Types of Action Figure Packaging: Your Access To Sales Boost!

Action figure packaging is one of the most important decisions you will make as an action figure seller. So, making sure that you get the best tips and tricks and understand the types of action figure packaging is essential. In this blog, we will talk about blister cards, clamshell, window boxes, and closed boxes as options. At the same time, we will talk about the critical design and material considerations alongside the impact of packaging on the value of the products. Another important thing that we will cover will be the tips and tricks to preserve your packaging and products during storage. So, let’s start this one! 

Blister Card Packaging 

Here are some important things that you need to keep in mind when it comes to blister card packaging: 

• Nostalgia is currency when it comes to action figures, and that is why blister card packaging is the best option, as it offers that nostalgic feel. 
• On the other hand, they’re also known for being exceptionally low-cost to produce, while the material is also low-cost. 
• Apart from that, they are quite retail-friendly as they maximise the use of retail shelf space with tactics like peg hanging. 
• Alongside that, you get unobstructed font visibility with them as you get a high contrast view of the action figure. 

Cons: 

• On the other hand, they have issues like structural fragility as they can be damaged during shipping, pegging tear and due to handling. 
• Apart from that, there are chances of devaluation that can happen due to card damage. For instance, a soft corner, a spider web structure can reduce the value by up to 30 to 50%.  
• One of the biggest things at points you need to keep in mind is that their unboxing is irreversible. This means that once the cardboard and blister card is opened, it is destroyed permanently, and then there is no turning back. 
• Alongside that, there are chances of bubble yellowing due to UV exposure or bitterness that could lead to the plastic cracking open due to even minimal pressure. 

Pros and Cons of Clamshell and Blister Packs for Action Figures 

Another great option we have is the use of clamshell or blister packs that give superior environmental protection to the toys packed inside. What they do is to avoid any moisture, humidity, or dust to make sure the cardboard insert does not warp or mold. Alongside that, you also get a plastic shell that absorbs shocks and avoids any physical damage to the products packed inside. Another great thing that you get with them is the 360° visibility of the action figure packed inside. 

The use of snap closure clamshells is the best option, where you get the ability to remove the figure for display and return it to the original position later. It is also considered a great option for collectors. 

Cons: 

When we talk about the cons of such packaging, there are some things that you need to keep in mind: 

• If the clamshell packaging requires a razor blade or similar thing to open, it can be a physical safety hazard for the action figures packed inside. In simple words, it can cause physical damage to these valuable products inside. 
• Apart from that, once a welded clamshell is cut open, the packaging may not be usable again. This also means that there will be no resale value that would come with the in-box presentation. 
• Alongside all the other cones, you might also have to face the higher production costs of this type of packaging, which you would not like to have. 

Window Boxes 

Window boxes can also be utilized where the outer shell may be made of rigid folding carton corrugated cardboard. Then there will be a precise die-cut opening that you can find on the front side of the window. Also, you have a thin transparent sheet of plastic film that would be glued inside the cardboard cutout, which gives a perfect dustproof barrier. Apart from that, you have a form-fitting plastic tray inside where you get twist ties and friction-fit molding to make sure it is centered behind the window. 

Pros: 

• These custom toy boxes offer a high-end and professional aesthetic that converts a simple toy into a premium collectible. How it does this is simple, as it uses high-end electronics and designer goods to give a higher retail price point for the providers. 
• Alongside that, you also get a huge creative canvas on the boxes that gives a huge amount of real estate for graphic design. What you get with it is a huge back and side of the packaging for a gorgeous character art, while biographies and dioramas can be added as well. 
• Another great thing that you get with them is that you do not have to damage the exterior of the box while opening it. What you have to do is slide out the tray and enjoy the figure while you can return them easily with the same mechanism. 

Cons: 

• When we talk about the cons of this packaging, the nostalgia is lost to some level. What happens is that compared to the vibrant and chaotic fun of the blister card packaging, it does not appeal to the adult demographic, but rather the impulsive kids. 
• At the same time, ambient light and UV rays would cause thinning of plastic window film and make it yellow and brittle. What happens is that it would lead to window cracks, and the entire aesthetic would be ruined. 
• Alongside that, they might stack well, but the corners of the cardboard would dent and scuff while also having the possibility of crushing. What happens is that a single dented corner could completely downgrade the pricing. 
• Another thing that you need to keep in mind is that they would require a multipart construction that would convert this packaging option into a more expensive one in comparison to others. 

Closed Boxes for Action Figures 

You can also use closed boxes for your action figures, while they have their own pros and cons that we will discuss next: 

When it comes to closed boxes or surprise box packaging, they are fully enclosed and do not have any windows or cutouts; in such a case, the product inside will be invisible to the consumer. What happens further is that the product inside will be sealed inside the opaque foil or plastic bag. This stops the product from being shaken or peered at with a flashlight, while the character inside will be hidden as well. 

Pros: 

• What happens in this type of packaging is that it causes a huge amount of meaning to the consumer’s mind, while the unboxing of the figure becomes a high engagement social media content. At the same time, when you use variants, it would create an artificial scarcity that would make sure more people buy your products. 
• Also, you get rid of expensive crystal clear plastic window sheets and other materials that would require a lot of budget in other ways.  
• Apart from that, you get clean, stackable and space-efficient cubes in which you can display beautifully designed action figures. 

