{"id":17810,"date":"2024-09-27T15:18:50","date_gmt":"2024-09-27T07:18:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redingpackaging.com\/?p=17810"},"modified":"2026-05-29T21:46:40","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T13:46:40","slug":"should-you-hire-a-packaging-design-company-or-a-freelance-designer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redingpackaging.com\/nl\/should-you-hire-a-packaging-design-company-or-a-freelance-designer\/","title":{"rendered":"Should You Hire a Packaging Design Company or a Freelance Designer?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Your product packaging plays a crucial role in driving sales \u2014 this is no secret. You know it, and so do we.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For packaging brands, visual identity should continue across custom labels, cigar bands, wine labels, stickers, paper bags, tags and boxes. Consistent materials, colors, logo use and finishing choices make the brand easier to recognize in retail and online search results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Gold
Packaging visuals should carry the same brand identity across labels, boxes and bags.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We don\u2019t need to remind you that 72% of customers make purchasing decisions based on the quality of your design. What we do need to emphasize is that packaging serves as the face of your company in the eyes of shoppers. It communicates your brand and subtly persuades consumers to choose you over the competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, we don\u2019t need to tell you how challenging it can be to achieve this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re at a key moment where you need to decide how to boost sales through packaging design, you’re likely facing a crucial question: Should I hire a packaging design company or a freelance designer?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the Difference?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For those unfamiliar with freelancing, let\u2019s quickly compare freelance designers and packaging design companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a Freelance Designer?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A freelance designer works independently, without attachment to a company. They typically find and complete work remotely through freelancing platforms or design contest sites like Behance. Freelance designers usually work on a contract basis, communicating directly with marketing teams or small business owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key to note here is that freelance designers operate as individuals. They work alone without the help of other designers, managers, or quality control experts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How is a Design Company Different?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A design company, on the other hand, involves collaboration among multiple professionals. Each design project typically includes input from visual designers, market research experts, and brand strategists. Depending on the size of the agency, this process is often more strategic, completed in phases, reviewed, and finalized with the approval of the entire team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is a Packaging Design Company Always Better?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not necessarily. It\u2019s often not a question of better or worse, but rather which option is the best fit for your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certainly, design companies leverage the skills of multiple professionals to create a product (and yes, more minds can often lead to better outcomes), but there are cases where a freelance designer might be the better choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When is a Freelance Designer the Right Choice?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s explore when a freelance designer might be more suitable for your design project. Freelancers offer two main advantages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Cost<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Speed<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Most freelance designers can complete a design project for a fraction of the investment needed for a design company. Since freelancers work independently, they often deliver projects more quickly (after all, they don\u2019t get paid until the project is finished, which can be a great motivator).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This means for small businesses with limited budgets or companies in need of a quick design turnaround, freelancers are often the better option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    However, both of these benefits come with some risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Is a Freelance Designer Truly Cost-Effective?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Here\u2019s the catch with freelancing. While freelance designers may charge lower hourly rates than professional agencies, they\u2019re only one person, which means there\u2019s more risk involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You might pay less and receive a decent design, but the final product may not be entirely aligned with your expectations. It\u2019s not that the design will be bad \u2014 it might even look great on the shelf. However, if it doesn\u2019t appeal to your target audience or drive sales, you\u2019ll be back to square one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Repeating this process a few times can cause project costs to escalate. Your original deadline might be pushed back as well, with multiple revisions and rework necessary to get things right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In the end, many brands find that they\u2019ve exhausted their budget in the early stages of design, and ultimately spend as much as they would have if they had hired a professional agency from the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Working with a Design Company Ensures Reliability<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Of course, the above scenario doesn\u2019t always happen. It all comes down to managing risk, like gambling. You might get lucky with a freelance designer on the first try, but more often than not, you\u2019ll have some misses before hitting the mark \u2014 much like hiring freelancers through online markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The biggest advantage of working with a professional design company is the security it offers. With an experienced design team behind you and multiple stakeholders involved in your project, you\u2019re much more likely to get the results you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s not just about the design itself. A packaging design company is more than just a way to build a brand\u2019s visual identity \u2014 they\u2019re a strategic partner throughout the entire process. Design agencies can guide you through every step of your project and help you succeed against your competitors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n