Stock Tins vs Custom Tins: What’s The Difference?

Your tireless effort and dedication have culminated in creating a truly exceptional product. Now, it’s time to showcase your masterpiece to the world and entice customers with its allure. The packaging of your product is a crucial aspect that will determine its first impression and ultimately, its success. The decision between stock tins and custom tins is pivotal and requires careful consideration.

A Dotcom Distribution study revealed that over 60% of surveyed individuals were more excited about a product in gift-like tin packaging. Furthermore, 40% of online shoppers stated that they would be more inclined to return to a retailer that used premium tin packaging.

By evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of both stock and custom tins, you can make an informed decision that will give your product the best possible chance of making a lasting impression on your customers.

What is Stock Tin?

Stock tin is a pre-made, generic packaging option that is made in bulk quantities and is readily available for purchase. Stock tins are generally made to standardized sizes, colors, and styles that are not tailored to a specific brand or product. Because of their mass production and ready availability, Stock tins are often more cost-effective than custom tins, but they might not reflect a brand’s unique message or identity.

stock tins

Stock tins offer a convenient and readily available option for packaging your product. These pre-made, generic tins are easily accessible from shipping warehouses and can be used right away. The default choice for many, Stock tins come “as is” with limited customization options available. It’s a basic and generic packaging solution that may not be tailored to your specific needs or reflect the unique identity of your brand.

However, if you need a quick and efficient packaging solution, stock tins may be the ideal option for you. Its ready availability and variety of sizes and shapes make it an excellent choice for urgent packaging needs. Also, it’s an economical option that can help you save money. It might not be the most premium or customized solution, but it serves the purpose of providing a fast, available, and budget-friendly option.

What is Custom Tin?

Custom tin refers to packaging boxes or containers that are made to order, specifically designed and tailored to meet the needs of a particular company or product. These custom tins can be made from tinplate, which is a type of steel that has been coated with tin to protect it from corrosion and make it more durable. The process of creating custom tins typically involves using computer-aided design (CAD) software to design the tin to the desired specifications, and then using pouching machinery to cut, form, and shape the tinplate into the finished product.

custom tins

Custom tins are used for packaging a variety of products such as confectionery, tea, coffee, tobacco, and even non-food items like candles and cosmetics. They can come in various shapes, sizes, and designs and some companies often use them as a marketing tool to showcase their branding, product details, safety, and other information on it.

Custom tin is the ultimate expression of individuality and creativity for your product. It allows you to design packaging that perfectly complements the unique shape and size of your product, showcasing its features and ensuring it is securely and safely housed.

Custom Tins are the perfect choice for those who want something more special and personalized. The customization options are virtually endless and you can choose nearly every facet of your package, from design to added printed effects, like matte or gloss lamination, metallic effect, embossing or debossing, or spot UV that can make your brand and product truly stand out and leave a lasting impression.

Even if you don’t want all the “bells and whistles” that custom tin can offer, the packaging itself will be crafted to your precise specifications and dimensions, ensuring a perfect fit and flawless finish.

The appeal of beautiful custom tin packaging can’t be understated, it is becoming increasingly popular among consumers, and as a Dotcom Distribution study shows, 50% of consumers said gift-like or branded tin packaging makes them more likely to recommend a brand to others. By choosing custom tin, you can create packaging that not only protects your product but also excites and entices potential customers, giving your brand the extra edge it needs to succeed.

Stock Tins vs Custom Tins: When To Use Each One?

Stock Tins vs Custom Tins: When To Use Each One?

Choosing between stock tins and custom tins can be a difficult decision, as each option offers its own set of benefits and drawbacks. To make it easier for you, we have outlined some instances where one option may be more suitable than the other.

Stock Tins Are A Great Option When:

  1. You want to test different marketing strategies without the added cost and time of custom printing. As stock tins are a versatile and cost-effective packaging solution for businesses of all sizes.
  2. You are a startup with a tight budget, they offer an economical way to conduct market tests and promotional activities.
  3. You are faced with production shortages, stock tins allow you to quickly get your product out to the market.
  4. You are preparing trade show samples to give out to attendees. Stock tins are quick and easy to obtain, and almost always readily available, making them a great choice for short-term promotions, market testing, and getting your product to the market promptly.

Custom Tins Will Be a Better Option When:

  1. You want to create a sophisticated and elegant look for your luxury product through custom design or shape options.
  2. You want to utilize the latest printing techniques and tools to make the unboxing experience of your product on social media an unforgettable one.
  3. You want custom tin packaging to stand out from the competition with unique and beyond-ordinary packaging that’s tailored to your specific needs.
  4. You have a large volume of printed tin packaging needed and you want every facet of your packaging production to be tailored to your specific needs.
  5. You need to create a high-quality product, ensure a detailed finish and highlight your product.

Custom tins may cost more and take longer, but they offer nearly limitless design and personalization options.

With custom tins, you can utilize flexible printing techniques and tools to deliver an impressive customer experience and make your product stand out from the competition. Every angle of the package and even the material itself can be printed, embossed, highlighted, glossed and so much more.

In summary, Stock tins are quick, cheap, easy to obtain, and almost certainly available, but may not offer the level of customization and personalization that custom tins can provide. Custom tins, on the other hand, offer limitless design and personalization options and are ideal for luxury products, creating memorable unboxing experiences, and other specific needs.

What We Can Help With?

When it comes to choosing between stock tins and custom tins, the decision is not always clear-cut. Each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on the specific needs of your product and brand.

Custom tin packaging offers a wealth of design and personalization options that can set your product apart from the competition. It is an excellent choice for luxury products, for creating an unboxing experience on social media, or for needing a unique packaging solution tailored to your specific needs.

At Tinshine, we understand that the world of custom tins can be overwhelming for a first-time product designer. That’s why we’re here to help. Our team of experts has years of experience creating custom tins for all types of products and configurations.

Our team of artists is trained in a variety of styles and mediums, and can easily maneuver across different graphic styles to create a look that accurately captures your idea and your product in one complete design. Whether you already have an idea in mind or you’d like suggestions, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

We’re excited to help take your custom tin packaging to the next level and create a look that perfectly exemplifies and embodies the best features of your product and your brand. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote on your custom tin packaging needs, and let’s work together to create a package that is unmistakably your own.

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