There are two customers of a gift: the one who purchases it, and the one who opens it. The buyer's decision is based on the exterior, on the shelf or on screen. Within seconds, the recipient determines the reveal and whether the brand deserves to be added to their own shelf the next time. Custom gift packaging will have to get a hold of both of these moments, and the second is hinged upon product packaging within the box. Empress Packaging produces branded gift boxes for brands throughout the USA.

What does the buyer look at?

The front panel must be readable from several feet away on a shelf. Photography works best online using texture and contrast of colors and shapes. Foil looks great in person, but can appear almost non-existent in a flat photo. Embossing is the same way,  it looks good on camera, but only when shot at an angle. See the box on a product page and in a studio.

What are the emotions of the recipient?

First, the recipient comes in contact with the lid, then with the tissue, then with the insert, and then with the product. For anyone purchasing multiple gifts, not wrapping them is a huge advantage, and the branded gift boxes allow them to avoid the wrapping process. This is the most appreciated feature of a corporate gifting program because an assistant can fill hundreds and wants to have a box that looks like it is complete.

Maintaining a range's consistency

A single premium packaging design, combined with three insert designs, a common box logo, and a consistent colour scheme creates a gift range that feels like family. It also cuts the number of sizes you hold and simplifies reorders. The fewer the sizes, the easier the wholesale volume level pricing, so try to think through the range first before thinking of the first box.

Will the second order be equal to the first?

Gift ranges can switch stock, paper, ink, and board can change between runs. Request the supply chain to retain the sample that has been approved as the reference and review the subsequent order prior to delivery to stores. Color drift will be easier to detect at the dock versus on the shelf.

Compare the box with the number of dollars.

A product presentation should be at ease with the price being displayed on the tag. The expectation set by a twenty-dollar gift, presented in a hundred-dollar gift box, is high and cannot be fulfilled, while the opposite holds true as well. Before selecting finishes, determine what percentage of the retail price the box will be taking and use that number to cull the options.

Step up to rigid when to

A hard box, fitted with a magnetic lid or ribbon, is appropriate for the top tier in a gift range. Rigid is used for the top-of-the-line set, and foil-covered folding cartons are used for other sets, as luxury packaging boxes are more expensive and require longer production times. The two tiers can be tied together visually with sleeves.

The care of the finish in transit

If the gift box is packed on its own, it will come scuffed, defeating the entire purpose. Packaging for retail should be corrugated and have dividers to ship to stores, while gift boxes for online retail should include an outer shipper or a mailer.

FAQs

Q: Is it possible to package multiple gift sets in one size box?

A: Yes, with a different insert for each set. This helps reduce the number of items to order and the cost of reordering.

Q: Does gift wrapping require ribbons or gift cards?

A: Neither is required. A ribbon pull or a message card is low cost, and either enhances the reveal or can be attached to the card.

Q: How to avoid damaging a gift box when shipping?

A: Test an outer mailer or carton and send a real shipment.

Q: Can I place an order for a sample first?

A: Yes. Bulk production is preceded by physical proof.

Get a free quote on gift boxes.

Provide your gift contents, quantity, and finish ideas, and Empress Packaging will gift-box quote your range. Get a free quote at empresspackaging.com, email query@empresspackaging.com, or call (888) 900-7629.