Reed Comics

Reed Comics Case Study

Reed Comics are one of the largest comic book distributors online, and we supply their packaging

The Challenge

Reed Comics are sending out new and rare collectable comics in large quantities on a daily basis.  As collectors themselves their passion for good service stems from the service that they would expect to receive.  Reed comics had designed a twist wrap to enclose their comics and graphic novels which was then sealed by tape.  They were very conscious of the appearance of the current packaging as this was the only touchpoint that they had with their customers.

From their website -

Reed Comics, the best online comic, graphic novel and original comic art shop and store experience in the UK stocking the latest comics from Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Image Comics, IDW Publishing Comics and other Independent Comic Book Publishers. New stock is listed on Fridays on our Online UK Comics Shop including comics, graphic novels, toys all controlled by a live stock system so you can see what comics, graphic novels, toys or original art are available to buy. Plus original comic art by artists Simon Bisley, Mike Ploog, Jim Lee, Gene Colan, Richard Corben, Michael Turner, Neal Adams, Mike Mignola, Frank Frazzetta, John Buscema, Mark Schultz, Bernie Wrightson and many more in our online UK comic shop. We post within 2 to 3 days when ordered online or by phone. Comics and graphic novels are sent in heavy duty boxes to resist damage during transit. Reed Comics the best online UK comics shop experience! 

The Problem

  • The protection of the comic books and graphic novels is paramount, as these can often be rare first edition collectables and therefore irreplaceable if damaged in transit. There are many problems associated with hard backed book postage as mentioned in our Ultimate Book Packaging Guide and they almost all applied here.
  • The current method of packing the comics and graphic novels was to use a twist wrap, which was then sealed manually with tape - this was a time consuming and costly exercise.
  • Reed Comics wanted the brand image of the packaging to be a reflection of the contents inside, as this provides the customer with a good first impression of their company.

The Solution

  • By offering Reed our C-Com book wrap solution we managed to maintain the protection that was required for those all rare comic books and graphic novels. The bukwrap has buffer-edges, providing rigid protection for larger and multiple orders.  The variable-depth creases offer a super snug fit, appealing to both the floppy nature of the comic book and the hardback graphic novels, providing protection against impact during shipping.
  • Peel and seal hot melt glue was used to replace the manual taping. This offered packaging efficiencies whilst also improving the aesthetics of the overall product.  The handy self sealing nature of the book wrap make it both quick and easy to pack, and upon opening, the Lil Packaging red tear strip is simple for the customer to open. Our peel and seal is also the quickest on the market, check out our short video below.
  • New artwork was proposed by Lil Packaging which allowed Reed to maintain their brand image and improve the overall image of their product.

The Outcome

As a result of researching comic book distributors and with the guidance of Reed Comics, Lil Packaging were able to produce a bespoke printed C-Com book wrap product that accommodated both graphic novels and comic books in one pack.  Reed Comics are happy to have a product that is 25% quicker to pack that looks sleek and professional, without any need to apply tape manually.

Now, when their customers receive comic books in the mail, it is clear that the package has been sent from Reed Comics.

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