Handmade Business Packaging Tutorial

Packaging is important if you're selling handmade items online. Here are some packaging tips I've learned from selling on Etsy.



Pick a Mailing Method

Make sure you are using the best mailing method. Choose a mailing method that is affordable, but gives you the services you want. Look at services from USPS and FedEx. I use USPS First Class for my products because it is the cheapest option and is easy to ship. I set a Schedule a Pickup with USPS so I don't have to go to the post office and I can just print out a shipping label and put the package on my porch.

Packaging Materials

Get good packaging materials like bubble mailers, cardboard boxes or anything else you might need. You can find a lot of affordable packaging on eBay. Search for Craigslist in your area and see if anybody is offering free boxes or mailing supplies. You can sometimes get free packaging from the post office, but you might have to use certain services if you use that packaging (for example, if you get free Flat Rate Boxes from USPS, you have to use that service with those boxes). You can also upcycle packaging materials. Save boxes, bubble mailers, peanuts and other packaging supplies you get in the mail from things you order. If you save old boxes, you can redecorate them with decorative paper or wrapping paper to make them look new and personalized.

Business Cards and Samples

Include business cards, coupon codes, stickers or anything else to help the customer remember you. