Once you’ve decided on the type and style of custom box that you need for your product, it’s time to explore the various custom box add-ons that can increase the perceived value and/or functionality of your packaging. These structural enhancements are very affordable options and should not be ignored.
1. Window
Windows come in all shapes and sizes and are used primarily to “show off” the product inside. This not only impresses and entices the potential buyer, but may also translate into less boxes being opened in stores by curious customers.
Store clerks are able to see the product through the box window. They see this everyday, even unconsciously, which makes it easier for them to notice the need to replenish your product on store shelves, it also makes it more likely that they will recommend your product to inquiring customers.
Windows can be made of various types and thicknesses of plastic as well as recyclable cellulose from wood pulp.
Windows can also be a simple die cut area like in this “Earthology” Box with no plastic at all. This is obviously the less expensive option and works best if the box is not the primary packaging.
Windows can be printed on or even foil stamped for extra perceived value.
2. Inserts
Inserts are often used to help secure the product as it sits in its packaging and protect it from damage.
Inserts can also serve as fancy “staging” that presents the product in an elegant fashion as the customer opens the box. These inserts, called Platform inserts, also allow for storing product instructions or additional product items conveniently out of sight below the main product.
Additional information/instructions as well as advertising can be printed on inserts, making further use of them.
Partition inserts help separate product items and provide structural support for stacking.
Stand-off Trap inserts are similar to platform inserts but have an additional die cut hole or cavity that fits around the product to secure it. They can be made of plastic, paperboard, or just about any material you desire.
Inserts are often made of peachboard, (the velvety inserts found in jewelry boxes) vinyl, foam, molded pulp, and plastic (thermoformed inserts of various grades and colors).
Here is a thermoformed plastic tray insert for a board game.
Here is a handmade prototype insert made of the same material as the folding carton itself – paperboard
Cleverly designed boxes with inserts are often a great way for owners to store the product between uses. Board games or tools with multiple attachments are just two examples.
3. Hang Tab
This type of structural add-on is quite straight forward. Hang tabs are used to hang a product on a display.
Some hang tabs can be made of plastic and glued onto an existing box. Others are die cut out of a panel that extends from the back of the box, and these panels, called 5th Panels, also provide extra “packaging real estate” for further advertising or eye-catching graphics.
This hang tag is built into the folding carton lid.
4. Sleeve
Sleeves can be used to wrap around a box or wrap around the product itself with no box for minimalist packaging. Here is an example of a simple box sleeve.
Decorative sleeves add esthetic value to packaging, similar to how a ribbon enhances a gift box.
This lovely sleeve has very nice foil stamping applied.
Often, new business on a tight budget will use a printed-on sleeve around a generic box to save money.
5. Book Style
Book Styles serve primarily to provide extra space for advertising or instructions. They can be opened up to reveal a window area that shows-off the product inside.
6. Feet
Feet are small tabs that protrude from the bottom of the box that help stabilize it. Sometimes the product inside may be top heavy or too light, thus causing the box to wobble or fall over on store shelves. Feet help alleviate this problem.
7. Tear Strip
Tear Strips are a great aid to opening boxes, reducing consumer frustration.
There are many different structural changes that can be applied to standard packaging that enhances both functionality and esthetic appeal.
And often, for very little extra investment, the value that is added to the packaging, translates into more sales.
This has been a part of my tutorial series called How to Buy Packaging 101. So click the link below to head back if you haven’t finished reading it yet. 🙂