I think there is a fine line between keeping the personal touch, and having professional-looking packaging. I like to put my cards in cello or poly bags for protection, and also to polish the look. On my smaller note card and tag sets, and I add a bag topper. Its not really necessary,
but I have fun playing with the design. I don't think its necessary to go over the top with professional packaging, but a few nice touches can really enhance your orders. Keep in mind these costs need to be rolled into your pricing, so determine what adds value, and what is unnecessary fluff.
I then wrap all of my orders in tissue paper, and tie it with a ribbon. Tissue paper adds a nice touch, but its also cheap and lightweight so it doesn't add to my shipping costs. I keep my eyes open for sales on ribbon, and can often get it for 50 cents per roll, so that cost is pennies per
package. I then stick a small handmade, handwritten thank you note under the ribbon, with one business card stuck inside. I think a thank you note is important because that is the personal touch that attracts people to handmade. Also, I find it a little distasteful and wasteful to send more than one business card, unless you have some type of referral program set up.
package. I then stick a small handmade, handwritten thank you note under the ribbon, with one business card stuck inside. I think a thank you note is important because that is the personal touch that attracts people to handmade. Also, I find it a little distasteful and wasteful to send more than one business card, unless you have some type of referral program set up.
As far as sending "extras" goes, there are a lot of varied opinions. Personally, I like to include an extra card or tag set if I have some on hand, and if it doesn't push my package weight over an ounce more. If the order weighs right to the ounce, or I don't have anything made up from extra materials, I don't add an extra.
Finally, I ship in bubble mailers. I am all for recycling, but I do use new bubble mailers simply because it looks better, and I feel my items are the best protected. I ship using Paypal whenever possible. Not only does it save me time, the buyer is automatically updated as to the shipping status. Also, since delivery confirmation is automatically added, you as a seller are protected by Paypal.
There are some things that are out of our control once we drop that little package in the mailbox. I checked with a client of mine who is a mail carrier, and she said there are no restrictions on mail carriers smoking in their vehicles, so your packages may be exposed to cigarette smoke.
That is my two cents. I'd love to hear your packaging tips and ideas!
11 comments:
Very Nice write up. Good information, thanks.
Nicole/Beadwright
http://beadwright.blogspot.com
I always send extras with my orders, or try to as well. I always send a thank you card, no matter what. Other than that, I mail my packages really basic, usually in a bubble lined envelope. For the stuffies and clothing I've sold, I wrap them in tissue then box 'em up. Fairly basic. I've gotten shipments that had a lot of fancy this and that, and while it's really nice, the item I ordered was what I really appreciated. I would of appreciated it even in super plain shipping corture.
Thank you for the tips!
I love to use tissue paper. It comes in sooo many colors and prints!
Handwritten thank you notes are something I never forget to stick in the package! :)
Your packaging is really nicely and professionally presented :)
i like your 2 cents :) i love getting things that are wrapped up. I usually use tissue paper and maybe some ribbon on mine too :)
Great post! Your packaging is so pretty. :) I'm inspired!
nice tips :)
I always send extra cards out and every package I send out, I wrap differently. I love change and trying something new...
Hi,
There are bubble mailers that are from recycled products. So even if you use new ones, you can use the eco-friendly ones by using those.
I sew pretty magazine pages together to make envelopes and place the items in there to ship. Then, I stick a label to close the flap. The magazine pages don't really add any weight to shipping either. You can use multiple pages as padding too if needed.
I add samples of my other items but I also include other Etsian's samples too. We co-advertise to help each other. :)
Great post!
Karen
Oooh, packaging is my favourite part! For my bookmarks, I like to wrap them into mulberry paper so that the ribbon comes out of the top. Then I draw coordinating drawings onto the mulberry paper, and fold the top corners down. This creates two little triangular pockets so I can tuck a little thank you note saying, "OPEN ME!" into it.
For my ACEOs, they go into protective cello sleeves and they're tied with raffia ribbon.
Last, but not least, all my packages come with their own little origami bird. Sometimes I fold the thank you note into a little nest for the little birdie.
My store information is on the little birdie, so I hope the customer will like it and keep it.
I prefer brand new bubble mailers too, and I seal them with one of my uber cute stickers.
I wrote about this on my blog one day too: http://mytutorlist.blogspot.com/
I also sell cards and have been putting a piece of cardboard in the envelope as well. Paranoia mostly. It's probably overkill and is driving up the cost. I see a lot of other card sellers aren't having problems with domestic shipping in bubble mailers such as you. I'll probably do the same and drop my shipping costs.
A timely post.
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