How to ship your package and ship your product professionally on a budget?

[Former_Member]

Hi everyone!

This is my first post here on E.E. and it has to do with packaging and shipping. How do you guys package your products for shipping? What types of things do you add to make the product your customer receives personal and creative?

Another thing I was curious about, yet seems like I can't find an article for it, is how to safely ship candles to prevent breakage. If any of you guys do ship candles (or anything breakable like they are), how do you ship them? What type of packing material do you use?

Thank you and have a great day guys! :D

Savannah

[Former_Member]

I live in central Texas so my window for being able to order candles by mail is very narrow before it gets too hot and I have a melty box of wax so I'm not much of an expert on that but I got a package in the mail this week and the seller wrapped my purchase in used sewing patterns- which I thought was really clever.

[Former_Member]

I always include in my packages to customers a business card along with a little gift (like a sticker, or magnet). A little something extra. I've received packages with gifties inside from sellers and it's a thrill. So, I'm following suit. :o)

[Former_Member]

I always put in a few business cards as well as a little personalized note saying thank you. I tell them a coupon code so they can get 10% or 15% off their next purchace. i think that encourages people to come back to my shop again. I also kinda half wrap the item they got so when they open the package it's like they are getting a present.
I'm also curious about how to package fagile things because I'm starting another shop to sell my photos, and I would like to sell some that are framed and am reasearching how to best package them.

[Former_Member]

Check out Sudlow - http://www.etsy.com/shop/sudlow?section_id=5033919

The Supply section has bulk bubble mailers and craft boxes for a REALLY good price, very fast shipping. I order all of my packaging from her, aside from ribbon and hemp cord I use which I get for cheap from dollar bins and places like Hobby Lobby and Michael's. (Spools of Hemp are usually only a couple bucks and will last you all year or longer!). The craft boxes are easy to customize, you could print your own sticker labels with your shop logo/design and slap them on the outside of the box or use a customized stamp, which you can also purchase on Etsy. One of the positives about being on a budget is it forces you to get creative! :)

[Former_Member]

"I always put in a few business cards as well as a little personalized note saying thank you. I tell them a coupon code so they can get 10% or 15% off their next purchace."

keetchie - Yes! Excellent idea too! & That's something I need to get printed on my cards next time I order more.

[UnapologeticAffirm]

I wrap my jewellery in tissue paper and tie some ribbon around it. I also include a business card. I used to include some sweeties, but then thought better of it. Still trying to think of something else to include.

[Former_Member]

Hello! I too wrap my jewelry in tissue paper and ribbons. Biz cards are a must. I also add in a printed note on how to care for the jewelries. Bubble wrapping it up before it goes to the mail. Depending on the design of my jewelries, some would need extra care in case of breakage during transition. I would further wrap them up in card board or place them in recycled plastic containers.

[Former_Member]

We wrap our packages in tissue paper and put a sticker on the top. Then wrap that in bubble wrap and depending on item, ship in padded envelope or box. Include a business card if you have one to remind them to return to your shop.

Haven't shipped any candles, so not much help there.

[Former_Member]

I wrap my orders in tissue paper and put a free gift on top along with my business card. When I ship my candle holders- I stuff them with newspaper and then wrap them in bubble paper. I pack the box with styrofoam peanuts. Hope this helps! =)

[Former_Member]

I wrap my bags in tissue paper and tie a ribbon around it. Also include a business card and a thank you coupon for free shipping.

[ZanyZebraDesigns]

I tie my products with a ribbon that has my business card tied to it. I have a Thank your for your purchase" postcard with a code for 10% off a future purchase, and I always handwrite a note on the back. I also include a little gift: pack of tea, soap sample, whatever I've currently got. Often I buy samples from other vendors at a discount so they can get their name out too.

[Former_Member]

I wrap my dresses in tissue paper and clear plastic bags. I also send a thank you card, but I'm pretty new. Maybe I should include a business card, I like the idea of that.

[Former_Member]

I am new and dont have a sale yet. My plan is too include a personal note of thanks, a business card and a little something like a few notecards. I am still brainstorming.

