In today’s competitive market, packaging plays a critical role in the success of your business. No longer is packaging only beneficial in protecting a product and ensuring it reaches its recipient safely. Instead, it has now become a tool for marketing.
Packaging helps you stand out from your competitors, as even though the product inside might be the same, the eye-catching design and colors differentiate businesses. High-quality packaging also relays your brand’s value to the customers. With such importance, many businesses outsource their packaging to third-party box vendors. But how do you know if a box vendor is reliable or not?
This article will discuss the red flags you need to look out for when choosing box vendors or reanalyzing the performance of your current box vendors for your business.
1. Communication Issues
Communication is key to a good working relationship with your box vendors. If you notice compliance issues or frequent proofing problems because the box vendors refuse to take last-minute requests or reasonable adjustments, that is a major red flag.
Experts in the packaging industry are aware of the ever-changing landscape and the need for constant adjustments and fast turnaround time to ensure the business doesn’t lose shelf space. Failure to adhere to these standards can affect your business; thus, it’s time to look for a new vendor.
2. Sample Errors
When working with packaging manufacturers, there is a constant side stream of samples being generated for newer and better packaging ideas by the company. Any issues in this procedure indicate a lack of communication to gather relevant information and serious internal issues impacting the supply chain. As a result, product launch deadlines are pushed due to shortcomings in management control.
3. Lack Of Innovation
Believe it or not, when everything is going “fine,” it’s not. Your box vendors should develop new and innovative ways to make your packaging more secure, high-quality, and attractive than your competitors. The team should offer advice and industrial expertise when their clients have a new idea and how it can be better served using fewer resources and funds.
If your box vendors are not enthusiastic about their field of work, they won’t go out of the way to help you stand out, create amazing packaging for your products, or shut down impractical ideas which can impact your sales.
4. Hidden Fees
Another red flag regarding box vendors is the numerous hidden fees. A good business plan would involve all their costs in the initial service package or make the customer aware of the possible extra fees in the future for delivering, shipping, or unloading packaging. If you are surprised with hidden fees every month, then it’s time to change your box vendor.
Conclusion
Packaging can make or break your business in today’s market. Your cardboard boxes can potentially increase brand recognition, customer engagement, and brand loyalty through the first impression it makes on your customers.
Thus, when choosing a box vendor, ensure they are reliable and trustworthy. Check out their portfolio and customer reviews. If possible, ask them for a sample.
Lastly, research and compare multiple box vendors before choosing one, and never compromise on quality to save a few bucks.
