Customer Feature: Toad Skin Solutions
With the winter season upon us, dry skin is at the forefront of many people’s minds. But to Allan Holiday MD, it was something he thought about more than just in the winter. As a physician with over 25 years of experience he saw and treated people with diabetes. He noticed that dry skin was a common thread among his patients and set out to provide a safe, simple solution for everyday application. And that is how Toad Skin Solutions was born.
Located in the heart of the great plains, surrounded by the Flint Hills of Kansas, Toad Skin Solutions LLC launched its website just this year. They prefer to buy organic, fair trade products and products made in the USA.
We wanted to know more about this unique company and how custom packaging adds to the experience for their customers. First we asked how he went about finding the right combinations and ingredients for each of his products.
“I really studied skin and damaged skin and came up with a list of things that go wrong with skin that I could help with and then worked with a formulator to work out the details of the products. For example, there are several ways to help skin. (By using a) barrier/protective, or drawing water into the skin and replacing lost oils and nutrients. Each cream is designed for a specific purpose, and the ingredients are very safe, proven and work well.”
Allan worked with the team at S&N Design from Manhattan, KS and the duo produced the eye- catching images you find on their website. To take their brand to the next level, they chose to design custom boxes for their products with CompanyBox.
“The custom boxes are very high quality and help make an exceptional first impression. The graphics and printing were designed to be used with all four kits so it’s a savings not having 4 different boxes. It’s like getting a present in the mail and they get to open the outer package and then the cool present inside is a well-made high quality custom box. They will also keep the box to store their kit and other products. The box has a good sturdy feel and (is) well made. It also reflects on the brand we’re creating.”
One decision was to use a toad as their main image. They explains more about this branding, “The top layer of the skin is sometimes called the horny layer, being rough, dry and scratchy. The skin on the horny toad’s back is very rough and scratchy and has a unique ability to retain moisture. The horny toad’s tummy is very soft and smooth, which is the goal of any skin moisturizing product”
With a motto “It’s ok. It’s ok to take care of yourself”, Toad Skin Solutions demonstrates how much they care about their customers. “As a physician I noticed most people usually worry about others and put themselves on the back burner. People often seem reluctant to be kind to themselves and almost neglect themselves sometimes. I like the motto because it lets people know it’s ok to care for yourself and it’s not selfish to do so.”
In fact, Allan’s favorite part of running his own business is knowing he is making an impact. “I like treating the customers like royalty, being honest about what we can do and providing a very safe solution to common problems. I think of all the people with painfully dry skin from diabetes, work, and weather. I enjoy knowing I’m being helpful in their lives.”
A special thanks to Allan Holiday for talking about his company and explaining why packaging is instrumental to making his brand stand out.
Want to give your packaging that something extra? Build your brand by visiting companybox.com
5 Global Packaging Trends in 2018
/trend/: a general direction in which something is developing or changing.
Surely you know what a trend is. But why do they change? Who is behind the changes? And do we need to follow the trends?
Trends have always been a way people interact with each other. Our culture exists through a constant rotation of innovation and mimicry. Sometime trends emerge out of necessity (something needs to change), sometimes they are born from an innovator (the forward thinker who tries something new), and other times they come about simply from changing times (think 90’s vs. today)
While we are no experts on why design trends change, we can agree that they do. Last month, Mintel, the world’s leading market intelligence agency, announced five trends set to impact the global packaging industry over the coming year.
“Our packaging trends for 2018 reflect the most current and forward-looking consumer attitudes, actions, and purchasing behaviors in both global and local markets,” said David Luttenberger, global packaging director of Mintel. “Such trends as those we see emerging in e-commerce packaging have stories that are just now being written. Others, such as the attack on plastics, are well into their third or even fourth chapters, but with no clear ending in sight.”
1. Packaged Planet
The throwaway culture of today will evolve into one that understands and embraces the role of packaging as a primary means to reduce global food and product waste.
Food and beverage packaging used to be simply a means to deliver a product. It was a throwaway item and something that never merited a second look. It’s no secret consumers have become more conscious of environmental sustainability while at the same time keeping an eye on elevated packaging design.
