Service Tips for Sellers: Packaging and Shipping

This is full of great tips and advices! I feel like going home and start crafting on my packages! Thank you!

This is so true. I pay such special attention to how things are packaged when I am out and about. Thank you for reminding me what we want our customers to see and feel!

I really enjoyed this article and has given me lots to think about. I always wrap my items in tissue paper, tie with recycled wool and include a moo card or business card. The one thing is, I use recycled bubble mailers because I think it is wasteful to buy new mailers all the time when so many pre-used ones have life left in them. But I sometimes worry that I should be using new ones. I never use anything that looks really tatty and I do state in my policies that I use recycled packaging. I think alot of people support recycling now and can see that I am trying not to be wasteful!!

Great article. My packaging changes according to what I have in the house or what I find while I'm out treasure hunting. Right now, since it's gardening season and I'm a gardener, my bead bags are wrapped in pages from garden catalogs. I make all my thank you notes from black paper, written in silver ink and punched with my trademark ~ a star. Those are popped into padded mailers that are further protected with a piece or two from the same catalogs.

Great info. I try to do all the above and love it when others do the same with the packages I receive.

WOW!! What a surprise to see my crayon popsicles here. I am so pleased because these started out as a simple order but I worked together with a fantastic buyer to create these fun party favors. Improving the packaging made a big difference. We were both happy with how they came out.

simply awesome. i really love you guys. i hadn't even really thought about this and you are SO right about presentation and packaging. thanks again for all the info.

Thanks everyone for your kind words. If you have any other tips on packaging we would love to see them. Happy packaging!

I LOVE this article!!! I think it is sooooo important to package your items well :) (and thanks for including my photo from flickr)

Just adore packaging... and I also, several times, buy something JUST for the packaging!!!! Thanks for including here one of my items with its packaging!

I have absolutely loved some of the awesome packaged items I've received from my Etsy purchases but to be honest it goes to the garbage. And I've given this some serious thought as a business and cannot afford to invest in extra packaging. But Etsyers definitely deserve an award for their packaging cause some sellers do an awesome job of it.

i've received some of my etsy purchases in some of the nicest packaging. i try to do the same and it's fun to use the computer to design papers, etc. :)

This is great thanks so much!

I also want to mention that when packaging an order it is also a great time to send out promos from other shops. Through blogs and other social networking sites I have developed great relationships with other Etsy sellers and we decided to send a sample from each others shops that we could send out to our customers with every order. Now when you purchase from loveoneworldzero you also get a taste of presentsforpirates! Cross promotion kicks butt!! It makes for a great package to send out, it is like sending a gift and it is so much fun to put it together.

Like Pouch said, I recycle envelopes, too - and to let everyone know that I'm recycling, I got a "I use recycled packaging" stamp from terbearco here on etsy.

Here are lots of tips & a photo example of how I might get a scarf ready for shipping (my customers ra-a-ave in my feedback): http://www.flickr.com/photos/cricketscreations/2506032459/ Best, Celeste (Crickets)

so true! i bought a couple of things on etsy where the seller(s) clearly didn't put any thought into packaging/shipping. a good business person understands how important the whole experience is for their customer; from ordering to receiving the goods. great tips!

Here's an example of my personal process of designing packaging 1. http://www.flickr.com/photos/yalu/254026657/ 2. http://www.flickr.com/photos/yalu/454473821/ 3. http://www.flickr.com/photos/yalu/360781919/

Love the tips! I know I get super excited when I receive something creatively wrapped!

Great tips! Thanks so much!

great piece of advice! I always put at least two of my business cards in the package, and stamp my logo on the thank you note. Here is how a gift wrapped package look. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8286042

Of massive importance! I love getting colorful little packages from Etsy! My first sale (buttons)went out today swaddled in reused bubble wrap, and some pretty tissue. I added a nice thank you contact card (designed by riosoodesigns). I wrote a personal note on it. I packed the packet of buttons in a nicely folded shoe box that was turned inside out. It looked pretty, and I fussed to make it so.

