At Dollard Packaging, we know that you’ve got a lot to do in running your business, and like every business, you’ll want to minimise your packaging costs while still getting the best quality packaging. We’ve being producing printed packaging since 1982 – that’s a lot of boxes and a lot of customers! We want you to get the best value – so we compiled 8 tips below that will do just that.
Did I talk to my packaging supplier first?
New packaging? – Talk to your packaging supplier first : Before you start to engage the services of a packaging designer, talk to your packaging supplier first. Yes, talk to your packaging supplier first. The reason for this is that the functionality of the carton or sleeve is the first thing to consider i.e. when the carton is printed, will the carton be fit for purpose? This means that when the carton is being folded, the carton sides, top and base will fit together perfectly and that the carton is the correct size for your product, has the correct cardboard weight and properties and lastly that it will run smoothly through your filling machines or is easy to handle if it is hand packed.
While the graphic design of the carton is of course extremely important, it is not the first step in the process of creating a carton or sleeve for your product. The overall structure of the packaging is the first thing to consider before you engage a designer to create artwork for you products packaging.
At Dollard we can help you create the correct structure of your packaging and supply your designer with a Keyline (A Keyline is a layout guide that your designer must use to format the artwork correctly. This ensures that when the packaging is printed and folded, all packaging sides face the correct direction and all the interlocking/overlapping parts fit together perfectly) See keyline example below.
You read more about our blog on this topic.
Can I order different sorts of packaging at the same time? : If you need packaging for more than one product, try to order them at the same time, even if the quantities for each are different. We can check if it’s possible to reduce costs by printing the packaging on the same sheet or reduce the printing press “make-ready” times by running one job after another
Can I use different weights of board?: The weight of your packaging board must be fit for purpose – but don’t forget to check out slightly lighter boards that can reduce the cost of the board but your packaging is still fit for purpose.
Can I use a different type of board ?: Different board types cost different amounts – if you’ve always used the same board, why not talk to us about different board types that may be cheaper but still fit for purpose.
Can I increase the order quantity to reduce the unit cost/: Depending on your expected usage, your unit cost will decrease as you increase the quantity – talk to us about storage options if storage space for higher quantities is a problem for you.
Are all the special finishes necessary?: Talk to us about any special finishes your graphic designer has specified – we may know ways to get the same effect in a more cost effective way.
Have I explored different box or sleeve structures?: Like the point above, talk to us about the design of your box or sleeve structure – we can look at any options available for achieving the same effect with a simpler structure.
Can I re-use the same design?: If you re-use the same design with no changes when re-ordering your packaging, we’ll be able to re-use the printing plates and the cutting forme which means the cost will be less than the first printing.
Helpful Packaging Buying Guides are available on our website. If you would like to find out more about packaging, see our Helpful Guides here.
Contact Us
If you need help with any aspect of your packaging, please contact our Sales Team 01 847 0044