It’s true. We are in a “throwaway culture” and people looking for a change. They want to live a low-waste lifestyle. Mintel forecasts a focus on package innovations that extend food freshness, while preserving ingredient fortification.
2. Repackage
As more and more consumers embrace online shopping, packaging will play a pivotal role in brands’ and consumers’ e-commerce experiences.
Perhaps the most interesting trend Mintel projects, is that packaging will be increasingly designed with e-commerce in mind. Online shopping is becoming more and more widespread and has hit unprecedented numbers. According to eMarketer, e-commerce sales are forecast to reach $4 trillion globally by 2020, representing nearly 15% of total global retail sales.
Consumers appreciate this convenience, but expect to be “wowed” once the product arrives on their doorstep. Today, it is seen as part of the experience. The right packaging can elevate a brand to new levels, but the wrong packaging can lead to a disappointing interaction. This means creating packaging that looks good online and is hardy enough to withstand transit is a must.
“Now is the time for brands to consider how packaging can alleviate, if not eliminate, consumer frustration with over-packaged and even under-branded goods sold online.” The Mintel report said.
3. Clean Label 2.0
Aiming for packaging designs that enlighten consumers’ purchase decisions, brands will reject approaches that offer too much or too little as they can leave shoppers more confused than informed.
Have you ever looked at the back of a package and felt overloaded with information? According to Mintel, 39% of French consumers feel that excessive information can make it hard to trust a brand. The challenge for most brands, will be how to effectively walk the line between not enough and just enough of what is needed for consumers to make a confident purchasing decision.
The report recommends brands “bring the next generation of clean label to packaging design to provide a moment of calm and clarity for shoppers in an increasingly hectic environment.”
4. Sea Change
Plastic packaging adrift in the world’s oceans will become the catalyst driving brands to rethink packaging in a context consumers can understand and act upon.
On average, it takes 450 years for a plastic bottle to biodegrade (some types will even take 1,000 years) and estimates by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation revealed that by 2050, there will be more plastics in the ocean than fish. Harsh realities, we know.
It seems only logical that we are seeing a rise in recycled packaging and a ban of certain types of plastic. Concerns over safe packaging disposal are escalating, but by committing to the use of recyclable materials, a brand can change their customer’s perception and make an impact they will approve of.
5. Renavigate
Brands will look to contemporary packaging formats to help reinvigorate the center-of-store aisles less visited by younger consumers.
You’ve all heard the grocery store advice when trying live a healthy lifestyle, to “shop the periphery”. This points in the direction of the fresh and chilled aisles and keeps shoppers out of the center isles where the processed products live.
This declining interest in those middle isle products has created a trend in packaging design. One that uses unique shapes, transparent materials and modern, creative visuals. Anything that will draw people — especially millennials — back in.
The New CompanyBox: The 5 Changes We Made
When we first started CompanyBox we had big dreams. We wanted people to visit us to make their own brands better. We saw a huge open space on the side of boxes and knew we could help fill that space with color, logos and brand information. Think about it. The first experience someone has with a product is the outside packaging. What a huge opportunity to make an impact!
Our startup website launched in 2016 and we loved it. Loved seeing the unique companies out there, both big and small who reached out to us for custom boxes. We loved hearing success stories- those business benefited when they put more time into their brand.
Along the way, we were taking notes. Notes on how to improve, what additional features our customers were looking for and how fast our orders were processed, printed and then delivered. You know the saying “You cannot grow unless you’re willing to change”- well, we are ready and willing.
After listening to our customers and compiling all our notes, we decided to make some changes. Here are the 5 things CompanyBox recently did to improve our business, and more importantly, improve your customer experience.
1. Fresh, new look with improved design tools.
Even though you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, it’s clear a lot can be said by first impressions. We wanted each visit to our site to be easy to navigate. It was important every page was colorful, informative and inspiring. And while the old site worked perfectly well, it was obvious we needed to hit the refresh button.
