Finding the Right Kind of Packaging

The most important part of any business venture is, of course, the product that you are selling. You spend time on research and development, scaling up production, and securing buyers and retail partners. One step you can't forget, however, is to choose the right kind of packaging to bring your quality product to the customer. Whether you're an experienced business veteran selling a product with specifications you've never shipped before or a new startup who's never meddled in the world of shipping ever before, it's crucial to find the right kind of packaging to keep your product safe and sound during transit. This means choosing the type and size of packaging that suits your product best. 

The first question you need to ask is whether your product needs rigid or flexible packaging. Rigid packaging is any kind of packaging that cannot be forced into another shape. Obviously, this means it is the opposite of flexible packaging. Rigid packaging will help keep breakables safe (with the right padding) and provide a support mechanism for the product inside. Boxes, jars, bottles, and various kinds of metal packaging fit this description. Rigid packaging obviously has the advantage of standing up to shipping pressures better than flexible packaging, though this comes at a higher cost both to manufacture and to ship.

Flexible packaging is the opposite of rigid packaging. It moves and bends with your product. Flexible pouches, plastic wrap, and shrink wrap are examples of flexible packaging. One advantage of flexible packaging over rigid packaging is that it is less costly to ship and tends to be much lighter weight. Flexible packaging also involves much less raw material than does rigid packaging, which helps to keep the cost of the packaging itself down. Flexible packaging has become much more popular in the last several years due to its low cost and cheap materials. 

The question now is which kind of packaging, rigid or flexible, is best for you and your specific product. If your product is fragile or easily breakable then obviously rigid packaging is the right choice for you. If you care about making sure to keep your carbon footprint down then flexible packaging will be preferable. If your desire is to cut shipping costs, then once again you will probably want to opt for flexible packaging. Start with your end goal and work from there. The kind of packaging that you will need will become obvious.

If you want a cheaper option, find the kind of flexible packaging that works best for your product. Many products like DVDs and other rectangular non-breakable objects require little more than plastic shrink wrap. Other products can fit neatly into different kinds of loose plastic bags like blister packs. The cheapest option for rigid packaging is of course the classic cardboard bow, which works well for electronics and home appliances. You might find, however, that you need something sturdier. In this case, explore glass jars or various kinds of metal containers to keep your product safe (especially if it's breakable). It doesn't have to be a headache to choose the right packaging! Just ask yourself a few common sense question and the answer will become clear.