Imagine there are two identical boxes on a shelf in a store. One box is just a plain package that has been sealed. The other box has a little window where you can see what is in it. Almost every person who is shopping will pick up the second box first. The little design of a window in the box is doing much more for selling than any product label could do. This is the simple but powerful premise of why custom window boxes are becoming increasingly popular among many companies when displaying their products.
Within this article, you will learn the:
Definition of a custom window box, as well as how it is constructed
How visibility creates trust and lowers return rates
How window boxes can help to make your products “pop” in a crowded shelf
How window boxes help to create the feeling of being a premium product
How window boxes can serve as an in-built marketing and photo tool
Industries that extremely reap the benefits of window boxes, and materials that can be used to
What Is a Custom Window Box?
A Box That Allows for Visibility
Custom Window Boxes are packaging that has a transparent cut-out (often with either clear film or left as an open die-cut) allowing consumers to see the product without needing to open the package. Instead of having to visualize what is inside, a custom window box shows the actual product inside.
The Parameters of a Custom Window Box Are Determined by the Product
The defining characteristic of a custom window box is how much every single detail (box size, window shape, placement, materials) is done for that particular product. For instance, the same window style would not be used by a jewellery entrepreneur and an owner of a bakery.
Some of the distinctive features of a custom window box include:
- A die-cut/acrylic window panel
- Custom box dimensions and form to fit the actual product
- Custom-designed windows (round, oval, heart or any other shape)
- Material choices – Kraft, Cardboard or Stiff Board
- Branding – logos, colours and finishes
The Trust Factor Nobody Talks About
Customers Don’t Like Surprises When They Spend Their Hard Earned Money
Online or in-store, shoppers hesitate to buy something if they can’t see or verify what they are buying. A sealed box creates a moment of doubt, no matter how small. However, if a shopper can see or verify what they bought through a window, they can see the color, texture and size before any money exchanges hands, and eliminate any doubt or hesitation.
The Result: Less Returns and Happy Customers
This same transparency that provides a customer with the confidence to purchase, also reduces the number of returns. Once a customer has clear expectations prior to making contact with an item (by seeing what they purchased) there is no unwelcome surprise when they open their package.
How Transparency Helps Build Trust in Customers
- Eliminate Guessing About Color, Size or Texture
- Set Precise Expectations Prior to Purchase
- Reduce Returns and Refunds
- Grow Long-Term Trust/Confidence in the Brand
- Build Repeat Purchase Trust/Confidence Through Consistency
Why Window Boxes Win on a Crowded Shelf
The reason window boxes collect dust on store shelves instead of being bought is because:
Closed boxes all look alike. As you walk through a store’s brick-and-mortar or online aisle, most of the boxes you see will have solid colours with printed logos and possibly a product photo printed on them (one colour, one logo and possibly one image). These packages compete for the same shelf space by controlling what you see (the graphics). Conversely, window boxes have a competitive advantage by presenting the actual product as the visual representation of the brand.
The window itself can also become a design characteristic. Not only do the windows of window boxes come in different shapes and sizes (the traditional rectangle, rounded corners, etc.), some of them also have unique designs like hearts and/or die-cut images that relate to the trademark logo of the brand (for example, use the die-cut shape of the trademark as the window cut out of the package). The fact that brands can have different types of windows gives window boxes a distinct advantage when it comes to design because they can differentiate themselves from competing brands by creating an identifiable and repeatable visual signature.
The advantages of using window boxes versus using closed boxes from a design perspective are:
Real product display instead of static graphics
Custom-designed window shapes that represent the brand
A strong shelf presence when placed next to the regular competitor closed boxes
A recognisable, repeatable visual signature
Greater perceived value in retail and gift displays
Elevate the Value of Ordinary Items to Luxury Status
Change the Way Your Customers Perceive Your Products Through Presentation
When you have two candles that are made with the same wax, they will look and feel completely different just by being packaged differently. By using a custom window box that is finished well with good quality printing shows that the manufacturer of the product has taken their time and are paying attention to detail.
Consumers Will Pay More Money Because of Quality Perceptions
Quality perceptions are not only based on the way a product looks. Customers are also willing to pay a premium for a product that has been well packaged and presented to them because packaging is an implied assurance of quality.
How Custom Window Boxes Elevate Perceived Value
- The clean and finished look of a window box gives a customer the impression of higher quality.
- The transparent nature of the box removes any perceived risk to purchase the product.
- High-quality finishes such as foil and embossing increase the overall brand perception.
- Higher-priced products can support a higher price point with less resistance.
- An enhanced unboxing experience that customers will remember.
A Built-In Marketing Tool
Window Boxes Sell Before Marketing Copy
So many small businesses have different labelling styles or product descriptions to explain to customers what they are purchasing. By using a custom window box, you will not have to do as much work in order to market your products, because your product will already be visible when you use a window box.
Perfect for Photo-First Selling Platforms
This is even more important for e-commerce sellers that sell on photo-first platforms like Instagram, Etsy and Amazon. Most of the time, a customer will click on the item after they see it in one photo. With a custom window box, you will have an excellent photo of both the product and the branding of the product to use for digital marketing.
One Box Style Has Many Uses
Not Limited To Just One Type Of Business
Window boxes can be used by a bakery to package cookies and pastries, or by a skin care company to package jars or bottles. They can also be used by toy companies so children can see exactly what they’re getting, or they can be used by technology accessory retailers to show off the sleekness of their products.
Adaptable To The Whatever Product Is Packed
Since window boxes can come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, a window box will not be confined to one specific box size.
Some Industries That Will Benefit Most From Using Window Boxes
*Bakery/confectionery (cookies, cakes, pastries)
*Beauty/skin care (jars, bottles and gift sets)
*Toy/children’s products
*Electronics/tech accessories
*Gift boxes, hampers and subscription boxes
Each Individual Brand is Unique Based on Their Materials and Finishes
Choosing a Suitable Feel
Some brands might want a more rustic and environmentally-friendly look by using kraft paper with little printing versus other brands will desire a glossy, highly-reflective finish achieved with foil stamping or embossing. The same thing can be true about many custom windows boxes.
Little Details Can Make a Big Impact
The type of plastic chosen for the window is also important. For example, clear PVC film created a glass-like appearance, while open die cut windows create a more natural, tactile quality.
Some of the most popular choices of material and finish are:
Kraft paper for a natural and environmentally-friendly appearance
Coated corrugated cardboard for a glossy or luxurious look.
Matte or gloss laminate finishes.
Foil stamped & embossed designs or spot UV finishes.
Clear PVC or PET film versus open diecut for the window.
The Extra Money is Worth It
More Than It Seems like a Wise Investment
Custom-made window boxes cost more than regular boxes to make. However, you will make your money back in many unexpected places due to having a higher perceived value, fewer products returned, better pictures of your product, and a more noticeable presence on display.
Accessible to Small Businesses
Window boxes from packaging suppliers offer bulk discounts making it possible for small and newer companies to use custom windows; they’re not only for big corporations.
Reasons Why You Should Invest in Window Boxes
-increased perceived value of the product allows you to charge a premium price
-lower returns means no money spent on refunds and shipping costs to get products back
-higher quality product photos means you can spend less money on advertising and marketing
-bulk pricing enables accessing affordable pricing even at large quantities
-long term branding creates repeat business from customers
In Conclusion
A window box is simple in design but very effective because it allows the product to sell itself without question or over-explaining; it will allow consumers to see what they’re buying and feel positive about the purchase. A window box offers an easy way for new brands to establish credibility and trust, improve their shelf appearance and make a positive first impression. The investment is small, but the return will surprise most people.
