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No matter what kind of business or store you run, custom retail packaging can help give your store a higher-end and personalized feel, which every customer can appreciate.

Because it doesn’t matter if you’re selling dog food or diamonds, repeat business and loyal customers are the secret sauce that can mean your store’s success. And keeping your name at the forefront of your customers’ minds, is a main ingredient!

Still, many business owners incorrectly assume that purchasing customized shopping bags will drive their operating costs through the roof. But in reality, all this assumption does is let you miss advertising opportunities and ways to save money on your packaging needs.

Wait. Save money? But, isn’t custom packaging more expensive? It depends on how you look at it.

Let us explain how you can actually save money, build your brand, and increase customer loyalty through customized packaging.

But First…What is retail packaging?

We’re so glad you asked. Retail packaging refers to anything you use to wrap, box, or send your merchandise in. For some, it’s a plain, brown paper bag or box. For us though, retail packaging is an opportunity.

Smart business owners who want to increase their profits understand that retail packaging is a lot more exciting than “just a bag.” And what could be better marketing than taking advantage of customizable options? We can print your company’s logo, slogan, contact information, and pretty much anything else you want on a variety of colorful and different-sized bags and packaging materials that work for you.

But wait…how can this save you money?

There are several ways that your packaging can save you money.

#1: Go Green

If you’re looking to save on your retail shopping bags, there’s perhaps no more obvious – and impactful – option than going green. And if you add in the fact that 3 in 5 consumers surveyed stated it’s “very important” that packaging is sustainable? Going green is a no brainer! Packaging materials made from eco-friendly options like the natural look of kraft paper shopping bags often cost substantially less, though the superior quality remains the same. This is an especially viable option for newer companies, or for those whose business ethics align with green principles. Not only are you saving on the cost of your bags and boxes, you’re also showing customers that you care about reducing your company’s impact on the environment. You might be surprised what an enormous selling point this is for many consumers.

#2: Spice Up a Plain Bag

If you’re a newer company, or if your profits just aren’t where you’d like them to be yet, you can easily jazz up a plain, cost-effective shopping bag or box with a simple hot stamped logo or a few well-placed accessories. If custom printing your bags or boxes is really a stretch for you, opt for a plain bag and then look into customizing ribbon or tissue paper in your brand’s colors or with your name or logo printed across it. Even if you can’t yet commit to placing a large order of customized retail shopping bags, you can communicate to your customers that you still care enough to go the extra mile for them and your merchandise. Keep in mind that ribbons and tissue are often reused by customers, and if they’re branded…you’re increasing your brand’s visibility even further.

#3: Ask for A Sample

One way to save on packaging costs? Anticipate problems. If you’re doing a custom order, ask your customer service representative or designer if they can provide a sample of what your shopping bag will look like before you commit to making a large order, sight unseen. At Mid-Atlantic Packaging, we’ll send you a digital proof of your design, so you can be sure it’s exactly how you want it before you actually place that big order. There’s no reason to make a huge investment that is also a huge risk. There’s a time and a place to “hope for the best,” but your custom packaging just isn’t it. Save yourself from a major potential headache.

#4: Buying Higher Quality Bags

It may seem counter-intuitive at first, but sometimes you really do have to spend more to save more in the long run. Sure, higher-quality bags may be more expensive up front. But they’re also typically more durable and secure than some of the cheaper bags, so you won’t have to double-bag or worry that your customer won’t make it out the door with their purchases safely in their bag. If you really want to save, consider buying reusable bags and offering a small discount every time a customer brings theirs back to shop at your store. Even with the discount to clients, you’ll still likely save money in the long run.

Also, keep your eye out for special deals, promotions, and sign-up discounts and restock during those times, if possible. And remember, re-ordering before you run out of your shopping bags ensures you won’t end up placing (and paying fees for) rush orders. You don’t want to be left hanging while you wait for your next shipment to arrive.

#5: One Size Fits All?

When placing your order, be sure you’ve considered the variety of sizes of merchandise your store carries. Instead of placing a smaller item in a larger, more expensive bag, we recommend ordering several different sizes of your retail packaging. Not only does this increase the time you’ll need to wait before reordering, it also saves you on the original cost of the bags.

Now that you know how to save money when it comes to your retail packaging, it’s time to start planning what you’re going to do with all those extra savings. Are you ready to step up your retail packaging game? Reach out to us today.