So, we added more photos, more guidelines, and streamlined the customer process adding in a chat line for quicker response time. We also made sure to improve our 3D preview for you the designer. Now you can see your rendering in a larger size and at a faster rate.
2. New product!
Custom boxes aren’t just for shipping and displays. We wanted to start thinking outside the box (pun intended). Think about the last time you were at a festival or event. Can you remember what the trash containers looked like? Probably not. They normally aren’t something that makes a lasting impression.
Trash/recycling containers are no different than billboards. They both have a space where hundreds or thousands of people pass by. It’s a space to be highlighted, not ignored. Now imagine if you saw something like this.
Here is a chance to grab some attention. Our new Event Trash Boxes are just like small billboards. With a few differences- these are billboards that not only advertise, but serve a function (collection!) and have four sides (not two!).
Each of the four sides can be printed differently or split to promote an event/company on top and then highlight the sponsor on the bottom.
And don’t forget about the top- our event boxes includes customizable lids to designate different waste collection options (waste, recyclable plastic, bottles, et cetera).
Psst…. they are 100% recyclable and have an option of eco-friendly liners too!
3. Custom Samples
This was a big one. In fact, it was our number one request from you. And we understood the need. You wanted to see your design and be able to inspect it before hitting that button to order more.
Now it’s possible. For one set price, you can now choose your size and style, create your design and print in as many colors as you want. Then we’ll mail it to your doorstep for final approval.
4. New shipping options and better cost estimation
Did you know we print everything in-house? We never outsource, which means we don’t need to add hidden costs for shipping or product pricing. Now included is a smart shipper that knows whether you need to ship regular FedEx or freight depending on how much you are ordering.
How about if you live close to our warehouse or want to send your own truck? CompanyBox is now offering customer pickup as a free option.
5. New printers. New building.
We are so excited for this one. Picture us jumping up and down, giving high fives. Our goal has always been to embrace technology and bring a higher level of quality to our customers. That’s why we’ve purchased new printers for our production facility. Coming in the summer of 2018, the HP PageWide C500 Press has the ability to print boxes at a faster rate with even better quality than our current printer. How much can it print? How about a semi-truck load every hour!
To accommodate our new printers along with our growing business, we are opening a larger facility. CompanyBox is setting the bar high- bringing in the most up-to-date printing and cutting equipment in the industry. Slated to be ready by the beginning of February 2018, it will further optimize the relation between speed, efficiency and a quality product.
Our mission is to continually and seamlessly integrate changes to CompanyBox. These are the most recent updates we have made, but know that we are far from being finished. We never want to stop improving. Never want to stop doing something new. That’s a motto to live by.
Customer Feature: The Boy Box
There is a great podcast from NPR called How I Built This. It focuses on innovators and entrepreneurs and the story behind the successful businesses they have created. If you want to be inspired and have a chance, give it a listen.
One question the host, Guy Raz always asks is “how much of your success is from luck?”. Some people credit their luck, but most attribute their booming business to hard work and dedication.
Have you ever thought about what traits make an entrepreneur? Or what makes a successful business? It can’t just be luck-
The Huffington Post published a blog article back in 2016 entitled, What Makes a ‘Good’ Entrepreneur? The author points to words like Creativity, Passion, Tenacity, Flexibility and Focus. And this article by Forbes in 2015 says entrepreneurs have a greater capacity for pain and discomfort than most. They can stay up later, work longer hours, and stay more focused.
Regardless of what the secret sauce is, we love working with all the entrepreneurs who come to us for help with building their brand. It is so fun for us to hear people’s stories and see what they are working on—knowing they are determined to make their business work and stand out among the crowd.
The Boy Box is one such business. The owner, Elizabeth started out with an idea and worked hard to turn it into a startup company. She answered a few questions for us… AND *BONUS!* keep reading to find a special offer!
What was the inspiration for creating your business? How did you get started?
