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Brian Pankratz

~ Let's Talk Packaging

Brian Pankratz

Tag Archives: Supplier

Reasons Why Packaging Designs Fail – Design

05 Wednesday Jun 2013

Posted by Brian Pankratz in Marketing, Packaging Design, Product Development

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advertising, Ameristar, Ameristar Award, blister pack, blog, branding, brian pankratz, brianjpankratz, cost savings, Design, designs, Display Pack, holiday packaging, Holiday packaging ideas, Innovation, Marketing, New packaging designs, packaging, packaging and containers, packaging articles, packaging assembly, packaging blog, packaging companies, packaging designs, packaging digest, packaging news, Packaging solutions, packaging supplier, packaging world, pankratz, printing, product development, Product Packaging, retail packaging, single source, Supplier, sustainability, thermoforming

Blue printThe next three posts are going to be dedicated to defining the elements on why certain packaging designs fail. If you want to get the next post sent directly to your inbox, subscribe at http://www.brianpankratz.com.

Ego Check
Before we get started talking about why some packaging designs fail, we all have to come to the realization that somewhere just under our ego is opportunity for improvement.  It’s pretty tough to admit failure, but it becomes even tougher when we don’t admit it and learn from it.  Another thing to understand is that there is a level of opinion that goes into what makes a design a failure or success.

Areas to consider
When we talk about packaging design, there are three different areas to consider; design, structure, and marketing.  We are going to talk about the design aspect in this post, and then cover structure and marketing in following posts.

Define Design
It’s important to understand what we mean when we talk about design.  The word design could have several different meanings, one could argue that the whole make-up of a products packaging could be its design.  I would like to define design as simply, how you have decided to package your product (stock clamshell, carton, blister pack, etc.)

So, let’s start with design, what factors of the overall packaging design can contribute to failure?

1. Packaging costs – Start with an understanding of what the cost of your packaging should be.  Understand what equipment is necessary to assemble each style.  There are many factors that affect the overall cost of packaging your product.  Make sure to review all of them.  Not doing this could result in higher costs and make you uncompetitive in the market.

2. Poor Protection – Packaging has multiple functions.  It needs to help sell the product, but it also has to successfully transport the product to the consumer without being damaged.  Nothing screams, “Don’t buy me,” more than damaged or worn packaging.

3. Where’s the product – Very few products should be kept out of view from the consumer.  When possible, you need to show the product.  The more creative way you can show the product, the more attention it will gain.  Hiding your product in the packaging will make it harder to locate on the shelf.

4. Easy Access/Easy Open – Know your target audience and how they use your product.  Some consumers will avoid certain products due to hard-to-open packaging.  Understand the security aspects that are required and build in easy open features when you can.

5. Lack of Creativity – There are many options for creating attention in the simplest of packaging designs.  Plain packaging designs may be overlooked and run the risk of never being found.  Understand the different design options that are available at no extra cost that can and will draw attention to achieve added sales.  There are several companies out there (including Mercury Plastics) that offer free packaging design evaluation.  Do your homework and ask questions!  Be creative!

The Goal
The goal of every packaging design is to match the needs of the consumer with the abilities of your product.  Good packaging should attract attention and then explain what makes your product unique and better than your competitors.  Not doing so can result in a level of packaging design failure that could have been avoided.

For more information on how you can creating winning packaging designs that create attention and resist failure, contact Brian Pankratz, bpankratz@mercuryplasticsinc.com.

The 4 steps to every consumer purchase – Week 3

10 Wednesday Apr 2013

Posted by Brian Pankratz in Marketing, Packaging Design, Product Development

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brian pankratz, brianjpankratz, co-packing, Design, Display Pack, Holiday packaging ideas, Innovation, Marketing, maximize profit, New packaging designs, new product, packaging, packaging and containers, packaging assembly, packaging design, Packaging solutions, packaging supplier, pankratz, printing, product development, Product Packaging, Quality, single source, Supplier, sustainability, thermoforming

Week 3Welcome to week 3!  Let’s recap…in week 1, we talked about the Scanning step, creating a package design that attracts the attention of the consumer.  In week 2, we talked about Price, making sure the consumer agrees with your price point.

Step 3:
This week we are going to talk about what happens after the consumer finds your product and then processes the price.  This step is called the Comparison step.

The Comparison Step
In the comparison step the consumer wants to make sure they have selected the best product for their money.  So, even after they find what they like and agree with your price point, the consumer will still compare their choice to make sure their selection is the right one.

