Most small businesses think of packaging as just a box, bag, or wrapper.
But here’s the truth: 72% of businesses are making critical mistakes that cost them customers, reduce sales, and weaken their brand identity.
If you’re not strategically designing your packaging, you’re likely losing money. The good news? You can fix it—starting today.
1. Your Packaging Doesn’t Align With Your Brand Identity
Your packaging is your first impression. If it doesn’t immediately tell customers what your brand is about, you’re missing a major opportunity.
🔴 Signs Your Packaging Is Off-Brand:
- It looks generic or forgettable (blends in with competitors).
- The colors, fonts, and design don’t match your brand’s personality.
- There’s no clear brand message or storytelling element.
💡 Example: A small-batch coffee roaster used standard kraft bags with no distinct branding. Sales were sluggish until they switched to bold, vibrant packaging that matched their modern, high-energy coffee shop vibe. The result? A 40% sales increase.
✅ The Fix:
- Use colors, fonts, and graphics that reflect your brand personality.
- Ensure your logo and brand name are instantly recognizable.
- Communicate a clear message about what makes your product unique.
2. You Chose the Wrong Packaging Material
Choosing the wrong material can hurt your sales and your product’s quality.
❌ Common Material Mistakes:
- Using cheap, flimsy packaging that makes the product feel low-value.
- Choosing non-protective materials that lead to spoilage or damage.
- Using overly eco-friendly packaging that customers find inconvenient.
💡 Example: A snack brand switched to compostable bags but didn’t test for moisture control. Within weeks, customer complaints poured in about stale, soggy nuts. They later switched to the best packaging for nuts that balanced sustainability with functionality.
✅ The Fix:
- Choose materials based on product needs (barrier protection, durability, shelf life).
- Test packaging under real-world conditions.
- Use eco-friendly options that don’t compromise functionality.
3. Your Packaging Doesn’t Stand Out on the Shelf
Consumers make decisions in seconds. If your packaging doesn’t catch their eye, they’ll pick a competitor instead.
🚨 What Makes Packaging Unnoticeable?
- Muted, unoriginal colors that blend into the background.
- Small, hard-to-read fonts that don’t communicate product benefits.
- Overcrowded designs that overwhelm rather than engage.
💡 Example: A cannabis brand launched with a minimalist brown pouch, believing “simplicity sells.” But customers ignored it in favor of bright, bold competitors. After switching to packaging for cannabis that featuring vibrant colors and clear messaging—sales jumped.
✅ The Fix:
- Use bold, high-contrast colors to draw attention.
- Keep text concise and easy to read from a distance.
- Ensure the design highlights the product’s biggest selling points.
4. Your Packaging Lacks a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)
Packaging isn’t just about looking good—it should also tell customers what to do next.
🔴 Missing or Weak CTAs:
- No incentive to buy now (e.g., limited edition, seasonal flavors).
- No reason to engage with your brand (e.g., follow on social media, visit your website).
- No clarity on what makes your product different.
💡 Example: A tea company added a QR code with “Scan for a free recipe” to their packaging. This small tweak boosted customer engagement by 60% and increased repeat purchases.
✅ The Fix:
- Add a strong, action-oriented message (e.g., “Try Now,” “Limited Edition”).
- Include a QR code linking to product info, recipes, or a loyalty program.
- Highlight unique features customers won’t want to miss.
5. Your Packaging Is Hard to Use or Store
Great packaging is not just beautiful—it’s practical. If it’s frustrating to use, customers will choose an alternative next time.
🚨 Packaging Design Mistakes That Drive Customers Crazy:
- Hard-to-open seals that require scissors or excessive force.
- Non-resealable bags that lead to wasted product.
- Bulky or awkward shapes that don’t fit in kitchen cabinets, fridges, or handbags.
💡 Example: A pet treat company used a hard plastic container that didn’t fit in standard kitchen cabinets. Customers complained and stopped buying. When they switched to a resealable stand-up pouch, sales rebounded.
✅ The Fix:
- Use resealable zippers or easy-open tear notches.
- Choose a compact, functional shape that’s easy to store.
- Consider customer lifestyle habits when designing packaging.
Are You Making Any of These Packaging Mistakes?
If you recognize any of these packaging failures in your business, you’re likely leaving money on the table.
How to Fix It and Boost Sales
✅ Align your packaging with your brand identity.
✅ Choose materials that protect and enhance your product.
✅ Make sure your design stands out on the shelf.
✅ Add a clear call-to-action to drive engagement.
✅ Prioritize usability and convenience.
Packaging is more than a container—it’s a silent salesman for your brand. Get it right, and watch your sales skyrocket.