Fabulous article, as always! Thanks for featuring my testimonial here as I hope it enlightens some sellers to be thoughtful about their packaging. Since Etsy is a community, I love to take the more personal approach to my packaging with handwritten thank you notes, handmade wrapping paper and other bells and whistles that will make the recipient head over heels in love with their purchase! I'm a full-service seller, in the business of serving and making people's day :)

great tips here as usual thanx guys!!!

i just love the idea of adding a tag with the person's name on it. what a simple way to make the purchase feel like a special treat (which of course, it is!). thank you for sharing!

great article! thank you for all these helpful tips!

please be aware when sending items overseas its best not to wrap them. I've recieved packages that the seller obviously wrapped up carefully, only to have customs rip them open and shove back in the package. (thats fair enough, they are doing their job, they aren't gift wrappers ;) but because of that I've always sent my items in a clear ziploc bag when sending OS, so its easy for customs to open and check, and also means the customers items arrive in the same condition as I sent them, plus they survive all possible weather conditions while travelling. though I'd hate to think its seen as anything other than practicality, rather than indifference to the customer. i do like to include a card with a thankyou, and perhaps a sticker or badge as an added touch.

What a fabulous article! I'm a sucker for good packaging - so much so that I sell the stuff:) I love seeing all the different ways that our wonderfully creative Etsy sellers put things together. I sell 99% of my things overseas and my products run close to the maximum weight for the postage price so that even a business card could tip it over and double the postage :( Instead I package all my cello bags in a larger cello bag and write a personal message on the bag. Weighs nothing, costs nothing (for me or the buyer in extra postage) but hopefully adds a personal touch :)

I guess I am a little confused. I like the idea of etsy because it is handmade and the money goes to the maker. whilst I like packaging aren't we going crazy? Everybody talks about environmentally friendly/recycled stuff and then the talk about how important packaging is -not to mention expensive. Get over it. Buy the item not the psuedo shop look/packaging and get out of your Prius and walk.

Hadn't thought about using the 5th photo for a "here's how it's packed"--great idea. Especially since it is hard for folks to understand why my shipping seems so high relative to the cost...my "babies" take extra packaging to arrive, safely.

I really enjoyed this article. It made me reflect on my own packaging as well as brainstorm for innovative ways to improve my packaging. The tips and advice given in this article are very valuable and it puts us thinking in the shoes of the buyer how they would enjoy receiving their purchases like gifts. Great job to everyone who contributed on this article! :) Can't wait for the next article! :)

This is a wonderful article! I am running out now to find things to add more color to my packaging!

Absolutely lovely read this article is, and I cannot agree more to pretty packaging. That's the beauty of this Etsy community isn't it..all things handmade and crafty. I take extra care to ensure items arrive safe during over international shipments. And nothing beats opening up a special box with your name on it :)

I'm agree, pretty packaging add a "je ne sais quoi" that make the difference. I try to customize every single purchase with little handmade thanks-card, original wrapping and a label usable like a bookmark. I love cuddle my buyer almost than I love be cuddle by the sellers :)

My favorite (so far) is the packaging of Mark Kaplan (markaplan) - He is so interesting - I spend hours in his shop reading his jewelry descriptions, places he's been, where he is going... it all comes across in everything he does - I love the handwritten note he includes embellished with gold foil. The last package he sent me included a "fortune telling fish" and a mustache among other items! He has included foreign currency and even decorated the outside of the packaging with crazy themed stamps. Even though I am a silversmith and I could make the items I buy from him for myself I choose to buy from him and promote his shop because he is an awesome silversmith and human being and his attention to detail is not limited to his jewelry. Everything this article advises - he does!

Sorry! I'm not sure why it duplicated my comment! :)

Hi Jellibat, Thanks for your tip on packaging items in ziplock bags for international shipment. Customs inspection was something I hadn't considered.

I appreciate the article. I'm getting ready for a farmers market this Sunday (and every Sunday) for the summer, and I can't wait to get the packaging all ready to go. I love receiving specially wrapped items.

as someone seriously thinking about becoming a seller on etsy this article was extremely eye-opening to the importance and fun of going the extra step in packaging your items. Thanks for the great article!

