Let’s be honest: when someone asks what industry you’re in, saying “packaging” doesn’t exactly drop jaws at dinner parties. It’s not fintech. It’s not AI. It’s not whatever buzzword your mate with the man bun uses on LinkedIn.
But here’s the twist: packaging sales is one of the most stable, lucrative, and underestimated gigs in the B2B universe and if you’re a seasoned sales professional who can close deals but wants more career upside (and maybe a bit less “we’ll pivot again next quarter” chaos), you might want to lean in.
“Packaging? Isn’t that… boxes?”
Yes. Boxes. And bags. And pouches. And films. And… basically anything that protects, preserves, or presents products from shelf to doorstep. But more importantly: every single business needs it. From Amazon to your local craft gin brand.
Unlike SaaS, packaging isn’t some shiny, optional “nice-to-have.” It’s mission-critical. You can’t ship £5M worth of skincare in a spreadsheet.
And guess what? While everyone else is getting ghosted by another CFO who just slashed the software budget, packaging reps are closing deals because packaging is budgeted, bought, and needed. Always.
“But I’ve never sold packaging…”
Neither had most people who now earn six figures doing it. If you can sell value, build trust, and understand how to solve customer pain points (e.g. supply chain issues, margin erosion, sustainability pressures), you can thrive here.
You’re not just flogging cardboard. You’re advising manufacturers on how to:
- Reduce waste and shrink costs.
- Comply with sustainability regulations.
- Improve shelf appeal and unboxing experience.
- Avoid losing contracts due to shoddy presentation or transit damage.
And trust me, clients will actually thank you when you save them £100K by switching to smarter packaging. When was the last time that happened selling HR software?
What’s in it for you?
- Big market, high margins – Top reps earn serious money. No ceiling. No VC burn rate drama.
- Stable client base – Food, pharma, manufacturing, e-commerce… they’re not going anywhere.
- Repeat revenue – Packaging is consumable. It runs out. Clients come back.
- Genuine value sale – You’re not pushing. You’re solving.
Why aren’t more people jumping into packaging sales?
Because too many salespeople are chasing “cool” industries instead of profitable ones. It’s like turning down a date with someone kind, gorgeous, and emotionally available… because you’re holding out for a toxic DJ with commitment issues.
Packaging might not have glitzy branding, but it delivers. Consistently.
Final word
If you’re a proven closer, tired of inflated titles and empty pipelines, maybe it’s time to sell something real. Something physical. Tangible. Profitable. Packaging sales might not be sexy on the surface, but it’s dependable, growing, and, quietly, one of the best-kept secrets in B2B.
So go ahead, be the smart one in your sales circle who trades “buzzwords and burnout” for commission and career growth.
Your LinkedIn title might not scream “disruptor,” but your payslip will do just fine.
