Every month, the customer receives their subscription boxes. What's inside the box is another story, but the excitement starts from the moment they get the box. They enjoy the experience of opening the box, its appearance, and the logo. The time span between the delivery and the discovery is really very crucial. This is the time when, through the box, the brands make their impact and create a relationship with the customers. Here, the brands need custom subscription boxes because they not only need to protect the products in that box, but they want to make their first perfect visual impression. The challenge is that this has to be done every month, and only a thoughtfully designed system can keep the experience interesting month after month.

What Makes a Subscription Box Feel Special?

Custom Subscription boxes always have something exciting to give to their customers. So simple, plain boxes will not work here; the box should be specially designed, which will create a visual and physical journey. The outside of the box is designed to communicate the brand’s personality; the opening of the box creates excitement; other features like tissue paper, inserts, dividers, or inside interiors can build anticipation. Then comes the product, which is placed in an organized way. All the features together work in creating a very exciting journey to discovery. According to the research published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology, even just opening the box creates the excitement for the customers and also influences how people evaluate what's inside the box. Unboxing is so important today, as the customers not only expect the product but also the experience.

Step 1: Start With the Customer, Not the Box

The first thing before choosing the box is to answer the question: who will open the box, and what will they expect from it? This is the reason the brands design each box as the customer demands, such as 

• A makeup subscription may need clean and elegant presentation

• A children's activity box should be bright and funky

• A wellness subscription box may be designed with a sophisticated appearance.

Every box should not only be attractive but also actually a perfect fit to portray what's inside and also target the customers.

Step 2: Choose a Box Structure That Supports the Experience

The shape and opening style also influence the customer experience. Brands choose the box according to the product.

Popular structures include:

• Mailer boxes for lightweight products

• Tuck-end boxes have a simple and convenient opening and closing

• Rigid boxes for premium and luxury products

• Book-style boxes that open like a cover and create a sense of anticipation

• Two-piece boxes with a separate lid and base create a more deliberate opening process

• Drawer-style boxes: the pulling of the inner tray, which also creates curiosity

Step 3: Design the Inside, Not Just the Outside

Brands usually focus on the exterior of the box and forget about the inside. But for subscription Packaging Boxes, designing the inside will also give the customer an opportunity to get the customer's attention. Just imagine the customer getting the box with the beautiful interior design. This small change will make the experience more worthwhile. It's up to the brand what they want to print; it can either be a pattern, instructions, a thank-you message, or even the brand stories. Subconsciously, the customers see all this printing when they are opening the box. 

Step 4: Create a Reveal Sequence

Unboxing the subscription boxes is also like a small story.

Stage 1 – Recognition: customers can immediately get to know about the brand.
Stage 2 – Anticipation: unboxing of the box creates curiosity and excitement.

Stage 3 – Discovery: the product is arranged properly.
Stage 4 – Interaction: Brands can use different interactive ways, such as card, QR codes, which encourage the customers to explore further.

Stage 5 – Memory: the well-designed packaging will be remembered by the customers.

Everything added to the box must have a purpose; it doesn't mean that if you add everything, it will just be wasteful rather than making it exciting.

Design for the Second and Third Month, Not Just the First

Subscription boxes are the biggest opportunity for the brands. With each box, the brands can make new experiences for the customers. Brands can't choose the same box every time, nor can they choose different boxes. The smart approach is to make a box that can be recognized with controlled variation. Brands can change some features to make a bit of a change that will create excitement but also be consistent to be recognizable. That means packaging should not be designed only to win the first order. It should support long-term customer retention.

Why Choose EZ Custom Boxes?

EZ Custom Boxes is a big name in the packaging industry; they create customized packaging. Their expert team can craft a custom subscription box design that will provide an unforgettable unboxing experience.

To discuss a custom subscription packaging project, contact EZ Custom Boxes at support@ezcustomboxes.com or call +1-888-515-1263.