I actually get excited at the super fun ways I have packaged my items. I get a huge giggle knowing how thought out and whimsical the packaging is..and that gives me a special feeling too. I am thrilled when I know my package is going to make someone smile and be surprised. It makes me feel good!

SOOoooooo helpful! Thanks!!!!

Another fantastic article! Thanks!

Great advice, thanks!

I am just in the preliminary stages of starting up my store, and I am so glad I found this article to inspire my packaging! thanks for the great ideas.

Thankyou for sharing your wisdom - I want to start selling, and am now inspired to do the packaging properly and enjoy it. Brilliant.

I firmly believe in the "experience" of shopping and presenting yourself through packaging. My husband is funny; he's like, "why do you have to bother with the extra details? Just make sure it's secure and safe and mail it in the cheapest stuff you can. " He's so practical about those things, but it's those extra details that are so important---it's why people are shopping here, and not at Wal-Mart for these kinds of things!

If you're having trouble with the PDF, make sure you have Adobe Acrobat or Preview or some other pdf reader application installed.

WOW this really made me stop to think...how can I creativly package my product AND ship it without sacrifice of product quality. This can be a challenge with fragile and parishible products.

Creating packaging is so much more fun then shoving it in a box. I actually had a bunch of paper lying around that I had no use for. Putting my blocks into a paper box with paper between each block also help protect the paint during shipping.

ahhhh... packing ceramics with arrangements in them is a little daunting but thanks for the great advice!

I usually throw in a freebie with my prints but hadn't put much thought into packaging apart from protecting the work...the next parcel will be decorated! Thank you for the tips

It makes a HUGE difference! I've had tons of compliments on my decorated and ribboned pillow boxes. Good to see so many are caring about presentation!

I attach a business card to the back of all of my paintings. I think it really helps to embellish the back of the work but can also remind the customer of my website and contact info. Packaging is VERY important and I love the ideas you shared! I think it makes a difference to include a thank you note or a coupon for 10% off the next order. Sometimes I like to send thank you emails in addition to a note.

I TOTALLy agree! Packaging is sooo important. In the 'real world' I have always wrapped my gifts to others in an interesting way, I just love doing it! I always make sure to wrap or gift box each purchase nicely, I too have bought things not wrapped nicely and was a little disappointed. I once got something wrapped in a tissue, it was of course clean but still made me go eeeewwwww.

These are some great suggestions and make me happy that I practice most of them already! But there is always room for improvement. Thank you for the wonderful ideas and links.

I LOVE to get nice packaging!

I've been looking for ideas on how to step it up a notch and make customers feel like they are opening a present. I know how I feel with a beautiful presentation. Thank you for the tips -- it's been so helpful along with everyone's comments. This was a GREAT topic! :) Thank you.

awesome article! thanks for lots of ideas!

i always try to pay special attention to my packaging...esp in my "thank you for ordering" card....so important! :D

Great article!!! I am an eco-metalsmith and write in the description that all my packaging materials are reclaimed as well and use the fifth image almost all the time to show how the item is packaged http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=24116859

Love the creative ideas from this article! They will certainly end the transaction on a positive note and keep the customers coming back!

I just love packaging :o) thanks for the tips!

wonderful reading, thank you for a great article!!

These are some fantastic tips! I love all of the different prints used in each person's packaging style. So inspiring!

One of my favorite things to do when giving a gift is to find a way to wrap it with whatever I have on hand! This article has inspired me to take what I love doing and incorporate it into my business. Thank you so much for the inspiration and insight!

I've always felt that the best part of gift-giving and receiving is the wrapping! It can turn the most simple of gifts/packages into the most special experience!

I agree, packaging is always important. That's why I always package my things as "Gift Ready" so if they were to ship directly to someone, it looks like a gift. And good packaging, (especially for smaller items) is not that expensive. If all else fails brown kraft paper and twine looks good

I agree that packaging is important and try to pack up my orders nicely, but I don't really care if sellers don't go over the top with fancy wrapping or freebies and hope that they don't feel pressured to do so. As long as my purchases are shipped in clean, protective packaging, I'm happy.

