Custom Packaging vs. Stock Packaging: Key Differences Explained
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Custom Packaging vs. Stock Packaging – What's the Difference?

Choosing the perfect packaging solution can be difficult, especially if you don’t know the difference between custom and stock packaging.

Joe Root
Joe Root

Last Updated: 2024-Dec-20

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While custom packaging is a bit more expensive than stock packaging, it certainly has more to offer too. If you are looking for luxury brand packaging and don’t know what is the difference between custom and stock packaging? or which type will suit your business; we are here to help. 

n this blog, we will take a closer look into custom vs. stock packaging. We will also discuss the benefits of custom packaging and the drawbacks of stock packaging to help you figure out when to use each packaging type. So, let’s get started.

Stock Packaging - A Simple & Ready-To-Use Solution

Stock packaging is actually quite simple. It is a ready-to-use, standard-sized packaging option and is typically designed using a one-size-fits-all strategy. So, think of it as a universal packaging option that comes in very few styles and sizes. Unlike custom packaging, you cannot make custom changes to these boxes. They are usually printed in one color and cannot be customized with lots of branding elements. However, these boxes are the best option for brands that need cheaper packaging solutions in bulk.

Custom Packaging - Designed For A Better Brand Identity

Custom packaging is the complete opposite of stock packaging. If you are wondering, “Why do luxury brands prefer custom packaging?” the answer is simple. These boxes are specifically tailored to meet the requirements of the brand and its products. You can customize them to the exact size, shape, and style of the product and create luxury packaging solutions that stand out.

Custom packaging for premium products offers a lot of versatility, including shape, style, size, material, and much more. Customized boxes not only improve the visual appeal of the product and customer experience but also strengthen brand identity. Now that we know the basic difference between custom packaging vs. stock packaging, let’s look into when brands should use each one.

Stock Packaging Vs. Custom Packaging: When To Use It?

While stock packaging is cheaper than custom packaging, both packaging options for luxury brands serve a special purpose. Custom packaging boxes offer a bespoke packaging and unboxing experience, whereas stock packaging boxes do not. Here is a more detailed comparison of the two packaging styles to help you out.

    
Stock Packaging Custom Packaging

Ideal for online or retail shipping, stock packaging provides excellent product safety and is a much cheaper option if you are on a tight budget. You can choose these boxes when you need more budget to invest in development ventures.

If you are a luxury brand looking to enhance your customer experience, then custom packaging solutions are perfect for you. High-end custom packaging is ideal for delicate and expensive products as they are versatile and easy to customize.
If you are looking for a more affordable alternative to custom printed luxury brand packaging, then stock boxes are perfect for you. They are ideal as subscription boxes and generic packaging, which saves hefty shipping costs. Custom packaging protects the products from damage and saves additional packaging costs by offering a secure fit for the products. If you ship luxury products in stock packaging, you will need extra materials like packaging peanuts or bubble wrapping sheets.
If you want a shorter and quicker supply chain, stick with stock packaging boxes. They are easy to ship and deliver. They also offer shorter lead times and you can get your boxes quicker as compared to customized ones. This also speeds up your delivery time. High-end custom packaging also serves as a powerful marketing tool. They feature logo, tagline, and other branding details and effortlessly tell customers about your brand values. So, investing in custom packaging for premium products is actually a smart idea.

Now, let’s look into the pros and cons of stock packaging for premium brands and find out whether custom packaging is a good fit for you or not.

Stock Packaging Vs. Custom Packaging: The Advantages

Like everything else, both stock and custom packaging have their advantages and disadvantages. However, the benefits of custom packaging for luxury products do exceed those of stock packaging boxes. If you are thinking, why choose custom packaging for your brand? Let me help you find out.

Stock Packaging Custom Packaging
Stock packaging is simple and pretty much standardized. These boxes are easy to assemble, store, and ship. They are cheaper than custom boxes, which cuts costs drastically. Custom packaging offers lots of customization options. You can design the box however you like and stand out from the competition, which brings higher sales and better brand recognition.
Standard packaging for premium brands offers amazing durability and comes in pre-designed shapes and sizes. So, you can easily choose a size that fits your product. Custom packaging allows you to pick and choose everything about your product box. You can use premium materials and add custom inserts to get a secure fit and prevent damage.
Since stock packaging is pre-designed in bulk, the companies offer shorter lead times. Despite their uniform appearance, you can still make a few changes to your boxes like adding logos or color schemes. Custom packaging for luxury brands helps in more ways than one. It works as a silent brand ambassador and stands out. It improves customer experience, boosts brand image, and increases sales.

 

Stock Packaging Vs. Custom Packaging: The Disadvantages

Just like both types of packaging styles offer their own benefits, they also have drawbacks. Although custom packaging has more to offer, it also has its cons. Want to find out what are the disadvantages of stock packaging? Let’s have a look.

Stock Packaging Custom Packaging
Stock packaging has a bland packaging experience that fails to create a sense of excitement in customers, unlike custom boxes. Custom packaging boxes take longer to be ready as they are made on demand to suit a specific product.
Stock boxes are made in bulk, so companies often use low-quality materials to make them compared to custom boxes. That is why they are available at low prices. Since these boxes are made using modern custom packaging designs, they are more expensive than stock boxes. In addition to that, the materials used in these boxes are also high-quality, which raises the price tag.
Unlike custom packaging, stock boxes do not offer a bespoke shopping and unboxing experience that is worthy of social media reviews. Custom packaging is all about memorable unboxing that makes customers feel special. These boxes can be made in bulk or in any quantity.

Stock Packaging Vs. Custom Packaging: Finding The Right Fit For Your Brand

Have you figured out which packaging is better for luxury brands? Now that you have a clear understanding of the difference between stock packaging and custom packaging, making a decision might seem easier.

As a business, you should focus on your agenda. If it is money you need to save, then stock packaging is perfect for you. However, if you want to stand out from the competition and improve your brand value, then you need customized packaging boxes.

You can also look for eco-friendly stock packaging solutions that impress modern customers. Recyclable packaging is one of the most innovative packaging options for luxury products nowadays. So, you can still make a lasting impression and save money.

Wrapping Up

Having a unique packaging box definitely gives you an edge over the competitors. As compared to stock packaging, custom packaging is versatile and designed to improve customer experience and boost brand loyalty. However, there is another critical aspect you must consider. And that is choosing the right packaging partner like We Customize Boxes. WCB provides a wide range of packaging solutions, including custom boxes and some of the best stock packaging for luxury brands. We are the leading packaging supplier for customized luxury boxes in the industry. In addition to endless customization options, we offer custom packaging at wholesale rates with free shipping in the US. So, are you ready to invest in custom solutions? Browse our luxury custom packaging collection and give us a call.

 If you are new to all this, finding a good packaging partner may seem challenging. Fret not! We have a complete guide on how to choose the best packaging company that can help.

Joe Root

About the Author

Joe Root

Joe Root is a professional writer and brand strategist at We Customize Boxes who is based in USA. With a background in writing and journalism, Joe entered the manufacturing industry 6 years ago to explore her unique passion for beautifully conceptualized packaging.