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By: Brian Gertin
When a customer buys a cosmetic product, they are paying for much more than function – cosmetics are purchased for beauty, style, and fashion. As such, the branding of your product is critical to tapping into the emotions and lifestyle that your customers desire.
The design of your product and shipping packaging needs to be both functional and stylish at the same time. We’ve put together a short list of 6 questions you should consider when putting together your cosmetic packaging.
In addition to the function of the packaging, you also need to consider the factors that impact customer experience. Ask yourself a few key questions to ensure your packaging system is the perfect fit for your product:
Certain products have specific requirements that need to be met. For example, liquids need to be in a sealed container to prevent leaking during shipment. Heavy items might require certain grades of packing tape or corrugated cardboard for durability.
Various shipping companies have unique requirements that need to be met for anything that is liquid, fragile, or breakable. For the best results, refer to the published shipping requirements from the provider. For example, both Canada Post and the United States Postal Service have basic standards for shipments. Conform to these standards to ensure your packaging system minimizes problems during the shipping process.
Additional packaging materials might be necessary, depending on the fragility of your product. Breakable containers, such as glass, plastic, earthenware, or porcelain, require multiple packaging layers and watertight solutions to protect against normal wear and tear in shipping. Delicate items, such as bath bombs, should be cushioned to avoid damage to the product.
Optimizing the box size is beneficial for reducing empty space within the package. At the same time, small amounts of material reduction can add up over time, helping you save money in the long run.
Depending on the time of year, outdoor temperatures could play a role in the quality of the product when it arrives. If you are shipping in a hot climate, then the cosmetic product could be affected by high temperatures that melt heat-sensitive items. Minimize the chances that your customers will receive melted lipstick by taking extra precautions against the variable temperatures, such as ice packs or insulated packaging.
Many companies are choosing to switch to more sustainable forms of packaging in order to reduce their environmental impact. Not only does it feel good to know that you are helping with the conservation of natural resources, but your customers will appreciate supporting a company that respects and protects the environment.
The selection of materials will depend on the type of product you are packaging and your overall approach to customer experience. Small, durable items can be placed in bubble-wrap envelopes, but larger items need to be packaged in boxes. If the item can’t lay flat or it is too big for an envelope, then cardboard boxes can provide the perfect solution.
In fact, many companies prefer boxes over envelopes because the materials are better suited for protecting the products. The box should be sized just a little larger than the product to allow room for packing materials as needed.
Other packaging materials are often required, such as:
It’s no surprise that the packaging has an influence on the customer’s overall perception of your cosmetics products. If you want to succeed in the industry, then it is crucial to stand out. Packaging can help your brand stand out from the competitors, helping to create lifelong customers who keep coming back to buy in the future.
Many beauty and cosmetics are shifting to minimalist designs and simplistic packaging. Consider how the color combinations, logo placement, and quality of the materials will influence the customer’s experience. You have one chance to deliver the “wow factor” when a customer opens the box, so make sure that you are creating a positive emotional moment to help that person connect with the product inside.
At Gertex Solutions, we are leading the packaging industry with top-notch materials and customized solutions for every company. If you are looking for ways to upgrade your packaging and streamline systems, then we are here to help. Contact us for a consultation so we can discuss your needs and offer recommendations on how to improve your packaging operations. Contact us when you are ready to book a free assessment.
Brian Gertin
Secretary Treasurer and Co-Founder