Are you on the fence about whether you should invest in custom boxes? That's a sign that you're on the right track. Putting thought into packaging is key to making a lasting positive first impression and supercharging customer retention.

Since packaging is so important, what can you do to provide the best packaging experience possible? Explore the differences between these options and how to decide the best choice for your business needs.

Key Differences Between Custom Boxes vs. Standard Packaging

Custom boxes are branded boxes that contain company logos, colors, designs and functional features that turn a box into a sharable unboxing experience. There's no doubt that there's been an increasing demand for personalized packaging. The main feature that sets custom boxes apart from standard packaging options is the personal touch and perfect product fit.

Standard packaging options are generic and offer little to no customization. They are limited to standardized sizes and materials, but they limit branding opportunities. Research shows that packaging is pivotal for product success. One study revealed that 72% of American consumers' purchases were influenced by the packaging design.

Both custom boxes and standard packaging options may be suitable depending on the business goals and budget. Here are the key differences between custom and standard packaging to make your decision easier.

Unboxing Experience

Custom boxes provide more than just protection for your products. They create excitement around receiving and opening your goods. Great packaging is a powerful marketing opportunity for businesses. A memorable unboxing experience can give the packaging a deeper meaning and cultivate a stronger connection with the customer. Using unique graphics and personal touches like thank-you notes makes customers feel valued and can boost loyalty. 

Customization helps build a positive first impression with your product by providing a favorable experience. Unique boxes make customers feel like VIPs every time they make a purchase. Adding visual details that highlight your business's unique selling points can also enhance brand awareness.

Standard packaging doesn't offer the same kind of valuable unboxing experience as custom boxes. It serves the purpose of providing protection and a professional aesthetic, but it doesn't necessarily make the customer feel special. The unboxing experience of standard packaging doesn't offer exciting or marketable elements.

Customer Experience

Companies can go the extra mile to make customers feel valued by using custom packaging. Compared to standard packaging, custom boxes are the superior choice for businesses wanting to maximize the customer experience (CX). 

Here are some of the top ways custom packaging stands out when it comes to CX:

• Enhances brand recognition: Vibrant and unique packaging helps products stand out, making it easier for customers to recognize the product, which boosts brand loyalty.
• Improves product perception: Quality product packaging tailored to the item can increase the perceived value. This is especially important in industries like cosmetics, where customers perceive quality packaging as a sign of a high-quality product.
• Provides a more convenient experience: Custom packaging is not just attractive — it's also more functional. Tailored solutions enable businesses to use less tape, space fillers and other materials to safely ship their items. 
• Creates product interest: Studies show that packaging design can evoke customer curiosity and boost product sales. Custom designs also encourage customers to engage with the product, which can invite more interest in the brand.

Sustainability

Standard packaging is often made in advance to be ready for purchase. While it may be quicker, it's not as kind to the environment. Some standard packaging might be sustainable, granted that the company uses recyclable materials and follows proper end-of-life disposal. 

Custom packaging is made to order, so you get the exact amount you desire, and the manufacturing company will only create that total. It also eliminates the need for excessive fillers or inserts. With the recyclable custom boxes from DIYpack, you can select options with folding box designs that minimize material waste.

Shipping and Storage

Custom packaging is optimized to the product's unique size, shape and specifications. It protects the item from damage during transit, preventing it from getting dented and exposed to the elements. 

Custom packaging fits the product's specifications, meaning companies can create more compact boxes that reduce wasted space. It can reduce shipping costs by enabling companies to transport more products in each shipment. It also makes it easier to store, handle and stock shelves.

Standard packaging may not always fit the products perfectly. Companies often need to invest in extra padding to make the products fit and prevent damage. These boxes also tend to be significantly larger because they lack the specification-driven design of custom boxes. Bigger boxes take up more space in transit and call for larger warehouse, travel and handling fees.

Affordability

Custom boxes aren't as affordable as standard packaging, but there's a good reason for the increased cost. There are some factors businesses should consider when it comes to affordability. While standard packaging is less expensive, there are additional costs to consider, including: 

• Filler costs: Standard packaging isn't created to offer the perfect fit for products, so companies may need to invest further in filler materials to build a better fit.
• Returns and refunds: Standard packaging may not always offer the personalized protection that custom packaging does. Broken or damaged items cost the business in refunds and reduce customer retention.
• Order size: Standard packaging comes in bulk packs that require businesses to sometimes order more than they require. Custom packaging allows you to purchase what you need.

Which Option Is Better for Your Business?

Are you trying to determine if custom or standard packaging is best for you? Both options have their pros and cons, depending on your demands. Standard packaging might be OK for your business if you are focused on a minimal initial investment.

However, custom packaging is best for brands that are:

• Focused on enhancing customer engagement.
• Looking to provide a valuable experience. 
• Aiming to enhance brand perception and build a loyal client base.
• Looking to lower shipping costs.
• Wanting to provide a memorable unboxing experience.

Create Custom Packaging That Shines With DIYpack

Choosing the right packaging is vital to positive brand perception, consistent image and happy customers. At DIYpack, our custom box solutions highlight your products using creative and functional designs that build unforgettable unboxing experiences. 

Our easy-to-use platform lets you create the box that's perfect for your business. You can select everything from custom sizes that match your product specs to trendy designs that give your brand the professional, consistent image it needs.

With over 60 years of experience as a direct manufacturer with a team of talented designers and logistics experts, we are confident in our capabilities. Our digitally printed packaging allows us to print the exact volume without the fuss of print plates and dyes. 

Customize your product boxes now and enjoy the benefits of enhanced brand image and a better customer experience.