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Last Updated on September 19, 2023 by Packoi Team
With this in mind, you can see how custom die-cut boxes can boost your revenue growth. With the right die-cut packaging solution, you can make your product stand out.
In this article, you’ll discover more about die-cut boxes. You’ll get tips that’ll help you choose a creative die-cut design that’ll impress your customers and push your sales higher.
About Custom Die-Cut Boxes
A die-cut box usually refers to cardboard packaging that has windows on it. The cardboard sheet goes through a die-cutting machine to create windows in various shapes and designs.
Using a die-cut strategy for your packaging is a great way to make your product stand out. It leaves a lot of room for creativity – you can even add layers with different cut-out shapes to add depth to the windows. But you have to be precise about its application so it’ll make your custom packaging impressive.
The Process of Die-Cutting
The process of creating the die-cut window on a product box involves a simple process. It all starts with the creation of the die-line. This refers to the template or placeholder that’ll guide you and indicate where the window will be on the packaging surface.
The die-line enables the machine to put the right shape on the surface of the box. No matter what size or shape the die cuts are, the machine can copy them as long as the die lines are done correctly.
Apart from the die lines, you should also understand the 4 common rules of die cuts.
The first is through-cutting. This cuts through the material of the box completely.
The second is called creasing. It creates a fold line that allows the material to fold in the right place – allowing you to be creative with the shape of the product box.
The third is scoring. This allows you to adjust the depth of the cut so you can create imprints and textures on the surface of the box.
The fourth is perforating. This allows you or the customer to tear off a portion of the materials.
Contrary to popular knowledge, a die-cut isn’t just about having a window on the product box. By understanding these 4 rules, you can combine different die-cut techniques so your box will end up with a unique design.
Achieving Precision In Die-Cut Shapes
As mentioned, custom die-cut boxes will only look good if it’s done with precision. It has to be executed flawlessly so the windows will blend well into the design of your packaging.
A seamless die-cut shape will exude craftsmanship and professionalism. The fact that you can execute the design well means you pay attention to every detail of your product design. It’s a testament to your commitment to providing high-quality products that adhere to impeccable standards. That’ll win the trust and loyalty of your customers.
Showcase Your Creativity through Die-Cut Designs
One of the best ways to showcase your brand’s creativity is by using die-cut designs on your custom packaging. If you use cardboard materials for your box, this will be easier to achieve. According to reports, 83% of customers view cardboard as a highly innovative material.
There are many fun box ideas that you can implement using cardboard. It can come in any shape that you want. You can even create different die-cut designs that can represent your brand brilliantly.
For instance, you sell pastries and package them in a box. The box can look like a miniature bakery with a die-cut design of an actual window. This will make it seem like the customer is looking at the pastries from outside of a bakery.
There are many ways to implement the same concept across different businesses and product lines. Be innovative and explore different options and die-cut techniques to achieve a design that’s memorable and one-of-a-kind.
Tips when Choosing Die-Cut Designs for Product Boxes
The key to having the best custom die-cut boxes is to find the balance between creativity and precision. If done right, you won’t just create fun box ideas. You’ll make your product stand out and impress your customers so much that they’ll start to trust your brand.
But how will you know what die-cut design you’ll choose for your packaging? Although there’s no limit to what you can do, there are a couple of things that you have to consider to ensure that it’ll bring growth to both your sales and business initiatives.
Balance Versatility and Brand Alignment
You are indeed free to be as creative as you want with your die-cut design. The versatility of cardboard packaging makes that possible. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider your brand into the equation.
If you want to impress your customers with the custom packaging, it has to be the perfect reflection of your brand. Create a brand packaging that people will recognize from afar. Use different shapes that can be associated with your branding.
You can put a cut-out of your brand’s logo. Or you can use a silhouette of your product. If you can make the design an extension of your branding, you’re creating another marketing arm that can promote your business.
Involve the Product Within
Here’s one way to impress customers with your die-cut packaging – include the product in the design. Remember, the die-cut window will give customers a view of what’s inside. Why not use the texture, color, or appearance of the product to complement the design of the rest of the box?
For instance, breath mints can be organized to look like teeth while the window is surrounded by an illustration of a mouth. Or meat packaging can have a die-cut in the shape of the animal that sourced the meat.
These are only a few of the examples that you can draw inspiration from. Feel free to get ideas online so you’ll see the design possibilities you can use.
Don’t Forget about Functionality
As fun as it can be to create unusual designs for your custom die-cut boxes, make sure it’s still functional. Remember, your die-cut packaging has to protect and preserve the integrity of your product. If the window compromises the product in any way, you’ll have to rethink using it. Since the die-cut creates a hole in the box, this means that part won’t be as sturdy as the rest of the packaging. You have to ensure that area won’t easily tear off.
No matter how creative the die-cuts are, it won’t impress your customers if they end up with a damaged product or box. So when you’re designing the packaging, make sure it’s durable enough to survive the delivery. Or it should look good when displayed on a shelf.
You should also look at the opening of the box. The product has to be accessible. Put inserts or barriers to keep the products inside safe. These are important things you have to incorporate in the design.
Think about Customer Impact
Apart from the brand and the needs of the product, design elements should also consider the preferences of customers. The fact that the packaging is the first interaction that the customer will have with your brand, it’s crucial to creating the right impression.
If you can impress the customer with the die-cut design and the creative window of the box, you’ll be setting up a positive experience once they see the product. If you get the right reaction, it could lead to a repeat purchase and eventually, brand loyalty.
Not only that, your product box should be impressive enough to encourage the customer to create an unboxing video. If they post it online, that’ll be free advertising for you. It can catch the attention of new users who will be willing to give your product a try.
Consider the Cost and ROI
Practicality is also very important when you’re designing your product box. Since the die-cut design requires a special material, it’ll naturally increase the price of your packaging. Be ready to spend more on your packaging budget.
This also means you have to consider the impact that your die-cut design will have on your sales. There’s more pressure to impress customers because you have a higher ROI to target. Do the math and be smart about what you can afford to spend on your packaging.
Keep It Sustainable
One of the effective ways to impress customers with your packaging design is by using the right materials. To be specific, you need to use sustainable materials to attract the eco-conscious customers out there.
Fortunately, one of the most eco-friendly materials used for packaging is cardboard – which is great for achieving die-cut designs. You can stick to using this material and take advantage of its versatility.
You can even use 100% recycled cardboard for your product box. If you get it from the right supplier, you’ll still get high-quality materials for your box.
Create the Perfect Die-Cut Design for Your Custom Packaging. Let Packoi Printing Help.
Using die-cut as the main design element of your packaging is a good idea – as long as you can find the balance between creativity and precision. As you choose the design, make sure it satisfies your branding, customer preferences, and product requirements.
If you need help identifying the right die-cut design for your brand, give Packoi Printing a call. We have experience in providing die-cut packaging and we only use sustainable means and materials to make them.
Give us a call so we can discuss the details. We’ll get back to you with a quote as soon as we can.
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