It is important to know what role packaging plays in this step.  The way product is packaged can either bring additional value, or give the consumer hesitation in making a purchase.

Things To Think About…
Here are some things to think about when packaging your product:

  • Is your product the highest or lowest priced compared to your competition?
  • How does your competitor pack their product?  If in a bag, a blister pack or clamshell may offer your product a higher perceived value.
  • Does your packaging help the product stand out among the other products?
  • Is your packaging unique?
  • Are the specifications or benefits of your product clearly mentioned?

The Goal
There are many things to think about when creating packaging for products that will be compared to one another.  The goal is to design packaging for your product that has a loud but comforting voice to the consumer.

Each product is different and special consideration should be given to each product before assuming how it should be packaged.  The goal of the comparison step is to offer security to the consumer that your product is better.  Consumers aren’t afraid to spend more money if they know they are getting a better product.  How does your product compare?

For more information on creating packaging that can win the Comparison step, contact Brian Pankratz, bpankratz@mercuryplasticsinc.com.

Don’t miss a week! To get the next post in this series sent directly to your email, subscribe at, www.brianpankratz.com.

The 4 steps to every consumer purchase – Week 2

12 Tuesday Mar 2013

Posted by Brian Pankratz in Consumer Satisfaction, Marketing, Packaging Design

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brian pankratz, brianjpankratz, co-packing, cost reduction, cost savings, Design, designs, Display Pack, holiday packaging, Innovation, Marketing, maximize profit, New packaging designs, new product, packaging, packaging and containers, packaging assembly, packaging companies, packaging design, Packaging solutions, packaging supplier, pankratz, printing, product development, Product Packaging, Quality, single source, Supplier, sustainability, thermoforming

Week 2Welcome to Week 2 of “The 4 steps to every consumer purchase”. If you missed week 1, you can find it here.

Recap
When consumers shop they follow four steps before they make their purchase. Understanding the pattern and focusing on how this relates to packaging can help to sell more product, while increasing profits. In week one we talked about the first step, scanning. Consumers start the purchasing cycle by letting their eyes scan the products until one specific product wins their attention.

Step 2:
The consumer has now found a product they like, what do they do next? They look at the price.  Seems pretty straight forward, right?  Well it is…but the important thing in this step is to understand what questions the consumer asks after they see the price.

The Questions:
After the consumer views the price of the product, they ask themselves the following questions:

  1. Is the price what I expected to pay for the product?
  2. Am I getting the best product for the money?

Before the consumer looks at the price, they have an idea of what the cost should be.  So, how does packaging play a role in this step?  Simple, more affordable packaging can reduce the overall cost of the product.  The cost of your packaging can help you to be more competitive and win more sales.

There are some simple ways to get cost of out your products packaging without sacrificing quality or overall design.  Reducing the product to package ratio and using alternative recycled materials are good places to start, but there are many other ways to reduce cost.  New designs that can attract more consumers should be considered as well.

The goal is to improve each step of the process.  Creating a new design that is more attractive along with reduced costs in packaging is a great combination that will help to win the sale.

Join us next week as we learn what happens when the consumer isn’t satisfied with the price point of your product.

Don’t miss a week! To get the next post in this series sent directly to your email, subscribe at, www.brianpankratz.com.

To learn more about creating packaging designs that save you money and increase profit, contact Brian Pankratz, bpankratz@mercuryplasticsinc.com.

The 4 steps to every consumer purchase – Week 1

16 Saturday Feb 2013

Posted by Brian Pankratz in Marketing, Packaging Design, Product Development

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advertising, brian pankratz, brianjpankratz, co-packing, cost reduction, cost savings, Design, designs, Display Pack, Emotional Marketing, Holiday packaging ideas, Innovation, Marketing, New packaging designs, new product, packaging and containers, packaging companies, packaging design, Packaging solutions, packaging supplier, pankratz, printing, product development, Product Packaging, single source, Supplier, sustainability, thermoforming

Week 1So, how exactly do products get from the store shelf to the checkout?  Understanding the steps of what happens when a consumer enters the store until they reach the check out may help you to sell more product.

Over the next four weeks, I am going to break down the four steps that the average consumer takes before they make their purchase.  With every consumer there is a sequence of events that takes place before a purchase is made.  Understanding what they are and how to capitalize on them will be key if you want to sell more product.

