In the search for custom packaging, it’s easy to be drawn in by slick websites, fast promises, and low prices. But not everything you see online is as it seems, and when it comes to packaging your brand, choosing the wrong supplier can be a costly mistake.
At Morgan Chaney, we’ve seen a growing number of online packaging sites using misleading tactics to win business. From stolen product photos to unclear sourcing and fulfillment, many of these operations are designed to look legitimate but fall short when it matters most.
Here’s what you need to know before you place your next packaging order online.
1. The Photos Might Not Be Theirs
When browsing online packaging vendors, it’s easy to be impressed by the sleek designs and vibrant product photos scattered across their websites. Many companies proudly showcase their own work, and there are plenty of reputable businesses out there. But unfortunately, not all of them play by the same rules.
Some shady websites use photos of work they didn’t create, in some cases stolen from companies like ours, to make it appear as though they produced the packaging themselves. This misleads businesses into thinking they’re getting proven quality, when they’re really dealing with a vendor who may not be capable of delivering on that promise.
That’s why it’s so important to do your research. Look for external reviews, check how long the company has been in business, and pay attention to how they talk about their work. At Morgan Chaney, we’ve been building trusted partnerships since 1955, and every image we share represents real projects we’ve produced for real clients.
If you’re unsure who actually created the packaging you’re seeing, ask. A trustworthy company will be transparent about their capabilities, their process, and their portfolio.
2. Many Don’t Have a Real Production Facility
Some of these online packaging vendors aren’t real companies in the traditional sense. They don’t operate from a physical location, and in many cases, there’s no team behind the screen, just a middleman outsourcing to the lowest bidder.
Without a production facility or internal team managing logistics and quality control, you’re left in the dark. You have no way of knowing who’s actually handling your order, where it’s being produced, or how it will turn out.
Even worse, if something goes wrong, there’s often no one accountable. No customer service, no sales representative, no packaging specialist, just an email form and silence. That’s not a risk worth taking when your brand image is on the line.
3. You Might Pay More in the Long Run
These websites often lure businesses in with low pricing and promises of quick turnarounds. But those savings can quickly evaporate once you realize what you’re actually getting.
We’ve spoken with companies who placed orders with these vendors only to receive flimsy, misprinted, or entirely incorrect packaging, if they received anything at all. And in some cases, they were asked to pay upfront deposits with little to no follow-through or accountability.
When you factor in the time lost, the added cost of reordering from a reliable source, and the potential damage to your brand’s reputation, that “cheap” deal can turn into an expensive headache. Packaging is an investment in how your business is perceived, and cutting corners rarely ends well.
4. Look for a Partner, Not Just a Vendor
There’s a difference between placing an order and building a partnership. Your packaging should be more than a transaction; it should be a strategic asset that elevates your brand and enhances your customer experience.
That’s why working with a trusted partner matters. A real packaging company will offer more than just products; they’ll offer guidance, support, and proven expertise. They’ll collaborate with you to find the right materials, the right style, and the right print method to meet your needs.
At Morgan Chaney, we’ve spent decades helping businesses bring their branding to life through thoughtful packaging solutions. We don’t hide behind borrowed photos or empty promises. What you see is what we create, and we’re here every step of the way to ensure your packaging lives up to your brand’s reputation.
What to Look for in a Reputable Packaging Supplier:
- A real portfolio of work, with proof
- Clear information about where and how the packaging is made
- Responsive customer service and packaging specialists
- Honest lead times and clear communication
- A track record of satisfied business clients
Need a Trusted Packaging Partner?
If you’re ready to create branded packaging that reflects the quality of your business, we’re here to help. From food service to retail, e-commerce to hospitality, our expert team can guide you through the process from concept to delivery.
Contact our team today to get started.