Why You Need Shelf Ready Packaging
Over recent years, shelf-ready packaging has become an increasingly popular choice for companies to use, both for shipping and presenting their products. If you haven’t heard of the term before, shelf-ready packaging (SRP) is a kind of box made mainly from cardboard that serves two main purposes. It acts as the box used to send and carry products, then once opened, it can be folded or set up to become a display or stand, so the product can be put directly on the shelf for customers to see.
Instead of unpacking each product and arranging them by hand, the shop workers can just place the packaging on the shelf or quickly remove the perforated outer layer to show the products inside. This means a company or manufacturer can have complete control over the presentation of its products, as they don’t have to rely on anyone else’s layout skills to display them.
What Is Shelf Ready Packaging?
Shelf-ready packaging, which can often be referred to as retail-ready packaging, is, in most cases, a specially made style of box packaging made to go straight from transport and storage onto shop shelves. They are most commonly used for cosmetics, bulk food and drinks, toys, and smaller home decor products to help display a large number of products in a uniform way.
Besides the company producing the product, SRP can also benefit customers and the shops where the products are being sold. As you may know from speaking to retailers, they often prefer packaging that helps restock shelves more quickly and catches customers’ attention immediately to encourage their own sales. At the same time, shoppers often decide what to buy in a few seconds, mainly based on how the product looks, if brand loyalty isn’t involved, so it is important for the packaging to uplift the product.
But how do you judge what is good and what is bad shelf-ready packaging? Walmart has created the ‘Five Easies’ of SRP, which are a good metric to follow when a company begins creating its own packaging. In the SRP conception process, you need to ask yourself, is it…
- Easy to identify
- Easy to open
- Easy to stock
- Easy to shop
- Easy to dispose of or recycle
What Is The Appeal Of Shelf Ready Packaging?
As you will have seen as a consumer yourself, retail spaces are more competitive than ever before. Shoppers are faced with an increasing number of product choices, and brands are constantly trying to find a different way to catch the customer’s eye on the shelves. But, shelf-ready packaging can help to solve several of these problems at once.
Better Shelf Presence
Packaging is usually the first thing customers see when they come across your brand in person. That is why the support of eye-catching packaging is so important, as it helps a company’s products stand out on the shop shelves and is essential for a good first impression.
Consistent Brand Look
Rather than relying on each individual retailer to present a product in the right, cohesive way, SRP allows the company to fully control how each product greets the customer. Also, because the transit and display packaging are the same, the full branding is front and centre at every point of its journey.
Less Waste
Because the shipping, packaging and display packaging are one and the same, there is no need for layers of extra packaging. Sustainability is extremely important to us here at Meridian, so anything we can do to make our industry more environmentally friendly is a priority.
There Are Also Hidden Commercial Benefits
Retailers often prefer working with suppliers who make their jobs easier. So, if a manufacturer’s packaging helps restock shelves faster and reduces waste, retailers are more likely to look into the full product roster. Shelf-ready packaging shows that a brand understands how retail works, not just how to make the product look nice.
Good shelf-ready packaging also supports the entire journey of the product. Its design can help prevent damage during transit and simplify storage at warehouses, which again adds value to a product in the eyes of your retailers.
How to Get Started With Shelf Ready Packaging
Before you start designing your packaging, you need to understand:
- Your product dimensions and how they physically fit together
- Branding goals and imagery
- Your company’s sustainability targets
- Consumer behaviour
- Logistical considerations and transport requirements
- Retail requirements
Ready To Improve Your Packaging?
Speak to the Meridian Speciality Packaging team today to discuss your next packaging project.
Or click the link below to explore our product range and see how they would fit in with your shelf-ready packaging –
https://meridianspecialitypackaging.com/product-category/all-packaging/