To Clarify
There are three types of purchases: impulse, wants and needs, and predetermined.  I will be covering these later in future posts, but for now we are talking about purchases that may be impulse or wants and needs.

Week 1: Step 1 – Scanning:

The first thing consumers do when they look for product is scan.  They stand in front of the available products and their eyes scan across all of the choices they have.

During the scanning step, the consumer has an idea of what they are looking for.  The consumers eyes scan until the attention of the consumer is attracted to one product.  Unless you can get the attention of the consumer, you will most likely miss the sale.

To help get your product discovered, you must…

  • Design packaging in a way that demands the attention from the consumer and that can be easily spotted or recognized.
  • Create features in your packaging that are unique.
  • Add interactive features that draw the consumer to pick up the packaging to further inspect the product.
  • Have a clean and clear message that relates to the consumer.

The reality is, if the consumer doesn’t notice your product, they won’t be able to buy it.  Uniqueness and creativeness need to drive your packaging design.  When a consumer sees something that is new or different from what they expect to find, their attention is captured.

When consumers scan, the packaging design needs to be the connection to help them discover your product.  Creating a packaging design that helps the consumer to find your product is the first step in getting your product to the check out.  Stay tuned for Week 2: Pricing.

Don’t miss a week! To get the next post in this series sent directly to your email, subscribe at, www.brianpankratz.com.

To learn more on packaging your product so that it can be found, contact Brian Pankratz, bpankratz@mercuryplasticsinc.com.

5 Reasons You Must Shop Your Own Product

23 Wednesday Jan 2013

Posted by Brian Pankratz in Consumer Satisfaction, Marketing, Packaging Design, Product Development

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advertising, brian pankratz, brianjpankratz, cost reduction, cost savings, Design, designs, Display Pack, environment, holiday packaging, Innovation, Marketing, maximize profit, New packaging designs, new product, packaging, packaging assembly, packaging companies, packaging design, Packaging solutions, packaging supplier, printing, product development, Product Packaging, simple packaging features, single source, Supplier, sustainability, thermoforming

Store OverviewHave you ever been in a store and shopped the product you manufacture?  Not only shopped your product, but also shopped your competitor’s product?

If so, what did you learn?

Maybe a better question is…what can you learn by shopping your own product and why would you want to do this?

Here are five reasons why you should shop your own product…

1.  Know what the retailer is saying about your product:  Sales associates help consumers make decisions on what products they should buy.  They offer their opinion and in most cases, their opinion will sway consumers to purchase certain products.  Understand what the retailers are saying about your products.

2.  Understand what your competition is doing:  It is always a good idea to stand in the aisle where your product is offered to see how it compares to your competition.  For example: if your competition is packaging all of their product in clamshells and you have made the decision to use bags, your presentation may lose the sale.

3.  Shelf placement:  Does shelf placement matter on how you package your product?  The answer is…Yes.  This will help determine how you show your product in the packaging.  It’s not easy to always know where your product will be placed, but some items are commonly placed in certain areas.  Whether in a bulk bin, end cap, or stand alone in-aisle display matters.  Maximize your products visibility by using packaging that helps show your product better from all angles.

4.  Product presentation:  This one is easy…walk up to your product as if you were the consumer and determine if your packaging has something that grabs your attention. Features can be added in the packaging design that spark curiosity and draw the consumer in.  Also look for anything that takes away from your product, such as a glare on the plastic that makes it tough to see your product.  Make sure your packaging, “POPS”!

5.  Knowledge of your product:  This one may not be for everyone, however, if your product requires the sales associate to know certain features that will help them to sell your product better, make sure they are offered information with supplemental training to inform them.  This can be as easy as inserting an extra instruction sheet into your master carton with your product that is titled, “What you need to know,” or a customer care phone number to call and get more information.  At the least, put all major selling points in your graphics so the consumer can be made aware of your products benefits.

There is a lot to learn when going shopping, do not take this environment for granted.  When designing packaging, we personally use this practice to determine how to create packaging that makes an impact on the store shelf.  After going shopping, answer the most important question of all, “with the many choices of products similar to yours, would you buy your own product?”

If you would like to learn more on creating better packaging designs for your product, contact Brian Pankratz, bpankratz@mercuryplasticsinc.com.

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– Week 3: How Important is Profit? Plan-Plan-Plan!

