top 5 reasons you should avoid sourcing on your own.

  1. Communication

When you are dealing with an overseas supplier through Alibaba, you are going to run into a variety of communication barriers. Language misunderstandings, time differences, cultural understanding, etc. can all play a part in potential order issues.

2. Quality Assurance

Many products on Alibaba seem great at first glance, but upon closer inspection turn out to have a series of quality issues. Even if you are able to get a sample directly from the overseas supplier, you can never be assured that your final production quality will be the same. Without someone you trust to oversee the production, you risk receiving an end product that does not meet quality standards.

Suppliers will promise the world in order to get your business, but you really have no control over your end product. And that, is a recipe for disaster.

3. Logistics

Your timeline is important when launching a new product. Supplier lead times may initially sound appealing, but they are often not accurate due to a variety of variables that might delay the process.

You must also make sure you have all the necessary documents to clear customs and ensure your shipment makes it to the correct destination. Then you have to consider where you will store your products. Logistics can be a nightmare when not handled by someone with the correct experience.

 

4. Fraud & Scams

Scary words, yet cases of fraud run rampant on Alibaba. One common technique that scammers on Alibaba use is the bait and switch scheme. Essentially, a supplier will attract buyers with advertisements for one type of product, but when a buyer places an order, he’ll be sent an obviously inferior product instead. Other types of fraud include  things like broken or shoddy merchandise, counterfeit products, and fake goods.  Or when no products are shipped at all!

 

5. Experience

We have talked about how sourcing through Alibaba can carry significant risks. Without someone to rely on to review production for quality assurance, you could risk receiving defective units and a whole host of issues that ensue.

All of these potential issues can mean a lot of headaches for you. You may get a product in the end, but the stress of doing it all on your own might not be worth the trouble.

Need Help Getting Started?

Avoid the risks of sourcing overseas by working with a trusted supplier. With offices in the US and China, GLS has you covered.

Contact Us