Why Do I Need a Packaging Supplier Strategy?
When meeting with clients, we often hear questions about what happens before the graphic design of product packaging. We get questions like
Where do I get dielines?
Who should print my packaging?
How do we decide on the type of packaging?
How much will it cost to produce the packaging?
And the list goes on...
That’s because the packaging graphics are visible and tangible. But how to get the designs produced can seem like a bit of a mystery. Especially if you a new product-based business or building a product in a completely new category. A solid packaging supplier strategy will help you avoid common pitfalls by making sure you find a reliable partner who will successfully produce your branded packaging.
Where to Start?
Developing a packaging supplier strategy can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s essential to think about what you want to achieve with your decision. Consider the challenges you currently face and those that you would like to avoid in the future, and your business goals. If you are thinking about changing packaging vendors, consider what you did or didn’t like about your previous experience and what you might like to do differently. Once you have a clear idea of where you want things to go, it will be much easier to make sure all of your decisions align with that goal.
Benefits of Packaging Supplier Strategy
The benefit of a clear, formal strategy is having a plan that you can follow. You’ll know how to move forward and what to do if there’s an unexpected obstacle. Most importantly, you’ll be able to see how far you’ve come—and knowing the progress you’ve made will help keep your eyes on the next step.
In other words, having a strategy is like having a map for your business journey. And just like with any trip, having a roadmap can make the difference between getting lost and arriving at your destination safely.
Build a Strategy Based on Goals
The base of your packaging strategy is your business goals. Therefore, choosing a plan that matches your goals is essential. If you have no idea what your business goals are, it’s time to get clear on them. What does success look like for you? How will packaging help you reach those goals?
A solid packaging strategy should match what’s realistic for your company and its resources. However, it’s important not to let yourself get stuck in a rut and keep doing things the way you always have simply because that seems easier.
Make Packaging Choices Based on Strategy
As you consider which packaging supplier is best for your business, consider factors that impact all businesses: budget, timeline, market, and brand standards. Because each of these factors is unique to every company based on their product line or industry sector (not to mention their personal preferences), you should develop a plan that will help guide your decision-making process. This plan could include questions to ask yourself and things to look out for when evaluating potential suppliers. Your project plan doesn’t have to be fancy or elaborate—it just has to be comprehensive enough to cover all the bases when it comes time to make supplier selections later on in the process.
Takeaway: A Packaging Strategy is a Powerful Tool
A packaging supplier strategy is a powerful way to help your business achieve its goals. It enables you to define what you want to achieve and how you will do it. It also helps keep you on track once your plan is in place. Finally, it allows you to measure your progress along the way.
Check out the Packaging Field Guide if you’re looking for help creating a powerful packaging strategy. Our system guides your step-by-step in creating your unique packaging project plan and is packed with tools to confidently uncover and choose the perfect packaging suppliers for your product business.