How to Plan Your Packaging Before You Open a Food Business
What to decide first, how to plan quantities and how long it takes. A step by step guide to planning printed packaging for a new food business.
By TradePack2 min read
Packaging is easy to leave until the end, and then it takes longer than expected. A little planning before you open saves time and money. Here is a simple order to work through.
1. Decide what you will sell
Your menu decides your packaging. A burger needs a burger box and paper, a wrap needs a wrap box, and soup needs a bowl and lid. Write down every item you plan to sell and how it will be served: eating in, collection or delivery.
2. List the essentials
Most food businesses need a few core items before anything else:
- A main food container, such as a takeaway food box
- Bags to carry orders, such as takeaway bags
- Stickers to seal delivery bags
- Napkins for every order
Start with these and add more as the menu grows.
3. Estimate how much you will use
Think about how many orders you expect on a normal day and how many items go in each order. Printed packaging is made in volume, so there is a minimum per product. Planning realistic volumes helps you order the right amount instead of too much or too little.
4. Choose the design
You do not need a finished brand to start. We design your packaging with you at no extra cost, even if you do not have a logo yet.
5. Test a sample
Once you are happy with the quote, we prepare a sample so you can test it with your own food.
6. Allow enough time
Production and delivery typically take 30 to 35 days after you approve your sample and artwork. Add time for the design and the sample, and start about eight weeks before you open.
7. Think about storage
If you do not have room for large quantities, we can keep your stock in UK storage. See how branded packaging storage works.
When you are ready, tell us about your business and we will help you build the list.
