Regardless of whether you sell on Etsy or another digital marketplace, devising a method for packaging your handcrafted goods for transit is essential; here are 4 creative approaches shared by industry experts.
Surprisingly, the entire matter of 'packaging and shipping' was my biggest concern before launching my own Etsy store. I've always found getting packages ready to mail quite challenging, so I needed a manageable plan that was also pleasing for my buyers to unbox.
My searches for 'how to wrap packages for Etsy' yielded little useful information, making me thrilled to receive guidance from our guest bloggers!
Here is the advice, ladies :)
Day 5: Finalizing a Sale {Preparing Your Product for Shipment}
Query: How did you determine your product packaging method? Do you maintain a distinct style for your items?
Gina from The Shabby Creek Cottage
Initially, figuring out shipping involved much trial and error; I frequently undercharged until I grasped the system. Now, items ship in an envelope unless the order is too large, requiring a box. Every piece is wrapped in white tissue paper and includes a handwritten thank you note on the reverse of my business card. I once overcomplicated things with bows but simplified to lower prices, which my customers appreciated!
Jami from freckled laundry
When selecting my packaging, my goal was cost-effectiveness combined with a simple, professional appearance that matched my brand.
Etsy patrons expect and value thoughtfully wrapped parcels; how you present your handmade or vintage items is often as significant as the items themselves. Many of my Etsy shoppers are readers of this blog, supporting my passion and dreams. Thoughtful and sweet packaging is another way to express thanks.
My initial packaging ideas drew inspiration from the wonderful Etsy packages I received over the years, none of which were overly expensive, custom-embossed, or glossy. They were typically simple, often just tissue-wrapped. You do not need to spend a fortune on packaging, especially when beginning; creativity is key, not extravagance.
Since most of my items are delicate, tissue paper felt ideal. I found gray linen tissue perfect! After watching a YouTube tutorial on neatly wrapping something like a Coach purse, I refined the technique. This method looks polished and allows a small space to tuck in a business card, note, and appreciation tag.
I recently discovered the Furoshiki wrapping technique, which utilizes a single piece of fabric, and I love it, bookmarking the video for future inspiration. Simply search wrapping and packaging on YouTube to find numerous resources.
Shipping expenses influenced my packaging choices; tissue paper is light and affordable. Lower packaging and shipping expenses for me translate to lower shipping costs for my customers, and inflated shipping fees on Etsy or elsewhere are quite disappointing.
I ship my tissue-wrapped tags in 4×4 white mug boxes, sourcing inexpensive plain boxes of various sizes from Uline. Remember to always look for a coupon code online for added savings.
Distinctive Style:
My signature packaging colors are gray and white, matching my marketing materials. My style incorporates a textile element with every package, usually a small rectangle of repurposed linen or jersey knit (my preferred fabrics) tied atop the tissue-wrapped goods. Scraps from thrifted linen skirts or old t-shirts work well to keep costs down. Occasionally, I place tags in small cotton bags (from Etsy) stamped with “fl” in gray ink, or I might use vintage lace or wool yarn to tie the tag to the parcel; textiles are always present for a signature touch.
Lisa from The Pennington Point
I transitioned from buying boxes online to purchasing them at my local large superstore. I have learned to cut down boxes to reduce weight and prefer using mylar envelopes. I wrap nearly everything in bubble wrap; lighter packaging means lower shipping costs. While I lack a specific signature look, I favor simplicity, using plain white tissue and avoiding found boxes or newspaper, opting for new, clean shipping supplies.
Determining shipping expenses can be tricky; initially, the first sale of a new item often results in a higher shipping cost, but I promptly modify the rates before further sales. To set the correct shipping fee for a new item, I weigh the item inside its box, and since I understand the costs associated with various weights, I then adjust the shipping price as required.
Aimee from My Pink Life
Since the majority of my signs are substantial and weighty—being constructed from antique barn doors—packaging has consistently presented a hurdle. However, we developed a method, primarily utilizing robust cardboard, that proves effective for transit. I designed a label that is affixed to the reverse side of my signs.
I appreciate you sharing the practical details of your product packaging! As I reside in Canada, shipping costs present a unique situation here. I plan to cover that topic in a separate article.
Nevertheless, after careful consideration, I opted to wrap my signs in light kraft paper and secure them with a raffia bow, along with an attached tag, believing this complemented the product's rustic aesthetic.
Following that, I always include a personal, handwritten note of gratitude.
And in that regard... A heartfelt THANK YOU for visiting and participating in this discussion! It is genuinely enjoyable having you here on my Bildirimlerim blog.
Looking forward to connecting with you again tomorrow.
