Some companies are making their boxes double as unique items that help customers. One of them is emergency tools, with multipurpose ways to make packaging stand out. This innovative type of packaging works great, because it can be a unique way for your company to give customers better, more useful means to help use the boxes, and also give them freebie supplies.
Some examples of this are boxes with a built-in ruler for measuring. Tape that has fire-starting tips and fire safety is another one, good for just slapping on there for any outdoor gear. Some are also transferable packaging, giving the person a stool or other space when they cut or fold the box to convert it.
It’s pretty cool, and giving these unique tools means that your company will have a variety of unique features that enhance these experiences.
The Target Market
Outdoor gear is a major market for this, because you’ll have gear that people can use outside.
Another one is disaster kits. It makes sense, especially if something happens, they’ll have the tool right on hand with the packaging. There’s also emergency prep supplies that will have this, so that even the most novice of preppers and outdoor enthusiasts are able to use these items to make it work.
How does this Work?
It really involves design. When you design a box to add utility functions with minimal changes to the overall box as well, it can make it much more useful. Again, small changes add to this, and will make it a major change and useful item for those involved.
The Marketing Advantage
Shipping supplies that double as boxes and emergency tools offer a unique value that sets them apart as a brand, and in turn, will make it better to market to others.
Think about it: if you give your customers a free tool that they can use, with only minimal assembly required, they’re going to want it, especially compared to other forms of packaging.
When you give them something useful, and something so simple, it makes sense, and many companies take advantage of the customer’s enthusiasm for such things, giving them unique emergency tools that will really shine in their own way.
The Challenges and Safety Considerations
So when you do this, you set the brand apart, but there are a few considerations that come with this.
The first, is the safety considerations. You need to make sure that it doesn’t affect the ability of such packaging. Another thing is that if you’re going to offer some unique functions and tips, that doesn't take away from the fact that your packaging is being used for something else—to store the item.
Keeping up to date on the latest changes and unique functions of your shipping supplies that double in this way is super important. Giving customers something to look forward to, especially with their shipments, will help to ensure that your packaging stands out, and really markets well.
Using your packaging to create multifunctional elements is great. Some are using it to create little gifts and usable items, but if you’re an outdoor furniture company, or maybe a prepping company that wants to help everyone stay ready, then you might want to look at these features. Giving customers something to work with will make you memorable in their eyes, and will lead to repeat sales of these items whenever you do it, and in turn, it will improve your company’s repute, and lead to more fun things, not only as a company, but also as a brand that they trust.
