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FAQ

Your Questions Answered!

Home » About » FAQ

FAQ

Your Questions Answered!

When in the process should I hire a package design agency?

The ideal time to hire a package design agency is typically after you have secured your trademark (unless you need naming services for your brand), and after you have chosen your manufacturer and finalized your formulation or product.

What services do you offer?

We offer package design, logo design, branding (including brand naming, tagline development, brand messaging, and brand presentation and mood boards), website design, social media branding, copywriting, email marketing and design for print materials. See our full breakdown of services.

How much does branding and packaging cost?

Pricing for branding packages can have a big range depending on what you need, what materials your packaging uses, and many other factors. Projects range between $5,000 to $40,000 depending on the project size and budget. Schedule a quick call to learn more.

Do I need a trademark for my brand before we start?

We highly recommend that you seek a trademark for your brand name before we do any branding work (unless you need brand naming as a service—we can help with that).

If an existing brand already holds the trademark, you might be in a complex legal situation—and you would no longer be able to use your packaging, logo, or other branding assets. We can begin the process before a trademark is secured, but in order to protect you and your business, consider applying for a trademark as soon as possible before you invest in branding assets.

What is your branding process?

Our process is set up to get your brand where it needs to be without putting your business on hold. We start with a deep-dive interview, our BrandSpring, to get to know your business, assess your branding needs and form a plan to build your premium brand. From there, we will provide you with options for your BrandThrive, an intensive brand sprint that gets your brand sizzling in as little as one week. We take all of your assets, do the backend research, and conduct as much of the creative work as possible before your BrandThrive, then work with you for 1-5 days to review and revise with real-time edits. You leave with everything you need for your brand!

How long does branding take?

Branding processes and rebrands often take 6 months or more. But at Crème de Mint, we work a little differently. With our BrandThrive process, we streamline everything (see What is your branding process?) The deep-dive interview will take approximately 2 hours. Within 2 weeks, you’ll receive a written brief that identifies your brand’s opportunities, and your personalized action plan to ensure you stand out from your competitors. From there, we can book your BrandThrive, which will take anywhere from 1-5 days.

How do I secure a trademark for my brand?

Here are the steps to securing a trademark:


Step 1
: Hire a trademark attorney (while not required, we recommend it!)

 

Step 2: Check for your desired name through the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Organization). If a brand in your industry has a similar name (even if it’s spelled differently), you most likely will not be able to secure a trademark.

 

Step 3: Apply for your trademark. Your application will take about 5 months to go through
the process.

 

Step 4: If your trademark gets approved, submit a Statement of Use with the USPTO.

 

For more information on the trademark process, read this blog post.

Can you recommend a trademark lawyer?

It’s important that your trademark attorney is a good fit for you. I recommend reaching out to several to determine if you will work well together. Download our lawyer directory to find attorneys we have worked with in the past or that other clients have recommended. Additionally, you can locate trademark attorneys through your state’s bar website.

Do you work directly with printers and manufacturers?

Because every brand’s needs are unique, we don’t work directly with printers or manufacturers. We provide each new client with a free copy of Start My Product Line! The Ultimate Guide. The guide contains a list of preferred printers for secondary packaging, primary packaging, and manufacturers, including a list of vendors who specialize in sustainability. Once you have secured your vendors, you will need to provide us with accurate measurements as soon as possible.

What if I’m not sure what I need?

Then you’re in the right place! We have worked with many startups and new brands, as well as established brands looking for rebrands and refreshes. In our deep-dive BrandSpring, we will uncover your craveworthy business opportunity and put together a personalized action plan for your business.

What is the difference between primary packaging and secondary packaging?

Primary packaging is the container that holds your actual product. For example, a lipstick tube or a bottle that holds  supplements.

 

Secondary packaging is the external packaging or box that holds your primary packaging.

 

Check out our blog post on primary and secondary packaging for more guidance.

Which is better: custom or stock product packaging design?

If you want your brand to stand out, you want your packaging to be unique.


We can help you with custom product design or package design. However, it is important to note that creating a custom product design can cost $10k or more for a custom mold. That does not include the design costs or the costs per unit.


We have helped several of our clients create unique primary components using stock packaging from other industries. If this appeals to you, we can absolutely help you with that.


For cost reasons, most of our customers choose existing stock packaging. This process requires searching, comparison, and consideration of your price per unit and quantities. Because of this, we typically work with clients who already have their primary packaging, which is sometimes determined by the co-packer or manufacturer you are working with.


We can develop your custom secondary packaging, along with all the branding you need for your primary and secondary packaging (See What is the difference between primary packaging and secondary packaging?)

Can you ensure my packaging is FDA compliant?

We stay educated on current FDA regulations, and will do our best to advise you. However, we recommend running the final designs by a lawyer before printing.

I want to move my business forward, but I’m not sure what the next step is. Can you help?

Absolutely! Schedule a quick call to learn more.

What information will you need from me?

Before we get started, we will need to know what assets you need, information about your target audience, and a list of competitors.


Ahead of the start of your project, we might need any of the following information, depending on your product:

  • Measurements
  • Specifications about your packaging from your printer and manufacturer
  • An ingredients list
  • Any necessary disclaimers, warnings, or caution statements
  • Any health claims or certifications you are permitted to have on your packaging
  • Barcodes (if you are new to barcodes, check out our guide)
  • Any nutrition or supplement facts that need to be included on your packaging