Want Packaging Perfection? It’s All About Prototyping.

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No matter how great a product is, its packaging could be the deciding factor for many consumer purchases.  That’s why it’s crucial to get it right, and the only way to do that is by first creating a prototype before you go into mass production.

What Exactly is a Packaging Prototype?  

Osteo BiFlex box prototype

Osteo BiFlex box prototype produced by Overnight Labels

Essentially a packaging prototype is a three-dimensional version of one’s vision.  Simply put, it’s a replica of a product as it will be manufactured.  It may not be the exact final piece, but it should be a very close representation.  Prototypes ensure that packaging ideas are feasible and are the only way to eliminate any design errors or print problems before investing a lot of money in a production run.

Prototyping allows marketers, designers and engineers to try out packaging effectiveness by reviewing and testing its color, shape and form, brand identity and manufacturing viability before finalizing the design.  In addition to getting the perfect comp prior to production, there are a number of other reasons to invest in a prototype, but mostly because people like to see, touch and interact with the product at:

  • Potential investor meetings
  • Meeting with senior management or at an internal sales conference
  • Sales calls with retail buyers
  • Trade Shows
  • Photo shoots
  • Focus groups
Gusseted bag Prototype produced by Overnight Labels

Skinnygirl box prototype produced Overnight Labels

How to Create a Packaging Prototype

Some opt to “hand-make” a facsimile by cutting materials like paperboard to simulate the final look. Then graphics are printed and applied separately. This time-consuming, laborious method is prone to mistakes and usually delivers low quality results.  So while it’s possible to create a rudimentary looking prototype on your own, consider using a professional package prototyping company.

Overnight Labels is a full-service printing company that provides a multi-tiered approach to any packaging needs.  So in addition to printing custom labels, shrink sleeves and flexible packaging, we also offers prototype services.

Having a fully printed, smart-looking package shows the level of confidence and professionalism you have towards your product and will leave the best impression possible. says Mark Lamberti, Business Development Manager at Overnight Labels. “Before buyers get into business with you, they want to know just how committed you are.  They are not just buying your product; they are also buying you.  Think of it as buying a new suit for an important job interview. You need to put your best foot forward.”

Go For The Pro

You may think that you can’t afford this important step in your packaging process, but prototypes will actually save, and possibly make, money in the long run.  So if you’re ready for this critical element in launching your product, call 631.940.6109, or email mark@overnightlabels.com.

Customer Spotlight: Tickle Water

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Overnight Labels prints this clear label with cold foil on clear BOPP for Tickle Water. Overnight Labels has been working with Tickle Water since 2016. This edition of Customer Spotlight features an interview with the creator, Heather McDowell

About Tickle Water

One  day my son, Jayger, wanted to try the sparkling water that I was drinking and I thought, why not? I told him it was going to “tickle” his tongue because the water had little bubbles in it. After he took his first sip, he laughed and giggled as the bubbles tickled his mouth and nose. From then on, he started calling sparkling water “Tickle Water.”

That was my “ah-ha” moment, as I realized there should be a sparkling water for kids. Not only is sparkling water fun, but our children also need an alternative to the sugary juices, sodas, and milks that saturate the kid’s beverage aisles.  Thus, Tickle Water was born as the first premium sparkling water created specifically for children, yet enjoyed by all ages. The brand is dedicated to providing honest and clean hydration, and is made with premium triple-filtered sparkling water and natural flavors without calories, artificial ingredients, sugar, sweetener, sodium or preservatives.

How did you decide what packaging to use for your product?

Being a complete novice to the beverage industry, I asked every question I could from anyone I could find in the industry. I quickly learned that the first, and most important, step to creating a successful product in a very crowded space was packaging.  Transparency is key for our company, mission, and product.  I wanted parents and children to know there were no colors, dyes, or additives to our water, so finding a clear package was paramount.  I scoured all resources for unique packaging that would be clear, recyclable, good for little hands, and fit in lunch boxes, all while holding carbonation.

Having each of these boxes checked was not an easy find, but we found the clear plastic BPA free PET can that Tickle Water comes in.  We designed a clear label printed with cold foil on clear BOPP to enhance the transparency theme. And of course, Tickle Water’s animal characters are another element that makes the packaging special.

Tickle Water Green Apple features an adorable hand-drawn tiger.

The Overnight Experience

We’ve been working with ONL since the beginning!  The service at ONL is outstanding.  There is never a delay in response; emails are answered promptly and professionally. ONL always sends proofs and samples prior to going to print.

We have also found that the quality is excellent.  We worked with another Supplier for one production run and the labels were very poor by comparison.  Equally important, ONL has always made their production deadlines and shipped on time.

Lastly, Diane Pannizzo and Don are both very friendly and always willing to help, even though we are a start-up and have a smaller budget than many customers.For all of these reasons, we absolutely recommend Overnight Labels.

All you need in one place: Labels, Shrink Sleeves, Flexible Packaging and Prototypes

At Overnight Labels, we take the time to understand your product offering and your marketing goals. 
For more information on what we can do for you brand please call 631.242.4240 or email us at samples@overnightlabels.com for your FREE sample kit!