MrTakeOutBags.com Foodservice Jesse Harster Blog

You may think that custom printing needs to have a lot of flashy colors in order to have an impact. Sure, a multicolor takeout bag, for example, may get noticed by some, but it’s not always the best route. Sometimes simple is best. And when it comes to custom branded food packaging, single color printing can be your best friend.

Impact

Think about it, how many colors is the Starbucks logo? How about Target’s logo? They are only one color and they are instantly recognizable. When you get too many colors involved with your logo, it can become difficult for people to really remember it or know it when they see it. When someone sees the Coca-Cola logo, they know immediately what brand it is. In fact, the marketing team at Coke may have influenced how we envision Santa Claus today.

Focus

Sticking with one color allows your customers to focus on what’s most important: the product behind the logo. Without the dizzying distractions of six different colors, people are able to focus on just the brand and what it means to them. Do you represent quality product? How about great customer service? These are the things that will come to mind when they are able to focus solely on your brand.

Price

This may come as no surprise, but in most cases printing one color is less expensive than printing multiple colors. Opting for one color is a great way to keep cost down while still investing in your brand. In fact, sticking with one color printing also allows for, in most cases, a lower minimum quantity to print. This allows you to test the waters with a small quantity order to see if it’s the right choice for you.

As we often say, printed packaging is like a walking billboard. Why dilute a striking logo with a variety of different colors when simplicity can have a bold effect. Still not sure? Give our Packaging Advisors a call to learn more. They can help you decide what type of printing, and on what item(s), is going to have the best overall effect on your business. Call today at 888-321-2248.

Whether you get your custom printed items from us or from a competitor, you may have noticed recently that turnaround time for printed items has gotten longer. The extended lead times are frustrating, of course, but we find it’s helpful to understand why they occur.

TIMING

The lead-up to the holiday season is without a doubt the busiest time of year for production plants. So many businesses are gearing up for seasonal shoppers and diners, so they’re getting their packaging ready now. That type of large influx can, of course, create a bottle neck in the process.

DEMAND

For starters, there has been a shift in demand. Many customers who used to buy plastic bags are making the shift to paper ones. Some do so in an effort to be more eco-friendly while others are required to by new state laws. There has been a steady increase in the need for paper, and right now we’re seeing longer lead times across the board as a result.

TRENDS

In the last few months we’ve noticed a shift in customer preferences. More and more people are intentionally purchasing US-made products rather than importing. We believe part of that is a result of tariffs, and part of it is more eco-conscious. Buying American-made goods means shipping is minimal – compared to shipping overseas. That, in turn, reduces the customer’s carbon foot print.

It’s best to always plan ahead and be ready for delays, but that’s not always easy to accomplish – especially for busy business owners. That’s why we’re here to help. Our Packaging Advisors will always be transparent with you when discussing how long it takes to get a custom printed item. Give them a call at 888-321-2248 and they’ll be more than happy to answer all your questions!

You may think that custom printing your logo on bags, boxes or tissue wrapping paper needs to have a lot of flashy colors to have an impact. Sure, a multicolor takeout bag, for example, may get noticed by some, but it’s not always the best route. Sometimes simple is best. And when it comes to custom branded bakery or restaurant packaging, single color printing can be your best friend.

Impact

Think about it, how many colors is the Starbucks logo? How about Target’s logo? They are only one color and they are instantly recognizable. When you get too many colors involved with your logo, it can become difficult for people to really remember it or know it when they see it. When someone sees the Coca-Cola logo, they know immediately what brand it is. In fact, the marketing team at Coke may have influenced how we envision Santa Claus today.

Focus

Sticking with a one color logo allows your customers to focus on what’s most important: the product behind the logo. Without the dizzying distractions of various colors, people are able to focus on just the brand and what it means to them. Do you represent a quality product? How about great customer service? These are the things that will come to mind when they are able to focus solely on your branded logo.

Price

This may come as no surprise, but in most cases printing with one color is less expensive than printing multiple colors. Opting for one color is a great way to keep cost down while still investing in your brand. In fact, sticking with one color printing also allows for, in most cases, a lower minimum quantity to print. This allows you to test the waters with a small quantity order to see if it’s the right choice.

Quantity

If you have a one color logo for your to go bags or boxes, you can usually have options to print smaller quantities.  In many cases it’s as few as 1,000 pieces. When printing multiple colors, it becomes much harder to print small quantities.

Product

Deciding which of your food service takeout or beverage packaging to print can be difficult. Your budget may require you to choose between multiple items you want to brand. Typically the most visible item is often the best choice. That is often a takeout bag, but not always. On the other hand, a bakery may be better off printing their cupcake boxes than their bags. The box is likely to stick around longer and be seen by more people.

A coffee shop will likely want the cups printed instead of a bag or box. There are a ton more cups leaving a coffee shop than there are pastry bags. A sandwich shop may want to have the wrapping paper printed because the customers see that in most cases. It can also serve to be a tray or basket liner with the printed logo.

We are here to help.

As we often say, printed takeout bags are like a walking billboard. Why dilute a striking logo with a variety of different colors when simplicity can have a bold effect. Still not sure? Give our Retail and Food Service Packaging Advisors a call to learn more. They can help you decide what type of printing, and on what item(s), is going to have the best overall effect on your business. Call today at 888-321-2248.

Think about it: what makes you choose one brand over another? What makes you even remember one brand while forgetting another? Companies that differentiate themselves from the competition are the ones that are remembered – and revisited – by customers. Many will say that it’s extremely difficult to get noticed in the food service industry, and they’re right. Thankfully we know a thing or two about how to stand out in a crowd.

Color

One of the easiest ways to set your business apart from others? Become a horse of a different color. Meal prep containers, for example, are available in more than just the standard black base and clear lid. Package your food in vibrant lime green, or eye-catching orange. Coffee shops that go against grain opt for nontraditional cup colors such as black or blue. Each customer that leaves the shop with one of these cups in hand helps to draw attention back to the business.

Quality

We’re all familiar with the standard plastic “Thank You” bags – but standard is not what you are. Graduate to the next level by switching to wave carry out bags. The flat bottom makes it easy to stack takeout boxes without them tipping and spilling. A wave-like handle with a circular cut out adds to the design, but also provides durability. For restaurants using a delivery service, the new Seal-2-Go bags are the best way to ensure food arrives to your customers hot and untouched.

Application

Sure, you can have top-of-the-line premium packaging but it means nothing if you’re using the incorrect item. Imagine a bakery that put their sweet, butter-heavy treats in a bag that was not grease resistant. Customers’ fingers would become covered in oil before they even got to the pastry. At the same time, you wouldn’t put a catering tray into a flimsy bag, you would need something that was up to the challenge. Simply by making sure you have the proper items for the application, you give yourself a leg up on the competition.

Of course, if you need any help figuring out what exactly the right items are – or if you’re ready to talk about putting your logo on your packaging – feel free to give us a shout. Our Packaging Advisors can be reached Monday through Friday (8:30 – 6 p.m. EST) at 888-321-2248. They’re happy to help you step up your game.