09 Wednesday Jan 2013

Posted by Brian Pankratz in Cost Savings, Packaging Design, Product Development

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2013 goals, advertising, brian pankratz, brianjpankratz, co-packing, cost reduction, cost savings, Design, designs, Display Pack, Innovation, Marketing, maximize profit, New packaging designs, new product, packaging, packaging and containers, packaging assembly, packaging companies, packaging design, Packaging solutions, packaging supplier, pankratz, printing, product development, Product Packaging, profit, Profitability, reduce costs, single source, Supplier, sustainability, thermoforming

ProfitWelcome to week three of, “How to cut costs and maximize profit in the New Year.” Let’s start with a question:  How important is profit to your company?  The ability to keep the doors open depends on your ability to create profit.  Not only is being profitable important, it allows organizations options to produce additional growth.  Investing in new equipment and launching new products is dependent on the ability to create profit.

A quick look back…
To summarize where we have been in this series…in week one, we reviewed ways to design your packaging to increase profits.  In week two, we covered how being sustainable can increase profits.  This week we are going to focus on how planning can either increase or take away profit.

Plan-Plan-Plan
Regardless of what industry you are in, the same goes for all…poor planning will contribute to increased costs.  The better planner you are, the more you can eliminate added costs.  How orders are placed, how packaging is designed, and how much time is allowed to complete projects are all examples of areas planning is important.

Example:

In the year 2013, company ABC plans on launching five new products.  They are similar in size and shape, but do have features that make them different.  The method of packaging will be a clamshell with an insert card. 

Poor planning: Create five different clamshells to custom fit each product.

Good planning:  Create one clamshell that can hold all five different products.  (If needed, create a smaller insert tray to better hold the product in place.)

Result:  The “Good planning” example will have the same packaging for all five parts.  Since the packaging is similar for all five, the quantities will be more, which will allow for better pricing and will result in one part number being used over five parts.  The insert cards will be a common die line which will result in better pricing for printing.  Also, it will reduce the chance for obsolescence packaging costs.

There are several examples similar to the one above that can lead to increased costs due to poor planning.  The goal is to work with suppliers that can identify these areas and help reduce your costs resulting in increased profits.  Sometimes, identifying these areas can be difficult, so it is important to partner with those who have a track record of reducing costs while increasing the value of your packaging.  Create profit in 2013 and do it by being good planners!

For questions or for more information on how you can increase profits in the coming year, contact Brian Pankratz at Mercury Plastics, Inc.  bpankratz@mercuryplasticsinc.com.

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– Week 2: How to cut costs and maximize profit in the new year!

29 Saturday Dec 2012

Posted by Brian Pankratz in Cost Savings, Marketing, Packaging Design, Sustainability

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brian pankratz, brianjpankratz, cost reduction, cost savings, Design, Display Pack, environment, Innovation, Marketing, maximize profit, New packaging designs, packaging companies, packaging design, Packaging solutions, packaging supplier, pankratz, Product Packaging, Quality, single source, Supplier, sustainability, technology, thermoforming

made-from-100-recycled-materialsWeek 2: Sustainability increases profits!

Yes, the title is right…packaging your product in a way that communicates your companies care for the environment can help profitability.  Why?  The reason is…consumers like manufacturers that care about the environment.

A common problem
If a company cares about the environment, but doesn’t relay that message out to the consumer, how are they to know?  Another question…if you package your product with 100% recycled materials, do you think it helps to say this on your packaging, or should you just have your customer guess if you have made the
decision to be sustainable?  You guessed it, if you are taking a position to use recycled materials, tell the consumer.  For some consumers it may be the deciding factor with two like products at equal price points.

Some areas to focus on
There are easy ways to package your products to promote sustainability.  The raw materials you use, the use of certified materials or paper boards, keeping a low product to package ratio, possible down-gauging thermoformed plastics, and the best way is to actually tell the consumer verbally on your packaging.  Use easy to recognize symbols and verbiage that tell the consumer that you are focused on the environment.Dont miss a week

Consumers desire products from companies that they know are doing their part to help the environment.  My advice is…be sustainable and communicate clearly how you are helping the environment with the way you are packaging your products.

For more information on how to cut costs and maximize profit with your products, contact Brian Pankratz at Mercury Plastics, Inc, bpankratz@mercuryplasticsinc.com.

– Week 1 – How to cut costs and maximize profit in the new year!