Great article! I always send a "Clippie" and a note with the purchased items. I want to make my buyers feel special because I appreciate their interest in my crafts. Love the idea of plastic bags and writing a note on the bag for international shipping!

I feel like the 5th photo rule can occasionally have a negative impact. Maybe it's just me, but I feel that when a seller shows off the extensive packaging that goes into a product, I wonder how much of the price I'm paying includes these nonessentials. However, if I don't know about the magical freebies and pretty packaging that is coming... that's an entirely different story. I'm past the phase where I've already pressed the PayPal button; I've already committed. Then it becomes a pleasant surprise.........

Great Advice!

Great article. Thanks for the tips.

Thanks for all the tips! Keep em coming!! Wonderful advice.

Great info in this article, but I'm still at a loss on what's best for the money. Maybe I'm putting too much thought into offering the fastest shipping at the lowest cost. Depending on the order, but if I'm shipping a few items, I try and get it into the smallest package possible.(paper and yarn items only) I do include a freebie or coupon and a handwritten note but I don't add pretty gift wrap because that may mean a bigger box and more shipping costs. I hate for customer's to pay more for shipping and I don't want to increase the price on my items to cover it. Maybe the solution is not to dwell on the 2-3 day shipping time and do the extras on packaging and ship 5-7 day..... oh, the art of shipping!

You are great! So many good ideas. Thank you!

My packaging could definitely improve. I'll work on it!

Thanks for the helpful tips they sure make a difference!

Return buyers are a great example of people that you have a personal ability to make lust over your items. I take as much care in my hand written note and packaging, as I do the clothes themselves. Many times, I have made sales because of return business. I love all these tips, and plan on giving some of them a try!

Wonderful article! I'm always looking for new ideas for my packaging!

I recently did a whole blog post on this very subject, because I was also disappointed to receive the items thrown in an envelope; no receipt, no thank you, no nothing. I try to make opening my packages an event for my customers including things to unwrap and inexpensive handmade gifties, like a reusable thank you card. I also reuse everything I can from envelopes and boxes to paper to keep costs down and help the environment. It doesn't have to cost alot - sometimes nothing at all. Thank you for bringing this "touchy" subject up. :)

I have just started out & reading all this information is really helpful! I personally love making a fuss with the packaging but seem to think that it would need to be business-like & formal....not true! Just imagine how wonderful you would feel receiving some thing truely beautifully wrapped & return the experience!! Guess its can also be seen as an extra creative outlet!! Thanks!

Not only does the article have great tips, but it's nice to see tips from other sellers in the comments.

Great article! And thanks tamdoll for the recommendation for buying a recycle stamp...I just ordered a "I use recycled packaging" stamp from terbearco.

These ideas are great for my jewelry--now how 'bout my pillows? Thanks for the great ideas!

This is such a relevant article! I think one of the best compliments I've gotten from a customer was that they loved the way the product was packaged when it was shipped.

I always send a thank you card along with a free gift and a business card. I also recycle whatever i can. Glad to know others are doing the same.

Great advice for after the sale service! I have almost as much fun packaging my items as I do making them & have had customers comment as much about the packaging as the items. Thanks for all the ideas & advice.

Great advice! The few packages that I've sent, I've made into little mystery presents, wrapped in various materials that I use, tulle, coloured paper, and then placed in organdy bags. I try to line the inside of the box with something cool, and if able, enclose a free gift, something reletive to the purchase. I just wish I had more customers! BUT..... Good things are worth waiting for.

Really helpful article, thank you. I love the idea of putting the persons name on the package as it really does make it feel more personal and like receiving a pressie!

Great article, so many useful tips! I like packaging and paper and small accessories, definetevely I will improve on that front thank

Thanks! I love all the ideas this article offers. Sometimes when you're so worried about the product it's easy to forget you can get creative with the packaging!

there was an online tutorial in etsy libraries - I think - by etsy seller "27 things" about making your own bubble wrap packages. Very useful - I just downloaded that yesterday! Thank you for great advice.

I totally agree with this article. I always add a Freebee. Just good business.

This is great advice. Thanx for all the example pics :) I always had a free gift..it just makes it fun!

