It only takes one small slip in your packaging design to unravel everything. A single overlooked detail can turn into a full print run of boxes with an error. The colour looks dull, the logo isn’t centred, or something that should be right-side up… isn’t. Suddenly, the packaging loses its sense of quality and no longer feels aligned with the brand, and you’re left with a choice.

Do you still use the boxes, knowing potential customers might notice the mistake? Or do you pay again for another print run, absorbing the cost to protect your brand’s reputation?

Either way, it creates unnecessary stress, the kind that can be avoided when you know how to work well with printers and suppliers. With the right approach, your packaging maintains its quality and integrity every time.

Why mistakes happen

Most product-based founders are never taught how to collaborate with printers, suppliers, or manufacturers. Much of it is learned on the go, which sometimes works, but other times comes at a cost.

Mistakes often happen when communication breaks down between the business owner, designer, and printer. Or a small lapse in attention causes slip ups.

Many assume that once design files are sent, the printer will reproduce them perfectly, but this isn’t always the case.

Others accept supplier suggestions that might sound helpful, without understanding what the full implications would be, and end up with packaging printed thats actually very far from what was originally designed.

As the leader of your business, you are the guardian of your brand’s visual integrity. That calls for care, clarity, and attentiveness, but you don’t have to do it alone. You have a designer with expertise, so it’s wise to use them. Keep communication open between everyone involved so your packaging stays consistent and high quality every time.

When things go wrong

I’ve seen it happen a few times. A supplier once adjusted a file, resulting in a small but noticeable dash cutting through the typography on the side of the box. Another time, new fragrance packaging was printed using colours outside the brand palette, tones that were harsher and brighter than intended. What was once a soft, cohesive colour story instantly felt disjointed with the rest of the brand. When packaging errors are visible or cohesion is disrupted, customer trust quietly weakens.

Key things to remember

1. Printers and suppliers are experts in production, not in your brand. Their creative ideas might work excellently for another brand, but not necessarily for your brand.

2. Your packaging is your responsibility. As the leader of your business, it’s important to pay attention to the final print files before you give them the go ahead. Attention to detail is an act of brand care.

3. Your designer is your ally. You’ve invested in their expertise, so lean on them. Ask questions, check assumptions, and keep them involved.

Common mistakes to watch out for

• Enlarging the logo or text, disrupting the design hierarchy.

• Modifying or recreating the logo with new elements.

• Using colours that fall outside of the approved palette.

• Adding print finishes that are not aligned with the brand’s image.

• Changing the fonts or how they are formatted (for example, changing type from uppercase to lowercase when your brand identity has been crafted with that font always in uppercase)

Every decision shapes how considered and trustworthy your brand appears.

Strategies to implement

WORK WITH AN EXPERIENCED PACKAGING DESIGNER

They’ll understand print processes, materials, and finishes, and ensure artwork files are set up correctly from the start. Ask for print-ready files you can send directly to your supplier.

REVIEW THE FINAL ARTWORK BEFORE IT GOES TO PRINT

Request proofs from your supplier and check every element. If you are a small business you can do this yourself, or as a larger business you can hire someone to do it for you. Either way, the final files need a careful look before being printed.

CONSULT YOUR DESIGNER BEFORE APPROVING SUPPLIER SUGGESTIONS

Your designer will be able to tell if it will work or not with the packaging design that’s been created.

HAVE OPEN COMMUNICATION BETWEEN DESIGNER AND SUPPLIER

Rather than relaying information back and forth, connect them directly (with you CC’d). It saves time, ensures everyone is on the same page, and prevents miscommunication.

GO SLOW TO GO FAST

Order small test runs before committing to large quantities. It takes a little more patience upfront, but protects your long-term investment

To Conclude

Your packaging is how you communicate your quality before customers have ever experienced the product itself. Small mistakes can quietly weaken that perception, but with the right guidance, care, and collaboration, they’re entirely avoidable. When you take the time to get it right, you protect both your brand integrity and your business investment.