DWR CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT

CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT

The logo for drowned world records is black and white.

Customer Spotlight: Drowned World Records Custom Packaging Success Story

CUSTOM PACKAGING

Ahmad Samadi of Drowned World Records (DWR) had a problem. Popularity and demand for the classic, new, and used albums his record shop sold and shipped were on the rise, but so were customer complaints of damage to the shipping box and the enclosed album jackets. The generic packaging DWR had been using was not cutting it, and they would often lose money when needing to refund an order if damage occurred. DWR needed a custom packaging solution that would protect the one-of-a-kind albums their customers purchased.


Enter PackageIt. Located nearby in Seattle, Samadi discovered PackageIt while searching for custom packaging solutions. Samadi reached out and shared some of the challenges Drowned World Records had been facing with the generic packaging he was using for album shipping to vinyl enthusiasts.


After discussing package dimensions and fail points of the generic packaging that DWR was using, the packaging experts at PackageIt crafted a few solutions. One of the first two test boxes provided to DWR was a winner - a printed T-Mailer (die cut box). This design has allowed DWR to ship without any damage to the album jacket or album as the custom design does an excellent job protecting the album corners. 


The DWR custom box has also helped Samadi save money over the generic packaging option he had been using as the box material is a lighter weight – thus saving in shipping costs. Additionally, the custom design does such a good job protecting the albums, no additional packing material is needed – which also saves in shipping costs. Since switching to the custom package solution from PackageIt, Samadi doesn’t recall receiving any responses from customers for any product damage.

The Market

According to Samadi, vinyl has taken over in the last few years as the top physical medium for audio media. Surpassing CDs. The Gen Z market is really interested in the collectability of albums. In fact, according to Luminate, 50% of vinyl buyers don't own a record player. The market is collecting for many different reasons, but trends show it’s less about sound and more about the physical product. And they want and need it to look as good as it sounds.

 

Which is why delivering an undamaged product is key for DWR. While they sell new record releases, they also carry hard to find used Japanese pressings. The used Japanese vinyl market is a bit more niche. But it has been really successful for DWR. With individual albums priced up to $200, customers demand good packaging. These vinyls and their condition are often one-of-a-kind and can’t be replaced or exchanged. Which is why a protective packaging solution is critical.


What's Next

custom packaging

DWR has found that custom packaging not only protects their products, but it enhances and highlights their overall brand. With the success of the original custom packaging solution, Samadi and PackageIt are now working on expanding the current idea and also exploring fillers for inside of the box. But the industry is always changing.


Last year the music industry had over 41 billion dollars in recorded music sales with the top format in streaming services. Before that, experts thought downloads would kill CDs, and then streaming knocked off downloads. But Gen Z has a desire for high quality, and they don't consider streaming high quality. Vinyl is the answer for that right now. And now there is movement and CDs are making comeback as well. 


What is certain is that the industry continues to grow. And as that happens, DWR will have more and varying needs. Because of their current success, DWR is committed to work with PackageIt as the market changes and they ramp up for the next wave.
Custom shipping box

According to Teresa Kalista at PackageIt, Samadi was fabulous to collaborate with on the custom box, “Ahmad has an idea of what he wants and is super responsive. With us being local it is a plus, as we can bring samples directly to him so he can experience the recommendations and provide direct input.” The efforts of the experts at PackageIt and the input and open-mindedness of Samadi provided a true partnership resulting in a successful packaging solution.


If you are looking for a custom packaging or shipping solution, the experts at PackageIt are ready to provide you with solutions and custom options. From boxes to bags to crates to shipping and packaging supplies, PackageIt has what you need to get your product to your customer. Contact our customer service specialists directly at 888-743-0907 or visit PackageIt.com.
Share by: