Gift Wrapping for the Holidays (or anytime of year really...)

[Former_Member]

So with the holiday season fast approaching, I'm thinking I want to be able to offer gift wrap options to my customers. I'm not really sure how to do this though. I mean, I could mention in the item listing that gift wrapping is available and to contact me for details, but I kind of feel like those extra steps (convos, invoices, waiting for additional payment) will be inconvenient to my customers.

I was thinking of creating a handful of gift wrapping listing (wrapping paper, gift bags, personalized cards, etc.) that customers could add to their cart at the same time they add their item(s). My thought is that because the gift wrapping is a tangible product that it would be okay to do this under Etsy's TOU, but I'm still wondering if it's a good idea.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

[Former_Member]

How does your usual packaging compare to what you are offering now? Since I wrap everything in white paper anyway, I'm happy to wrap my coasters for free when asked. People seem impressed, and it isn't any extra work for me. I know some sellers really go to down with packaging year round, so this isn't a big shift for some people.

I think what you are suggesting is still a no-no, because it is considered an "add on," in that buyers have to buy something in order to be able to buy something else. I think I remember reading about that in the TOUs.

[Former_Member]

I usually package my jewelry in a simple box with my logo on it, wrap that in tissue paper and ship it off in a bubble mailer. It's nice enough I suppose, but I wanted to offer something more holiday themed for this time of year--kind of take it up to the next level.

I think you might be right about the "add on" bit being a no-no though, so maybe I'll just stick with mentioning the option in each listing.

[Former_Member]

I am so glad I read this thread! I just created a gift wrapping option in my shop yesterday. After reading comments here I did visit the Do's and Dont's. I deactivated the listing.

My packages are small so using a small amount of wrapping paper upon request is no big deal. I'm going to note it in the listings.

I am def. going to offer holiday gift wrap. I already box, use tissue, ribbon, and logo cards. Adding a little sparkly ribbon won't hurt for Christmas.

[Former_Member]

Heather - Could you use holiday tissue paper? I know some people go all for the holidays, but when I was a kid I was most excited about gifts in any wrapping different than the one roll of wrapping paper my mom bought each year! If you do the wrapping, people could order the item to be sent right to the recipient. Easy peasy!