Retail-ready packaging, also known as shelf-ready packaging, is a bit of a cheat code in the world of retail. It enables you to do a little less while ultimately gaining a bit more, which is something that’ll make any business owner’s ears perk up a bit.

But what is it, exactly? And what kind of benefits can be gleaned from its use? Today we’re diving into this unique type of packaging to explain how it works and why you should consider it the next time you refresh your packaging.

Retail-Ready Packaging Increases Efficiency

Packaging and transporting items in volume — especially those on the smaller side — can get quite complicated. You need to get the most out of the space you have, which often means cramming in as many products as possible. But you need to accomplish that while ensuring no products are damaged en route to their final destination.

And then there’s actually stocking the items at a retail location. The more loose items you have, the more likely it is you’ll lose a few to being crushed or dropped. There has to be a better way and, fortunately, there is. It’s called retail-ready packaging.

Retail-ready packaging is designed for the utmost efficiency in every stage. This packaging is built specifically to contain and protect a set number of items during shipping. Once those items reach the store, stocking is made extremely simple. Whoever is placing the products on the shelf or setting up an endcap simply removes a lid or a few protective outer layers.

Just like that, the items are on display. There’s no handling single jars of pasta sauce, for example, and there’s no time spent meticulously placing each product on the shelf.

It Also Offers Much Better In-Store Visibility

Imagine you’re at a local fair where several hot dog vendors are present. Some are grilling and selling hot dogs out of nearly identical trucks. One vendor, however, shows up in a full-blown Oscar-Mayer Wienermobile. It seems likely this latter hot dog seller will be the one that grabs the most attention.

Retail-ready packaging aims to achieve a similar goal. Products aren’t sitting alone on a store shelf, destined to get lost among dozens of similar-looking items. Instead, they’re found in a more visible box or tray, or are placed on an easier-to-locate stand.

Most of the time, this alternative packaging is highly branded. That helps put the name of the product or the company behind it front and center.

The packaging also gives that product an air of importance. After all, it isn’t just sitting there in a sea of options like everything else. It appears prominent enough to get its own section of the store, adding a bit of cachet.

It’s the Best of Both Worlds

With the benefits laid out, you may be wondering: why would anyone use packaging that isn’t retail-ready? While it’s not right for absolutely every product, it is true that there’s an enormous amount of upside and no real downside where the use of retail-ready packaging is appropriate.

It can make the packaging and transport process much more streamlined and simple. It can also help a product stand out more on store shelves. It’s really the best of both worlds in terms of both efficiency and visibility, so it’s something to consider if you’re looking for a new approach to your packaging that can move the needle in both cost-cutting and sales.

Victory Designs Retail-Ready Packaging

Here at Victory Packaging, we’ve helped countless clients design all-new packaging for their products. That includes retail-ready packaging put together by our talented designers and engineers.

If you’re ready to change the way you package and display your products, let us get to work on creating something for you and your business. Contact Victory today to learn more about how we can help.