Product Packaging?

[elliotiscool]

I have a product that I am trying to sell to others by first having my work force propose the product to other stores. My only speed bump at the moment is my lack of knowledge of product packaging. I need some ideas on how to package this and also the cheapest method to package it (any recommended companies or websites you have used?). I also know they try to sell packaging in bulk, and at this time I probably only want to make 100 at most. Here are some key points about my product. Thanks

-Contains only a CD and some standard sized papers
-The product would sit on the counter, so I would need it to look flashy and easily catch people's attention.

2 ideas I have are packaging it in a standard box like how most computer games are packaged. I am also thinking of having the paperwork in a folder, and then having the cd in front of the whole folder, then all packaged in some sort of shrink wrap.

I am completely new to packaging and am open to all ideas and advice. In conclusion, here are my 2 key points:

1) Cheapest overhead (keep in mind I want to have printing on the packaging, and from what I have seen it can cost a lot more due to that)

2) Packaging that grabs the customer's attention. (I have 2 targeted audiences, 1, the buyer, 2, the store I am proposing to let me put my product on their counter.

Thank you

[jmandgroup]

I have worked with product packaging design companies but no near your budget. I would suggest looking into local advertising firms or freelance advertisers. They can usually come up with great design work and have connections to people in the industry. I am unsure of the type of store you will be selling to but most large department stores do charge fees for space and counter space usually has a higher fee because of the high volume traffic. Smaller stores usually do not charge fee.

[Franakapan]

Try to find a designer/design firm starting up and wanting to build their portfolio and see if you can negotiate yourself a cheap price.

[mcstartup]

There is a school of packaging design at Indiana State University. They take projects for students all the time, and you can end up with good stuff at a fraction of what a professional design firm would charge.

Try indstate(dot)edu, or google it. I'm sure they'd love to talk to you about the project.

[JLeezer]

This is only slightly relevant based on your current need, but may become more relevant with time: If you find yourself needing high quality product photos for a website, brochure, or other marketing materials, please email/pm me. I am looking for a variety of product types (boxed/packaged software included) to showcase my service.