I grew up in an entrepreneurial family and have always wanted to start my own business, but needed the right concept to inspire me to take the leap. Being a mother of three boys I have always been disappointed trying to find adorable, stylish, yet practical outfits for them. It is difficult to find a complete outfit with matching accessories like hats, scarves and bow ties. I decided to take matters into my own hands and use my eye for design, creative and organizational skills to set out to create boxed sets of clothing that make shopping and coordinating stylish outfits for boys a breeze. After months of sourcing the best platform, products, and manufacturers …the Boy Box as born.
We love the look of your clothing! Take us through the process of creating a new collection.
We design and manufacture all our own items exclusively for The Boy Box. Kids play hard, so I aim to create boxes that are not only adorable, but practical too. Our items are worn, washed and played in several times by my own children to insure the highest comfort and quality. Usually an outfit comes about by finding a fabric I love and I take it from there. Although our demographic is boys, many of our items are gender neutral. We try to avoid your typical football or truck graphics and silly slogans like, “Mommy’s Little Linebacker.”
What is the hardest aspect of running your business?
The hardest part of running The Boy Box is finding balance between being a business owner and a Mom. Previous to The Boy Box, I was a stay at home Mom and devoted 100% of my time to my boys. Now they are in school aged, but I still have to work hard at scheduling my day to be sure business is running smoothly and that I am able spend quality time with the family.
What is your favorite part of running your business?
I love nothing more than seeing a customer post a picture on social media of their child in one of our items. They are always adorable!
How would you rate your overall experience with CompanyBox?
I give CompanyBox a 10! I worked with Chad during the design and order process. He was fantastic and very patient. He helped me work through some issues that I had with my graphic designer and made sure everything was perfect for me. The shipping was fast and the quality is top notch. I LOVE our boxes.
If you know a little boy in your life who could use The Boy Box, Elizabeth is offering 25% off your first box with the code COMPANYBOX (P.S. Many items are gender neutral, so they even work for girls!) Visit theboybox.com to see more.
And don’t forget to visit CompanyBox to start building your box and your brand!
Customer Feature: Twig New York
Have you ever looked around and found inspiration in the simple things? A twig? A flower? Or just the soil beneath your feet? It’s so easy to brush past nature and not really look at its beauty. But, imagine being inspired by one simple thing and turning it into a business.
That is just what Jackie Kim did a few years ago. And that, my friends, is how Twig New York began. Jackie and her talented team design and create stunning tableware and dinnerware collections that is anything but ordinary.
Just as a musician composes raw musical notes into a ballad, an artist such as those working at Twig New York design products that begin as natural soil and are later formed into stunning ceramics. You have all seen basic plates and platters in stores. Twig New York is not basic. Not even close.
We had the pleasure of working with Jackie to print a few box styles for her lifestyle design brand.
What was the inspiration for creating your business? How did you get started?
I was born into a family that dedicated their whole lives to tableware. With a rich history of over 70 years, our parent company is known through its several brands for the manufacturing of only the highest quality bone china. Growing up in such a family, I was always intrigued by the ceramics we produced, and the way natural soil is transformed into beautiful pieces of art which we use in our everyday lives. From a young age I found myself doodling my own design ideas in countless notepads. I believe ordinary moments are the most beautiful parts of our lives. I believe small things do make a big difference. And naturally, a few years ago, I decided to create and develop items that can brighten our everyday lives.
Your products are beautiful! Take us through the process of creating a new collection.
Currently, our collections are divided into two parts: artist collaborations and in-house designs. Artist collaborations are between Twig NY and several up and coming artists. We work very closely with these artists rather than just recycling existing patterns, and a lot of discussion and thoughts are exchanged when creating new collections. All of our in-house designs are designed in our Twig NY studio in New York City. Although we started our brand with tableware/dinnerware collections, we are now expanding into table fabrics, stationery, and other unique gift products focused on quality and design.
Would you share one of your secrets for success?
I can’t say we are a success just yet, since we only started selling our products about 2 years ago! However, we put a big emphasis on maintaining the momentum we’ve been lucky enough to have by continuously building the brand and developing new items.
I believe that great ideas come from the unexpected situations, and I enjoy the freedom and unpredictability that comes from an unplanned schedule. I constantly remind myself to be thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given, and I genuinely enjoy what I do. And lastly, I have to mention the importance of being patient and focused, as there are so many day-to-day issues and stresses when operating a small business.