I always wrap my items--but instead of using ribbon, I use those long, narrow strips of fabric that are left over from trimming seams or reducing the size of a piece. I sell hand-sewn items, so this matches my shop well and it's a great way to get rid of those extra pieces without wasting them. And it doesn't cost extra!

I just open my jewelry store - Hard Elements - and I love, love, love Etsy, the advice, and resources you provide. This is great information and had thought of some of it but the extras you provide really make a difference, thanks!!!

This is food for thought. You take nice packaging for granted at a high end store, but I hadn't thought about it for shipping.

Thanks for the great tips. I focus on safety when I ship. Now I will try to get creative too. Love the "gift" idea.

I love packaging my sales, it's such a good way to thank my customers. I also cut strips of fabric that match the item they bought and tie it around the item which has been wrapped in pattern paper. If it's an apron I try to tie a cookie cutter on it. If it's a diaper bag I try to include a little zipper pouch that matches the bag. People seem to be really pleased to open them up. Great article!

Making the packaging is part of the crafting fun! Great article.

I love the idea of thinking of the packaging as a "gift." I always do this with actual birthday presents. I've been including a thank you note and business cards with my packages. Since I'm shipping paintings, I'm always so worried about them being packaged securely. This article is inspiring me to find some new solutions--packaging that is beautiful and protects my work! Thank you!

Thank you - lovely article with lots of useful ideas. Always room for improvement.

This article is so on time! I always try to go the extra mile when I ship. I have ordered things that came floating around in a really trashed up Priority Mail bag (thanks for recycling, at least) and no note or anything that even lets me know this is my package that I ordered, other than the floating around items. I always use things I already have for packaging, like leftover ribbon, wrapping and tissue paper, I got really useful with some leftover streamers. (I am sick, I don't throw anything crafty away, ever!) I am glad that my efforts are not in vain, and I am packaging three items right now to send off today, so thanks for the inspiration!

Great tips to inspire better packaging. Thanks.

Thanks for the great article Bethela and MaryMary!

Lots of ideas here! Thanks for the tips.

Thank you so much for this information. Lots of great ideas!

Thanks for all the great ideas and Tips!

Great information! I received a bracelet one time (not on this ID - so don't go looking into my purchases) that was just thrown into a padded mailer. Although I liked the bracelet, I made a mental note not to purchase from that seller again.

Since my items are small and somewhat inexpensive, I tend to look for great bargains for packaging. I get my bubble mailers at Sam's club for a little over $4 per 25! My tissue paper is purchased at the $1 store. They come in a multi - color pack of 60 sheets. I cut these in half. I also purchase mini thank you notes thru destash sales on etsy. You really don't have to spend a lot to make things pretty!

GREAT work:) amazing tips for us

Wow great information for packing!! Gives me some great ideas!

Great article and fantastic tips.

I spend so much time, effort, and care in my packaging and include freebies and thank you notes, print my own hang tags, provide business cards etc. 35 sales later, I have not heard one word back from a customer regarding the presentation. Just worried that it is not making an impression.

Great article! I love preparing packaging but I am always looking out there what other people are doing so that I can improve my own... just joined the Etsy group on FLICKR... looks exciting :) THANKS

I am just getting ready to list on Etsy and I am very excited, although I am not new to selling online. This article was helpful and what excellent tips, especially making it personal with their name on the package. I always include my business card, care instruction sheet and note of thanks, a freebie (tiny notepads, datebooks, charms...) and sometimes a discount coupon for a referral. It is always nice to get something free.

Packaging is important!! I am an Etsy seller and an Etsy buyer. I am all for using recycled, recyclable or reuseable materials... just make sure it's fit for use. I received a package from an Etsy seller that looked like they took an old shoe box out of the trash, cut it up and had their 4year old tape it together. I was horrified!

so many great ideas, thanks!

