Have you ever waited with anticipation for that special something to show up in the mail only to receive a smashed box with broken pieces inside or liquid dripping out the sides? Packaging has always been a critical component of successful retail products. Packaging is also critical for successful products sold online. However, there are differences between the two types of packaging that should be considered. When a product is displayed in a retail store, it is competing with every other product on the shelf for the consumer's attention. The boxes are normally shiny, multi-colored, and have foil stamping and embossing. The boxes seem to scream out, in a visual way, ?Hey, look at me!? In online sales, the product is sold long before the consumer sees the packaging, but the packaging is still critical to creating a satisfied customer. Here are a few points to consider when choosing packaging for products that are sold online and shipped to the buyer.
Don't spend too much on your packaging because it won't be competing against one hundred other packages on the shelf of Wal-Mart or Best Buy. UV coatings, foil stamping, embossing, and other high cost packing enhancers are not needed.
Don't spend too little on your packaging because it still needs to reflect the quality and value of the product inside. You can use one, two, or four color printing to enhance the package. Do make sure your packaging is sturdy enough to make it through the mail.
Make sure the package is crush proof. Some boxes require an inner structure made of cardboard, foam, or vacuum form plastic to keep them from crushing.
Test your packaging by sending five packages to a few people you know in different parts of the country or, for products that ship internationally, in the world. Have them send the products back to you. How did the packaging hold up? Does it still look good? Is it something you would feel good about receiving for yourself? Did the outer packaging protect the product? If there is any crushing, bad tearing, or product damage; rework your design and test again.
Don't spend too little, don't spend too much, test thoroughly, and your packaging will be just right.
Copyright ? 2006 Philip Busk
Would you like to make money even when you don't go to work? The secret is to have your work continue to pay you even when you stop. A machine that once started continues to operate even when you aren't there. It's called residual income, and you can make it too. Residual income means that once you have set the wheels in motion you can continue to collect money - possibly forever! Who wouldn't want to have a business that puts money in your pocket day or night, whether you are working or not?
Is residual income only a dream? For many enterprising individuals it is not just a dream - it's a reality. The concept is simple - Do the hard work first and collect on it indefinitely. By understanding the business models that this principle applies to you can also start making residual income.
CREATE A PRODUCT FOR OTHERS TO SELL
Writing a book tops the list for one of the most popular methods of creating residual income, but you can also create other products such as software programs or even a physical product. The key is that you want the business as automated as possible so that once you've set it up you don't have to continue working as hard.
How does it work? Traditionally if you write a book you sign with a publishing company for royalties or sell your book yourself. The hardest work is creating the book. However, once the book was finished you can continue collecting profits on every sale.
The same is true if you choose to sell a product that is made and delivered by another company - often called drop shipping. By creating a sales page on the internet that will appeal to your audience you can continue to collect profits on the sales of your product or book without having to do the work each time.
If you have a special knowledge about a particular topic, or if you are skilled at research and writing, you can likely find a topic worth writing about. If you need to sell with little overhead you can even write a book in PDF format that can be downloaded rather than traditionally printed and shipped to the buyer.
If you choose drop shipping of a physical product, find something you can create an interesting website around. Share lots of information with the prospective buyer and create a professional sales page. With the proper combination of marketing skills and interested customers you can create a system that works even when you don't!
REFERRAL AND TIERED AFFILIATE PROGRAMS
Many online business use affiliate programs as an easy way to create a sales force. If you are good at promoting a program or product to others you may find that you can generate profits from a second tier sales force that you recruit.
This form of residual income is also common in other businesses including selling makeup, natural cleaners and insurance products. Whatever your passion there is likely a business that will appeal to you.
Once you've created a sales force you can start collecting a percentage of their sales. With hard work and dedication you may be able to rest from your efforts while your team continues to work for you. Creating your own book or product AND recruiting a profitable sales force combine for the ideal business model for making residual income!
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