How would you rate your overall experience with CompanyBox?
Currently, our collections are divided into two parts: artist collaborations and in-house designs. Artist collaborations are between Twig NY and several up and coming artists. We work very closely with these artists rather than just recycling existing patterns, and a lot of discussion and thoughts are exchanged when creating new collections. All of our in-house designs are designed in our Twig NY studio in New York City. Although we started our brand with tableware/dinnerware collections, we are now expanding into table fabrics, stationery, and other unique gift products focused on quality and design.
Overall we are very satisfied with our experience. CompanyBox will play a big role for us as we move forward with our development of new items. As a design-focused brand, having great packaging is very important, as well as sourcing them at the proper prices with a smooth process. The most amazing part of CompanyBox is that we can easily see the quotes and designs on their website, and that they are easily adjustable to suit our needs.
Like what you see? There is SO much more than we’ve pictured. Visit twigny.com to see more! And check out CompanyBox to start building your own brand and box!
5 Packaging Design Trends You Need To Know About
When you think of the way people dressed in the 60’s, does an image come to mind? How about the 80’s? It’s easy to picture fashion trends from past and present, but can you do the same with packaging trends?
Just as in fashion, packaging trends come and go. It’s a cycle we are all familiar with, but many may not think to look around at the grocery store or mall for what’s trending in packaging. It’s important these designs stay fresh and relatable to draw a consumer’s eye. And if you are a business owner who relies on packaging for your product, it’s helpful to know what is currently working and why.
Packaging is no longer simply about packaging the object—with social media everywhere, it is also about the unboxing experience and art directing. Many designers start their process knowing they are not just creating a box or bag, they are creating a worthy image.
So here we are. Let’s talk trends. Keep reading for 5 current packaging design trends you can count on.
1. Add a Pattern
In a world where over-the-top design is commonplace, designers are using familiar shapes, colors and patterns. The idea of repetitive shapes might seem simple, but the technique can be powerful and compelling when used correctly.
Repeating a visual illustration that captures the meaning of a brand sends a strong message. Whether your brand is bold and dynamic or whimsical and spirited, patterning your package can create a strong identity the customer is sure to remember.
2. Keep It Simple
Look around you and you’ll see more and more packaging with large text, simple spelling and a straightforward message. Designers now know that packages are billboard-like advertisements. Thus, the benefit of a simple, clear message in large bold letters gets repeated with every new viewer.
And in an oh, so crowded world, simplicity can appeal to the overwhelmed customer buried under a mountain of choice. Please know, simple does not have to come across as lazy or incomplete. Quite the opposite, it can be seen as honest, refreshing and trustworthy.
3. Use Hand Lettering
Now is the time to rebel against the sleek, cold environment where many packages live. Hand lettering is no longer hiding; no longer apologizing for not being perfect. This trend proudly embraces those imperfections.
Hand lettering is an old idea, resurrected to fit present-day applications. It’s really a beautiful connection between design and words. A way to make the words on your package a whimsical piece of art and evoke emotions. The reason so many designers are attracted to hand lettering is easy to see.
4. Incorporate Bright Colors
It’s no secret color can affect moods, feelings and emotions. Artists and interior designers have had a longtime understanding of this powerful communication tool.
Now, we are starting to see that packaging is following suit. When it comes to the communication function of packaging, color is one of the most significant elements for attracting customers. And lately we’ve noticed designers put color to work in new and exciting ways. Bright colors are beginning to make a scene.
Interested in finding out which color is best for your branded package? We searched around for the types of feelings colors can evoke. Experts says the colors you choose can send a subliminal message to inspire any potential customer to buy your product. If you’re torn between the best color for your packaging, consider combining a few!