I love these packaging articles, they are so helpful and inspirational, I just LOVE that kitty, its genius! I don't think I'd want to throw anything away though. That is the problem :P

I do love the look of a pritty package - BUT still would rather get somthing eco-friendly in the shipping avenue. I reuse shipping envelopes and packaging materials whenever possible. You will be surprised what a little creativity can do to upscale a recycled envelope! I agree with StoliGal, do make sure it is presentable! I got a great bag of recycled envelopes through a fellow freecycler.com member and so far only will not use 1 envelope as it is too 'used' & really ready for the recycle bin. As a buyer i would rather the seller send my my item via recycled goods than a fancy packaging.. save your money & the earth. I did find a great deal on Pritty boxes at a great discount - becouse the upc code was wrong! Cute & in a way recycled! Just took some looking & luck!

Great ideas - thanks so much!!

Great article! Thanks for the tips.

Thanks for the great ideas! I recently made my first purchase on etsy & I was so excited to find little freebies in my package. The seller even used a small bag made by another seller to package my jewelry & included cards for both sellers. That seems like a great way to work together & help your friends advertise.

Thanks for the great ideas! Please keep them coming. But I do agree with your seller testimonial in the article above - I too often double box with lots of bubble packing to prevent damage in transit. So safety is also my first thought, and then I consider how to make it pretty.

Another great set of ideas for me to think about. I try to package as though it was coming to ME rather than someone somewhere in the world. I always send a special thank you letter and even some business cards JUST so they might pass around to others who would appreciate buying from my Etsy store. I hope it helps anyway. Again, thanks for the great ideas!

Great reminder!

Very useful tips!!! ~~~Great ideas for unique and creative packaging...thanks so much!!!!

I'm just starting out on Etsy and am preparing my listings. It was a joy to read all the good packaging tips. I have always loved wrapping gifts with a special touch and then watching the happy reactions. Thanks for a great article.

I've been trying to include packaging in my listing pictures.

What a GREAT post! I love all the ideas, and am working hard to make sure each of my items gets to my customer in a way I can feel pround of. Thanks for putting all this great info together and posting it for all of us to see. So great.

great article! thank you!

I've definitely found in my own business that customers appreciate the extra effort in packaging. ( I use recycled sewing patterns and bakers twine to wrap things up.) I think it shows you care about your product and is a great way to leave a positive final impression of your shop!

I love the ideas and images, but I'm going to play devil's advocate and say that a lot of these seem like overkill. Packaging can take a lot of time and resources, which would eat into whatever already thin profit margins that I have. I do think it's important to package and ship in a professional manner, but if it's something the buyer is just going to throw away, it seems like a waste of resources to pretty it up a whole bunch.

very nice, im going to start brainstorming ideas!

I love packing the items I ship almost as much as I love making things. I try to make the package feel like a little present & always include a 'Thank You!' card. I also try to add a little something that the buyer can use (or give as a little present)that represents my shop. It is a bit more time consuming, but do-able, at least at this point, where all of my things are one of a kind or vintage. I feel like it's good "advertising" & will hopefully create a kind of repeat business that OOAK items do not. Oh yeah & did I mention it's fun!

Thanks for great information! It's always good to be reminded. www.paintingpam.etsy.com http://paintingpam.blogspot.com

Wonderful information! Thank you!!

thanks for the input and great practical tips...i already enjoy packaging but now feel even more encouraged to dress up my packages even further.

I like going to walmart, home depot and movie theaters for free boxes!

Something I started doing recently that really adds to my packing is painting the packing boxes. My boxes for the wings I do are fairly large, and for a while I was using boxes from uHaul, but when I cut them to the right height, especially with all the uHaul logs on it, it just looked crummy. I found a local self storage place that sells the same size boxes for the same price, but they were nice and blank. I took those blank boxes and a wall stencil I found at the paint store to spray paint a pretty pattern on to the boxes once I have them cut to size. It makes the boxes look like they have been gift wrapped without causing problems in shipping. Combines with some pretty dyed newsprint left over from my brother's route to stuff around the item and it definitely leaves the impression of opening a present.

Absolutely! I love extra added tips! I do get repeat customers, not only for quality of work, but for my packaging. All of my clients/customers are very special to me. I love learning about others & you wouldn't believe the amount of friendships - even if just online - that come out of a business relationship. I believe also that treating everyone special, and packaging their order as a gift, makes them feel very special! This is super important as you want to stand out! Etsy for me has been wonderful experience & I hope I can pass that on to all the "newbie etsians", whether a buyer, seller or both! Thanks again for the added tips! Have an Super Week!

super awesome advice, as per usual! :) Thanks guys!

