Packaging that leaps off the shelves

Incorporating a wide variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and languages, packaging and Point-of-Sale (POS) materials present unique creative, cultural and logistic challenges. An in-store kiosk that delights customers in San Francisco may be inappropriate in another locale. Copy that rings true in American English sounds stilted in Great Britain.

That's why you need to work with Creative-Ops. From initial consultation through design, printing, and fabrication, Creative-Ops can deliver concepts that sizzle and sell, develop form factors that are cost-effective, and that improve the quality, consistency, and timeliness of your Packaging/POS deliverables.

Sometimes you know exactly what you want. When that’s the case, you’ll appreciate the knowledge Creative-Ops' professionals bring to the job. We keep abreast of the latest materials and methods used in the packaging industry. So we can provide you with a wide array of ideas on different ways to structure your package or kit using cost-effective materials.

Sometimes you know what needs to be packaged, but you're not sure how to put it all together. No problem. Creative-Ops will present structural and graphic designs that enhance your products and packaging. You don’t need to know how many flaps, folds and die-cuts are necessary because we take care of all the details for you.

Assessment

Creative-Ops begins with a thorough assessment of your packaging needs. How well is your brand communicated across multiple formats and products? What is your distribution area? What customer experience are you trying to create?

In most stores, the package is your only constant, faithful, consistent, and reliable advertisement — and loyal salesperson. Only a well-thought-out, focused, and understandable package design will give you maximum sales impact. It must communicate what the product is and why a customer should buy it. That message must be communicated by text or graphics — preferably both.

Development

Creative-Ops deploys a core team of designers, writers, and production staff with experience in creating packaging, minimizing delays, and maximizing communication. This team develops creative ideas that sell, incorporating five major communication elements in each package design:

• “Why to buy” message
• Product name
• Company or brand name
• Product information
• Graphics

The primary purpose of package design is to sell the product inside. All other objectives are secondary. Thus, everything you want to put on the package must be evaluated in the context of “How does this help sell the product?”

Ongoing Evaluation

As with most marketing efforts, packaging requires ongoing evaluation. Creative-Ops meets with you regularly to stay current on your goals and to ensure we continuously improve the entire process. With Creative-Ops managing your Packaging/POS operation, you can redirect your internal creative staff as needed, while lowering your costs and improving communication.

Packaging Reminders

Since customers tend to be very literal:

• Don’t be subtle. Subtlety restricts your message to only those customers who appreciate that particular subtlety.
• Don’t be cute. In-jokes don’t sell even if they do please marketing or design departments.
• Don’t be clever. Customers should not have to work to understand your message, and most won’t bother to.
• Don’t provide reasons not to buy. Too much detailed information is more likely give customers one or more negatives.
• Don’t use design elements that are abstract and unclear.

Call 866-781-8195 (toll-free) for a free consultation.