One of my favorite movies is the original Pirates of the Caribbean. Even if you’ve watched it multiple times, as I have, you may have missed some very funny lines. For example, after flouting the importance of the “Pirate’s Code”, Captain Barbossa sheepishly admits that the code is more what you’d call “a guideline”. I think the reason that has always struck me funny, because we all know there are few things in life or business that are steadfast and inflexible.
That is also true about packaging design. There are indeed some hard fast rules about what can or cannot be done. However, in most cases, what is right is determined by our customer and the many factors of the application including the product, the order volume, the desired graphics, and of course the packaging budget.
Call them codes or just suggestions, but after decades of experience, here are five of the most important ones to consider:
- Do review all potential box styles. For example, is an RSC style box a better option than a die cut mailer? In most cases, an RSC is going to cost less per box and in terms of tooling. No cutting die is required for RSC style boxes.
- Do minimize and right size box dimensions to avoid waste in material, shipping and storage costs as well as minimizing potential damage in shipping. Understand that internal (product to product) damage occurs almost as often as outside/in or drop type of damage.
- Don’t guess at the correct or best board specs. Allow someone like us to help you determine the ideal board grade and flute construction. You have more options available than ever so don’t guess or buy the available “stock grade”.
- Do understand your design options. Now is the best time to add things such as easy open perforations, security locks, or peel and seal closures. Options like those can be much more costly if added later.
- Do consider the variety of print options. Is flexographic, digital or litho the best print process for your graphic design? Each has a different minimum and cost so allow us to help you determine your best option. Edge to edge flood coats cost very little and they make an incredible difference in the overall appearance.
Experience Does Matter.
If you are a regular reader of our blog, you know we often talk about the importance and value of experience. After millions of boxes made for well over a thousand different customers, we rarely see a 
product or application we have not successfully produced before, probably many times. One of my favorite expressions is “we know where the potholes are in the road are”. That enables us to help you navigate through what can be a tricky path forward. In some cases, the value is helping you avoid a costly mistake, but in others it is about showing you how to create a stronger, more attractive shipping container at the same or lower price. Value in custom packaging can be about what you get, as well as what you don’t get.
If in doubt, contact us through this link or call us at 630-551-1700 for an absolutely no cost, no obligation conversation. Help us to understand what you are trying to accomplish, and we will be glad to show you how to best get there.
Related posts:
https://www.salazarpackaging.com/refresh-or-rebrand-your-e-commerce-packaging/
https://www.salazarpackaging.com/direct-to-consumer-packaging-and-common-sense/
https://www.salazarpackaging.com/4-pillars-of-our-custom-packaging-success/
https://www.salazarpackaging.com/category/subscription-boxes/