Each Thursday I open it up for questions regarding crochet business or crochet blogging. I’ll choose one question to highlight in a video. You can participate by joining the Crochet Business Fan page, the CBB Group on Facebook or the CBB community on Google+.
Today’s post is inspired by Ineseda. She posted a question on Thursday’s Q and A in the CB group.
How do you decide on packaging material? Where can you find it?
Packaging Can Define Your Business
I bought an owl pendant from an Etsy seller that had excellent packaging. First she put the pendant in a small jewelry box with some padding. She then wrapped it with a lavender ribbon. Finally it was all put in a bubble wrap envelope before it was mailed to me. I loved the thought and care put into making sure my item was sent with love and protection.
You can order supplies from a number of different companies. Oriental Trading Company is a great place to order large quantities. You might consider ordering from other handmade suppliers on Etsy or even making your own.
5 Important Things to Consider in Packaging Handmade Products
1. Protective
You can have the best looking packaging that is designed based on your company logo but if it doesn’t protect your piece then it’s not so good. For most crochet sellers a simple bubble envelope or poly envelope will do but what if you are like Inesda Designs and sell crocheted jewelry? Some things to consider are protecting it from breaking, getting wet, and being handled by a number of people and machines during shipping.
Ineseda.Etsy.com
2. Practical
Handmade business customers tend to expect a little bit extra like a thank you note or a unique handcrafted package. You don’t need to get fancy just choose something that works for your crocheted piece.
In choosing your packaging make sure it can be easily opened. Amazon and Paperback swap are two businesses that ask about the packaging of the product in follow-up surveys. Don’t you hate those plastic containers on electronics? You have to have a good pair of scissors and safety gloves to open those. Don’t frustrate your customer with confusing or difficult to open packaging.
3. Branded
I talked about letting your readers know about the story behind your business during the 2013 crochet business blogging challenge. Your packaging should match the story you are trying to share. What do you want to be known as? Do you want to be a shabby chic business or do you want to be unusual like a Zombie focused crochet business? Find your brand and stick to it in everything you send out.
4. Economical
You are running a business and are faced with your financial budget each and every day. Budget for packaging and shipping and find creative ways to make yourself stand out without breaking the bank. Some ideas might be reusing material you already own like cardboard boxes, tissue paper, ribbon, twine, yarn, etc. One example might be simply wrapping your crochet in some tissue paper then tying it all up with coordinating yarn with a hang-tag. (what I did when I sold crochet)
5. Dependable
As a small business you will hire out many things like shipping (ups or usps) and supplies. Make sure you find a reliable supplier and that they can meet your demand. The easy way to do this is with usps as they already have a variety of shipping containers for you to use. You can add stickers or shipping labels to add your brand to the box. You can also have specially branded boxes made from etsy suppliers or other supply dealers. It is best to have a variety of suppliers to choose from just in case your order gets backlogged.
More Information From Those Who Know
For tips on making your jewelry or handmade pieces stand out visit Noadi on Squidoo. She offers packaging ideas to purchase as well as things you can do yourself.
She’s been selling her wares on Naodi-Etsy since 2008. I first came across her via Squidoo,a site I write articles on. She has a number of great tips for handmade sellers on branding , selling at craft fairs , packaging and running a handmade business.
Photos used in this article are the sole property (copyright) of 1.AlbinaRose.Etsy, 2. WishDesignStudio on Etsy, 3. LDCraftsupplies on Etsy, 4. PixelbyPixel on Etsy and 5. GreenKraft on Etsy.
Just pinned this! Very creative packaging! Thanks for sharing
Thank you. Just popped over to your blog – nice crochet pieces you highlight. I’m a crochet nut.
Thanks for sharing – these packaging ideas are all from Etsy sellers – pretty cool.
Thank you so much Sara, I will read the articles you refer to and check out the suppliers you recommend. I really appreciate all the effort you put in (for free!) to help me.
kind regards,
Inez
I’m glad I can help. I love research and writing plus I love crochet so it is my pleasure. Well, I do it free now because I, like you and many others are just starting out on this journey. {for me it took almost 12 years of trial and error before I found my groove}
As I learn and grow I will charge for something – not sure what right now.
Free also comes with a cost people just don’t always recognize it at first. I am not a small biz marketer, I don’t have professional crochet connections and I sold on Etsy (poorly) for about 3 years. There are people who know WAY more than I do, are financially better off than I so of ‘course they can charge – it is only right.