Skip to content

5 Design Tips For Subscription Boxes

Time to read 5 min

Designing Subscription Boxes

If you run an e-commerce brand, you already know that subscription boxes are a way of life. Customers who enjoy these kinds of encounters have increased the bar for what is considered acceptable. As a result, you're probably looking for new ways to improve your branding and mailer. 


You've found the right place.


It's all about the experience when it comes to Subscription Boxes. But how do you give clients a memorable unboxing experience? Is it enough to print on the inside? What about some extra freebies?


It all begins with your general design, graphics, and critical decisions. But that doesn't negate the importance of supply chains, optimization, and client profiling. 


Let's take a look at 5 Subscription Box Design Tips.

What Is A Subscription Box?

A Subscription Box is a sort of paperboard container that can be used to store and transport items. It's easy to assemble thanks to interlocking flaps and wings, and it closes sometimes without the use of tape. Due to its two side walls, it is more durable and travel resistant than other types of paperboard packaging.

Tip #1 Design Around Your Products

This is the most crucial aspect in creating a fantastic Subscription Box. You can't expect a cardboard box to work just by printing some color on it. It must be a perfect fit for your goods, be useful and secure, and appear professional all at the same time! When you design around your products, you're thinking about them first.


But it's not just about the appearance. Naturally, your packaging should fit the contents of your products, but consider the color and style decisions you've previously made.


Start by making a list of all the design aspects that make up your product and brand. You'll be successful as long as your design choices are consistent with those parts.

Packaging should complement your items rather than the other way around.

Tip #2 Keep Your Packaging Fresh

With today's manufacturing capabilities, it's never been a better time for businesses to invest in personalized subscription boxes. However, it's critical to keep fresh in the minds of your customers. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways.

  • Create designs for each quarter. Your products will stand out on the shelf when customers return to the store.
  • Keep your marketing initiatives up to date by updating your designs. Nothing is more irritating than a fresh marketing campaign that does not correspond to your product packaging.
  • Make sure your subscription box will last the entire cycle. To protect your packing from scuffs and scrapes, you may need to use a special coating. Alternatively, you may need to adapt the design due to breaks caused by humidity variations.

There are a plethora of methods to make the most of your subscription box efforts, so figure out what "fresh" means to you and get started!

Tip #3 Plan Your Entire Supply Chain Plan

Subscription Boxes can be a financial boost based on your present buying habits, but the most crucial element is to consider your complete supply chain. If you don't prepare properly, small design decisions can lead to major issues down the road.


An example would be if you needed three inches of tape instead of 1 1/4 inches. Just that change in tape usage has impacted customers by hundreds of thousands of dollars as they increased their production.


Make sure you're not designing in a vacuum. Work your way through each phase of the process to ensure that your new packaging design is in sync with everything so there are no surprises.

Tip #4 Print Alternate Graphics For Each Scenario

Next, rather than employing a one-size-fits-all design, consider printing many graphics. Using only one design can make things more efficient and reduce chances for error, but they don't stand out at retail.


Consider the following scenarios:


A Graphic For Each Region


Every region in which you sell things has its own distinct tastes. They have a unique climate, sports team, and other features. Rather than employing a single design, make a visual that speaks to them. Then when they see your packaging and products, they will be drawn to you instead of your competitor.


Customize For Every Retailer


While each retailer will have their own set of rules, which may force minor changes in the long run, it's crucial to consider the customers that purchase there. Customers don't shop at Walmart and Costco in the same way, therefore you should approach each of them differently.


A Matching Design For Your SKUs


Customers won't notice you have a vast range of products if you employ the same design for all of your SKUs. Everything from food to electronics could fall into this category. Using a new graphic while being true to your brand is a terrific approach to make your product appear even more premium. 


How are you going to print all of those graphics without breaking the bank? Switching to High-Speed Digital Printing is a good way to go. You'll be able to print as many Subscription Boxes as you want, as quickly as you want. That's because there aren't any printing plates to deal with, and there's no need to wait.


Bennett was one of the first manufacturers in North America to invest in High-Speed Digital Printers, which has allowed us to stay ahead of the curve. So speak with one of our representatives to discover more about how Digital might benefit you.

Tip #5 Design For Your Target Customer

The key to actual success is to begin the design process with a greater grasp of your customer. All of the previous suggestions we've made are crucial, but how will your design work if you don't know what your customer wants?


Create a consumer profile and use your designs to target certain clients. If they desire premium, a sleek black package might be the answer. Perhaps they favor natural products, in which case a wood grain design or a green accent might be appropriate.


Everything you decide for your Subscription Box should be filtered through the eyes of your target audience. If you start the process there, you'll be successful.

Create Custom Subscription Boxes With Bennett!

Subscription boxes are more than simply a method to make your products look more appealing on the market. It also helps you stand out from the competition by allowing you to connect emotionally with your customers. The idea is to design for these various client profiles, taking into account their preferences and how their brains work while making purchasing decisions. We can help you put all of those ideas together and build creative packaging that will attract people once you have this information.


If you'd like more information about our services, or if you'd like to get started right away by getting a quote online, please contact Bennett Packaging today. We hope to hear from you soon!


Related: