How to Choose the Right Packaging for Home Improvement Tools

Home improvement tools help customers make their houses more comfortable, but what can companies do to highlight their product’s benefits? Choosing suitable packaging makes home improvement products stand out and persuades shoppers to make a purchase. It also plays a crucial role in reflecting the product’s quality and the brand’s values.

Learn the top factors to consider when choosing tool packaging and how to find the option that suits a product’s weight, size and usability.

Why Is Packaging Important?

Packaging is pivotal in customer satisfaction. It ensures that the final product remains in good condition. Here are the top benefits of proper home improvement packaging:

  • Protection: The primary benefit of packaging is that it protects the product during transportation and storage.
  • Attraction: Attractive and unique designs help your home improvement tools stand out on crowded shelves.
  • Fascination: Packaging is vital for creating an exciting unboxing experience that is memorable and novel for customers.
  • Information: Labels and text inform consumers of essential instructions, safety tips and compliance information.

What Kinds of Packaging Are Available for Home Improvement Businesses?

There are two main types of packaging home improvement companies must account for — primary and secondary. Here’s a breakdown of their key differences and features:

  • Primary packaging: This packaging makes direct contact with the product and the customers. It serves two purposes — protection and attraction. It should help shoppers identify and understand the item.
  • Secondary packaging: This packaging is usually a box or pallet that holds the products in their primary packaging in transit. It’s critical that secondary packaging is durable and measured to fit perfectly with the primary packaging to prevent tools from coming apart during shipping.

What Are the Important Factors to Consider When Choosing Packaging?

Packaging is a key part of a product and company’s success. Selecting the proper packaging for home improvement tools helps customers better understand the item’s purpose and improve branding.

Here are the top packaging factors to consider:

Tool Type and Size

When choosing packaging, companies must consider the dimensions and weight of their tools. Heavier tools may require strong corrugated packaging with fabricated or biodegradable foam inserts, which will not fall apart when customers take items off the shelves.

Home improvement tools are often made of easily scuffed materials like aluminum and plastic. If they’re not adequately protected during shipping, they are prone to dents and physical damage during transit.

Hand tools can be wrapped whole and stored in a sturdy box. Power tools have small attachments, which are prone to breakage during travel. Smaller sections of power tools, like drill bits, can fall out of packaging or scrape the tool during a bumpy transit. It’s vital to secure them in bubble wrap and store them in a separate packaging section.

Protection Needs

Packaging is the first line of defense for protecting products from physical damage. Home improvement companies should assess the type and level of protection their tools need. Hand tools may be prone to moisture damage, while power tools might need more shock resistance to safeguard technical components.

Cushioning materials help keep tools in place during transit and reduce shock absorption. Two popular options for home improvement tools include:

  • Bubble packaging: Bubble packing or air pillows create a protective air-filled layer around tools, protecting them from shock and moisture. It’s cost-effective and lightweight, offering companies more savings on transport fees. However, you may need to supplement bubble packaging with additional materials to protect heavy power tools.
  • Foam inserts: Foam packing materials are lightweight and shock-absorbent. It’s an excellent option for power tools or those especially prone to dents and internal damage during transit.
  • Molded pulp: Molded pulp is a major cost-saver that can be tailored to suit the product’s shape. It’s durable, quick and easy to load, offering efficiency and labor savings. It’s also recyclable, which is more attractive to environmentally conscious consumers.
  • Corrugated inserts: Corrugated cardboard inserts are designed to separate and protect packaged products. It’s made from three layers of sturdy cardboard, which makes for a very durable design.

Sustainability Considerations

More companies are realizing the impact of choosing a packaging company that focuses on sustainability at every level. Many consumers prioritize and show loyalty to businesses that engage in sustainability efforts. Here are the top benefits of using eco-friendly materials:

  • Lower carbon footprint: Using recyclable materials for packaging helps companies lower their carbon footprint. Natural materials like corrugated cardboard are biodegradable and break down quickly.
  • Simplify disposal: If customers throw away the packaging from home improvement tools, sustainable options make it easier to dispose of and recycle.
  • Encourage reuse: Consumers can reuse sustainable packaging for crafts or storage needs, further reducing their carbon footprint. This allows them to engage with the brand whenever they reuse it.
  • Improve brand image: Engaging with sustainability practices helps brands present themselves as environmentally responsible establishments. It can also help create a connection and trust with customers.

Branding and Aesthetics

Packaging enhances a company’s branding and visuals. Here are the ways packaging can influence how you promote your brand:

  • Memorable first impressions: Packaging is a shopper’s first impression of your company. The right design can make customers curious to learn more about a product.
  • Quality reputation: In the home improvement tool industry, durable and well-designed packaging can convey a message of high-product quality to consumers.
  • Powerful shelf presences: Packaging designs help items stand out and stir positive feelings in shoppers. Textures, colors and other design elements create a memorable brand image that customers relate to.

Selecting the Right Materials

It’s crucial to select suitable materials that will offer the ideal level of protection for products. Here are the standard options for home improvement tools:

  • Corrugated cardboard: This material is sustainable, recyclable, sturdy and easy for customers to dispose of. It’s such a popular packaging option that the United States shipped over 400 billion square feet of corrugated packaging in 2022. It’s a light material, which saves companies money on shipping weight.
  • Plastic: This material is durable and lightweight but may not be the best option for heavier tools. It’s also not readily biodegradable, which can have detrimental environmental effects. Some forms of plastic packaging can transmit shock instead of absorbing it, which damages power tools.
  • Metal: This material is impermeable and protects against humidity, light, air and most external force. However, it can be expensive, and some forms are prone to corrosion. Metal packaging is typically used for high-value and sensitive products in industrial sectors.

Designing for Functionality

Knowing how to choose functional packaging is pivotal for customer satisfaction. The box must hold the product securely while maintaining its aesthetic qualities.

It should incorporate user-friendly features that help customers looking for home improvement tools. Clear viewing windows show shoppers the tool size, design and material so they can make informed choices. Resealable openings mean they won’t need to purchase another toolbox and are reminded of the brand whenever they use the item. Accessibility features like handles make it easier for shoppers to take off the shelf and carry out the store, which provides a positive brand experience.

Get Innovative Packaging Solutions From Great Northern Packaging

Are you looking for sustainable, cost-effective and durable product packaging? Great Northern Packaging provides well-suited solutions for various products, from home improvement to health and beauty. We develop packaging that fits your products’ needs and suits your company’s budget and vision.

We can simplify your life by providing solutions at every step of the packaging phase, from design to printing. We give you shelf-ready packaging to make your company stand out and appeal to shoppers. Contact us and let us help you create packaging that encapsulates your brand, protects your product and resonates with your customers.

Great Expectations

Great Expectations is more than a tagline, it is an attitude. At Great Northern, customer challenges are met by an undying spirit to doing what others can’t or won’t. It’s in our DNA. And it is what our customers have come to expect with Great Northern.

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