Packaging handmade goodies

So now you’ve made a sale, received the money and are ready to ship your fabulous items. But first, you’ll have to pack them properly. Packaging my handmade funky stuff sometimes proves tricky, because you have to make it look pretty and to reflect your creative style on the one hand, while on the other hand it also has to be practical and sturdy, to keep your goods protected while traveling with the post. This often means you’ll have to walk the thin line between cute and heavy duty.

I try whenever possible to make the package look like a gift. You know the big bookstores who offer free gift-wrapping for stuff you buy from them? Well, when you sell handmade goodies it’s a good idea to gift wrap everything you ship It makes you more human and likable in the eyes of your buyers, and makes the fact that you care about your items more tangible. Also, since handmade goodies are often more expensive than regular store products, some customers will feel they are getting a treat for themselves when buying handmade. You know, like you go out and reward yourself buying something you’ve always wanted but thought it was a bit too expensive. So, to encourage your buyers to keep in that “treat” mood, you definitely want to pack their item nicely.

Okay, in the beginning I was also more concerned with the package arriving safely than with pretty frills and such But with time, I have begun to add a little something to my packaging. In the same way, you will also find your own way to personalize the stuff you send. You don’t have to copy anyone, the package should reflect your style and personality, just like your handmade goodies do.

So here are some ideas for nice & creative packaging:

• Match your style. If you design something in neon colors and a modern look, you can use modern materials, like plastic sheets, decorated with the bright colors you use. Or if you manufacture natural, organic or herbal stuff, try using natural and sustainable materials like recycled paper or hemp rope in neutral, earthy colors.
• ALWAYS include a business card. Always. What if the item you sold was a gift for a friend? The buyer might know where to find you, but the birthday girl who actually got the present won’t. If you do clothing or bags, you should have fabric tags sewn on your stuff to help identification. If you can’t put fabric tags on your products, design cardboard hang-tags to attach instead.
• A hand-written thank you note always gives a nice human touch. I have to admit I sometimes forget to write one, but you definitely should not. It is very simple, cost effective (as in for free) and it really makes a difference.
• Freebies are always appreciated. If you like, you can include a little something, maybe some inexpensive item or even a sticker or something. If your little freebie can lead to repeat purchases, that’s even better. For example, giving a small sample of extra soap might make the customer come back to your shop to buy that same soap again because they loved it so much! What you shouldn’t do is include stuff you just don’t need anymore or flawed items. It kinda gives the impression that you don’t really care about the customer and are just sending them your reboots and trash.
• A nice idea are also coupons for future purchases. You can for instance offer a 10% discount for your repeat customers, that’s an incentive for them to come back if they are satisfied. You can print these coupons on regular business cards.
• Materials you need might include: pretty packaging paper matching your style, business cards & hang-tags, pretty ribbons or hemp cord, little organza or fabric pouches for small delicate jewelry, fabric tags for clothing, small funky beads, stickers, stamps etc.
• Always make sure that your item arrives safely. You can protect your (pretty packaged) handmade goodies by placing them in a bubble mailer or in a cardboard box.

I am halfway there with my packaging…I do have a design which I like, but which needs some improvement. To get inspired, take a look at this Flickr group called Nice Package! or at the pictures below. These are items I received recently and I loved the way they were packed. The one on the first row is from Rebecca aka Drolerie and the one below was sent to me by lovely BohemianSin (please note the business card and lovely note – well done!).