Good Things Come In Custom Packages

pkg picOK, the classic quote actually talks about good things that come in small packages, but the same concept applies when considering the impact creative packaging brings to a branded product.

Packaging can vary as much as the product itself, but particularly when the item is part of a larger marketing campaign, it should mirror the graphics and message of that campaign. It should complete the brand picture.

Consider the happy effect the Tiffany blue box has on the lucky recipient – or think how the anticipation rises before opening one of the subscription gift boxes like Birchbox or Mantry.  The packaging is all part of the gift experience, and when it’s done right, increases the value of the gift to the recipient.  And, the best part is, custom packaging doesn’t need to break the budget.  Examples of custom packaging ideas, from modest to spectacular, should get your creative juices flowing.    All options can be printed with your logo and/or custom full color graphics.

  • Cardboard box:  holds everything from lip balm & pens to coffee mugs & clothing –  $1.00 to $10.00
  • Corrugated mailer box:  sturdy enough to ship even the most fragile items – $5.00 – $20.00
  • Metal tin:  shapes like cars, movie reels, pill boxes and lunch boxes – $3.00 – $10.00
  • Poly pouch:  holds coupons, pens, notes – $1.00 – $2.00
  • Fabric bag:  if it’s an odd shape and lightweight, this is a good choice – $5.00 – $25.00
  • Wood wine presentation box:  $20 – $25

When launching a new product, introducing a new campaign, or thanking a good customer, when first impressions are important, the memory of creative packaging will keep your brand alive for longer.  Next time you are looking for that “wow” factor, ask about custom packaging for the next promotional giveaway.

Drink Up, Ladies!

mugsAccording to a recent article in the Harvard Business Review, “In aggregate, women represent a growth market bigger than China and India combined—more than twice as big, in fact. Given those numbers, it would be foolish to ignore or underestimate the female consumer.”   Ergo, when considering the next branded giveaway aimed at a female audience, it would be wise to look at the product category that is nearly twice as popular with women as it is with men:  branded drinkware.

Branded drinkware has long been a popular option as a corporate promotional giveaway, but in recent years the advertising specialty suppliers have stepped up their game in terms of styles, color choices and materials.

  • Mugs:  ceramic, acrylic or glass mugs are offered in shapes and colors designed to hold any type of coffee concoction the local barista can whip up
  • Sport bottles:  made from aluminum, BPA-free plastic and collapsible polyethylene, and are constructed in sizes perfect for the serious bikers, casual sports enthusiasts or students’ backpacks
  • Stadium cups:  still available in paper, plastic or Styrofoam (not my recommendation), have been reimagined to accommodate the sports team tailgaters as well as the sippy cup toddlers

In consideration of capturing the highest return on the investment, marketing and procurement teams may want to read on for a few more statistics to help provide further insight into this popular promotional product category.

What percentage of U.S. consumers own branded drinkware?

  • 21%

What age group owns the most branded drinkware?

  • 21-34:  25%
  • 35-44:  20%
  • 45-54:  20%
  • 55+:     19%

Where is the drinkware most likely to be used?

  • Office:  39%   Home:  39%

Branded drinkware joins the ranks of the most widely used promotional merchandise, particularly with young women.  Next time your company wants to target this powerful market segment, think about drinks!