17 Monday Dec 2012

Posted by Brian Pankratz in Cost Savings, Packaging Design, Product Development

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brian pankratz, brianjpankratz, buyer, cost reduction, cost savings, Display Pack, environment, Holiday packaging ideas, Innovation, Marketing, maximize profit, New packaging designs, new product, packaging and containers, packaging assembly, packaging companies, packaging design, Packaging solutions, pankratz, printing, single source, Supplier, thermoforming

Cutting CostsIt’s that time of year again…executives around the globe are finalizing departmental budgets and are in the process of communicating next year’s cost savings targets.  Over the next three weeks, I want to offer areas to help find these savings since many years of eliminating waste can make it difficult to find additional savings.

Please Remember!
The first thing to remember is, just because you reduce the cost of the packaging does not mean you sacrifice quality or create a less desirable package. Both cost reductions and better overall packaging can be achieved together.

Also, if you already haven’t, I want to invite you to subscribe to this blog to receive future updates in this series.  If you know others that need this information, pass it along. If you have questions or need more help, reach out to me for help.  Here we go…Week 1: New Designs That Save.

Week 1: New Designs That Save:
One of the best ways to reduce the cost of your packaging is through creating new designs. Many different objectives can be met by creating new packaging designs. The use of more cost effective materials, using less materials, creating designs that are easier to assemble, etc., are all areas to focus.

Why is design the best?
The reason I believe this to be the best method of reducing cost is because of the added benefits that will follow.  Do you think that reducing the cost of your packaging along with increased sales would benefit your company?  Of course, and that should be the main focus when you create new designs.

What else?
Other areas to review are your graphics.  Using spot colors adds cost, are they really needed?  Understand what is involved to assemble your packaging.  Look for ways to reduce labor costs in the assembly operation (number of total pcs.).  Look for ways to create added value with innovative or captivating features.  Understand the value that each change can offer whether it is reducing costs or adding more value!

Adding these all together can bring huge costs savings while also increasing additional sales.  Don’t just alter existing designs when a fresh new look is what your brand needs.

Need help?
The task of designing new packaging can be overwhelming, don’t do it without the proper consultation.  For more information on getting the most out of your packaging, don’t hesitate to get others involved.  I have been a part of this process in the past and records speak for themselves.  Winning the Ameristar Award 5 out of the last 6 years was not easy, but we are proud of the work we were able to do for our customers.

For questions or for more information on new packaging designs, contact Brian Pankratz at Mercury Plastics, Inc., bpankratz@mercuryplasticsinc.com.

Your Packaging Thinks You’re a “!@#$%^!”

03 Saturday Nov 2012

Posted by Brian Pankratz in Marketing, Packaging Design, Product Development

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advertising, assembly, brian pankratz, brianjpankratz, cost reduction, cost savings, Design, designs, Display Pack, Emotional Marketing, Innovation, Marketing, maximize profit, New packaging designs, new product, packaging, packaging and containers, packaging assembly, packaging companies, packaging design, Packaging solutions, packaging supplier, pankratz, printing, product development, Product Packaging, purchasing, Quality, single source, Supplier, sustainability, technology, thermoforming

If your packaging could talk…what would it say?  What would it say about both you and your company?  Some of us are thinking to ourselves that we’re very happy our packaging can’t actually talk.  A smaller percentage of us wonder what would actually be said.  Regardless of the side that you take with wanting your packaging to talk, there is a sobering truth that lingers.

The Truth
The truth is…packaging does talk.  How we package our products tells a lot about us.  This is consistent with many things in our lives…how we dress, the car we drive, the words we use, etc., all tell a little bit about who we are.  This goes the same for how you package your product.

Write the Script
Determine what you want your package to say.  Certain colors, textures, fonts, and shapes all communicate different messages.  Being unique and creative is essential and will help your packaging to speak loud and clear.

Details
Great manufacturers understand that every detail matters.  If you want to be regarded as a top innovator, your packaging should be as innovative as the product inside.  Doing this gains confidence with the consumer that attention has been given to every detail, even the packaging.  Do consumers notice this?  Absolutely!

Your packaging is talking…did you tell it what to say or is it telling everyone that you are a !@#$%^!

If you would like more information about ways to create packaging that speaks a clear message, contact Brian – bpankratz@mercuryplasticsinc.com.

