5 Statistics About How Packaging Influences Purchase Decisions

When a customer walks into any store or shop, they are surrounded by thousands of products fighting for their attention. But here’s something most customers don’t realize: they are making judgments about products before they even read a single word on a label. 

But in reality, they can’t imagine the power of packaging or how much it holds over their buying decisions. Additionally, the packaging works on customers’ purchase decisions in ways they barely notice. That is why we outlined this blog post to take a look at some numbers that reveal just how much your product's packaging matters.

How Does Packaging Influence Purchase Decisions?

Let’s examine some statistical facts to see how packaging influences purchase decisions.

1. 72% of consumers say packaging design influences their purchase decision

According to one study of paper & packaging board, more than 70% of customers’ purchase decisions heavily rely on packaging design.

Three out of four people admit that they finalize their purchase decisions based on how the packaging looks on the shelf. This shows that it’s not about product and brand, it’s all about packaging.

What does this show to brands? It clearly shows your packaging is not just a box; it represents your brand 24/7 on the shelf. If your product is of inferior quality, confusing, or outdated, customers might be drawn to a brand that invested good on packaging design.

2. 67% of consumers consider packaging material when making a purchase

Sustainability is not just a trend anymore. Before making a purchase, customers are actually thinking about the packaging material, how it can be reused, recycle or whether it can or cannot be.

According to one of Trivium’s packaging research, 2/3rd of customers analyse whether packaging material comes in plastic, cardboard, or some other material.

Gone are the days when packaging material can’t be taken seriously; before cost and quality, it is considered. The brands winning right now are those who know how to go green without sacrificing the material quality.

3. Products with premium packaging can command prices up to 30% higher

According to various industry studies, you can literally charge more money for the same product just by putting it in better packaging.

We are not talking about a 5% bump here. We are talking about one-third more revenue simply because your box feels nicer or your bottle looks more expensive.

Luxury brands have known this forever. That's why high-end perfumes come in heavy glass bottles with magnetic closures and satin-lined boxes. You are not just buying fragrance. You're buying an experience, and packaging is a massive part of that experience.

4. 52% of online customers are likely to make repeat purchases from brands with premium packaging

Premium packaging attracts customers in multiple ways. According to one report of Dotcom Distribution, online customers only want to buy from your brands if your packaging makes a good impression the very first time.

Online buying decisions completely rely on memorable unboxing experiences. Customers make videos of themselves opening packaging and post them online. They advertise your brand and tell others about their experience when buying from you.

While selling online, you are not competing on store shelves; you are competing in someone’s memory. So, it is a must to make a positive impression.

5. 40% of consumers share images of packaging on social media

This stat shows how free marketing helps you grow your brand and increase sales. According to Packhelp’s research, four out of ten customers share packaging images on social media.

Just imagine how powerful it is for your brand. Every time someone posts your products’ images or videos on Facebook or Instagram, they are sharing your brand to their entire network.

Their friends see it, ask about it, and suddenly you've got new potential customers you never paid to reach.

In a Nutshell!

These stats clearly depict how packaging influences purchase decisions, and this is not a minor detail that can be easily ignored. More than product quality and price, packaging often gets noticed more.

Packaging is often the first interaction any customer has with your brand. So, make it count through Emenac Packaging New Zealand’s custom printed packaging solutions. For more packaging-related tips and ideas, explore our blog section or follow us on social media.