Why Your SME Should Opt for Sustainable Product Packaging
There are some very specific challenges faced by SMEs in the UK and Europe, many of them are linked to the relatively young age of these businesses, or if they have remained at SME level for some time it is often because they have struggled to scale and grow optimally over time. Failure to grow can be an incredibly frustrating experience for businesses of all types and sizes and it can lead to demoralised teams and faltering customer loyalty.
There are some very specific challenges faced by SMEs in the UK and Europe, many of them are linked to the relatively young age of these businesses, or if they have remained at SME level for some time it is often because they have struggled to scale and grow optimally over time. Failure to grow can be an incredibly frustrating experience for businesses of all types and sizes and it can lead to demoralised teams and faltering customer loyalty.
These issues are especially detrimental to SMEs and new businesses because they depend on every sale or enquiry, and every customer plays a larger part in the success of the business than they do in large companies. These companies - while they do still want to retain customers and have reputations to protect - are not quite as tightly bound to the wants and needs of their customers.
Unfortunately as an SME your customer service, marketing, product design and the ways you interact with and make yourself available to customers has a huge impact on your bottom line. One of the most important things a business like this can do is to align itself more closely with what is important to your customers. Ensuring your products, branding and general company persona meets the needs and preferences of your customers is the best way to engage with them on a personal level and get them interested in your brand.
What does product packaging have to do with performance?
The temptation for many SMEs is to plough all their resources into a slick new website and social media marketing that looks glossy and polished. This often has the side effect of meaning that the quality and finish of the products being sold can fall by the wayside; it’s a common mistake that can leave your customers disappointed in your offering. The best way to remedy this and make sure your products live up to the hype is to sell a high quality product and to package it in the right way.
When you think of high end products you will often think about designer goods from the likes of Gucci and Prada. One thing that sticks out in the minds of customers buying these products is the way they are packaged. People love to treat themselves, and packaging can be used effectively to raise the profile of your products so from the moment your customer gets their goods they will know they have made a special purchase. Usually, high end goods will arrive in custom printed boxes featuring a brand logo and some other detailing.
Packaging might seem like an unnecessary expense for SMEs, but if you’re looking for optimal growth and to make connections with a large number of customers then it’s a worthwhile expense. One of the many benefits of great product packaging is that it adds to the customer experience by offering something that aligns with your customers’ values. This can be done in a number of ways.
For example, having your packaging made from eco-friendly materials shows your customers that you have values as a brand that go beyond making money. It shows sustainability-conscious customers that your core values align with theirs and can mean the difference between your products being ordered or the customer looking elsewhere.
Other customers might be looking for something else from your packaging, such as instantly recognisable branding and luxury materials. Not only does this help build brand recognition and credibility, it also makes the customer feel special and happy with their purchase. Playing up to your customers' emotional preferences like this builds a bond between them and the products they buy, and will encourage them to come back again or recommend your company to friends and family.
There are many companies out there that can assist with your packaging design, and some may even be able to satisfy a packaging brief that includes luxury and sustainable packaging. This can be a little tricky to find, but by making a web search for something like ‘wholesale recycled gift boxes’ should set you on the right path. If you have decided that the time has come for your SME to invest in those small but impactful changes that can help a business to thrive, taking care of your packaging is an ideal first step.
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