Packaging that makes a statement

I frequent a Japanese restaurant about 50 metres from our offices. I order takeaway most days – love Japanese food.

The food is presented in quality plastic containers, with chopsticks and a well-branded bag. Although this doesn’t impact on the taste of the food, the owner is smart enough to know that presentation is a hugely important factor.

Nicely presented food seems better quality. That’s my perception, so to me it’s a fact. Not quite, but I’m sure you understand what I mean.

I ordered some products over the Internet yesterday and they arrived today. They weren’t presented the way I expected.

They were in an overnight bag. Inside the overnight bag was what looked liked wrapping paper. This was tied together with string, into a bow.

It looked fantastic!

My immediately thinking was “This is a quality company and I would be very, very happy to deal with them again.”

And that was before I even opened the parcel! (By the way, the inside was just as impressive – Plenty of information about what I purchased. A re-order form. And a long personal “Thank You” letter.)

First impressions count for so much. So does aspects of your business such as packaging.

What is your packaging saying about you? (One area I see obvious potential in is plastic shopping bags. There is a very strong trend away from them. Why not bite the bullet and get some quality cloth bags printed up for your customers. The difference could be terrific.)