Thanks for the tips and pointers. They really help. I also look for unique boxes at thrift stores, and because I sell vintage, it adds that certain something I think.

for my first sale (yesterday!!!) - I kept it simple and pretty....white tissue paper with raffia and my business card tied to the ribbon. I love the idea of using the persons name on the tag instead! I did write a little note on the back of my card though! Thanks for the great tips! k

Beautiful packaging is a vital part of the picture ~ thanks for the excellent tips!

Absolutely love these tips! Thank you for taking the time to put this together!

This is wonderful and so helpful! Thank you!

I love this article!!! Very useful, helpful tips!

I agree....very helpful. Thank you!

In my policies I explain that I used recycled material as much as I can for packaging but not everyone reads policies and I hadn't thought about stamping the actual box/putting a sticker on that says "recycled"! Brilliant! Thank you!

while very rarely expected, it is always a pleasent suprise to recieve a creatively packaged purchase.

Very helpful, it makes me want to send a package :o) Thanks for the advice!

This is great! thank you for sharing and putting it together

Thanks for the great advice! I've just finished customising my gift boxes, but the info re. packaging materials has inspired me further...x

Preparing my packages is always I procedure I truly enjoy! Thank you for the valuable info and for the fresh ideas!!!

thank you very much for this article ,it really helped :D

Good inspiration...Now I need to plan my packing. Thanksss

Thanks for the great article! Beautiful packaging is certainly a nice touch. However, I do believe the outside of the package should be as discrete as possible. Especially if you have anything on the outside that says jewelry (maybe in your business name) for example it is more susceptible to getting “lost” in the mail. However, I certainly always appreciate freebies and when the item itself is nicely wrapped up!

Being creative and artisitc should be evident not only in our products, but also in our packaging. Great tips!

What great advice! I absolutely love the idea of buyers feeling like they have just received a gift rather than an item they purchased. I definitely appreciate unique and personal packaging and feel more motivated to provide that for my customers after reading this article.

very helpful, thanks for the advice! I have been inspired by some of the packaging I have received on items I purchased - they are amazing! hopefully some of my custom labels can spice up your packages too!

Thanks for the reminder and great ideas!

Nice advice. Being thoughtful doesn't have a cost anything extra.

I agree with this..I think adding the extra touch with packaging is just what the customer is needing these days... A little extra "loving" does wonders to soothe the soul of the client.. My customers actually come back and buy over and over because they just love receiving a "present" from themselves.. My packaging shows my customers that I really DO care about them and want to do my best for them. And it shows...you can see it in my feedbacks... Keep up the good work! Shamamomma/Dana

Thanks for the inspiration! I loved all of your great tips.

This article is bursting with prettiness! Great subject :) I can't wait to visit everyone's shops!

So so inspiring. The idea about the 5th photo being the packaging that they'll receive is such a great idea!

wonderful tips - and very inspiring! I too recycle and old book I had that was falling apart to make thank you notes.

Always such good info! Nice to know I'm on the right track!

I love the idea of a thank you note! I have been writing a short note on the invoice/receipt but am rethinking now about including a separate note--maybe stamped with a snowflake for winter, tulip for sprint, etc...and putting a tag on the tie or ribbon with the person's name (and stamped to match the note) like a gift tag! Simple but brilliant! Thank you so much for these valuable tips!!! xoxo Cait

Thank you so much for all the tips!!! I have been writing a thank you on the invoice but love the idea of putting a little thank you note in the package! And having a gift tag, too!!! Maybe stamped with a snowflake for winter and matching the note!! I'm off to do just that! xo Cait

Love the tips. Thank you!

VERY helpful. I'm a new seller, just had my first buyer and was wondering how to make my package special for her. Thanks for this!

Lot's of great advice, we just got our first sale and are excited to use some of the ideas provided in the article! What a fabulous venue, thanks! J & B

I too am a new seller and found this article helpful. I am looking forward to embellishing my first package as a personal thank you to my buyer.

