This Coffee Shop's Custom Packaging Test Doubled Their Sales

"$127,000 in new sales from a simple box change?"

That's what Mike Chen, owner of Bean & Brew Co., couldn't believe when his accountant showed him the quarterly numbers. But the proof was right there in black and white.

Here's how a small packaging test turned into a massive B2B coffee success story.

The Starting Point

Bean & Brew wasn't struggling. With three locations in downtown Seattle, they sold decent amounts of coffee to local offices. But they weren't growing either.

"We were stuck at $45,000 monthly in B2B sales," Mike explains. "Every corporate coffee supplier looked the same."

The Accidental Test

The change started when they ran out of their regular bulk coffee boxes. Their usual supplier was backed up for weeks.

"We had to think fast," Mike says. "We had 42 office accounts waiting for their weekly coffee delivery."

The Quick Fix That Changed Everything

Working with oCustomBoxes, a packaging provider known for rapid turnaround, they created a simple solution:

• Clear coffee quantity indicators
• Easy storage instructions
• Par level markers
• Reorder QR codes

Total cost difference? Just $0.32 more per box.

The First Signs of Success

Within days, office managers started calling. Not to complain, but to thank them.

Why? The new boxes solved three big problems:

1. Inventory Management

• Clear markers showed coffee levels
• Par levels prevented runouts
• QR codes made reordering instant

2. Storage Optimization

• Stackable design saved space
• Usage indicators helped in planning
• Instructions reduced waste

3. Cost Control

• Easy tracking of usage
• Better order planning
• Reduced emergency orders

The Numbers Tell The Story

After 90 days:

• B2B orders up 107%
• Reorder rates increased 64%
• Emergency orders down 91%
• New client referrals up 215%

Breaking Down The Success

Three key factors made this work:

1. Problem-Solving Design

• Focused on client needs
• Simplified ordering
• Reduced management time

2. Cost Savings For Clients

• Less waste
• Better inventory control
• Fewer rush orders

3. Time Efficiency

• Quick reordering
• Easy storage
• Simple tracking

Scaling The System

As word spread, more offices wanted in. Bean & Brew partnered with oCustomBoxes to scale up while:

• Maintaining quality
• Keeping costs low
• Adding new features
• Improving durability

Key Lessons For B2B Suppliers

1. Think Beyond The Product

• What problems can your packaging solve?
• How can you save clients time?
• What makes their job easier?

2. Focus On Systems

• Make reordering simple
• Help with inventory
• Reduce management time

3. Track Real Metrics

• Monitor reorder rates
• Watch emergency orders
• Track client feedback

Making This Work For You

Want to try this approach? Start here:

1. Audit Your Current Process

• List client pain points
• Check emergency order rates
• Calculate client storage issues

2. Design Simple Solutions

• Add useful indicators
• Include clear instructions
• Make reordering easy

3. Test And Measure

• Start with loyal clients
• Track all changes
• Gather specific feedback

The ROI Breakdown

Here's what changed in six months:

• Monthly B2B sales: $45K to $92K
• Client retention: 76% to 94%
• Referral rate: +215%
• Emergency orders: -91%

Total investment in new packaging design? $4,700.

Return on investment? 2,700% in six months.

What About Retail?

Interestingly, their retail sales jumped too. Office workers who loved the coffee at work started buying bags for home.

The Big Question

Look at your packaging. Ask yourself:

• Does it just hold your product?
• Or does it solve your clients' problems?

The difference could be worth thousands.

Current Status

Today, Bean & Brew supplies coffee to 147 offices. They're opening two new locations. And yes, they still use those "quick fix" boxes - now with even more features.

"Sometimes," Mike says, "the best solutions come from your biggest problems."