Every fourth quarter, the world of packaging is different, as order volumes surge, seasonal styles are in demand, and shipping boxes that were adequate throughout the year are no longer sufficient in November. When it comes to packaging, the brand is left in a pinch when it is most needed, because it is printed for only a moderate volume. The trick is to plan a seasonal program in concert with a regular one, and you won’t have to climb that hill at all. Empress Packaging creates custom corrugated packaging for shipping and retail brands all year round, and is also prepared for the seasonal spike that most brands aren’t. Why use a planned seasonal packaging solution instead of a reactive approach to ordering? When custom boxes are ordered on a last-minute, seasonal basis, it is generally the case that reactive orders result in paying rush pricing on whatever stock is available, rather than the shipping box size that fits the product. Planned, and therefore customized boxes do not experience that premium, because the primary factor that influences cost in times of high volume is lead time. Seasonal packaging, holiday branding, and limited colour palettes require the same structural integrity as year-round packaging, and packaging together ensures quality is maintained through the six-week peak season. Planned Seasonal Corrugated Packaging Benefits: Seasonal packaging has 5 payback areas. Seasonal Branding: seasonal branding for retail packaging, makes buyers feel urgency and freshness without altering the basic brand image of the brand, which is recognized all year round. Protection: the structure of the specs is kept the same in both standard and seasonal runs, so a holiday design will never result in a weaker box. Cost savings: purchasing in season in advance of peak ordering saves brands from being caught up in the rush charge every year. Environmentally friendly materials: Recyclable material remains at a standard level throughout the year, even in the event of time pressure. Customer experience: branded packaging that communicates the season conveys a message of attentiveness, not of going through the motions. Seasonal corrugated packaging can be found in locations throughout the year. Retail and ecommerce brands that have a strong holiday season should be able to anticipate the volume surge and have surge capacity in place months before. Seasonal/limited editions subscription brands require quick print runs without interrupting the regular packaging flow. Brands requiring quick turnaround for promotional and campaign design require expedient services. Brands with specific timeframes for their launch need custom brands that are ready promptly. For wholesale distributors who need to help customers with seasonal displays to be displayed on shelves during peak shopping periods, cases that are designed to be converted directly to shelf-ready displays during the holiday season are a must. All of these are based on a lead time that has been pre-planned, not pressure ordered. Options for customized runs during the season. Empress Packaging’s shipping boxes production planning is based on seasonal production in addition to standard production orders, meaning there is no competition between holiday runs and a brand's year-round production. Limited run seasonal graphics can be printed without the need for a standard design retool. Sizes remain the same from seasonal to standard packaging, as only the print changes. Seasonal foil or spot color accents may be added to the standard structural spec. Seasonal foil or spot color accents are added to the standard structural spec. The most expensive error is to begin the discussion on volume after a season has begun. FAQs Q: How far in advance should packaging be ordered for the season? A:The actual lead time is estimated according to the volume and design complexity, which will be discussed at quoting. Q: Is it possible to have a seasonal design with the same box structure as our regular order? A: Yes, usually just the print is updated. Q: What should happen if there is an excess of seasonal demand? A: Extra capacity is available on a case-by-case basis. Q: Are there seasonal runs available using recycled stock? A: Yes, regular sustainability features are carried over. Get Your Free Quote The brands that run out of packaging are most likely the ones that began planning. Empress Packaging manufactures and prints branded packaging for brands shipping and retailing in the USA. Call (888) 900-7629, email query@empresspackaging.com.