Packaging companies with access to a CAD machine can also produce white or proof samples. Expect shorter turnaround times and basic accuracy when it comes to look and dimensions. However, white samples can lack the structural integrity and crispness of fully-rendered product packaging. 

Obviously, most companies order samples in order to view packaging before committing to a large order. Small changes to material, design, and colors can have myriad downstream effects from customer satisfaction to brand cohesion and cost-per-unit. 

Sample packaging is also incredibly helpful if you are pitching your product to a new retailer. Big box stores like BJ’s and Costco and online marketplaces like Amazon all have strict requirements for product packaging. Not only will sleek packaging help you nail the pitch, many retailers won’t even consider your product if your packaging is non-compliant. 

Even with a remarkable product, many brands miss opportunities because their packaging fails to make a good impression. The right type of packaging may help entice customers with an engaging, visually-striking design that will convert buyers at the very first glance.

In addition to design, consider variables like cost, storage needs, distribution, and sustainability. Let’s consider the primary types of packaging samples so you can make an educated decision and choose the perfect sample package.

However, the unparalleled appearance of rigid boxes means that brands can usually charge more than enough to compensate for the increased shipping costs. With a durable exterior, you’re much less likely to take a loss on damaged merchandise and the boxes arrive fully assembled—which saves money on labor. Custom rigid boxes are a great fit if you sell high-end products like watches, jewelry, electronics, or cosmetics. With a durable exterior, you’re much less likely to take a loss on damaged merchandise. Since the boxes also arrive fully assembled, you will also likely save money on labor.

It’s also common to order recycled folding carton packaging. You can help prevent deforestation and create an eco-conscious image in the process. Consider getting a few different folding carton samples so you can fine-tune colors, logos, and overall design. It also never hurts to try a few different types of packaging to ensure you make the right choice. 

Not only can corrugated material withstand drops and impacts—it also performs well with increased moisture and sharp changes in temperature. Because it ships flat, litholam corrugate is one of the most cost-effective types of packaging when it comes to shipping and storage. Its relatively light weight makes it a good choice for bulk orders as well. 

Showcase numerous products with a floor display or exhibit smaller items, like jewelry, with a countertop display. POP displays ship flat and can serve as semi-permanent fixtures or they’re easy to transport if you sell at rotating shops, farmer’s markets, or bazaars. 

Every business has unique needs and there’s no “one size fits all” approach to planning a packaging sample. But there are good rules of thumb to consider before committing to an order of sample packages. 

First, it’s imperative to find a qualified packaging company and schedule a phone consultation. Explain your needs and provide context about your products and overarching goals. After getting a sense of your brand, the packaging company will provide a quote and timeline for your packaging samples. If you partner with a professional supplier, you can expect a factory sample in 2-3 weeks and a white sample in just a few days.

Work with the design team to match your exact dielines and dimensions. In case you don’t already know, dielines serve as a packaging template and create the layout for any printed product. They are an essential blueprint that shows exactly where packages should be cut and folded while packaging is still in its flattened form.

At this point, the design is printed directly onto the packing material. With the help of an in-house computer-assisted drawing (CAD) table, packaging professionals will cut your packages with far more precision than hand-cutting. CAD design works like a 3D printer, but with pre-existing materials. CAD machines take human error out of the equation while incorporating all of the human ingenuity the design team has to offer. 

Remember that you can approach a packaging company with a fully-formed concept, a loose idea, or anything in between. Make sure they offer in-house design and printing services. If they rely on third parties for design and printing, expect your wait time to grow for each step in the process.  

Hiring the wrong packaging company might cost you new clients, return customers, and sales. That’s why it pays to do your research and find an experienced sample packaging company and start the process on the right foot. 

Remember that time spent in the design phase will pay dividends down the road. Keep these best practices in mind with your packaging box designs.

Get a Real Factory Sample

White samples and digital printed samples are great if you just need a general idea of your final product—but for accuracy and peace of mind, it’s worth investing in a factory sample. 

When you’ve locked in your packaging box design and materials with the supplier, order a pre-production sample made on the same printing press and machinery that your first order will come from. By starting with a small run, you can avoid costly surprises and imperfections on a big order. 

Think of a packaging mockup as a sample of a sample. Although it may be crude and unfinished, a packaging mockup will give your teams a general sense of your sample before you order a pre-production run. Many packaging options like POP displays and rigid boxes are designed on the computer before your sample package is physically printed.

You’ll need a factory sample before you commit to a full production run, but a packaging mockup is a helpful first step in the process.

First and foremost, you’ll want to carefully consider your industry, product, and key demographics before you decide on a package material. For example, if you sell jewelry, cosmetics, or high-end food products, you should probably opt for a custom rigid box, rather than plain brown cardboard.

Litholam corrugate is a good option if you need to stand out on a crowded shelf. It’s also perfect for products that are too large for standard carton boxes like baby strollers, work tools, and furniture.

For example, one country could raise tariffs on a certain material, raising the price exponentially. A qualified printing company will help you ride out these hiccups and adapt your packaging to save costs. You’ll thank yourself down the road when you avoid an expensive markup on packaging materials.

Whether you are a startup designing your very first product packaging, an established brand looking for a new look, or a growing company pitching to different retailers, it’s vital to spend time making your packaging shine. 

A qualified packaging company will make the entire process seamless, with little room for error. Wherever you’re at in the process, be sure to schedule a call, talk through your needs, and order a mockup or white sample. After fine-tuning this sample, you can order a factory sample and make final decisions on materials, dimensions, and design. 

Armed with a wealth of knowledge and high-quality samples, your team can make an informed decision about your package design. Watch as your products fly off the shelves and consumers respond to your striking packaging with repeat purchases and brand loyalty.