6 Secrets for Creating the Ultimate Unboxing Experience (Hint: #4 Involves Custom Packaging)
Unboxing a long-awaited package is an exciting event. It’s akin to opening presents on your birthday or Christmas morning. Do you remember the thrill of waking up to find that one special gift waiting for you? A perfectly wrapped box and colorful bow carefully concealed what was hiding inside. Once you finally unveiled the present, you couldn’t wait to share it with your friends and family.
Brands strive to recreate this same level of anticipation with every package they ship, but merely opening a cardboard box doesn’t yield the desired emotional response. The most effective reveals tell a story and take the recipient on an adventure. Keep reading to learn how you can create lasting memories through custom packaging, quality products, and a little bit of creativity.
Understanding Why Custom Packaging Boxes Matter
Brands mail packages to patrons for a multitude of reasons. Many times, it’s to fulfill a recent customer order. However, it’s also common to send out PR gifts, promotional information, or giveaway prizes. Regardless, the recipient will inevitably open the box, and the initial presentation impacts their reaction tremendously.
A memorable unboxing will:
- Enhance customer loyalty
- Reach a wider audience
- Increase perceived value
- Promote your brand’s mission
- Excite your patrons
Follow these tried-and-true tips to create an unforgettable unboxing experience for your valued patrons:
1. Design a Sturdy Shipping Vessel
Shipping and delivery companies don’t always treat packages with care. No matter how many times you write “fragile” on the shipping label, there’s no guarantee it won’t get tossed around like a rag doll. Nothing ruins a reveal more than a damaged box full of broken products.
The packing receptacle you select can make or break an unboxing—literally! Look for sturdy packaging that both protects and supports the contents. Haphazardly throwing the items into a box won’t impress anyone. Instead, neatly organize the products to ensure everything fits inside like a glove.
2. Personalize the Packaging, Inside and Out
There’s no better feeling than receiving a handwritten card from a friend. When was the last time a brand sent you a personalized message? Generic form emails and letters have become mainstream in the corporate world, but valued patrons deserve something better.
Instead of mailing out identical packages to everyone, consider including a personalized note. Yes, it might take a little more time to come up with something, but this simple gesture assures your customer that you genuinely value their business. Want to take the VIP experience to the next level? Print the customer’s name or emboss their initials on the outside of the box. They’ll instantly know the package is for them. Best of all, personalization increases patron loyalty and retention.
3. Gain Awareness with Branded Custom Boxes
Close your eyes and think of some famous brands. Can you picture their logo and tagline? Perhaps specific colors spark a memory. The most successful companies do everything possible to ensure customers remember their name—and so should you. Branded packaging is a great place to start.
Excited customers often post unboxing videos and photos online. Think of this as free marketing for your organization; you never know how many people a single post will reach. Patrons might open your package on:
- YouTube
- Snapchat
- TikTok
Prominently display your brand’s name, logo, and colors throughout the packaging to get the most out of this type of exposure. Your customers shouldn’t have to read the return address to determine the sender. Print your company’s name boldly on the outer box, and don’t forget to include the logo. Add branding to every packing element possible, including tissue paper, stationery, envelopes, and inserts. Incorporate slogans or colors to engage your patrons fully. The more customers see your company name and logo, the more likely they will be to mention your brand in casual conversations.
4. Create Limited Edition Custom Packaging to Wow VIPs
The unboxing experience begins as soon as the recipient signs for the package. Why settle for a generic brown shipping box? Custom packaging ensures your products ship in style and makes a lasting first impression. Many patrons choose to display this fancy packaging and the included items for years to come. Some boxes are just too pretty to recycle!
Consider these packaging ideas:
- Printed boxes
- Personalized envelopes
- Made-to-order bi-folds
- Colorful gift bags
Limited edition boxes not only enhance the unboxing; they also benefit your brand. A well-designed box guarantees products arrive safely and in one piece. Upgraded packaging also improves brand recognition and customer engagement, and the memory of unveiling the contents inside will last a lifetime.
5. Packing Enhancements to Entice Your Senses
Humans have five basic senses, and the best reveals provide multi-sensory stimulation. Specific sights, sounds, smells, and sensations can trigger memories in an individual. Adding sensory elements to the box will take the product reveal to the next level.
Some unique enhancements include:
- Foam inserts
- Raised embossing
- Custom padding
- Multi-level interiors
- Audio and video
- Upgraded closures
- Tactile finishes
Organizations use these features alongside other personalizations to create a one-of-a-kind container. It’s possible to customize every aspect of the packaging to ensure a fully immersive experience. Choose from endless possibilities!
6. Keep Your Lips Sealed Until the Big Reveal
Leaks ruin the surprise for everyone. That’s why it’s crucial to put security measures in place to prevent patrons from hearing spoilers before their package arrives. Store all sensitive information or secrets in a high-security location to ensure it doesn’t end up in the wrong hands. Try to limit who has access to the package design or contents until the official release date.
Trust WW&L to Design and Deliver Your Custom Printed Boxes
The unboxing experience is no longer just for YouTubers and other influencers. Your patrons deserve it too. It’s now possible to transform any package—whether big or small—into a special delivery. Premium, custom-designed boxes are ideal for shipping:
- Season tickets
- Backstage passes
- Product launches
- Promotional materials
- Branded merchandise
- College recruiting
- Custom gifts
With over 120 years of printing experience, you can count on the experts at Weldon, Williams & Lick to deliver high-quality, functional, and attractive printed boxes and packaging. As an end-to-end solution, we’ll be there during every step of the process, from concept to creation.
The ultimate unboxing starts with a premium box and custom packaging. Connect with our design team to get started.