We’re not exaggerating when we say the modern beauty and wellness marketplaces are jam packed with options. And good options, too! It’s no longer good enough to come up with a cool product and get it on shelves, hoping your customer sees what they’re looking for. Instead, it’s essential to go above and beyond with packaging, making your product stand out from the competition—literally—to make the impact your business needs.

But going above and beyond requires strategy—and even big brands make mistakes. Here’s what we see happen, and how you can do better.

Favoring Form Over FunctionOr, not thinking they can do both. When you work hard to create a special product that performs well, a primary package that keeps that product in peak form is essential. Some brands may opt for a stock package, or a package that looks cool, at the expense of their actual formula. For example, we know Vitamin C is only shelf stable if protected from exposure to light and air—so stock dropper packaging is a terrible option when it comes to maintaining product quality. Instead, our experts can suggest options (stock or custom) to keep your product fresh and efficacious, while still creating that unique look your customers crave.

Overlooking the DetailsCustomers today are practically brand experts themselves—at least in the way they perceive what’s being sold to them. Often, we see brands opt for a stock package that they think is “close enough” to their brand identity, instead of splurging for custom. While this may be okay in start up stages, once your brand is established, it diminishes credibility and cheapens your brand’s identity due to a lack of consistency, and perceived lack of attention to detail. When you partner with The DPS, going custom becomes more accessible due to lower MQLs— so don’t write off the splurge!

Not Taking Sustainability Seriously Did you know products that are marketed as sustainable have the potential to grow almost 3x faster than those that are not? The demand for sustainability is extremely clear; it’s not just something that’s nice to have—it’s essential for business success, especially if your formulas themselves are clean and green. Packaging is a key continuation and representation of your brand values, so if you tout environmental care, packaging isn’t a place to cut corners. We can help you find options that fit within your budget—and ensure you practice what you preach.

Forgetting Your Customer’s Use CaseSimilar to choosing form over function, its evident that sometimes, brands forget to consider how their product is actually going to function in the real world. For example, if you have a product that belongs in the shower, but doesn’t stand on its own or stay put on a slippery surface, that creates a huge annoyance for your customer. Also, if your product won’t stand up on a shelf because you opted for a statement-making rounded bottom, sometimes the level of individuality simply isn’t worth it. Our product strategy experts will help you think through the way your product will be used, so any potential pain points are eliminated along the way.

Being Afraid to Think BiggerDon’t let your own beliefs about budget and possibilities hold you back from being imaginative and innovative. When it comes to packaging, formulations, and merch, the possibilities are truly endless—especially with our experts on your side. If you’re held back believing you won’t meet quantity minimums to create something custom, or can’t afford that special ingredient, don’t be so sure. Taking that extra step to make your product truly special can make a big difference—and we exist to make it happen.

And one final thought:You don’t have to be a big brand to step up your packaging and stand out. Our team is here to work within your budget to bring your vision to life. Your brand—and your customers—deserve it.