a packaging question

[rhodyart]

You guys are going to think I'm obsessed with packaging. This is actually a selling question though the inspiration for it involves an etsy purchase I made and how it was packaged.
I just got a scarf and it was stuffed into an ordinary envelope as is. Not enclosed in a bag (odd because so much of the us--this was a us seller--is kind of snowy and wet.

Anyway do any of you guys package your items like this? Should I mention it to the seller in feedback? Would you want to know? I am fanatical about how I package and ship. Is anyone else?

[Former_Member]

That would be a huge drawback for me, if I received an item like that! I think the way we package our items reflects how much value we see in them. If I'd purchased something and received it like that, I would wonder if the seller even cared about their work!

I mean, nice packaging doesn't have to be expensive, but you should at least want to do something to protect your items. Especially cloth items; they could easily soak up any scents in the journey over, or get ruined if something is spilled on the package. (This is why I use bubble or poly mailers; the plastic adds an extra barrier.)

It makes me sad to hear stories like this.

[ChrisOsCreations]

Few days ago I received an order of paper tags and they came nicely wrapped but not protected from water/snow etc.
If I weren't home when the mail arrived they would be ruined...
I left positive feedback and then I send a convo to the seller with a packaging tip
they didn't replied but I did my best I believe

[PaperCreationsbyDeb]

I would never package an item like this, and I sell supplies. Even one stamp is individually wrapped, or bagged before packaging to protect it. It looks so unprofessional to just stuff something into an envelope and ship it off. IMHO

Telling the seller how you feel depends on you. If it was a newer seller I might mention it, nicely.

[CherylNuccio]

I sell painted items and always package things in plastic and then wrap in tissue or something (depending on item) so it looks cuter when it's opened. The plastic is protect the item in case it gets wet, etc.

[Former_Member]

I send my items in polymailers. My items are not fragile, and the plastic mailer keeps them from getting wet. I would recommend this packaging to anyone who sells non-fragile fabric or yarn crafts.

[StuckOnSilver]

I ship my items in a rigid box with padding, loosely wrapped in tissue paper and in Priority Mail box. Once someone mailed one of my pieces in a plain envelope taped to an index card. :(

[PiecesofMeCardsnMore]

Back in my early days of Etsy I ordered a set of die cuts (before I owned my own machine) and they arrived in a business size envelope with a first class stamp. They were in a ziploc bag but there was no cardboard to protect them from getting bent. If I remember correctly, there wasn't even a thank you note or anything to indicate who they came from. That was not what I expected when I paid more than the standard first class letter rate for shipping. I gave the seller positive feedback but mentioned that the packaging was less than ideal.

My items are paper and can easily get ruined if they're not packaged correctly. I use poly mailers, as Felicia mentioned above. I also put the item in a ziploc bag for extra protection and include a sturdy piece of cardboard to prevent the package from bending. It's what I would expect if I purchased paper items from an Etsy seller.

[Beaderbeads]

I think added protection would have been nice. Even a large bubble wrap bag inside the padded bubble wrap envelope. That's how I send my loose beads but my vintage items are in gift boxes in a bubble wrap bag inside a bubble wrap envelope.

If the scarf was in good condition when you got it I wouldn't leave a negative feedback but I would let the seller know packaging should be improved. I would never send any item in a regular envelope.

[ALFAdesigns]

I an selling handmade necklaces, which are kind of a luxury things, and not very cheap. So I feel completely obligated to package them nicely. Plus, I don't want to have them damaged in transit. Hence, zip-lock bag plus nice silk pouch plus bubble wrap plus USPS box mailer. I do re-use the bubble wrap and USPS boxes, when possible.

[Former_Member]

Nice packaging really does not need to be expensive! I have played around with buying boxes, tubes etc for packaging, but finally settled on wrapping my items in nice paper (craft or colored) and tying with a thread. I think it looks nice and adds something to the order. As my husband says, you are selling the experience, no matter how fleeting (ie even if it just gets tossed out!)

It would be nice to send the seller your thoughts privately - there are discussions on teams and plenty of photos of packaging, so lots of support of they are interested in improving.

[denisemcguire]

I'm meticulous with my packaging. It's so important to me that my customers receive their items safely! I have purchased some items here on Etsy that have not been carefully packaged. I don't put it in the feedback, but I did contact a seller about it. She was apologetic, but honestly, I probably won't buy from her again. It's just common sense, and I paid plenty for the shipping.

[rhodyart]

I'm glad I'm not overreacting. I was just so surprised that this person cared so little about her product to not protect it adequately. Thanks for the advice. I won't say anything in feedback--I'm actually tempted to not leave feedback at all because for me it's 50-50. The item is fine but the packaging was so substandard and careless that it really negates the pleasure I took in the item.

[Former_Member]

I have bought from sellers who have done something similar and it is a huge turn-off. I haven't been back to them since even though I liked the product.
I take such care in wrapping my candles and making them look pretty...in my eyes, it should be like opening a present when you receive a handmade order.