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** Don’t Waste a Holiday! Holiday Packaging Ideas **

28 Sunday Oct 2012

Posted by Brian Pankratz in Marketing, Packaging Design, Product Development

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advertising, brian pankratz, brianjpankratz, cost reduction, cost savings, Design, Display Pack, holiday packaging, Holiday packaging ideas, Marketing, New packaging designs, new product, packaging, packaging and containers, packaging assembly, packaging companies, Packaging solutions, pankratz, product development, Product Packaging, purchasing, Quality, single source, Supplier, sustainability, thermoforming

As the 2012 holiday season approaches, shoppers prepare to rush the stores in search of gifts for family and friends.  A survey conducted by BIGinsight reported that the average holiday consumer will spend approximately $750/person on gifts, décor, greeting cards and more this holiday season.  According to the National Retail Federation, holiday sales are projected to increase this year 4.1 percent to $586.1 billion.

Do Not Waste!
With such a huge market for products to thrive in, manufacturers cannot afford to waste a holiday!  Each manufacturer needs to understand how they can package their products to reach the holiday consumer.  I understand that some products do not lend themselves to a holiday market, but for those who do, capitalize on the opportunity.

My Surprise
I was recently discussing packaging ideas with an established candy manufacturer for one of their everyday items.  When I asked what they do for the holiday season, they answered, “nothing.”  To my surprise, I couldn’t figure out why they would let the holidays go by without some sort of offering.  They have so many different great products, a holiday variety package including some of their best sellers could be a huge hit.  Unfortunately, no thought was given to creating a product offering for their faithful following.

Time for Ideas
Start planning now for ways your product can capitalize on the 2013 holiday consumer market. Be creative…there are many different segments of the holiday market that need good gift solutions for those “hard to buy for” people!

Whether your product can be packaged for corporate gifts or stocking stuffers, find the packaging that offers a great gift idea.  Generate cost effective ways that you can help others make shopping this holiday season easier.

If you would like more information about ways to create holiday packaging ideas, contact Brian – bpankratz@mercuryplasticsinc.com.

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“Buyers Guide to Packaging” – Week 7: The Glass Slipper!

29 Saturday Sep 2012

Posted by Brian Pankratz in Info for Buyers, Marketing, Packaging Design

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advertising, brian pankratz, brianjpankratz, buyer, Buyers Guide, cost reduction, Display Pack, Innovation, Marketing, New packaging designs, new product, packaging, packaging assembly, packaging companies, Packaging solutions, packaging supplier, printing, product development, purchasing, single source, Supplier, thermoforming

I was very blessed to have a daughter over nine years ago.  When she was born I immediately realized that one of my responsibilities as a father would be to sit through “girly” movies with her.  I remember taking her to the movie Cinderella, sitting next to her and watching her different facial expressions as she watched the movie.  She scowled as the mean step-sister tried to force a fit by stuffing her oversized foot in the glass slipper.  Later, as Cinderella slid her size three foot into the glass slipper creating a perfect fit, my daughter smiled with her head slightly tilted.

Find that Fit!
As a buyer, it is equally important to find the right fit with your suppliers.  Different packaging companies have different capabilities and strengths that can help their customers to be successful.  Certain packaging companies are great at coming up with new and innovative packaging solutions, while others are not.  The important thing is to do your research; suppliers should be able to tell you what their strengths are.

The Dangers of Not Listening:
I respect and appreciate those in business who always lend an ear to listen to a new opportunity.  Good business people understand the need to constantly search for new ideas.  The danger lies with those who close themselves off from ever hearing from others on how to improve what they are currently doing.  I understand the busyness that our jobs bring, but also realize that there is an extremely competitive market out there, so, if you’re not moving forward, you’re going backwards.

You Can’t Force a Fit:
There are usually consequences when suppliers try to force a fit.  The consequences include: poor quality, not being able to deliver on time, increased costs, unmet expectations, etc.  Good Suppliers will make sure to tell you when the fit is not there and buyers need to respect that.  This is why it is also important for buyers to understand the supplier’s capabilities before projects come up so you know who to turn to.

To be highly successful, create a list of suppliers and their strengths, if you have a need that your current supply base can’t fulfill, seek out suppliers who can.  Don’t limit the success of your product by the limitations of your supply base.