Since I just had my very first sale, I think I need to get busy and write a little note to my first customer! Thanks! xx

Awesome information. So many things that I have never thought of. I am going to rethink my packaging on my next sale. Thanks so much

I always add a little hand written thank you note and a business card to orders, I think it makes it even more personal. I always gift wrap one way or another, it usually depends what packaging materials have caught my eye. I do try to keep it simple though as any packaging adds cost and the main thing is that my jewellery arrives safely. If someone has made a larger order I also include a free gift.

I will definitely change my package. You couldn't be more helpful! Really thank you!

Loved this article. It really made me think of other this I could do to my packages. Thanks.

What a great article. I am trying to do what you suggest with my packaging. Never thought to ask for feedback in my thank you note. Great advice.

I am looking for info on the safest and most cost effective way to ship small pieces of furniture... I have heard that a bus is often used ... I want to make larger pieces but not sure how to ship.

Would love to know more about shipping costs....checked UPS to ship ceramic vase 11x5" and cost estimates ranged from $24 to $20....pretty steep!...Any suggestions????

I too am questioning the best way to charge for shipping without knowing the zip yet of the person you will be shipping to. I want to give the best rate as I know for myself shipping may be the deal breaker.

What a great idea to make it like a present, I know I would be so excited to receive a present in the mail myself!

I am a brand new Etsy seller as of today. I have gathered a great deal of information from all of your comments. I have a lot to learn and I'm looking forward to my first sale.

Great tips! I can't wait to star my own shop. Planning to open one this coming July.

This article filled my mind with ideas. Can't wait to get creative with my packaging. I recently had the disappointment of having one of my packages (wrapped, padded, marked "fragile", priority, etc.) crushed by the P. O. on its journey and part of its contents broken. In 10 years of selling on-line, it's only the second time, but still disheartening. I love the articles you post; so helpful.

Great, great tips! Thanks for putting this together and sharing it! It does give me a give me a better understanding about how to be the best seller I can be!

Thank you for the great tips. As a newbee Etsian I am greatful for all the help. I have lots of ideas for making my shop a success. Just had my first sale and have gathered lots of information on making her purchase a pleasureable experience.

After reading all the creative ideas, I really need to step up my game! Thanks so much for the great ideas. I appreciate the nudge! My aplologies to those of you who received, just an item in a box:(

After 8+years on a huge auction site, I learned the do's and don'ts the hard way. I strive to TEACH those I know, who are new to selling; what they can avoid by simply paying attention to the little things, like the details. PACKAGING can mean alot of things to a lot of people. forinstnace. I try desperatley not to let anything rattle in the box/pkg, use 'stuffing", bubblewrap, tissue etc for prevention, use an outer wrap; i/e:paper, foam sheets, etc.tape things closed, include a note or business card, if not, then EMAIL your buyer telling them thankyou. Stay in touch w/the buyer, include delv confirmation, if it has a value of more than $25, insure it. this little extra $2.70 will pay off someday, if you dont you'll learn the hard way like I did, you cant always depend on postal delivery security just because it has never happened to you before, it will eventually.Send samples or freebies to customers who make a large purchase, accept convos as personal correspondance, answer all inquires and be as good a seller as you want to be treated as a buyer.Details Details Details.

Fantastic advice - I have loads of scraps of material which I am now going to make into gift bags for my jewellery. Such simple things can make all the difference

Thanks so much for the advice. I just opened my shop 3 weeks ago and am looking for ideas to make my package extra special. Any suggestions on how to ship a headband affordably? The boxes at the post office aren't cutting it.

Loved this article. Thank you! Now, I'm a newbie and can't seem to find where on Etsy I could possibly print out a packing slip or order slip for each order? Is there such an animal? I sure hope so! QuirkyKim@comcast.net My Etsy shop is ACreativEye

I have always considered packaging to be almost as important as the item shipped. Letting your customer know you use recycled materials is very important to buyers. I have shipped articles half way around the world with no damage and always encourage all buyers to communicate any packaging problems so that in future anyone else avoids a similar problem.