- Blue: confidence, success and reliability
- Green: environmental friendliness, toughness, durability, masculinity and sustainability
- Purple: femininity, glamor and charm
- Pink: youth, imagination and fashion
- Yellow: fun, modern, original and innovative
- Red: expertise and self-assurance
- Orange: adventure, fun, affordability and uninhibited
- Turquoise: calming, inspiring and clean
- Black: power, mystery, elegance
- White: cleanliness, purity, and simplicity
- Brown: wholesome, organic, safety, and comfort
5. Create a Fusion of Old & New
This trend is built to be reminiscent of simpler times when designs were detail-oriented and hand made. It brings back memories of techniques like calligraphy, letterpress and foiling.
The key to a vintage design is to find a balance. How to evoke nostalgia while maintaining a sharp and modern look at the same time? Try printing on Kraft boxes using ornate lettering in a minimal retro color palette.
So here’s to trying new packaging designs. Variety is the spice of life, right? Maybe it’s time to shake things up a little and add a new design to your box!
Customer Feature: Sparkle Hustle Grow
Fact: Almost 47 percent of US workers are women. If you’re a woman- go you!
Each year on March 8, International Women’s Day is celebrated in recognition of the strength and movement for women’s rights. The UN chooses a theme every year with 2017 being “Women in the Changing World of Work”. What a perfect lead-in to our customer feature today.
Enter Sparkle Hustle Grow, a subscription box for female entrepreneurs. Featured in Buzzfeed as 1 of 23 Subscription Boxes That Will Make 2017 the Best Year Ever, this box comes packed with items to inspire and help a business grow.
The owner and founder, Julie Ball even offers her subscribers a monthly online course or tutorial along with access to a private Facebook group for additional collaboration and training.
We wanted to know more about what makes this business tick, so Julie graciously gave us a peek at what she does.
What was the inspiration for creating your business?
I work from home and sometimes feel like I’m on an island. I wanted to create a community of other female entrepreneurs so we know that we’re not in it alone. The community’s common ground is that we are all business owners who want to constantly learn and implement new tactics to help grow their business…and have fun while doing it!
Who is your ideal customer and what is your hope for them after receiving a Sparkle Hustle Grow box?
My ideal customer is a female entrepreneur who wants to learn, participate in community and is willing to invest in a tool to help them their grow their business.
Why did you choose to create a custom shipping box for your company?
My audience is very visual. We like beautiful things. The design is meant to delight the customer when they see it, especially because it stands out from the rest of their mail.
We love that you even offer an online course or tutorial each month! How do you come up with ideas for the box and these courses?
When I was brainstorming my idea, I looked back at my own business expenses. I found that I was spending money on tools, office supplies and online courses. So this box is a monthly delivery of all 3!
What is your favorite part of running your business?
My favorite part is definitely interacting with the community in our private Facebook group for subscribers. They are so inspiring and supportive to both me and the other group members.
Interested in trying out Sparkle Hustle Grow? Click here to receive $5 off your first month! And if you’re looking for a way to delight your own customers, visit CompanyBox to get started.
Psst..Check out the infographic below for more awesome fist pumping facts on women-owned businesses.
Customer Feature: All Girl Shave Club
We at CompanyBox feel it is important to promote the great people and businesses we work with. We are happy to add a new category to our blog posts entitled “Customer Feature”, where we plan to highlight some of these companies and dive deeper into what it is they do. So without further ado, read on for our first customer feature.
Take a second to think about shaving. For some, it’s an every-day-something-I-need-to-get-done type of chore. Jessica Principe, the founder of All Girl Shave Club (and her supportive husband TJ) see it as a way to pamper yourself. Her subscription company will send a monthly box right to your front doorstep filled with goodies to make even the most rueful shaver get excited about shaving. Read more about why subscription companies like Jessica’s are doing so well here.
CompanyBox teamed up with All Girl Shave Club to create the perfect packaging for their monthly treats. Jessica explains more about her company:
We love the idea of All Girl Shave Club. What was your inspiration?
As a busy, working mom, I always found shaving to be such a chore. I never enjoyed the process and didn’t have time to seek out products that would make it easier or more fun. I kept thinking that since this was such a pain point for myself, it must be for other women too. I wanted to create a business around something that I believed in and that I knew would help others. I love the subscription business model and it just kind of grew organically from there. Once I started doing research (months and months of research!) I felt like it was the right path for me to take.
