The Great Packaging Debate

[rhodyart]

Saw this blog post today, the day after I packaged and sent a custom order with, yes, 'special packaging'. I really like to offer something different but at the same time am I shooting myself in the foot by doing so? At the risk of provoking heated discussion and disagreement, I post the following for your review --
http://attention-getting.com/2013/08/20/stop-killing-your-profit-margins-with-special-packaging-cust...

[PotteryLodge]

Hi Lin

I think there are very cost efficiate ways of packaging items in a pretty way that doesn't cost much. I use a simple sheet of Kraft paper, tie a string of colored bakers twine which has a handmade small heart terracotta tag on it. My packaging looks adorable and it barely cost me anything different than sending with out it.

I don't think its necessary to gift box each item, but there are plenty of cheaper and cuter ways to package items. Pinterest is a great place to look for packaging ideas that don't cost much.

I average my packaging at $1.10 max. That includes my shipping box (which is necessary, and my bubble wrap. The key is to order your packaging materials in bulk. Don't just run to Walmart and buy a few boxes at a time.

[rhodyart]

Absolutely -- I do buy gift boxes in bulk and I only use them for jewelry items in order to protect them further. If and when I sell one of my art pieces I know bubble wrap will be my close friend and I tend to reuse what i've received plus buy in large rolls when I run short. Ditto with mailing supplies -- i reuse a lot of what I get. My cards are packaged in plastic envelopes, again bought in bulk, and protected with a heavy card to keep them from bending. I've found that this is less expensive than buying cardboard mailers and protects just as well. It just was amusing to me that I got this blog post after sending an item out. In my 'defense,' though, it was a custom order for someone I know and I wanted to treat that person to a pretty package

[Former_Member]

I took the box dilemma into consideration when designing my packaging. I decided my packaging would be consistent with the price and would be guilt free, throw away packaging. Basically meaning, enough packaging to keep it safe during transport, nice enough people could potentially give it as a gift and/or feel like they are receiving a gift, but not nice enough that people wouldn't feel guilt throwing it away. This packaging costs about .50cents each, less than .75 cents when you factor in shipping packaging. But all packaging is built into the shipping cost, and I buy all my packaging materials in bulk to save money.

[SnarkFactory]

I buy the cheapest but most effective packaging available.
For example, for shipping jewelry, I buy:
100 bubble mailers for $10
100 white display cards for jewelry for $7
200 tiny cellophane bags for $2.50
Stickers I make myself = 20 for $0.19
Ribbon I find in the bargain bins at craft stores for $0.50

I think my packaging is pretty cute, and each order costs only about $0.82 extra. Half of which is recouped in the shipping costs. I do agree with the article, gift boxing your jewelry is costly. If you can be creative and savvy, cute packaging for pennies is a pretty easy accomplishment to achieve.

[Untwistedsister]

I also took the box dilemma into account. I DO use a box for my jewelry because it protects it and still allows me to use a bubble envelope and keep the weight down. I purchase in bulk, don't put tape or stickers on it so it's reuseable for the purchaser. And I purchase rolls of raffia ribbon and tie it up. It's not that costly and I feel assured my items will arrive in the same condition they were sent.

[PotteryLodge]

I actually just re evaluated my packaging materials which includes my shipping box and bubble wrap and I got about .75 cents. I think thats as good as its going to get and its a win win. Cute packaging, safely delivered, and very cost efficient.

I have received many customer messages about how much they loved receiving their cute packages in the mail.

If you know how to bargain shop and buy in bulk, then I think pretty packaging can work for everyone. For me, its worth it.

[Former_Member]

I must say, I disagree with the article. How your product is packaged is all part of your branding. So if you are serious about growing your business and sell anything, how you package the product is how you want to be remembered. Add the cost of the packaging to your retail price. So if you sell soap and the landed cost of a soap box that you love and maybe is unique is $.55 cents each, then simply add .55 to your Retail price!

[Former_Member]

To be frank, this isn't a debate. Looking at retail as a whole it is very clear that certain items require fancy packaging and others do not. However, packaging ALWAYS matters.

At Target, I expect my razors to come in a secure package. At Nordstrom, I expect the sales associate to package my items with care. Two different stores, two different experiences, packaging matters in both cases.

On another note, my husband is in marketing and he spends HOURS on packaging. I doubt his company would invest so much time in packaging if it didn't matter.

The much bigger problem is that people are not calculating the true value of their items and then are running a business at a loss. Packaging should never cut into your profit but it is a very important part of your branding.

[Former_Member]

Absolutely agree with Sam from Blue Salt Lab.

Packaging your product nicely is part of your overall branding. I understand the authors point about keeping costs in check but who do you think a shopper will have a better feeling from.........something that arrives packaged minimally as possible, or the package that arrives and shows someone took time to package it nicely and with care.

One thing I love about ordering from etsy is how I receive things. And I've received items that weren't packaged nicely and I have bought from those shops again. That's just my two cents.

Your packaging costs should be worked into the price of your product.

[PotteryLodge]

@bridget.

Very well said. If your packaging is making you loose money then you should reevaluate your business plan.

I mean who doesn't love going to Victoria's Secret and getting that pretty pink bag with pink tissue paper spritzed with perfume. It's part of the VS branding and people do apprieciate and notice those kinds of things.

[Former_Member]

Exactly Casi! I was thinking about VS too- I mean one could argue those bags are probably MORE famous than what is in them!

[Former_Member]

Packaging is a vital part of selling your goods. Bates Mercantile Co. is correct in reference to branding your products. You want a customer to know your brand when they see your packaging. For instance, when you see Tiffany's little aquamarine boxes or bags, you know it's Tiffany.

You can cut cost by creating your own packaging. All it takes is a creative mind.

[Former_Member]

That is a very interesting article. I hadn't ever really considered it that way.

I ship my headbands in cute, printed paper bags, that I slip in a mailer. They cost me about 13 cents a piece, and everyone loves them. For me is a great balance of cute and memorable, and cost effective. I also figure that cost into my shipping, along with the cost of the mailer.