Packaging help

[Former_Member]

I need help figuring out a cute but cheap way to package my items. I sell bras and most are about 12x6x3. I started out wrapping them in colorful tissue paper and putting them in padded envelopes. It was cheap but I found it to be messy. The tissue paper would rip when you tried to put them in the envelopes and I hate the thought of a customer opening it up with the tissue paper ruined. The next thing I did was boxes which I thought was a great idea because I got a stamp of my logo to put on the boxes to make them look custom, but they turned out to be $10 to ship. With the envelopes it was $5 including the price of the envelope. What should I do? Should I keep doing boxes and raise the price of shipping? But who wants to pay $10 shipping on a $30 bra? That seems like a lot. Should I go back to the messy envelopes? Or do any of you have an idea of what I could do? Please help!

[Former_Member]

If I were you I'd go back to the simple tissue wrap. Or if you don't like that, what about a small organza bag?

[WendyHodgsonMudPups]

I bought a silk slip (does anyone know what a slip is anymore? haha) from France, they wrapped in tissue then placed inside in a cellophane bag just folded neatly in half (cellophane feels nicer than plastic), then their lovely label on that.

If you aren't crazy about plastic or cellophane - how about tissue then a nice paper bag then your label. and remember to add the cost of the tissue and paper bag to your shipping charges - it all adds up.

[Former_Member]

That is a great idea! I think I will look into that thank you so much!

[Former_Member]

I love the plastic idea too I will look up the prices of both and then decide thank you both so so much!

[Former_Member]

Taylor, I also like to look and feel of glassine paper bags. They are cheap and easy to find.

[Former_Member]

Try the dollar store. They carry very cute boxes in their craft department. I use them all the time. They come in different sizes... and I am pretty sure your bras will fit in and the shipping should not be more than $5-7. I hope this helps.

[Former_Member]

I will definitely look at the dollar store maybe they'll sell the cellophane or organza bags there thank you!

[Former_Member]

If you are looking for glassine or cello bags at a good price, Uline.com is where I get mine.

I can't beat their price locally.

Or you can also check out the various Etsy supply sellers as there are some good ideas there as well.

[Former_Member]

For some of my items I actually put the item in a small box, or a pillow box, then put the box in the padded envelope. It does require a slightly larger envelope, but it keeps the shipping costs down. I don't know if something like that would work for you or not. But maybe worth looking into.

[Former_Member]

Thank you so much everybody you've all been real big helps! I will definitely look into everything and see which is cheapest and works best :)

[Former_Member]

Not sure how big the boxes you already bought are but if the fit in a flat rate envelope it ships for under $5 as long as your shipments under 70#'s. I'm pretty sure your bras will qualify. Lol. If they won't I like the cello or paper bag idea.

Also you can get flat rate envelopes for free from USPS.com.

[Former_Member]

i was able to find great prices and quantities on padded mailers and pretty much every other packaging item ever, right here on etsy. also there are many ways to make your logo stamp multi useful! i use mine on name-badge style and labeling (as in file) labels and its perfect for sticking on my padded mailers!
also, i LOVE giant rolls of brown craft paper, and i also love wrapping/unwrapping packages, so any item thats flat (just like yours) after wrapping with tissue, i wrap with brown craft paper (just like a present) and tie with ribbon and/or jute twine. i also make my own paper tags and i love to tie one right in the middle.
it makes it just perfect to slide right in your mailer,and adds so much personality! i also always include a printed reciept and a thank you note with my business card and i slide those right under the ribbon before putting it in.
hope this helps :)
<3 erin

[Former_Member]

I found it really useful to go into my local post office and get advice about the best way to ship things. In Canada it makes a big difference if items are under 20mm and if they are sturdy or flimsy packaging.

I learn alot by asking their advice as they know the rates and how the "system" works.

[TheSalvagedEdge]

<- thrift store junkie
I buy thrift store fabric in good condition and make bags out of it. It's super simple to make a simple pillowcase bag. I think a fabric bag makes things feels more like a cozy small business and not a big box store.

[Former_Member]

Hi Taylor,
I'm quite new to etsy as well and had some fun (and frustration) experimenting with different packaging. I sell jewellery, journals and photography in my shop so every item requires a different size.

I decided to buy my items through an etsy seller - there are so many shops here that specialize in packaging. I used http://www.etsy.com/shop/ThePetitePackage
The owner was very helpful.

I bought glassine bags, and I wrap each item in tissue before putting it into the glassine bag (then stamp it with my shop name logo). If you go to my shop and click on one of the jewellery items, I have an example of what my packaging looks like.

Simple, clean, affordable and supports another Etsian!

Hope this is helpful,
Reena
http://kisii.etsy.com

[Former_Member]

Wow thank you all! I will look into ThePetitePackage they look like they have great stuff! Also I ended up getting organza bags but I will definitely think about the boxes/fabric for when I run out of those and want to change it up!

[ForgedMettleJewelry]

I second Uline. Yes, you do have to buy in bulk, but the prices can't be beat.

Great shop by the way. Too bad nothing is in my size though :(

[MythOfTheWild]

What kind of boxes were you using? I'm purchasing pizza-style boxes for my scarves - they open like pizza boxes, and are a bit bigger than DVDs. I suggest this because I buy bras online all the time, and the website I use always ships them in those boxes, and the bras come wrapped in tissue paper. It's very neatly done.

For lack of descriptive power (and I consider myself a bloody writer) here's a pic of what I mean (the second picture in the row) http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Single-walled-cardboard-mailing-boxes-postage-packing-boxes-/140785187770?...
They're called letter boxes or something like that, I really don't know.

[CedarwoodCreations]

I would definitely go with the lesser shipping, bags, etc.
If I were the buyer I would pay $5 shipping no problem. $10 would be too much for me!