How do I package my product for retail?

If you’re ready to approach retailers about selling your product, there are a few options available. One of the fastest routes is to work with an established wholesale distributor or an experienced product broker. Alternatively, you can certainly approach retailers directly. In this case, do your research and ensure you are fully prepared. As the saying goes, you only get one time to make a first impression, and being naive about the process and what is required isn’t a good excuse.

Retailers will take a number of factors into consideration when deciding whether to sell your product. Among the many considerations is retail product packaging. Let’s look at how this fits into the decision-making process.

Is your product a good fit for a retail audience?

When reviewing your product, retailers will consider if your product is a good fit for their target audience. Do your research on possible retailers. Begin by approaching retailers that are a perfect fit for your product, where their target audience is a match. When you can show success with one retailer, it will be easier to approach other retailers with a broader market.

How consumable is your product?

Ideally, products will be consumed quickly but also have an extended shelf life. That’s the sweet spot for retailers. They will look at the profit margin and the overall cost of the product and also estimate the demand for the product. To prepare for your pitch, it’s important to bring as much factual information as possible to support their decision.

How does the product present itself to potential customers?

The retail footprint is an important factor for retailers. They will look at the overall size of the product, where it will be displayed in stores, and the amount of shelf space it will require. The smaller your retail footprint, the more of your product retailers can fit on their shelves. That’s good for you! The more consumable your product is, the more inventory they will carry to keep those shelves full. Your packaging is a big support for product sales because it draws the attention of buyers.

How well does the product sell?

This is one place where product packaging comes into play. Packaging is very customizable and can be used to support sales. Everything from the colors you choose, to the type of packaging material, to the messaging and branding can help draw customers to your product. The decisions you make about your product packaging can mean the difference between a customer choosing your product over another. Think of your packaging as a customized advertisement speaking directly to your prospective consumer. use the space to answer the following important questions for the consumer.

• • What is important for them to know about your product?

  • How many ways can they use the product?

  • How long will the product last?

  • What benefits does the product offer for the customer?

  • Are there any special features you should highlight?

  • What makes your product different than your competitor’s?

How unique is your product?

Retailers also look for groups of products that go together. Cosmetics is a great example. Products that pair with other products will be placed next to each other on a shelf, such as toothpaste and toothbrushes or how hand lotion pairs with nail files. Consumers may come in to buy one product but then see another next to it and purchase it as well.

Are you ready to explore packaging options for your retail product? Talk to an Uppercut Box product specialist today.