Why custom tape is a powerful branding tool
Posted by Miles Wright on
Custom packaging tape is the simplest way to upgrade your brand experience.
It’s affordable. It’s easy. And it’s the first thing your customer sees when their package lands at their door.
Tape is the first impression
Your customer opens their mailbox or steps onto their porch, and there it is: a plain brown box with bold, custom tape wrapped around it. Before they even touch the product, they’ve already had a branded experience.
Good packaging tape says, “This was made just for you.”
It doesn’t have to be loud. Just a repeating logo on white tape can already feel crisp and professional. A fun phrase like “something good inside” adds personality. Even a simple graphic pattern can make a basic shipping box feel thoughtful.
If your packaging is the stage, custom tape is your opening act.
It’s surprisingly affordable
You don’t need to redesign your whole packaging system to make an impact. One roll of custom tape can last through dozens of shipments and give even the most basic cardboard box a professional touch.
And here's the fun part: it actually saves money. Instead of buying expensive custom boxes, you can use standard shipping boxes and brand them with custom tape. It’s fast, easy, and flexible.
Even better, it’s easy to change. If your branding evolves or you want to experiment with limited drops, seasonal graphics, or campaign-specific designs, swapping out your tape is way cheaper and faster than reordering all new packaging.
That’s what makes tape so useful: you’re not locked into one look. Want to highlight a new product line? Give it its own tape. Running a holiday promo? Try something festive.
You can keep your boxes exactly the same and still make your packaging feel fresh, thoughtful, and personal with just one small detail.
And honestly, it makes it more fun for you, too.
A few ways to use custom tape well
If you’re ready to try it, here are a few tips to make the most of your design:
Keep it bold and simple. Your logo, a catchy phrase, or a pattern that reads well from a distance.
Design with the box color in mind. If you’re using kraft boxes, a brown-on-brown design might disappear. Go for contrast that pops, like white or bold colors that stand out on the surface.
Think about what you want your packaging to say. If your product is fragile, a “Handle with care” message can help protect it and show you’ve put thought into the delivery experience.
Make it on-brand, but don’t be afraid to have fun. A little humor goes a long way.
Pair it with matching stickers or labels if you want a fully-branded moment.
Don’t know where to start? Have a look at our packaging tape templates, which you can use in our 100% free design tool Studio.
The best branding doesn’t have to be flashy. Sometimes, it’s the quiet little details that stick. Custom packaging tape is one of those tools that doesn’t get enough credit.
So if you’ve been looking for a simple way to level up your packaging without spending a fortune, this might be it.