The first opportunity for your brand to interact directly with customers is when they receive their order and unpack it. According to research carried out in consumer psychology, “packaging has a considerable, if not dominating, impact on purchase choices.” It is still a largely underutilized marketing opportunity, and if handled well, it can significantly influence your product’s sales—investing in a good supplier is the first step. To begin, ask the following questions before choosing a vendor.

The Basics: Products, Services, and Capabilities

Before you think about the cost, the timing, or other packaging components, you must determine whether the vendor can supply what you need (or what you may need in the future). The importance of the offers and differentiators a vendor provides is directly proportional to the degree to which they apply to your company. The following are some questions that should be asked:

  • What type of packaging products or services do you offer?
  • What are your competencies in the manufacturing sector?
  • Are you a distributor for any of the products that we sell?
  • Do you have designers or engineers in themanufacturing unit?
  • Where do you excel, or what do you do particularly well?
  • What sets you apart from other packaging vendors in the market?

The Relationship: Communication and Business Practices

When you buy from a packaging vendor, you don’t only receive the requested items but also the packaging for those items. In addition, you will also develop a connection with a new commercial entity, which means they will be required to engage and communicate with you efficiently. In assessing potential vendors, one of the most critical steps is to determine how the vendor’s business practices will affect the operation of your company. The following are some factors to consider:

  • What does the procedure for bringing a new customer on board involve?
  • Who will serve as my primary point of contact within the sales department?
  • What does the structure of your company’s organizational chart look like?
  • Could you please explain the terms and conditions of your packaging unit?
  • Do you have discounted prices on packaging items or longer payment terms?

Sustainability: Community Involvement & Environmental Impact

Doing business with organizations that are active community members might be essential to your company’s values. Additionally, it may be crucial for your organization to choose a packaging vendor that can support the green activities that your company is practicing by using environmentally friendly, sustainable packaging products. The following are some questions to consider:

  • In what ways does your firm contribute to the betterment of the community?
  • Do you have any particular causes that you feel particularly committed to supporting?
  • Are your raw materials obtained in a way that is good for the environment?
  • What is the proportion of waste produced by your manufacturing facility?
  • Which items are recyclable, and what are the exact percentages for each?

If you are in the market searching for a new vendor of packaging materials, search no further. At The Boxery, we’re proud that we recycle all of our old boxes and place a significant focus on providing recyclable items across the board. Get in touch with us to talk to one of our packaging experts. We’d be happy to answer any questions (plus the ones mentioned above) you may have.