Whether in general retail, ecommerce, or any other vertical, smart product packaging inserts can play a vital role in marketing. Here, we explain how to maximize the return on your investment
In the retail world, whether traditional stores and mail order or the e-commerce realm, the unboxing experience is now paramount, shaping the customer’s packaging experience from the moment they click “purchase” to the arrival of their products housed in perfect custom packaging. Recognizing this, forward-thinking brands are leveraging packaging inserts ideas to enrich the unboxing experiences and forge deeper relationships with their customers. In this post, drawing on decades of experience in the industry and an expert team with their finger on the pulse, we’ll venture into the diverse types of custom packaging inserts and how you can use them to craft a remarkable and delightful customer journey that will build loyalty and encourage repeat custom.
What are packaging inserts?
Packaging inserts, or boxes with inserts, are supplementary items that online and offline retailers incorporate in their shipments to customers. Aside from the product enclosures and structural supports, these inserts for boxes can take various forms like cards, fliers, samples, or small gifts, serving multiple purposes. They are a chance for brands like yours to transcend basic product delivery and offer added value to your customers through custom packaging. Packing inserts can educate, engage, and surprise customers, ultimately fostering loyalty and a positive brand perception through effective inserts marketing.
The benefits of packaging inserts
Packaging inserts are powerful marketing tools. They offer a range of benefits for both the brand and the customer. Let’s take a closer look at some of these advantages:
1. Enhance the unboxing experience
The unboxing experience, a crucial aspect of the product unboxing process, lays the foundation for how customers perceive a brand. By incorporating packaging box inserts, brands and businesses, just like yours can enhance this experience, making it more thrilling, personalized, and memorable. Be it a handwritten note, a small gift, or a beautifully designed informational card, these unboxing products add a touch of surprise and delight that leaves lasting impressions. And, as you will know, in this age of social media, unboxing photos and videos on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and more can make your product go viral and lead to astronomical sales. The better the unboxing experience you provide, the more likely your brand and products are to be shared on social media.
2. Provide value and education
Packaging inserts, when devised with thoughtful packaging designs, can be a valuable source of information for customers. They can include tips, tricks, and instructions on how to use the product effectively and safely. For instance, a skincare brand can provide a guide on the best skincare routine, or a food retailer, a recipe card for a food product. By offering this additional value through custom packaging, brands not only help customers maximize the value of their purchase but also establish themselves as trusted experts in their respective industries. Others are busy doing this and seeing the benefits. Perhaps you should, too.
3. Drive repeat purchases and loyalty
Custom packaging inserts can be a potent tool for driving customer retention and fostering loyal customers. By including discount codes, special offers, or free samples, brands engage customers to return for more. These inserts create a sense of exclusivity and appreciation, making customers feel valued and more likely to choose your brand again in the future.
4. Promote brand awareness and cross-selling
Packaging inserts provide an excellent opportunity for brands like yours to promote their products and enhance brand awareness. By showcasing other products or offering cross-selling recommendations, you can introduce customers to a broader range of offerings. This not only boosts sales but also fortifies your brand’s identity and encourages customers to explore more of what your brand has to offer through your printed luxury packaging or premium packaging, thereby enhancing the overall delivery experience.
5. Encourage reviews and social media engagement
Positive customer reviews and social media engagement—such as unboxing videos and photos—are invaluable for any brand, including yours. You can use custom packaging inserts to encourage customers to leave reviews, share their experiences on social media, or participate in referral programs and customer surveys. By incentivizing these actions, your brand can amplify its online presence, attract new customers, and build a community of loyal brand advocates.
Types of packaging inserts
Now that you understand the benefits of custom packaging inserts, let’s explore some of the most popular types that you can consider incorporating into your shipments.
1. Personalized thank you cards and notes
A simple yet powerful gesture, personalized thank you cards, and notes enclosed in custom packaging can make customers feel appreciated and valued. You can use these cards to express gratitude, share a brief story about your brand’s mission or values, and even include a discount code for future purchases. By adding a personal touch, you create a connection with your customers and leave a lasting positive impression.
