Need Walmart-ready shelf-ready packaging? Many brands use plain SRP that just works, but without good packaging, how will you boost sales? The first thing that captures attention is the packaging. You have a great product, but without a solid retail plan, you’re missing out.
Shelf-ready packaging helps your product stand out and makes restocking easier. But how does it work? Partnering with a packaging manufacturer gives your brand a competitive edge in creating effective SRP. Many brands overlook this, but it’s essential for retail success.
To build a new relationship, start by designing and investing in SRP which is an attractive and functional packaging and branding solution
If you need a similar solution, we help brands upgrade from basic to premium packaging using the latest design and marketing innovations to boost sales. Bringing new packaging ideas to life can be tough, so we created this guide to walk you through every step.
Connect with our team today to discuss your next Shelf-Ready Packaging.
What is Shelf Ready Packaging SRP?
Many people are confused about the definition of shelf-ready packaging and retail-ready packaging. Shelf-ready packaging (SRP), also known as retail-ready packaging, is designed to go straight from shipping to store shelves with minimal effort. The products inside these boxes are always ready for immediate display.
It helps retailers stock products quickly while ensuring they look neat and appealing to customers. SRP often includes easy-to-open features and attractive branding to boost sales.
Examples of SRP are corrugated boxes or folding cartons, pre-filled shelf trays, reusable plastic trays, freestanding merchandising units, sidekicks, end caps, stacking trays, and bins.
Why Switch to Shelf-Ready Packaging? Is it Really Necessary?
With SRP, products are shipped in their own packaging, reducing the need for repacking, materials, weight, and shipping costs. This saves money and simplifies logistics.
Switching to SRP also lets you create smarter, more cost-effective packaging that appeals to both retailers and customers.
How Does Shelf-Ready Packaging Benefit Your Product? The Possible Advantages of SRP
Shelf-ready packaging can cut in-store labor costs by around 20% by making restocking faster and easier. But there are more benefits of shelf-ready packaging (SRP).
- Easy Identification: Store employees can quickly spot products in storage and place them on shelves.
- Hassle Free Unpackaging that Helps You: Store staff can place products on shelves without the hassle of unpacking and organizing each item separately.
- Simple Opening: Designed for easy access without the need for knives or box cutters.
- Faster Restocking: A one-step process that saves time.
- Better Shopping Experience: Customers can easily find and grab products from shelves.
- Easy Disposal & Recycling: Packaging is simple to remove and eco-friendly.
- Boosts Sales: Encourages impulse buys and improves product visibility.
- Stronger Protection: Reduces damage during shipping with sturdy packaging.
- Improved Presentation: Enhances product availability and brand image.
- Supply Chain Efficiency: Lowers storage and transport costs through better logistics.
What Materials Are Used in Shelf-Ready Packaging?
Shelf-ready packaging must be strong and functional to protect products during transit and ensure stability on retail shelves. But on the other hand, it must also be sustainable packaging, as this increases the chances of buyers choosing it. Any weakness in the packaging can lead to product damage or delays in the supply chain.
If your SRP goes through an automated supply chain or needs refrigeration or freezing, extra precautions are necessary. Materials like carton boards and corrugated boards are commonly used, with the choice depending on the product’s weight, size, and required graphics.
How Can You Start and Acquire Shelf Ready Packaging for Your Business? Steps to Follow in Detail
- Evaluate Your SRP or RRP Needs in Depth
- Plan Your Budget
- Think of the Designs that will Resonate with Your Brand
- Choose a Printing Style
- Analyze the Need for Paper Coating
- Choose Finishing Options
- Finalize the Dielines
- Preparing the Artwork
- Creating a Prototype
- Production & Shipping
- Make a Plan for Supply Chain Solutions
- Micromanagement of Each and Every Key Metric
1: You have to Figure Out Your Shelf-Ready Packaging Needs
Before diving into the design process, you first need to think about why you are getting Shelf-Ready Packaging. Most importantly, ask yourself:
- What kind of product do you have?
Your packaging will depend on your product’s size, shape, and weight. If it’s fragile, you’ll need a sturdy design with cushioning to keep it safe. - Can you use new innovations?
Staying ahead of competitors is key. A good packaging partner can help you explore the latest design trends and new ways to attract customers. - What size do you need?
Measure your product’s height, width, and length, along with any protective inserts. Keep the box as small as possible to cut costs, prevent damage, and reduce waste. - How many units do you need?
Decide how many boxes you need: 100, 500, 1,000, or more. - How does it reflect your brand?
