What are the 8 mistakes to avoid in packaging?

It happens to send a photo or a poster to print and notice that the result does not reflect the file we had created.

We know that in the process from creating the project to printing it on the final product there are many possibilities for something to go wrong .

In the particular case of packaging design, there are several aspects to keep in mind.

• If you intend to create the project on a die (or dieline in English) it is important that you make sure you have the correct one for the specific product you want to create.
• Remember not to insert images and texts in correspondence with the folds or edges of the die
• Always check that you have correctly positioned images and texts for printing.

Surely the last thing we want is a final product with items printed upside down or on the wrong side of the box.

It is always very useful to print a draft of the die to be used, so that we can make a test, assembling the packaging and realize how to position the graphics.

Finally, pay attention to typos : it's really embarrassing to create hundreds of boxes with that nasty typo that your customers will surely notice.

3. Unfavorable colors and fonts

The choice of colors and fonts you use for your packaging design has enormous relevance.

Based on the color you choose and its shade, you convey a different feeling to your customers.

It is important that your packaging reflects your company, that your branding is consistent and therefore that the colors you choose are characteristic of your brand.

However, make sure that if you choose to mix different colors that they work well together and above all check that they do not compromise the readability of the information included on the packaging.

The same goes for fonts . Opting for the fonts typical of your brand is always a good choice, but in general it is important that the text is easy to read and the right size.

You want your customers to read the information you decide to include on your packaging, so make sure they can do it easily.

4. Non plastic-free solutions

Sustainability is a value that more and more people care about, which is why including plastic elements in your packaging is a risky choice.

Today, however, there is no longer even the excuse of the difficulty in finding the right materials; in fact, you will find many suppliers who offer plastic-free , recyclable and some even compostable solutions. Thanks to them, you can offer your customers eco-friendly packaging, which is as unproblematic as possible for the environment.

Your customers certainly wouldn't appreciate polluting and unsustainable solutions, and could share this bad impression with friends and followers. Better to prevent that from happening, right?

5. Solution with beautiful graphics but not functional

It is now obvious that the appearance of the packaging counts, but we know well that good design is one that never hinders , but rather improves functionality .

A box or mailing bag that is difficult to open and reseal, or that makes it more difficult to return returns does not make a good impression, even if the graphics are beautiful!

He always works with the aim of making everything simple, practical and functional .

6. Too many fillers

You've certainly received a package with a staggering amount of paper or bubble wrap . The customer certainly appreciates that the company that sends the product takes care to protect it during the journey and to have it arrive in perfect condition , but if there is too much filling material it means that there have been errors in the design .

Simply too large a packaging has usually been chosen. On the contrary, if you use a box or a postal bag of the right size , you won't need to fill in the empty spaces, and you can only add the material that is really necessary for safe transport .

7. Packaging solution too large

Companies like Amazon have suffered severe reputational damage related to widespread packaging waste. In fact, it happens that many companies prefer to buy packaging in a standard format to be able to adapt it to any product; the result is that often a small product ends up shipping in a box four times its size .

All this is neither rational nor advantageous for the company, for the customer, for the environment.

On the contrary, choosing a packaging solution with adequate dimensions on a case-by-case basis allows you to save on transport costs , on the space necessary to keep them in the warehouse , and simplify life for customers who will have to dispose of it.

8. Poorly resistant packaging

Using durable boxes and tear-proof bags should be the basic requirement for your packaging. Your products will face long distance transport, so it is essential to ensure that they are well protected and remain intact.

A box that arrives dented can give an impression of little care and does not convey the message of a company that chooses quality packaging that protects its products.

Conclusions

Here are my tips on packaging design mistakes to avoid.

Packaging is already a key element for the image and perceived value of any brand today, but I'm sure it will become more and more so over time. Being prepared also in this field will make your planning period faster and smoother.

Mistakes made in packaging design can result in bad publicity and customer dissatisfaction. This is why it seemed important to me to explore them together and give you the right tools to avoid them.

And you, have you had experience in this field? Have you ever made a sensational mistake when designing a packaging or, on the contrary, have you received absurd parcels? Let us know in the comments.