In the world of packaging, businesses are often confronted with a crucial decision: whether to order custom boxes or order the boxes from the store. This decision is not relatively as straightforward as one might think because it can significantly influence the way the brand is perceived and the company’s profits. While stock boxes might be cheaper and simpler to acquire, customized boxes can give a lot of advantages that are way beyond the appearance.

To do this, it is crucial to know the distinctions between these two forms of packaging and why the right choice could be essential for your company.

Stock Boxes vs Custom Boxes?

The table below outlines the key differences between these two packaging types, helping you choose the right one.

Why the Right Choice of Box Matters

The decision between custom packaging and stock boxes is not always about looks or money. It is all about making that first impression and communicating the message that your business is all about. Here are some key factors that show how the choice of box impacts various aspects of your business:

1. Brand Identity

The outside of your product reflects what is inside. A product packaged in a well-designed custom shipping box creates an impression of professionalism from the customers' side. A good design helps pass your brand value on to the audience, making it easier for them to relate to your brand. Consumers' first impression when they unbox a product is always memorable, which is essential in business, especially when competing in cosmetic subscription boxes.

Conversely, stock boxes may not be very appealing and may not give your brand the best look it deserves. They can make your product appear like another ordinary product on the market, lowering its value in the eyes of the buyer.

2. Product Protection

In this context, the most important thing about packaging is protecting the product. Stock boxes, however, do not fully protect items, especially fragile ones. It is possible to have a customized box with inserts, dividers, or even reinforced walls to protect your commodity. This means that with a custom solution, your product fits perfectly into the box and has little or no chance of getting damaged during transportation.

3. Cost Efficiency

One key reason business people use stock boxes is that they are cheaper than other storage boxes. Due to the larger quantities made at once, stock boxes are also more affordable than custom boxes. But this is misleading. At times, the extra cost of having custom packaging is easily justified by its contributions to your business. For instance, a custom shipping box may improve your brand’s image and become a tool for customer loyalty and sales growth.

Also, since the custom boxes are made to order, they will fit the items, and there will be no need for extra filler material to fill the large voids. Therefore, companies can reduce costs such as shipping and storage in the long run.

Read More: Shrink Your Packaging Costs: 5 Smart Strategies to Save Big

4. Consumer Experience

The consumer’s unboxing experience is one of the key interactions that must be managed. A box that slides open without sticking or falling apart, a neatly aligned product, and a box that looks the part can enhance customer satisfaction. In beauty-related industries such as cosmetics, people pay a lot of attention to details, which means that the packaging forms part of the product. Just imagine that when customers receive their custom cosmetic cardboard boxes and unwrap them to find good packaging designs, it enhances your brand's image.

This is where custom boxes and packaging can enhance the process and give your customers an unforgettable experience. Stock boxes are practical, but nothing like them can tell a story or build a brand image.

5. Marketing Potential

Custom boxes market a product in a way that stock boxes do not. Packaging is used as an advertising method—the first thing customers see when receiving their product. This usually accompanies customized printing, including artwork, the product's colors, and other information that can go a long way in reminding the target market of the marketing message.

Nevertheless, stock boxes do not afford any freedom in this regard. These are bland and cannot be branded or have any product identification. Though they provide some utility, they offer little regarding your marketing objectives or making your company unique.

Final Thoughts

Therefore, when deciding between custom and stock boxes, consider what is best for your brand, your customers, and, of course, your business. Although stock boxes may be cheaper in the short run, customized boxes are better because they create a better image for the brand, are better for the customer, and better protect the products.

Steve Jobs said, "Design is not only how it looks and feels. Design is how it works." Your packaging design should benefit your brand, customers, and profit-making strategies. Therefore, if you have to choose between custom boxes and stock boxes, the right decision can change people's overall perception of your business and the performance of your packaging plan.