EightySeven

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president and founder of a coffee roasting company with wholesale and retail. We’re an 18-year-old company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with EightySeven?

We were looking for a brand refresh to work in a new sale channel.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

EightySeven has primarily done design work, specifically for our new packaging. First, they did a brand review. They kept our logo, but they created new iconography that went along with it to make our brand more recognizable.

What is the team composition?

I’m not sure how many people are involved, but we primarily work with Max (Brand Designer & Founding Partner).

How did you come to work with EightySeven?

A professor at Columbia School of Art and Design referred them to us.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent somewhere between $20,000–$40,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began our relationship in June 2020, and we’re still working with them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

We haven’t rolled out the packaging, so it’s too early to have any metrics. Nonetheless, the feedback has been very positive. Overall, the gatekeepers and buyers are excited about the branding and design, and we’re satisfied with the outcome.

How did EightySeven perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve met and exceeded requirements. However, their quest for perfection sometimes slows things down. They try to drill it down and get it exactly right, but the delays aren’t because they’re not doing their job or being responsive.

EightySeven has suggested some project management tools, but we prefer to work over email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

First of all, the design is incredible. The team really took the time to understand the landscape and think about the package from a sales perspective, which was unique. They studied the grocery shelves, how the product design could stand out in that space, and how well it might do there. We’ve worked with other graphic design firms, but we’d never seen that focus.

Are there any areas they could improve?

It took a minute to get regular progress reports, but they produced them once we were specific about what we were looking for. I honestly can’t think of anything I’d ask them to improve. They’ve done a great job.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Think about your objectives first. Determine why you’re looking to engage with them and what you’re trying to get out of the partnership. Make sure you have those goals in advance; it’ll help you guide the process.