Braille packaging plays a vital role in making products accessible to visually impaired consumers while also helping brands meet regulatory and inclusivity standards. However, many brands unknowingly make mistakes when collaborating with a braille packaging company, leading to compliance issues, increased costs, and poor user experience. Understanding these common pitfalls can help brands create more effective, compliant, and inclusive packaging.

1. Treating Braille as an Afterthought

One of the most common mistakes brands make is adding braille at the final stage of packaging design. Braille should be considered early in the design process, as it affects layout, spacing, and material choice. Treating it as an add-on can result in cramped designs, unreadable braille, or the need for costly redesigns.

2. Not Understanding Braille Regulations and Standards

Different regions follow specific braille packaging regulations, especially in industries like pharmaceuticals and healthcare. Brands often assume the braille packaging company will handle compliance entirely, without understanding the basic requirements themselves. This lack of awareness can lead to packaging that fails audits or requires reprinting.

3. Choosing the Wrong Packaging Material

Not all packaging materials are suitable for braille embossing. Some brands prioritize aesthetics or cost over functionality, resulting in braille dots that flatten easily or lose clarity over time. Working closely with a braille packaging company to select the right substrate is essential for long-lasting and readable braille.

4. Overlooking Readability and User Experience

Braille packaging is meant to be read by touch, not sight. Brands sometimes reduce dot height, spacing, or placement to maintain visual appeal. This compromises readability and defeats the purpose of braille packaging. A professional braille packaging company will always prioritize tactile clarity and accessibility.

5. Lack of Proper Proofing and Testing

Skipping braille proofing or tactile testing is another critical mistake. Visual checks alone are not enough to ensure accuracy. Brands should request tactile samples and, where possible, user testing to confirm that the braille content is correct, legible, and user-friendly.

6. Inaccurate or Incomplete Braille Content

Errors in braille text—such as misspellings, incorrect abbreviations, or missing product details—can have serious consequences. These mistakes often occur when brands do not provide clear content guidelines or fail to review translations carefully. Collaborating closely with an experienced braille packaging company helps prevent such issues.

7. Focusing Only on Compliance, Not Inclusion

Some brands see braille packaging as a legal requirement rather than an opportunity to improve inclusivity. This mindset leads to minimal effort and poor-quality execution. Brands that view braille packaging as part of a broader accessibility strategy often achieve better customer trust and brand reputation.

8. Ignoring Production Capabilities and Scalability

Not all braille packaging companies have the same production capacity or technology. Brands sometimes choose vendors without evaluating their ability to handle large volumes, consistent quality, or tight deadlines. This can result in delays, inconsistencies, or increased costs during scaling.

9. Poor Communication with the Braille Packaging Company

Clear communication is essential for successful packaging projects. Brands that fail to share accurate dielines, timelines, or expectations often face delays and errors. Establishing a transparent workflow ensures smoother collaboration and better results.

10. Selecting a Vendor Based on Price Alone

While cost is important, choosing a braille packaging company solely based on the lowest price can compromise quality and compliance. Experience, expertise, quality control, and regulatory knowledge should always outweigh short-term cost savings.

Conclusion

Working with a braille packaging company requires careful planning, clear communication, and a strong focus on accessibility. By avoiding these common mistakes, brands can ensure their packaging is compliant, inclusive, and effective. Investing in the right expertise not only helps meet legal requirements but also strengthens brand trust and social responsibility.