Shipping Advice

[Former_Member]

I am about to ship out my first order ever! I am wondering how to make it look visually appealing and professional. I know that the way a box looks when it arrives can say a lot about a product or buisness.

I did buy a white box to ship in which the scarf fits comfortably in. Is there anything else I should be doing when shipping? Should I wrap the scarf in plastic or tissue then put it in the box? What about the outside of the box? Should I handprint the address or use a shipping label?

What about tracking? I know it's a good thing to do, so should I get a tracking number and send it to my customer as well?

Anything else I should know or do?

Thanks!

[heartsabustin]

Get tracking - it comes automatically if you print your labels through Etsy (if you have that ability).

Wrap it in some tissue - the little extra touches like that are nice. I don't have super fancy packaging, because I really just want the stuff to arrive safely, but I do try to include a hand written thank you note and I wrap the item in tissue paper after I've put it in a baggie and wrapped bubble wrap around it. Don't forget your business card!

[wildwomanbeads]

I put my items in a right sized box. The box has a label with logo on it for my shop, and then I tie it with silk sari ribbon. This both keeps the box closed during shipping and avoids the low quality look of scotch tape. Buyers often comment on the lovely packaging. It doesn't have to be hard, just something that's uniquely your brand.

Good luck!

[wildwomanbeads]

Yes! to tracking.

[Former_Member]

Oh darn I don't have business cards yet! I will have to get on that. How do I print my label through etsy??? And Merideth you don't use any tape, just ribbon? Are you not afraid it will come off in the mail?

[heartsabustin]

She wraps it and puts the ribbon on and then sticks it in her mailer or box. The shipping label goes on that.

You're in Canada, so you can't ship through Etsy yet, although I think I saw they're working on that. You can print the postage out through PayPal, too, I think. Just go log in to PayPal, and the where the transaction is, there should be a link that says Print Postage. It'll take you from there!

[HoosiermammaV]

If they paid through Paypal, you can also print a label from there. I will tell you, though, you will need to invest in a postage scale. You can get one at Walmart for $25.00 or so. Best thing you will ever invest in (next to your business cards). You really can't print a label unless you know how much your package weighs. If you have to go to the post office, print off a pretty label with your buyer's address on it. Enjoy your sale.

[lkdBoutique]

Definitely get tracking, and definitely invest in business cards! I agree with Meredith about finding something that is uniquely YOU. Making my business card was the hardest part for me, because - as a designer - it is hard to pinpoint one specific point of view.

I approach my packaging with this question in mind: How would I like to receive a package like this? All of my items are very visual, so I decided to enhance the visual experience. I invested in some poly bags that zip close to keep my items together and protect them just in case the envelope gets wet. I also include a copy of the invoice with a hand-written message and my business card attached.

If you don't ship through Etsy, I would also recommend letting your customers know when their item has shipped and to give them the tracking number. It just goes the extra mile to let them know you truly care about them, the sale and their item.

Good luck!! I hope this helps. =))

[Former_Member]

Thank you everyone. I placed it in a bubble wrap bag and added a handwritten note, and it's in a nice white shipping box. I am going to invest in some business cards as well. I'm just about to go to the post office, they will print a shipping label for me there. I'm betting I didn't charge enough for shipping so this will be a good first test.

[Former_Member]

I was almost bang on it cost $9.30 to send it. However I will have to up my price for the money I spent on the box.

[Former_Member]

Congrats on your first sale :) I think people have given you good responses here and that you're well on your way.

I would also suggest putting yourself in the shoes of the customer: if you were buying your products, what type of shipping/packaging would make you smile because you knew that the seller went the extra mile? White box of the right size, handwritten note, business card, tracking, ribbon, etc.

Many more happy sales to you =^-^=

[colorsofsummer]

I love your frilly scarves Angel!!!

[PiecesofMeCardsnMore]

The first sale is always a learning experience as far as presentation, packaging, etc. It gets easier as you figure out how to add your own personal touch to your packages. Congratulations on your first sale!

[Former_Member]

Thanks Summer!

Guess what! Canada Post offers free tracking!