| Have you ever waited with anticipation for that | | | | UV coatings, foil stamping, embossing, and other |
| special something to show up in the mail only to | | | | high cost packing enhancers are not needed. |
| receive a smashed box with broken pieces inside | | | | Don't spend too little on your packaging because it |
| or liquid dripping out the sides? Packaging has | | | | still needs to reflect the quality and value of the |
| always been a critical component of successful | | | | product inside. You can use one, two, or four |
| retail products. Packaging is also critical for | | | | color printing to enhance the package. Do make |
| successful products sold online. However, there | | | | sure your packaging is sturdy enough to make it |
| are differences between the two types of | | | | through the mail. |
| packaging that should be considered. When a | | | | Make sure the package is crush proof. Some |
| product is displayed in a retail store, it is | | | | boxes require an inner structure made of |
| competing with every other product on the shelf | | | | cardboard, foam, or vacuum form plastic to keep |
| for the consumer's attention. The boxes are | | | | them from crushing. |
| normally shiny, multi-colored, and have foil | | | | Test your packaging by sending five packages to |
| stamping and embossing. The boxes seem to | | | | a few people you know in different parts of the |
| scream out, in a visual way, "Hey, look at me!" In | | | | country or, for products that ship internationally, in |
| online sales, the product is sold long before the | | | | the world. Have them send the products back to |
| consumer sees the packaging, but the packaging | | | | you. How did the packaging hold up? Does it still |
| is still critical to creating a satisfied customer. Here | | | | look good? Is it something you would feel good |
| are a few points to consider when choosing | | | | about receiving for yourself? Did the outer |
| packaging for products that are sold online and | | | | packaging protect the product? If there is any |
| shipped to the buyer. | | | | crushing, bad tearing, or product damage; rework |
| Don't spend too much on your packaging because | | | | your design and test again. |
| it won't be competing against one hundred other | | | | Don't spend too little, don't spend too much, test |
| packages on the shelf of Wal-Mart or Best Buy. | | | | thoroughly, and your packaging will be just right. |