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Packaging Design for Startups – 10 Questions

What to clarify before a packaging project – from shelf to unboxing.

Updated: September 2026

1. Why is packaging design so important?

For consumer products, packaging decides the purchase within seconds on the shelf and in the online shop. It is often the most important brand carrier.

2. What does packaging design cost?

As a guide around €4,000–12,800 per product for concept and design. Larger packaging projects often reach five figures, according to agencies.

3. Does the agency manufacture the packaging?

No. The agency designs and supervises production; manufacturing is done by packaging makers and printers.

4. What has to be on the packaging?

That depends on product and country – for food, for example, ingredients, allergens and nutrition facts. List your countries of sale in the questionnaire.

5. What are dielines?

Technical drawings of the unfolded packaging on which the design is placed. They usually come from the manufacturer.

6. How important is the print run?

Very. The print run determines printing process, materials and unit costs. State the first print run in the questionnaire.

7. Can the agency advise on sustainable materials?

Yes, many agencies advise on materials and recyclability and coordinate with manufacturers.

8. What is an unboxing experience?

The design of unpacking in e-commerce: shipping box, tissue paper, insert card. It is often shared on social media.

9. Do I need product photos and 3D packshots?

For online shop, retail and advertising usually yes. 3D packshots are often available before the packaging is printed.

10. How long does packaging design take?

A single product usually 6–10 weeks, a product line 3–6 months depending on the manufacturer.

Service page: Packaging design →

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1. Your startup

The basics every agency asks first. Associations, NGOs and non-profits are welcome too.

Stage

Business model

Target markets

2. What you need

From strategy and logo to web portal, app and trade-fair booth.

What do you need? Tick everything that applies. Grouped the way branding agencies structure their services. Not sure where to start? Select the essential kit – you can add or remove items afterwards.

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★ = essential kit every startup needs

Packaging design

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Brand strategy & positioning

Naming & corporate wording

Logo & corporate design

Business stationery

Website, web portal & e-commerce

App & product design (UX/UI)

Pitch deck & investors

Marketing, campaigns & editorial

Trade-fair booth, signage & space

Launch, film & photo

PR & communications

Employer branding & culture

Ongoing support (per month)

3. Starting point

What exists already and where the brand should go.

Why now? The trigger for the project.

What already exists?

What must stay?

at least 20 characters

Interested in a digital competitor analysis?How your competitors show up online: website or shop, which pages and search terms (keywords) bring them the most traffic, social media (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok), apps and ads. Many agencies do this together with SEO and online-marketing partners.

Brand characterMove the sliders – the middle means «no preference».

PlayfulSerious
ClassicModern
AffordablePremium
UnderstatedBold
Warm & humanTechnical & precise
4. Budget & timing

The two questions that decide whether an agency can help you.

Budget for this project Excl. VAT. A realistic range saves everyone time – agencies scale the scope to it.

Is the budget approved?

Payment models you are open to

Would you be willing to pay part of the fee in company shares (equity)? Some agencies work with startups partly in exchange for a stake – this can lower the cash amount. Whether it is possible is always up to the agency.

How would you like to pay? Some agencies also accept cryptocurrencies – please tell us so we can match you with a suitable agency.

Which cryptocurrencies could you pay with?Only if crypto is possible – tick all that apply.

How fixed is the deadline?

5. Working together

So you are matched with agencies that work the way you do.

Who makes the final decision?

How do you want to choose an agency?We do not forward requests for unpaid creative pitches.

Location of the agency

Preferred agency size

Experience with agencies

Should the agency also take care of legal protection?Trademark search and registration for name and logo, design protection, domains and transfer of usage rights. Agencies usually coordinate this with an IP lawyer. Patents protect technical inventions and are a matter for a patent attorney, not a branding agency.

6. Contact

Who the agencies should talk to.

Preferred first contact

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