About shipping artwork and framed artwork that would have glass. I always put a minimum of 2 inches of padding around all sides. Next to the artwork I place a cut to size pieces of matteboard. this protects corners and creates yet another barrier against damage. I Then wrap it in brown paper or newsprint and then in plastic to protect against any kind of moisture. Then the bubble wrap, old patterns, newspapers etc. for padding goes around on all sides. I also make certain to insure the package.

I used to work for UPS, and should the unfortunate happen and the package is damaged. if the artwork is not packaged properly, an insurance claim can be denied. They do require a 2 inch minimum on all sides. The box type is important too. A good sturdy box that meets shipping standards is important.

I am going to look at the link for shipping supplies. Economics is always an issue. Thanks

[meshedesigns]

Kraft Jewelry Box
Jewelry in plastic bag inside the box
jewelry tag
wrapped in ribbon with business card
Coupon
Personalized Note
Packing Slip

[Former_Member]

I'm the oddball here who doesn't include a free anything or a business card.

I wrap my clothing items very nicely in eco-friendly tissue paper and close it with a sticker with my shop name on it. I do put in a hand-written thank you note.

I don't know anything about shipping candles. Good luck with that one.

[Former_Member]

WOW, a lot of great responses! Definitely gave me some great ideas. I'm glad this thread got started since it seems like it has helped a few people besides myself :D

[Former_Member]

this is great! i'm also new to etsy and i'm learning loads through this team. thank you for your suggestions.

[Former_Member]

not that ive sold anything yet but i have my packaging down!
1- custom box with my logo and black board design around, im quite lucky as my sisters husband has a machine that can make/assemable custom boxes.
2- item is wrap in black tissue paper with white ribbon around
3- add a small Moo print business card to the parcel

I also thought of adding a large black ribbon with a small white one inside.

a bit much? Hehe I just remember when I have ordered clothes from designers they take such care in the packaging and presentation alsmost as much as the garment itself.

[squarepaisleydesign]

I wrap my note cards in a cello bag with a wrapper on top with shop info. and then wrap with a colorful ribbon. Jewelry is enclosed in cello bag with a wrapper with shop info. Baby onesies are enclosed in cello bag with shop wrapper and tied off with ribbon. I need to get some business cards made and shop stickers printed—next on my long list of things to get done.

[Former_Member]

I make sure that the purse has one of my tags (business card) with the washing instructions on the back. Then I wrap in tissue paper and tie with a ribbon, which is just long strips of left over fabric. Attached to the bow is a thank you card (business card size) where I write a short note. And I also usually include a free zipper pouch or covered button pin or ring. But I think I am going to switch to including a coupon for future purchase - thanks for the idea.

[Former_Member]

I always wrap mine is a tissue paper and wrap it with a ribbon. I am working on getting stickers made because I worked at an upscale boutique and they always sent packages like that. I hand write a thank you card, include a business card, and add in a little something extra that I've made- I've sent felt Equestrian type ribbons I've made, hair accessories, necklaces, etc.

I have a question for you guys too. How many people put the actual etsy invoice into their packages? Or do the majority of people just send a hand written thank you, or both?

[VeganSudzShop]

sampleremix ~ i think your packaging sounds very pretty, i'd be excited to get that in the mail!! i hope you get a chance to use them soon.

i guess i do the whole shot, i wrap in cute baggie, usually tied with raffia and wrapped in pretty colored tissue paper. and i will also include a small gift, being careful of the weight for shipping costs.
i do include the invoice sheet because i guess i just like to show them they got what they ordered? sort of a packing slip. but i will write a small thank you on it too. then attach my business card to it, and if possible, a card that i have made with a coupon code on it for future orders (by a certain date)

[Former_Member]

I wrap in tissue paper then a plastic bag then wrap in brown craft paper (my items are not fragile) I write a handwritten note and include a coupon code for 10% off. I haven't gotten my cards yet but when those come in they will be included also.

[VeganSudzShop]

oopsies...
i moved this thread to here for free business cards that you can print yourself.
http://www.etsy.com/teams/7978/etsy-entrepreneurs/discuss/6802134/page/1/