You know that you have an awesome product - so why isn’t it selling like hotcakes? It might be time to look beyond the quality of your product and take a hard look at your branding and packaging. In the competitive world of retail, standing out isn’t just a bonus—it’s a necessity.
Here are four common reasons your products might not be flying off shelves and how to turn things around.
1. Your Brand Isn’t Attractive to Retailers
Retail buyers want a sure thing. If your branding doesn’t look professional or feel retail-ready, they’ll move on to something else. Retail buyers aren’t just looking for products that fit their store—they’re looking for products they know will sell.
Solution:
Invest in a retail-ready look: Your packaging should immediately convey quality and professionalism. Think clear messaging, high-quality graphics, and designs that align with your industry.
Understand buyer psychology: Make it easy for retailers to say "yes" by creating a Buyer’s Guide. This one-pager can highlight your product’s key selling points, target audience, pricing, and why it’s a perfect fit for their store.
Test your shelf presence: Use mockups to see how your product looks next to competitors. Does it command attention? If not, it’s time for a design refresh.
2. Your Branding Doesn’t Stand Out
In a crowded market, your product is blending in and getting lost in the sauce. If your design isn’t bold, unique, or eye-catching, potential customers might not even notice it exists.
Solution:
Focus on storytelling: A unique story sets your brand apart. Incorporate elements that reflect your mission, values, or origin—things your competitors can’t replicate.
Use bold design elements: Think unexpected color palettes, creative typography, or patterns that pop - if that fits your vibe. Don’t just follow trends—find a way to be original while staying true to your brand.
Seek feedback: Conduct focus groups or surveys to see how people respond to your packaging and product. In store tasting events are a great place for this. If they say, “It looks like everything else,” you know it’s time for a change.
3. Your Packaging Is Weird
Maybe it’s an odd size that doesn’t fit well on a display, or it’s not functional enough—hard to open, stack, or store. If your packaging isn’t practical, it’s not doing its job.
Solution:
Consult with retailers: Understand the display requirements and constraints for the stores you’re targeting. Packaging that fits neatly into their existing layouts has a higher chance of being stocked.
Do your homework: Research what’s working for other brands in your category. Analyze their packaging for functionality and appeal, then find ways to make yours even better. Could your design be more user-friendly? More eye-catching? Use what you learn to level up.
Test for durability: Ensure your packaging holds up through shipping, stacking, and customer use. Flimsy or difficult-to-handle packaging will turn off buyers and customers alike.
4. Your Audience Isn’t Connecting
Your branding needs to resonate with your ideal customer. If it’s not telling the right story or aligning with their values, they’ll skip your product for one that does.
Solution:
Know your audience: Dig deep into what your ideal customers care about. Are they looking for eco-friendly options? Do they prioritize local, artisan products?
Align with their values: Use your packaging to communicate what you stand for. Material choice, transparent messaging, and thoughtful design can all build trust with your audience.
Track your engagement: Pay attention to social media comments, reviews, and sales data to see how your audience responds to your branding. If you’re not getting the love you want, it’s time to adjust.
Ready to See Your Products Fly Off Shelves?
Fixing these issues can take your product from “meh” to “must-have” in the eyes of both customers and retailers. Whether it’s a bold rebrand or a packaging overhaul, taking the time to address these challenges can make all the difference.
Need help making it happen? At Brand Storey Studio, I specialize in creating branding that stands out, sells, and connects. Let’s chat about how we can get your product flying off shelves in no time.
Comments