Things to Look For in a Packaging Consultant

Institute of Packaging Professionals suggests the following points that you should consider while hiring a Packaging Consultant:

• Experience: You're paying for expert advice, so make sure the consultants you consider are equipped to deliver that advice.

• Strong ethics: There simply is no substitute. If you don't have complete confidence in the honesty and personal integrity of the consultant you work with, then the information that consultant offers is of little or no value.
  
  
• Complete objectivity: A consultant's opinion cannot be compromised by preconceived ideas or emotional involvement.
  
  
  
• Cost: You get what you pay for. Both low and high quotes should be thoroughly studied, analyzed, and considered in relation to what you expect to get.
  
  
• Good listener: Ultimately, you'll want the consultant to do much of the talking. But the consultant must know what your problem is before he offers a solution. Beware of candidates who don't take the time or aren't smart enough to listen to what you have to say.
• Self-confidence: If a consultant's demeanor doesn't suggest that s/he has what it takes to get the job done, s/he probably doesn't.
  
  
• Strong analytical skills: Often, the challenge isn't in finding a solution, it's figuring out what the problem is in the first place. Make sure the consultant you hire has the analytical skills needed to help you develop a full and accurate picture of problems, solutions, and the various repercussions of those solutions.
  
  
• Creativity: You don't hire a consultant for boiler- plate suggestions and regurgitated ideas. Look for signs of innovation, unique approaches, and a different perspective.
  
  
• Personality: A good match of personalities between client and consultant helps ensure a successful relationship.
• Size: Is the firm large enough - or small enough - to handle your project?
  
  
• Full-time attention: Make sure your work isn't an afterthought after a long, hard day looking for or working at the consultant's "real" job. Your work will never be a priority for an unemployed or moonlighting packaging professional. To ensure your project gets the attention it deserves, hire a professional packaging consultant.
  
  
• Ability to transmit knowledge: Brilliant thoughts and innovative solutions will do you no good if the consultant doesn't have the communication skills he needs to pass those ideas onto you.