For more information or to learn more on what capabilities I can offer, contact: Brian Pankratz.  bpankratz@mercuryplasticsinc.com

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“Buyers Guide to Packaging” – Week 4: Eliminate the Spaghetti Dinner – Order Single Source Solutions®

08 Saturday Sep 2012

Posted by Brian Pankratz in Info for Buyers, Packaging Design, Product Development

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brian pankratz, brianjpankratz, buyers, Buyers Guide, co-packing, cost reduction, cost savings, Design, digital printing, Display Pack, Marketing, maximize profit, New packaging designs, new product, offset printing, packaging, packaging assembly, packaging companies, packaging design, packaging supplier, pankratz, printers, printing companies, purchasing, single source, single source solutions, Supplier, thermoforming

If you were to create a flow diagram of the tasks in a buyer’s work day, it would resemble a spaghetti dinner (see Figure 1).  A buyer’s day is filled with getting quotes from multiple suppliers, issuing purchase orders, handling design issues, traveling to multiple companies for meetings, setting up deliveries, and the list goes on.  For some buyers, this spaghetti dinner can be hard to digest.

Simplify for savings:
Thankfully, there’s more on the menu than spaghetti .  This past week, Packaging Digest released an article about the how using a packaging supplier who has the capability to be a single source solutions provider can result in major benefits, major benefits that save money and help to reduce the many steps of dealing with multiple suppliers.

There is a list of both benefits and cost reductions associated with working with a supplier who can provide single source packaging solutions.

Cost reductions include:
–  Reduced freight costs
–  Decreased administrative responsibilities, such as; PO’s, setting up delivery appointments, etc.
–  Engineering and design costs reduced

Benefits include:
–  Increased speed to market
–  More focus to products and profitability for manufacturer
–  Less on-hand inventory to manage

A new diagram
Working with a supplier that can provide single source solutions results in a new diagram (see Figure 2), allowing buyers the opportunity to reverse the pattern of having to do more with less, being effective and taking unneeded steps out of their day.

Single source solution suppliers can be the missing link to help manufacturers be successful and profitable in a growing and competitive market.  Utilize the resources of key suppliers and grow your brand and your profit margin.

Don’t miss a week! Sign-up today at http://www.brianpankratz.com to get week 5 of “Buyers Guide to Packaging” sent directly to your email.

For more information or for any questions, please contact: Brian Pankratz.  bpankratz@mercuryplasticsinc.com

“Buyers Guide to Packaging” – Week 1: Don’t Ask – Don’t Tell

18 Saturday Aug 2012

Posted by Brian Pankratz in Info for Buyers, Packaging Design, Product Development

≈ 2 Comments

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brian pankratz, brianjpankratz, buyer, buyers, Buyers Guide, cost reduction, cost savings, Display Pack, environment, maximize profit, new product, packaging, packaging companies, Packaging solutions, printing, product development, Supplier

This week launches us into a new weekly series titled, “Buyers Guide to Packaging.”  The information I will be offering in this series will make it a “must read” for every buyer in the packaging industry.  If you are a buyer, then you understand fully the continued pressure to drive out waste and cut cost.

Not knowing how to do this could be frustrating at all levels.  My goal in this series is to inform buyers and give them the tools needed to maximize their buy while driving cost out of their operation without sacrificing the integrity of the brand.

Always Ask
This week I am going to give you a simple question that you can ask your packaging suppliers.  The simplicity of this question should not be confused with the results it can yield.  Your suppliers know what materials run better than others, what sizes layout better on their equipment, and ways to optimize design features for smooth manufacturing.  The problem is, some buyers never ask…and some suppliers never tell.

Why Don’t Suppliers Say Anything?
So, why is it if suppliers know how to save their customer money, they don’t say anything?  There are a few reasons why this may happen…some customers aren’t open for change, some suppliers think designs are set in stone and can’t be changed, the other reason is…buyers don’t ask.

Set Yourself Up For Success
As a buyer, it helps to know what materials are more cost effective, how certain designs dictate costs (specifically what features add cost), and the specifications of your suppliers equipment.  For example, if your supplier has an offset printer that can print up to 6 colors on the front side and 1 color on the back and you send over artwork consisting of 4 color process with 3 spot colors on the front, you just bought yourself 2 passes.  There are many examples like this, I think you see what I am talking about.

Remember that every detail matters!  Working together with your suppliers in the initial stages of projects is the best time to have these types of discussions.  Let your supplier help find ways where costs can be cut and profits can increase.  If you don’t ask the simple question, you may never get the simple answer.

Don’t miss a week, sign-up today at http://www.brianpankratz.com and get week 2 of “Buyers Guide To Packaging” sent directly to your email.

For questions or comments, please contact Brian Pankratz, bpankratz@mercuryplasticsinc.com.

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