Printed Cardboard Boxes vs Plain Packaging - Which is Better for Business?
In the world of e-commerce and retail, packaging is no longer just about protecting products: it’s a critical part of your brand story.
Many businesses might assume that sticking to plain packaging is enough. Some may wonder if upgrading to printed cardboard boxes, branded boxes or custom printed boxes is worth the hype and the investment.
We think it is. But before you take our word for it, here’s an honest, practical comparison to help you decide which approach best supports your branding, efficiency, sustainability goals and, importantly, budget.
When Plain Packaging Makes Sense
There are some instances when sticking to plain packaging makes perfect sense.
If you’re a start-up with a tight budget, for example, plain boxes will keep costs down while you focus on product development and customer acquisition.
Additionally, if you have variable or small volume orders and consequently, your box sizes, SKUs or monthly dispatch numbers fluctuate, committing to custom prints may be premature.
Perhaps you’re an ultra-minimalist brand and have intentionally chosen a raw, simplistic look that aligns with your brand identity or maybe you only need packaging for a brief period because you’re running a short-term campaign where plain boxes with stickers or stamps can offer flexibility? Step forward plain packaging.
If you’re a business owner who recognises any of these scenarios, then the good news is that plain boxes and mailers are economical and widely available. They’re ideal for businesses that prioritise functional packaging above all else for various reasons: development stage, brand message, seasonal promotions.
Why Printed Boxes Boost Visibility and Professionalism
If your brand is growing however and you’re ready to scale up, printed cardboard boxes offer advantages that plain packaging simply can’t deliver. Let’s examine a few of these benefits more closely:
- Immediate brand recognition: printed designs will ensure your packaging stands out from the moment it leaves your packing station until it arrives at your customer’s door. Printed packaging appeals to new buyers as well – it increases recall and inspires trust.
- Professional appearance: A box that has been branded and / or customised looks intentional and cohesive. It elevates the perception of your product at the same time as signalling quality, attention to detail and the fact that customer experience is valued.
- Enhanced unboxing experience: A printed box turns a mundane unwrapping into a memorable brand interaction because the unboxing experience is a powerful, emotional touchpoint for the customer. Additionally, it proves especially beneficial for businesses when shared across social media platforms.
- Increased rates of repeat purchases: If a customer associates your brand with a positive experience – and packaging plays a big role in that perception – then they’re more likely to return to shop with you again. And again.
Cost and Production Differences Explained
Price is often given as the biggest reason why businesses hesitate to adopt custom packaging. There are cost factors to consider:
- Print method (digital vs flexo vs litho)
- Order quantity
- Box size / material
- Number of printed colours and / or design complexity
However, the cost differential between plain and printed boxes is smaller than many assume.
Why the Cost Gap is Narrowing
Advances in digital printing have made short runs of custom printed boxes far more affordable. Many suppliers now offer low MOQs (minimum order quantity) and fast turnaround, reducing commitment and risk.
In most cases, adding single or dual colour branding only raises the cost-per-unit slightly. However, it dramatically lifts perceived value.
The Marketing Potential of Custom Print
There’s no getting away from the fact that custom print does cost that little bit more, even if it is – overall – more affordable than ever. The thing is, it’s worth every extra penny because it can become one your most cost-effective marketing channels. Let’s look at the weapons in the printed box’s arsenal:
- QR Codes for digital engagement: QR codes are easy to scan. They can lead customers to product tutorials, membership sign-ups, loyalty programmes, sustainability programmes and follows on socials. And what’s more, they turn every shipment into an interactive, engaging experience. A US consumer survey showed that 79% of consumers were more likely to buy a product if it had a scannable QR code.
- Inside print for surprise and delight: Opening a box to discover interior printing creates a premium feel and can include anything from messages, thank you notes, promotional codes and brand storytelling. Liners can also be printed to give your packaging that extra edge.
- Sustainability messages: Nowadays, customers want reassurance that packaging is eco-friendly. Print on boxes can include their recycled content, recyclability instructions as well as the brand’s environmental commitments. This will allay customers worries about unnecessary waste at the same time as building respect, trust and loyalty.
How to Balance Budget and Brand Impact
Printing offers flexibility for those who are are cost-conscious: you don’t need to go all-in on printing to enjoy its benefits.
Smart middle-ground strategies include using one-colour logos instead of full designs, printing only key panels to reduce ink use, combining plain boxes with a printed sleeve, batching orders to unlock volume discounts and using digit print for test runs before committing to larger volumes.
Each one of these approaches would enable you to elevate your brand while staying within budget.
Choosing the Right Print Method for Your Run Size
Carefully considering your order volume and selecting the printing process to match will also help optimise cost and quality. It’s a bit of a Goldilocks approach. So, let’s examine the options to discover which one is just right for you:
Digital Printing - best for short runs
- Low MO
- Fast turnaround
- Ideal for startups or seasonal designs
- Vibrant colour and detailed graphics
Flexographic Printing - best for medium to large runs
- Economical at scale
- Suitable for simple designs or one to two colour prints
- Widely used for shipping boxes
Lithographic Printing – best for premium retail packaging
- High resolution graphics
- Luxury look and feel
- Higher setup cost but unparallelled finish
Printed Cardboard Boxes Deliver Big Results for a Modest Cost
Yes, plain packaging works (and works well) for early-stage or budget-tight brands, but printed cardboard boxes offer far greater value long-term. Bespoke and customised boxes boost visibility, enhance customer experience, strengthen brand identity and bolster marketing efforts, all without the need for large outlay in terms of work or cost.
For most businesses aiming to grow, branded boxes and custom printed boxes are an investment that will pay for itself many times over through better customer engagement and improved ROI.
Still not sure whether to make the move to printed boxes? Get in touch. We can provide you with details of the success stories of businesses like yours and how we’ve assisted them whether they were launching at scale, seeking a premium retail finish or producing short-run seasonal campaign. Whichever stage they were at, The Packaging Club's print capabilities mean that their packaging looked exceptional, felt premium and performed across every channel. Our experts will gladly walk you through various options tailored to the specifics of your business, right down to the last important detail. Give us a call today and let us help you help yourself and your packaging.
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