Don’t settle for plain packaging. Use your brand’s colors, fonts, and design to make your product stand out and boost sales.
The goal of SRP is simple; make restocking fast and efficient while enhancing your product’s visibility in stores. Moreover, if you think and plan wisely for your needs, it will also help us provide you with a better solution.
2: Set Your Budget So that You Can Buy Your Shelf Ready Packaging in Bulk
A successful shelf-ready packaging plan needs a clear budget. Consider your product’s price, profit margin, expected sales, and how long the packaging will be in use.
Having a set budget keeps the process efficient. It should cover packaging supplies, shipping boxes, and any necessary fillers. If you need help with assembly, you might also hire a contract packager.
If you choose to partner with a company like Ibex, it provides turnkey solutions that help reduce costs.
Benefits of Bulk and Volume Purchasing
Buying in bulk saves money, but it also requires upfront investment in storage and transportation. The more expensive your product, the more you should invest in its packaging.
3: Design Your Shelf-Ready Packaging
Now here we stand as a recommended choice, ready to help you. Let us bring your ideas to life and design your packaging. You can also design your own shelf-ready packaging that your brand truly needs. For your help, we have mentioned some key points to guide you in designing your packaging.
What are the key branding elements to showcase in your packaging?
- Your logo and tagline
- Brand colors and fonts
- Product image
- Company story and key info
How will your product be displayed?
- Inside a branded box with separate packages
- On a shelf tray with a removable top
- On a reusable plastic tray
- On a merchandising display
Make stackability a priority. A good goal is two cartons per shelf, allowing for fast restocking with no downtime.
Other SRP tips That Surely Will Help You
- Optimize packaging to fit shelves and pallets better.
- Ensure branding is visible on at least four sides for easy identification.
- Minimize materials; avoid excessive tape, shrink wrap, or glue.
- Consider stand-up pouches for a stable, eye-catching display.
- Include clear opening instructions for store staff.
If you need expert help, our in-house design team is here to assist. For instance, if you are buying display boxes to present your brand items, it’s a great choice for promotion and visibility.
4: Choose a Printing Style For Your Packaging Boxes
Selecting the right printing method isn’t just about cost; it’s about implementing strategy. With the advances in printing technology, offer different ways to enhance your shelf-ready packaging.
- Lithography Printing
This is ideal for high-volume production runs of a single design; lithographic printing delivers high-quality results. However, it comes with upfront costs for printing plates and longer lead times. - High-Speed Digital Printing
Digital printing allows for quick, customizable runs without additional plate costs. It’s perfect for regional messaging, seasonal packaging, and product variations. While some claim digital isn’t cost-effective for large orders, it offers unmatched flexibility. - Flexography Printing
Flexographic printing method is cost-efficient, fast, and suitable for bulk production. However, it lacks the sharpness and vibrant colors of lithography and digital printing. Gradients and detailed images may not appear as smooth.
Designing the Packaging To Stand Out
- Information Architecture
Your packaging should clearly communicate the key message at a glance. Keep it concise and impactful. - Shelf-Ready Product Showcase
SRP is about bulk inventory and impulse buys. Design your packaging to make products stand out and encourage quick sales. - Color Science
Colors evoke emotions, so choose shades that align with your brand and attract attention on the shelf. - Brand Color Matching
Many printers claim to match brand colors but lack the precision. Advanced printing technology ensures 100% color accuracy for consistency across all packaging.
5: Do You Need Paper Coating? Or Without Coating Looks Better?
No doubt, different coatings enhance appearance, durability, and protection. Here are the top options:
- Matte Lamination: It will create an elegant, high-end look with a soft, sophisticated feel.
- Gloss Lamination: It enhances vibrancy, contrast, and shine while providing extra protection.
- AQ Coating: A fast-drying, eco-friendly, water-based coating with a subtle sheen, ideal for food and household items.
- UV Coating: Offers a glossy, protective finish. It is available in flood (entire surface) or spot (specific areas) applications for added emphasis.
- Varnish: Adds a premium touch but provides less protection than other coatings. It may turn yellow over time and isn’t the most eco-friendly choice.
Choosing the right printing and finishing options ensures your SRP stands out while maintaining durability and cost-effectiveness.
6: Do You Need Special Finishing? If Added, will Benefit You
Enhance your packaging with special finishing techniques that create a more premium and eye-catching design.
- Foil Stamping
A foil-stamped package instantly elevates the perceived quality and value of your product. The metallic sheen catches attention, helping your packaging stand out in a competitive market.
- Spot UV
You can opt for the Spot UV that is applied to specific areas, adding contrast and depth. It also allows for overprinting on the rest of the packaging, ensuring a dynamic design.
