Marketing Through Shipping – Article #2: Using a Branded Shipping Box

When it comes to ecommerce, marketing efforts tend to focus on online and traditional marketing, and social media. Marketing through shipping is usually far down the list.

Yet the shipping process is incredibly important to consumers and they pay attention to it. Why not capitalize on their interest with some smart marketing tactics?

The 2nd article in our “” series, today’s article is going to discuss branded shipping boxes and custom mailers. We’ve previously written about companies who’ve used branded shipping boxes successfully in their business (check out our posts on ShipStation customers Loot Crate and Writey). Loot Crate, for example, is a successful subscription box company for gamers. Writey, a Mark Cuban-funded company, makes portable stick-on whiteboards. Both companies ship their products out in amazing premium packaging, known as a branded box.

You may be thinking: My company doesn’t offer subscription boxes, and we’re not ready to make a big investment in shipping boxes—are branded boxes still an option? The answer is yes!

Custom Branded Boxes

Printed shipping boxes are a good option for many types of businesses, but not all of them should implement custom boxes into their packaging. According to Dennis Salazar, of Salazar Packaging, your company should consider using branded boxes if it meets the following criteria:

  • Your company has developed or wants to create an upscale image – Companies wanting to elevate their brand, gain exposure, and stand out from the crowd should think about employing shipping.
  • Your company uses a small number of box sizes – Companies generally using less than six box sizes should consider using printed shipping boxes.

Salazar notes that there are many misconceptions about printed shipping boxes. These are the most common:

  1. The minimums for custom printed boxes are huge. Salazar’s minimums for custom printing die cut custom mailers and RSC boxes generally range from $1,000 to $500 depending on the box size and if the minimum is met. Many companies also offer similar minimums.
  2. The lead time is too long.Salazar generally delivers first time custom printed orders within two weeks after the customer’s artwork is approved and they sign off on the print card proof.
  3. The cost is way too high.Customers are often surprised at how little a basic one color, exterior print adds to the cost of a box, says Salazar.
  4. Plate and artwork charges make it cost prohibitive.If the copy can be delivered crisp and clear, PDF or JPEG is fine, then an artwork fee is never required. Plates are a onetime expense, can be re-used indefinitely and remain the property of the customer.

Benefits of Using Custom Branded Boxes

A Google search of “printed shipping boxes” offers a wide range of printed box vendors, including Custom Boxes Now and Brown & Pratt. In addition, many of the printed corrugated boxes are eco-friendly, which is also a selling point. Learn more from Kabbage’s post on Green and Sustainable Shipping Practices.

Custom Mailers

What if you use mailers? “Branded mailers, including eco-friendly ones, are also a great option,” says Salazar. Several vendors offer printed mailers, including GlobeGuardProducts.com and Eco Enclose.

Next Steps

As you can see, printed shipping boxes and custom mailers are an easy and cost-effective option for many retailers. This is a marketing tactic that is underutilized and can help you stand out from the crowd. Let us know what success you’ve had using branded shipping options. Don’t forget to check out our next article in the series, Increase Sales Using In Box Marketing Materials!

Maria Fagerland

Maria Fagerland

Maria is a multifaceted writer and editor who is passionate about creating content that helps businesses succeed. When she's not writing, Maria can often be found in her garden tending to her plants.