Goodies in orders ideas

[Former_Member]

Hello everyone : )

I was thinking of maybe adding a tiny goodie in my orders from now own (Goodies are so much fun :) ). But I must admit I am looking for inspiration. Can I ask for your help?

What would be your idea of a goodie white buying handmade jewelry ?
Or what was the best goodie you ever got from an Etsy order?

Thank you ! :D

[PiecesofMeCardsnMore]

I think the best goodies are those that are somehow related to what the shop sells - kind of like a free sample. The best freebie I ever got was a nice pair of earrings when I ordered a bracelet. The bracelet was purchased as a Christmas gift but I kept the earrings for myself. That was 3 or 4 years ago and I still wear them a lot.

I've been experimenting with "samples" from my own shop. I tried sending a magnet clothespin as a gift but it's bulky and I have to be very careful that it doesn't damage the paper items I'm shipping. I spent more time bubble wrapping the clothespin, which then created too much bulk. I switched gears and made a bunch of holiday tags similar to what's sold in my shop. I include two along with a business card and coupon code. It doesn't create bulk and everything is kept all neat & tidy in a mini envelope (also handmade by me). Who knows, maybe someone will like the tags enough to come back and buy a whole set with their coupon code. :)

[Former_Member]

Hi Judy ! : )

That is true, it is best when it is related to the product you ordered. And it doesn't feel the same when it is created in bulk than when it is handmade with love ; )

That's a great idea you had, I'm glad you found a solution that fitted your products. Thank you so much for sharing ! :D

[ScarlettsCozyCottage]

Hi Maxime-
I have gone back and forth with the freebie issue too. I had been making handmade tags with handsewn fabric flowers adorning them (I sell them in my shop) but it was too much work and I am nearly out. So, after posting this same question in a forum and someone gave the idea of sachets (since I sew) and at the moment that is what I am giving out (also for sale in my shop). Again, too much work!

So once they run out, I have my best idea. I have ordered a stamp with my shop name and etsy address. I am going to just buy some manila tags, stamp them, use jute rope through to hang them and maybe place a ribbon bow. They will be able to be used as tags if its a gift and still advertise my shop and be cute!

I also put a business card, a nice card that I printed out at home with a handwritten thank you inside and a coupon code.

[kzannoart]

I grow a lot of lavender in the summer so I harvest it and make little goodies bags for my orders. People seem to love it and it doesn't cost me anything but my time.

[Former_Member]

Hi Eileen! Glad to hear that you finally found your solution : ) I'm pretty sure the bow would make a beautiful add on your tags. Best of luck, keep us posted ! :D

Hi Kristine! Oh, you had a great idea, I know so many people that love lavender!

[Former_Member]

I do it in almost every order of earrings. I just got finished completeing my last festival for the year this past weekend, and I had a few items left over that didn't sell as well as others.

I usually include those items as free gifts, along with any new designs I make to photograph. For my shoes, I just try to include a coupon, but I'd be open to ideas.

[rhodyart]

I always have a little goodie that is related to what I do. Could be a bookmark, I have stickers that I had made incorporating my designs, I may include a small discontinued item -- it depends. I think it's just a little touch to say thanks and I figure that if they are buying my particular type of thing, then they may like another example.

[hipposdream]

I always include a little vintage gift and I try to match the item the customer bought. And of course 2 business cards and a handwritten thank you note on a cute card with my logo.
Some customers are delighted with the gift and others do not mention it in their feedback.
But I always do as I also like to receive a little extra and it makes the package even more special , according to me.

[Former_Member]

I struggled with this..cause I agree something related to ones shop is the best but least for me...the things that you look at and go Yup that would work actually take as much if not more time to make. Like my tiny baby charm hearts....harder to make then regular ones anyway....

I do an organza bag, 2 pieces of dove chocolate, got tiny Thank you or Christmas card pending time of year and biz cards.
Most of my buyers are women and so far no complains over getting chocolate.
I sign the cards and put together the little carepackages ahead of time...about once a month I'll make them up so when it comes to shipping just toss one into the box. Good to go.

Though really large orders I tend to sneak an extra icicle or so in there...kinda a pending stock thing.

[Former_Member]

Goodies are fine if they are related to what has been purchased.

But please remember that many people have allergies and while that lavender sachet may be wonderful for you, it can very easily trigger an allergic reaction in someone else.

The chocolates may taste wonderfully delicious but what happens if the customer is diabetic? Or if they end up sitting in a mail box all day and melt?

Another thing to consider is the cost of such 'freebies'. Last year I shipped over 4,000 items in over 1,500 orders. If each 'freebie' cost me $.50 each that would be $ 750 in profits out the door.

The best 'freebie' that I get in a package is a business card as that goes into my roledex for future potential purchases.

[rhodyart]

Some of my freebies, as I mentioned, are items that I discontinued for one reason or another -- they're still good but I hate to see them sitting so I pass them on. So that answers the profit thing -- everybody is different. Many people don't like freebies at all.

[fireflygirl777]

Recently when I sold my "Don't Take Me Alive" soldered necklace I was inspired to create a decorative tin with the same imagery in which to ship the necklace. Decorating the tin was fun and it will make a nice little box for little treasures. It would be a terrific gift box as well. I wrapped blue bubble wrap around the necklace and placed it within the box....

It was also a great way to protect the item in shipment!