As the in-house subject matter expert in packaging, production design and print production, I was
responsible for the development of all pieces that were designed to package and ship the nail art product. See more on the material and manufacturing aspect of these improvements here.
In 2011, each wrap was put into a clear poly lip & tape sleeve with a printed instruction sheet. As the product sat ready to fulfill it contained three inventory items.
As wraps were picked and packed, they were put into an off the shelf generic white envelope for mailing. Up to 12 wraps per envelope.
Working with a 3PL who took over the fulfillment, I helped develop a branded inner envelope that offered better protection through the mail. Up to 8 wraps were put into the inner envelope and 2 inner envelopes were put into the newly branded and much stronger outer mailer envelope. A total of 16 wraps could mail together in an outer envelope. Our packaging costs went up but we gained branding and better product protection.
We changed to a new base film and from a white backing liner to a clear liner for the wraps. This happened about the time we re-branded. At this same time I also redesigned the product configuration.
The envelope designs had changed but one problem remained, each wrap was put into a clear poly lip & tape sleeve with a printed instruction sheet. As the wraps went through QC and were packaged, 2 items had to be picked and put into the clear poly sleeve.
Packaged wraps with inner branded envelope.
5 items. Wrap, instruction sheet, sleeve, inner envelope, outer mailer envelope.
Wrap nail and header layout during transition from clear sleeves to branded sleeves.
Knowing I had to get away from the cost and labor of the instruction sheet, I developed a branded sleeve with the instructions printed on it. The clear sleeve was 1 mil and the new sleeve was 3 mil which protected the product better and eliminated the need for the inner envelope. First version of branded packaging sleeve used for old product configuration.
Gen. 2 branded sleeve reflects the change in layout of the nail wraps. Notice that the tape is on the sleeve and not on the lip so the product does not get stuck on the tape as it's being taken out.
I did most of the press and finishing checks, managed the manufacturer relationship and worked with them on continued improvements.
Whether the packaging work was being done piece rate or hourly, being able to put one item into the sleeve became critical to speed, lowered the cost and was less inventory to purchase and hold.
The sleeves were so successful that they later produced a white version which let certain designs show through.
With the development of the branded packaging sleeve, we eliminated the instruction sheet and inner envelope, going from 5 inventory items to 3.
The outer mailer which has a peel and seal closure and a zipper tooth peel open feature has since been rebranded for multiple holiday and promotional production runs.
Limited edition holiday mailer
When the small inner envelope went away, many customers asked for it back because they found it the perfect size to hand deliver the product in. In response, I developed what became known as the gifter envelope which became the perfect solution. Unlike the old inner envelope, the gifter is die cut only, eliminating the time and cost of folding and gluing. Another feature of the gifter is there are die cut slots on the back to insert a business card. Sold in a 25 pack. To see more on this product go to http://jnewns.com/other-products
Share the site
Share the page