The success of the company has since spurred on thousands of entrepreneurs to follow suit offering their customers an opportunity to receive products or experiences they would have a hard time finding on their own.
What is included in one box?
I knew I wanted to include multiple subscription options. While I wanted to include a package that was strictly razors only, I also wanted to be able to offer unique, specialty shaving and body products in other packages for women like me – who didn’t have time to seek these things out, but who wanted a way to turn the chore of shaving into a little luxury infused timeout!
Therefore, we have two different packages currently, one is for razors only. With that package, the member receives 6 razor refills/replenishments every 2 months. With the second package, we call those our discovery packages, the member receives 8 razor refills/replenishments as well as 2-3 unique, specialty shaving and/or body products. We’re getting ready to add a third, which will include razors and our signature whipped shave butter as sort of a middle option. In addition to the subscription packages, we also sell one time “sample packages” in our online shop for those that want to try before subscribing.
What advantages do you see with subscription services in eCommerce?
I think subscription services just make sense. It’s a wonderful benefit for the consumer – they can receive their products on an automatic schedule saving them time and money. There are so many different types of subscription services, you can sign up for virtually anything this way and it’s awesome! I think the obvious benefit to the business is the recurring revenue and being able to better plan inventory.
What is your hope for the women who purchase an All Girl Shave Club subscription?
I truly hope that they will find more enjoyment in the process of shaving and that they will reap the benefits of what a few minutes of “me time” has on their lives. I know that when I take a few minutes for self care, I feel better about myself and in turn, I’m happier. Shaving doesn’t have to be a chore; it can be the 5 minutes of self care that every woman deserves….especially when using fun products! I believe that All Girl Shave Club offers the products to be able to achieve that.
What is the hardest aspect of running your business?
The hardest part of running the business is trying to set aside my constant struggle of being a perfectionist! There are about a million decisions that need to be made every day and sometimes I need to make them quickly and resist the urge to second guess myself. In situations where there isn’t a lot of time to make a certain decision, I just do my best to think about my customers first and trust that in doing that, everything will fall into place.
How would you rate your overall experience with CompanyBox?
Working with CompanyBox was awesome! I continue to refer colleagues to CompanyBox for their box solutions. Karim, Chad and Matt were all super helpful, friendly and quick to respond. The boxes are really great, especially for the price. It’s unheard of to have the inside of the box standard white, most are standard kraft and then those companies charge an enormous up charge for the white interior. That was one of the biggest selling points for me. The boxes are of high quality and the colors printed beautifully.
Visit All Girl Shave Club to order your first subscription.
Why Subscription Box Companies Are Booming
The subscription box business has taken the internet by storm. You can find a monthly subscription to just about anything. Want a customized date night in? Looking for a way to make shaving fun? You can find monthly boxes for dog treats, plants, children’s books, and healthy snacks. The list could go on.
There has been a steady rise in these companies the last few years and still consumers can’t get enough.
How Did It Start?
In 2010, two Harvard Business School grads, Katia Beauchamp and Hayley Barna started their now wildly successful company BirchBox. Driven by a desire to help guide consumers through a cluttered market, they started offering a $10 box of beauty products shipped right to their customer’s doorstep. BirchBox now has over a million subscribers and 300 employees.
The success of the company has since spurred on thousands of entrepreneurs to follow suit offering their customers an opportunity to receive products or experiences they would have a hard time finding on their own.
Now you can find e-commerce platforms like Cratejoy, Lemonstand and Subbly, who help thousands of members manage their subscription businesses. Cratejoy’s website boasts 30,000 customers visit their marketplace every day.
Even though subscription box sites are considered a niche market, recent studies show these online retailers have grown nearly 3,000% in the past three years. That’s a lot of boxes packed up and shipped out.
Why Do People Like Subscription Services So Much?
Discover Awaits
People love receiving a surprise. The subscription box is all about bringing back an element of discovery and surprise. It is like receiving a care package. And most customers are comfortable spending a little money on a recurring basis for the excitement of getting something new in the mail.
