For those of you who aren’t aware, I have never developed a product line before the whole milk paint thing took off. I’m a total newbie, flying-by-the-seat-of-my-pants through this adventure. When it became clear that I was actually going to have my own line of milk paint, I started to daydream about what kind of packaging I wanted. I pictured a box right from the start. First of all, I don’t know of any other paint that is sold in a box, so it would be unique on the shelf. Second, I wanted it to feel like a present. I even initially wanted a pretty grosgrain ribbon on each box in the paint color…until I realized how totally impractical and expensive that would be. After much trial and error and samples and mock-ups, we settled on this…
It’s a rigid “kraft” box with a custom sticker that shows the color of the paint in the dresser printed on the front. The powdered milk paint is inside the box, in a high quality zip-top bag with a color label sticker and surrounded by shredded craft paper.
An instruction tent card is inserted in the box to help new users know what to do.
I love this packaging. But we have to change it. Here’s why…
Right now we have to order six different components for one product. Not only do we have to source all six of those components, but then someone has to put the sticker on the box, put the milk paint in the bag, put the sticker on the bag, put the bag in the box, put the craft fill in the box, put the tent card in the box, close the box. Then bulky boxes have to be shipped out to our retailers in three different countries. See the problem(s)?
For the sake of time, shipping efficiency and cost, we have now switched to this custom printed, zip-top, stand-up bag…
Now, someone just has to fill the bag and close the bag. Only one things needs to be sourced. Big difference.
I love this bag, too. It fits perfectly with the other products and it’s going to be a lot easier for customers to use and store. It’s also going to save on shipping costs for those who have to order online. It really is a win-win. I will miss the boxes and I’ll always have a special place in my heart for my “limited edition” packaging, but I’ve learned some valuable lessons about having a my own product line and I know this is a good move.
The first round of bags will not have the colored dressers, but a sticker. We’re hoping to move back to the colored dresser in the next printing.
The new bags are starting to hit the market, so I just wanted to share why we made the change and show off our new look.
My mom called me today and asked what I was up to. “I’m decorating for Thanksgiving.”
Of course, I’m working on my projects for next year and I have to get through my photo shoots that I need live pumpkins for.
…tomorrow, I’m decorating for Halloween.
