This is the "Age of the Customer". So says Forrester® Research Inc., a leading marketing and technology research company which found that gaining a sustainable competitive advantage with your customer requires that you both know and engage with them. This is especially true for retail products because more than half of all shoppers make their purchase decisions at the shelf. Not ahead of time. At the shelf.

Branding and packaging decisions currently make or break the success of a product. The competitive advantage that has historically been based on manufacturing locations, cheap supply chains and IT investments has been undermined by widespread availability of formerly limited favorable conditions and factors. If once limited advantages are, therefore, no longer actually limited, retail success will require new ways of rising above the competition.

One of the most ingenious and effective branding and packaging decisions is to include the use of stand up bags. Also called, among other things, stand up pouches, Mylar® barrier bags and custom printed stand bags, stand up bag packaging shows your customers that you understand their needs and delight in meeting them. Connecting with consumers on this level will certainly enhance brand recognition and generate a level of loyalty much higher than that attained by your competitors.  As a side note, check out the latest Best New Product Awards from Better Homes and Gardens.  Certainly a nice representation of custom printed stand up pouches and even better, many in this group could very easily find a competitive advantage by using them!

Stand up bags are the product the lamination of multiple layers of specially-designed film that protect the contents from vapor, moisture, and odor while, at the same time, locking in product freshness which, of course, extends the shelf life of your product. Branding and packaging decisions that place a premium on added value such as a longer shelf life are sure to contribute positively to your bottom line, building a stronger relationship with your customers.

Choosing among appearance and display options are among the other branding and packaging decisions you must make. Stand up bags allow you to custom order printing in up to 10 colors to be applied directly to the wide front and back bag panels or you can affix your own labels. You can even combine them.

The bags stand out from the competition because they stand up on the shelf. Available hang holes provide another display option.

If using stand up bags is one of your branding and packaging decisions, the competitive advantages generated will help you will survive in "The Age of the Consumer" because of the product loyalty you will build.  Want to learn more?