2. Tips and tricks guides
Tips and tricks guides enclosed in custom packaging provide customers with valuable information on how to make the most of their purchases. These guides can include step-by-step instructions, usage tips, maintenance advice, or creative ideas for different ways to use the product. By providing customers with this knowledge, you empower them to fully enjoy the benefits of the product and become loyal advocates.
3. Discount offers and coupons
Discount offers and coupons, presented in custom packaging, are a great way to incentivize repeat purchases and drive customer loyalty. By including a discount code or a coupon in the packaging, you encourage customers to come back for more. These offers can be tailored to specific customer segments or used as a general promotion to attract new customers.
4. Product samples
Product samples are a popular choice for custom packaging inserts, particularly in industries like beauty, skincare, and food. By including samples of other products in the package, you introduce customers to new offerings and encourage them to explore your brand’s product range. This can lead to cross-selling opportunities and increase customer satisfaction.
5. Small gifts
Small gifts, even something as simple as a branded sticker or keychain, can create a delightful surprise for customers when presented in custom packaging. These gifts not only make customers feel special but also provide an opportunity for brand promotion. Customers may use or display these gifts, inadvertently becoming brand ambassadors as they carry or showcase the branded item in their daily lives.
6. Return forms and labels
While it may seem counterintuitive, including a return form or a prepaid return shipping label in your custom packaging can actually boost customer loyalty. Easy and hassle-free returns are highly valued by customers, and providing a seamless return process can increase trust and confidence in your brand. By making returns effortless, you show that you prioritize customer satisfaction and are committed to resolving any issues promptly.
Best Practices for Implementing Packaging Inserts
You know the old song line, “It ain’t what you do, it’s the way that you do it, that’s what gets results!” Well, it certainly applies to how you implement your packaging inserts campaign. To ensure the success of your packaging insert strategy, consider the following best practices:
1. Align inserts with your brand identity
Custom packaging inserts should reflect your brand’s identity and values. Make sure that the packaging design, messaging, and tone of the inserts are consistent with your overall brand image. This creates a cohesive and memorable experience for customers.
2. Keep inserts concise and clear
While custom packaging inserts provide an opportunity to share information, it’s important to keep them concise and easy to understand. Customers should be able to digest the content quickly and find value in it without feeling overwhelmed or confused.
3. Test and iterate
Like any marketing strategy, it’s essential to test different types of custom packaging inserts and measure their effectiveness. Experiment with various offers, designs, and messaging to see what resonates best with your customers. Use customer feedback and data analytics to refine your approach and continuously improve the unboxing experience.
4. Comply with online marketplace policies
If you sell on digital marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Temu, and others, be mindful of their policies regarding custom packaging inserts. Make sure your inserts comply with their guidelines and do not violate any rules regarding customer communication or review manipulation. By staying within the marketplace’s guidelines, you can avoid any potential penalties or negative consequences.
Packaging boxes and custom packaging inserts offer a unique opportunity for your brand to elevate the unboxing experience, build customer loyalty, and promote your products. Whether it’s a personalized thank you note, a discount offer, a product sample, or a printed product holder, packaging inserts provide added value and create a lasting impression on customers. By implementing packaging inserts effectively and aligning them with your brand identity, you can create a memorable and delightful customer journey that drives repeat purchases and builds a loyal customer base. So go ahead, unleash the power of packaging inserts and take your business to new heights!
Talk to us!
Here at QinPrinting, we pride ourselves on our worldwide reputation for excellence and almost 30 years of outstanding success in the international offset printing and packaging industry. We offer unbeatable custom box and packaging solutions for every budget. And we are deeply customer focused, working with you to help you boost your business and make sure you get a fantastic return on your investment. Contact us today for an informal chat or to ask for a no-obligation quote on a range of proven product packaging insert options.
