I recently had the pleasure of interviewing a subject matter expert from PrintMyCup.com. Our expert was kind enough to talk to us about using unique food service packaging to help brand your company and make an impact on visitors.
Here is what PrintMyCup had to say about branding through the use of custom serving-ware as well as how they are making custom food service packaging available to even the smallest of ice cream, coffee and frozen dessert operations.
Custom food service packaging isn’t used often enough. Why?
Most any firm in today’s food industry can benefit from increased brand exposure and brand awareness in their packaging. Now companies of all sizes can capitalize on this opportunity; at PrintMyCup.com we offer low-cost and low-run solutions to fit most any application. Most specifically our team created our web portal as an easy means for smaller firms like “mom & pop” ice cream/yogurt stores and neighborhood coffee shops to better brand themselves through paper cups and containers.
Allow me to site a few examples of most relevance.
Most of us in the U.S. have come to recognize, know and love popular brands like STARBUCKS or BEN & JERRY’S. Besides the neon green signs and creative unique flavors, we have subconsciously become aware of and identify these iconic brands through their packaging. Whether it is as simple as a plain white cup with a STARBUCK’S green logo, or as innovative and unique as the renowned BEN & JERRY’S pint containers — the simple fact is that we identify a brand through its packaging.
I always wonder, “Why is my local corner coffee shop or local frozen yogurt store serving their product in a stock print or plain white paper cup or container?”
If I purchase a pint-sized ice cream container from a local outlet, most of the time it is plain white or has a basic plain colored logo on it. Most store owners are doing their best, and are conscious enough in developing a brand for themselves — they have a sign out front, a logo and (most of the time) a website.
So, why don’t more companies serve their product in custom packages?
The truth is that the industry has made it difficult and costly to brand paper food service products at a smaller level.
Your product that you toil so hard to create and the serving-ware that your customers walk around with should emit your brand, your messaging and create awareness, right?
At PrintMyCup.com we emphasize vibrant and unique packaging solutions as well as a simple and affordable ordering process.
We have short order times and a “cup concierge” who will be your point-of-contact for ordering. Sometimes ice cream this good or coffee this good deserves its own branded container.
You can feature innovative ways for customers to identify your product with your container.
Our firm has pioneered a way for customers to connect socially by placing QR codes on cups and containers. Customers can scan the QR codes with their smartphones and link directly with a restaurant or ice cream shop’s Facebook Fan Page or Twitter profile and tell others about the great service and delicious product.
Here’s an example of how your custom serving-ware can make a huge impact as part of your marketing strategy.
We recently consulted on some cup designs for a local start-up frozen yogurt franchise. The firm was in its infancy and only had a few locations; even so, customers raved steadily about the product, flavor and quality.
Our team sat down with them to determine a strategy. The start-up wanted their packaging to emit a branded image as well as promote the fact they are now accepting new franchise partners.
We placed a link to a custom web page on the containers. The web page included a short professional video clip about the franchise details and opportunity. This client’s website traffic increased dramatically as a result; within one month they signed agreements for new franchise partners in five states. This is just a small example of just how packaging can assist in spreading a marketing message.
You don’t have to be a huge operation to capitalize on custom serving-ware anymore.
Our largest pitfall has been very small clients who do not yet have the ability to store their own product or desire smaller production runs. Our typical order minimum had always been 50 cases of product received at one time to defray costs.
We have since refined our production process to accommodate much smaller (20 case orders). We also have a network of distribution partners around the country who have the ability to warehouse and deliver product to clients as needed.
Ultimately our primary focus is on serving the client needs and keeping costs in check. Because we listen to our customer feedback, we have made some great changes that have led to our increasing success.
In addition, we have delivered on a growing number of client requests for “green” eco-friendly alternatives to Styrofoam and plastic-based cups. As a result, our firm has become one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of biobased/compostable cups. This has been a great source of growth for our firm and also we have been pleased to assist our clients in offering an eco-friendly “green” solution for the earth-conscious customer base.
PrintMyCup.com is a solutions based manufacturing firm based in Toledo, Ohio USA. The firm has production interests and capabilities on a global scale to assist its growing client base with a supply of quality and affordable custom-printed food service paper packaging. Thier products include paper hot cups, yogurt cups, ice cream cups, gelato cups, and cold drink cups comprised of paper and clear plastic.
Visit their site to pick a size, design a print and order your very own custom printed cups at www.printmycup.com.
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