Deciding to invest in branded mailer boxes isn’t just a savvy packaging choice–it’s an opportunity to elevate your customer’s experience with your brand from the moment they receive your product. Mailer boxes give you complete control over your brand image, allowing you to choose every design element of your shipping material from the outside color and print to the product cutout. Think of it as a tiny mailable billboard. You have considerable blank space to make a statement, so what will you say?
What are the Benefits of Custom Mailer Boxes?
Mailer boxes offer flexibility regarding delivering your products to customers, meaning you have more control over the customer experience than traditional packaging. For example, mailer boxes allow you to design custom cutouts that perfectly fit your products. Not only does this spotlight your products, but it can also help prevent damage en route without the need for wasteful filler packaging, like bubble wrap and packing peanuts.
The benefits of mailer boxes are more than just practical; they’re also an excellent marketing investment. By sending out your products in custom packaging, you’re strengthening brand recognition among your customer base and beyond. Plus, with unboxing videos trending, mailer boxes can boost your brand awareness among many potential customers.
Mailer Box Design Best Practices
While mailer boxes are popular in the subscription box space, a well-designed and thought-out package brings value to any brand by personalizing the consumer experience. Although deciding where to begin with your mailer box design can seem daunting, especially if you don’t have an in-house design team to do the heavy lifting, it really all comes down to a few design choices. We’ve laid out all the basics to get you started, and with a spark of creativity, you’ll be on your way to bringing an elevated brand experience to your customers. (Helpful hint: If you don’t have a design team, you can use one of our talented designers.)
Focus on Quality
The first step toward designing a custom mailer box is choosing materials worthy of your products. Investing in high-quality materials gives your brand a professional look and feel while ensuring that your products arrive safe and sound, meaning happier customers and less money spent on refunds and replacements. There are a range of cardboard options when it comes to designing your mailer box, and the right one for your brand will depend on factors such as your budget and the types of products being shipped.
Identify Your Customer
Your target audience is one of the most important factors to consider when creating a mailer box that leaves a lasting impression. Do you sell high-end products geared toward business executives? Try going for a minimalist look that’s just as classy as your customers. Are you selling trendy clothing aimed at younger generations? Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box and get bold and funky with your design. During each decision phase, your customer should be at the forefront of your mind, whether you’re choosing the box’s colors or pattern or designing inserts.
Make It Intentional
Each design choice allows you to level up your brand image. While it may be easier to pick a design and run with it, taking the time to think strategically can leave a more significant impact in the end. The essential design elements to focus on are:
- Printing Style: There are various printing options for transferring your brand’s colors or designs onto your mailer box. The main types of printing for mailer boxes are flexographic, or flexo, printing and offset printing. Some companies choose for you based on the size of your order and type of materials, while others might ask you which you prefer. While the outcomes are comparable, the best choice for your brand is the one that works with your budget and project size.
- Logo: Including your brand’s logo on the outside of your mailer box is essential, even if that means simply printing it on the box along with your design. For an upgraded brand experience, you might consider opting for a foil logo or an unconventional design or placement.
- Finish: While adding a coating to your mailer box is optional, it can give your brand a more luxurious feel. The two main types of finishes are aqueous (AQ) and ultraviolet (UV). The AQ finish is an excellent option for protecting your package from scratches and other surface damage. Although UV coatings offer more protection against the elements, they aren’t as environmentally friendly and take longer to biodegrade.
Don’t Overlook What’s Inside
It can be tempting to focus all your energy and resources on the outside of the mailer box, but the inside has just as much potential. Creating custom inserts keeps your products in place during shipment, leaves a strong impression on customers, and shows that you care about and value your product. For an added surprise, try adding designs, quotes, or even a thank-you note to the inside of your box to tie everything together.
Creating a custom box that wows customers is easy with AlphaGraphics!
The agBox allows you to create unforgettable experiences for your audiences while connecting them with your brand. We will work with you to create a custom-designed package that speaks to your brand and resonates with customers. We can even fill it with your choice of swag, goodies, and printed materials and deliver it directly to your target audience. It’s not too late to create an agBox for the holidays. Contact us today, and we will show you examples and how to get started.