Pure Convenience
We all know life gets busy. A subscription offers a way around the tedious work of finding a new product. It essentially does the work of the buyer, which is one of the greatest values you can offer.
In a time where most people have the Amazon mind set (I know what I want, and I need it here fast), they are less likely to discover new things they may like. Subscription companies are the perfect complement to this. (I want to try something new, but I don’t have time to find it.)
Avoid Sensory Overload
The owners of these companies are most often focusing in on one type of product or one type of experience. They have the chance to curate interesting and useful products their customers could not find on their own. BirchBox owners, Beauchamp and Barna knew that women didn’t want to dig around in the beauty product isles, and voila, a business was born.
As the trend continues, we see subscription businesses are not going away anytime soon. They’ve got us hooked. Perhaps my favorite aspect of this is e-commerce model is that it allows small businesses to thrive. In this article, the founder of Cratejoy Amir Elaguizy is quoted:
“It allows people who could not otherwise run a business the opportunity to do so. That’s the real story when it comes to subscriptions; it’s not all about the Birchboxes of the world. Nobody can take that business from them as long as they keep their subscribers happy every month. Amazon can’t reach in and compete for those subscribers.”
Want to make your subscription business stand out? Visit CompanyBox to learn how.
3 Reasons Custom Packaging Can Help your Online Business Grow
There has been a major shift in how people make purchases. If you don’t believe that, drive down your street and count how many packages are sitting on your neighbor’s front steps.
Today, 79% of Americans shop online, according to a Pew Research Center study. And while products have always relied on packaging, this shift is making packaging part of the customer experience. A huge part.
Think about it, if your customer is buying online, they don’t get an in-store experience of handling your product. They have no connection to it. After ordering, the first thing they see, the first thing they touch- is the packaging. That box is an extension of your brand directly into their hands.
So what does this mean for you? We have outlined 3 reasons custom packaging is important and how it can make your online business grow.
1. Give Value
Let’s go back again to that word “experience”. Picture yourself opening a birthday gift. It is wrapped beautifully with perfect creases and a large bow. It just feels special. What if it were wrapped in a brown paper bag? Would it feel any different to unwrap it?
A study by Dotcom Distribution found 61% of online shoppers think pretty packaging makes a brand look “upscale”. A branded package can leave a lasting memory or be forgettable and tossed aside. How do you want this experience to go? And really, what is the point of having a brand if the customer is unaware of it?
It’s referred to as The Unboxing Experience. That experience has a profound effect on your brand. In fact, 52% of consumers are likely to make repeat purchases from an online merchant that delivers premium packaging and 4 in 10 are more likely to recommend a product to a friend based solely on branded packaging. (Dotcom Distribution)
2. Advertise, Advertise
We live in a world where social media is at the fingertips of every consumer. Pictures are taken and posted of stunning landscapes, beautifully decorated homes and even delicious looking meals. Taking a picture of a unique box is no different. This means that if done right, your brand is likely to take on a social life of its own.
The same Dotcom study found that “4 in 10 consumers would share a picture of an online order via social media if it came in a unique, branded or gift-like box. And with 1.87 billion monthly active users on Facebook and 600 million on Instagram that gives you a lot of potential eyes on your brand.
3. Millennials Mean Business
The 18-34 age group referred to as Millennials is now making 54% of its purchases online. If a company can attract this major buying group, they will see a rise in sales.
Millennials have grown up in a time of rapid change with an affinity for technology. So what does this generation expect? How do you get their attention?
We see the plain, brown box everywhere we go. Millennials want something different. Instead of a mass, one-size- fits-all approach, they want unique packaging that allows them to feel that they have purchased a product tailored to their personal needs.
Bottom line? Don’t be basic. Millennials gravitate towards customized packaging that is just as unique as they are. And when that branded box arrives on their doorstep, it will make them feel special and they will mostly likely take a picture of it and post it on social media. Which bring us full circle.
Visit CompanyBox to build your brand today.