Choosing the Right Packaging Style

So once you decide on the type of packaging you want, you need to decide on the style. Here are some ideas to help you find the right style.

Look at my website. I have packaging styles listed in the various article links on this page, and I’m adding to them all the time.
Using Google Images to search for packaging styles. Search for packaging type i.e. “folding cartons” or “paperboard boxes” (which is another name for folding cartons). This should yield images of folding cartons in a variety of styles. Save images of the ones you like to your computer.
Look in retail stores or online stores like Amazon for packaging ideas and take pictures of the ones you like.
If you are still having trouble finding the right packaging style, make a sketch of it and describe it as much as possible.
Knowing the Right Size
If you have existing packaging from a previous order but you want to make changes, you may or may not have the die line (if applicable) or exact dimensions of it. Here are a couple of articles on how to measure a box and measure a bag to help you gain the approximate size of your packaging for price quoting purposes (I’ll cover that step a little later on).

If you have no preexisting packaging, just do your best to measure the approximate size of product. Also, consider whether you may need an insert to secure the product.

The weight and/or fragility of your product are also important factors that you will want to convey to your prospective packaging vendor, as this will help determine what grade or caliper of material the packaging should be made of.

Deciding on Your Volume
It is particularly important to have an estimated packaging volume ready for when you proceed to the next phase of the packaging buying process. With every company you contact “What is you packaging volume?” will be one of their first questions. The higher the volume, the cheaper it will be for you and the more attractive you will be to packaging manufacturers as well. But don’t bother exaggerating your volume as the price quote will be based on volume and will be pretty much useless to you if you do. It is also not worth your while to promise future business in the form of reorders in order to get a price break. They’ve heard that one a million times.

Do you anticipate moving a lot of product quickly? – Be honest, not just hopeful.

Do you have a retailer already interested in purchasing your product?

Do you have preorders in need of fulfillment?

Are your sales expectations proven or speculative?

Can you warehouse excess packaging yourself?

These are questions that should help you decide on your volume before you make that first inquiry with a packaging vendor.