- Embossing & Debossing
These techniques create a three-dimensional effect by raising (embossing) or lowering (debossing) certain design elements. This adds texture and a premium feel to your packaging.
- Window Cutting
A die-cut window allows customers to see and, in some cases, touch the product inside. This is especially useful for toy packaging, where interactive elements increase engagement.
7: Creating a Dieline that Will Make the Packaging Boxes More Precision Prior
With your design ready, the next step is transferring it onto a dieline, the structural blueprint of your packaging.
Your designer must follow precise dieline and artwork guidelines to ensure accuracy and efficiency. If you don’t have a designer, your packaging company can handle this for you.
How are Dielines created?
Dielines are created using design tools like Adobe Illustrator, ArtiosCAD, or Adobe InDesign. Precision is key, as any errors can lead to wasted time and materials.
8: Preparing the Artwork
Work closely with your packaging provider to ensure your artwork meets high-resolution printing standards. Confirm their specific CMYK printing requirements for optimal results.
At Ibex, our creative services team can assist in designing, prepping, and delivering artwork, ensuring every detail is print-ready.
Pro Tip: Need help with artwork preparation? Contact Ibex for expert guidance.
9: Creating a Prototype
Request a prototype before final manufacturing, particularly for large orders, to verify the print quality and packaging structure.
You can examine every aspect when prototypes are delivered in person or via mail. Our team keeps your project on schedule by producing high-quality prototypes fast using cutting-edge digital printing technology.
10: Production & Shipping
Once everything is finalized, your packaging moves into production. Sit back and wait for your order to arrive.
Delivery times depend on factors like order size, production schedules, and shipping methods. Your account manager will keep you updated throughout the process.
Pro Tip to Learn: If you need regular packaging orders, discuss your inventory needs with a specialist. This helps maintain a smooth supply chain and ensures timely deliveries.
11. Think of Supply Chain Solutions
Once your packaging design is finalized and production is set, having a solid supply chain plan is essential. You need to think through every step, from manufacturing to storage to delivery, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness. You have to think of some of the following questions.
- Will your packaging be shipped fully assembled or as knock-down flat (KDF)?
- What’s the total weight, including the shipping box and packing materials?
- Where will you store your packaging before it reaches retailers?
- How much will packaging supplies cost?
- Are there any fulfillment fees?
- What’s your strategy for handling returns?
12. Micromanagement of Each and Every Key Metric
Inventory Management: Stay on top of your packaging inventory at fulfillment centers to ensure you meet seasonal demand. Running out could cause costly delays, while excess stock may lead to waste; track which sizes and quantities are needed most.
Breakage Monitoring: Safe delivery is a priority. Set an acceptable breakage limit and track whether you’re staying within it. If damage exceeds expectations, consider improving your packaging filler or switching carriers.
Ibex Packaging: Your Ultimate Shelf-Ready Packaging Partner
Ibex Packaging is a leading manufacturer of packaging and retail displays, dedicated to protecting and promoting your products with customized corrugated solutions. When you work with us, we guide you through the entire process, from design to delivery.
As a trusted company, we provide a full range of packaging solutions, from basic shipping boxes to high-impact, printed point-of-purchase displays. No matter if you need sturdy shipping cartons or eye-catching retail packaging, we have you covered.
FAQS – Shelf Ready Packaging (SRP)
What does SRP stand for in Packaging?
SRP stands for Shelf-Ready Packaging that are designed for easy stocking and display in retail stores.
What is the difference between SRP and RRP?
RRP is a broader term, covering all packaging that simplifies stocking and selling, while SRP specifically focuses on shelf placement.
What is Shelf-Ready Packaging?
Shelf-ready packaging makes it easy to stock and display products in stores. It helps organize items on shelves and speeds up restocking. These boxes can feature your brand’s logo, colors, and message inside and out, making your product stand out.
Where can I order shelf-ready packaging?
Ibex Packaging offers a wide range of shelf-ready boxes, including folding cartons, mailing boxes, and shipping boxes. No matter your product or packaging needs, we can create the perfect solution. Just reach out and discuss your needs with our team.
Which SRP style is best for my product?
The right packaging depends on your product’s size, shape, weight, and fragility, as well as your target audience. At Ibex Packaging, we offer a variety of styles to suit your brand, whether you need simple or high-end packaging. Contact us today to learn more.
What printing options do you offer?
We provide all types of printing options. You can simply contact our team to get the best solutions. Printing allows for customized designs and multiple versions to target different markets effectively.
