5 Mistakes to Avoid When Designing Customised Promotional Packaging

• Rating: 4.7/5
• Posted On: May 13, 2025
• Written by: Emenac Packaging UK
• Category: Blog

Designing customised promotional packaging sounds exciting, right? You get to showcase your brand, stand out on shelves (or online listings), and maybe even spark that little wow moment when someone unboxes your product.

But here’s the thing, it’s not just about looking pretty or having the most vibrant colour scheme. A lot can go wrong if you’re not careful.

And surprisingly, the mistakes are often the little ones. The things that seem minor until… well, until they’re not.

Let’s walk through five common mistakes to avoid along with some thoughts, tips, and yes, a few honest reactions along the way.

Functional Side of Customisesd Promotional Packaging

This might sound obvious, but you’d be amazed how often brands get caught up in aesthetics and forget, packaging has a job to do. It needs to protect the product, stack properly, maybe be waterproof, easy to open, or even resealable.

I once ordered a beautifully designed box of loose-leaf tea. The packaging was stunning, with customised promotional paper packaging that felt premium. But the lid wouldn’t stay shut. Every time I moved it, the tea spilled everywhere. Beautiful? Yes. Functional? Not at all.

• Does the packaging protect your product?
• Can it be stored or shipped without damage?
• Is it easy for the customer to use?

You want to enhance the experience, not frustrate people.

1. Ignoring Your Brand Personality

This one’s subtle, and honestly, it’s where many businesses drift off course. Custom promotional packaging boxes should look and feel like you. Not just generic trend-followers.

Let’s say you’re an eco-friendly skincare brand. A flashy, metallic box might grab attention—but does it align with your message? Probably not. That slight disconnect can cause hesitation, even if people don’t consciously realise it.

Try asking yourself:

• Would I recognise this as my brand with the logo removed?
• Does the tone of this packaging match what we stand for?

Because the more consistent your packaging is with your brand’s voice, the more trust you build over time.

2. Cramming in Too Much Information

Here’s where a lot of well-intentioned businesses go a little overboard.

Yes, you want to communicate value. Maybe you feel like everything is important, benefits, ingredients, certifications, promotions, QR codes, taglines. But sometimes, it just ends up looking cluttered and chaotic.

People don’t want to read your packaging like a brochure. They want to glance and get a feel. You can always guide them to more info elsewhere—on a card inside the box or your website.

Pro Tip: Use white space. A little breathing room helps the important stuff stand out. Less is often… not just more, but clearer.

3. Skipping Sustainability Considerations

Now more than ever, consumers do care about sustainability. They might not be hardcore environmentalists, but if your custom promotional packaging includes layers of plastic, foil, and glitter that clearly can’t be recycled, it just doesn’t feel great.

Even small gestures count. Switching to custom promotional paper packaging or opting for FSC-certified materials can shift perception in a big way.

And it’s not just about the material. Think about:

• Is the packaging recyclable or compostable?
• Can it be reused?
• Are you avoiding excess or double-packaging?

You don’t have to shout “eco-friendly!”but subtle, thoughtful choices can go a long way.

4. Forgetting the Unboxing Experience

This one’s honestly fun, but still gets overlooked.

We’re in the era of unboxing videos, Instagram hauls, and first impressions that spread fast. If your packaging doesn’t create some kind of memorable moment, you’re missing a chance.

And no, it doesn’t have to be over-the-top. Even a simple message inside the lid or a satisfying magnetic closure can make people feel like you care.

Personal touches go a long way too:

• A printed thank-you note.
• A branded sticker.
• A scent. (Yes, scent can trigger strong emotional response.)

Customised promotional packaging boxes give you this tiny stage to perform. Even 5 seconds of delight can build loyalty or at least get someone to pause and remember you.

Simple Table to Help V These Do’s and Don’ts

Final Thoughts!

There’s no perfect formula when it comes to designing customised promotional packaging. That’s kind of the point. It should reflect your brand, your values, your voice, and what you think your customers will genuinely appreciate.

But these mistakes? They’re surprisingly common. And most of them are avoidable with just a little awareness. Take your time. Maybe do a test run. Ask for feedback. Don’t rush the process just to check it off your list. Because great packaging isn’t just a container, it’s a message, a first impression, and sometimes, the thing that makes your product feel just a little more worth remembering.