Cons: 

•  On the other hand, the consumers’ goods have a low chance of getting the identical figures repeatedly, which would be a turn-off. 
• What happens then is that hardcore collectors would have to go to other markets and providers who find the same action figure they are looking for. 
•  Another thing that happens with that is that malicious retail practices could be utilized to scam consumers looking for rare products. 

Collector-Grade Packaging 

Another great option you have is collector-grade packaging, and here are the structural features of this type: 

This type of packaging uses heavy-gauge and rigid paperboard or a folding carton that would give a perfect solid feel to the overall package. Alongside that, you have a closure system with rare-earth magnets inside the cardboard flaps to give a perfect, timeless snap closing feel. Another thing that you get with them is a premium finish as the rap is treated with advanced printing techniques for visual and tactile senses. 

The use of spot UV or gloss finish can be of perfect utilization, while embossing and debossing can create raised or recessed physical depth. Apart from that, the use of foil stamping, like gold, gun metal for silver, can be of good use on that typography to give a perfect luxury look.  

Pros: 

• This type of packaging is perfect if you are looking for museum-quality display value for your action figures. It is one of the best ways to get a perfect, ultimate preservation asset for your collection. 
• Another thing that you get with them is industrial indestructible re-usability, as you get the ability to have countless openings and closings without any degradation. These would show collectors that they can pack the figure away safely for the purpose of storage without having to worry about wear and tear.

Another thing that happens is that the share weight, mechanical field, and texture of the packaging board easily justify the price associated with them.  

Cons: 

• One of the things that comes with these boxes is that they are heavy and massive, which causes them to take up space. What happens with that is that only dedicated collectors would take closets for their storage, which can contain these kinds of boxes. 
• Also, the rigid board assembly and the use of magnetic hardware and printing finishes make them stand out. That is why they are not very viable when it comes to mass market retail, which is the big con. 
• At the same time, when the customers buy, they are doing a blind trade, as the boxes are windowless, which means they cannot see the figure from the outside. This also means that you cannot see the figure inside without breaking pieces of the packaging before purchase. 

Important Design and Material Considerations For Action Figure Boxes 

We also have some important design and packaging material considerations when it comes to action boxes that you need to keep in mind at all costs.  

• PET and PVC are considered the absolute gold standard when it comes to therm form window sheets and blisters.  
• But the problem with PVC materials is that they are prone to bubble yellowing that would ruin the action figure packed inside. On the other hand, PET is very recyclable, but eco-conscious customers do not like it very much.  
• Then we have sustainable cardboard options and open box alternatives that major manufacturers are experimenting with. They are not only 100% recyclable and plastic-free, but also the replacement of plastic trays makes them a good choice. 
• But the problem is they are environmentally sound yet that the traditional collectors resist plastic-free packaging for these products. What happens is that when there is no transparent plastic barrier, the figures would be exposed to dust, paint scuffs, and theft.  

Use of Crush–Resistant Materials 

Apart from the previous things we talked about, there will always be a need for structural integrity to avoid corner crushing of the boxes.  

• The use of folding cartons and rigid paperboard can help with the cost-effectiveness of the boxes.  
• For instance, the paperboard construction rigidity has corners that are enforced and physically transferred to the walls. 
• What you have to understand is that the use of micro flute corrugated as an internal layer between the flat liners would create an immense strength-to-weight ratio. This would give a side impact shock during rough transit. 

Visual Strategy Of The Packaging Design 

Another important thing that you cannot look away from is the use of the right psychological triggers for the consumers: 

• The placement of the window matters a lot in any box, as it has to be placed strategically. What happens in premium packaging most of the time is that the window would be wrapped around the top or sides, while the internal LEDs would be used. 
• Alongside that, you need to have perfect typography and phone psychology, where the use of sleekness and minimalism can be the marketplace. At the same time, foil-stamped, clean, thin folds would give a feeling of high-end designer status and cinematic collectibles. 
• At the same time, the use of illustrations for the box side would create a comic book look. It would turn the action figure into a piece of art that would encourage the consumer to keep the box.  
• Alongside that, highly articulated and dramatic photos on the back of the figure packaging can be a perfect way to capture eyeballs and drive sales. 

Silver Edge Packaging 

If you are looking for any of these packaging options, Silver Edge Packaging offers the best services regarding action figure packaging boxes. We not only provide a 30% discount on bulk orders but also give you a quick 8 to 12 working days delivery to your doorstep. At the same time, you get a delivery without having to spend even a single cent for the delivery, as our customers and clients receive it. If you’re looking for the best action figure packaging, get your quotes today, and we can deliver an experience that will help you get a huge boost in sales. Order now, and we’ll see you on the other side. 

Conclusion 

In this blog, we talked about different types of packaging boxes when it comes to action figures. We talked about clam shells, windows and closed boxes. You can also read about other options like Blister and collector-grade packaging. As the essential parts of this blog, we also discussed different material considerations you can have, while also talking about the visual strategy and the structural integrity they must have. Apart from that, we also made sure to tell you about the impact of packaging on the value of your products. We also talked about the best practices for their preservation and storage. We hope this blog was a helpful one to give you a complete insight and overview into the use of the right packaging for your action figures.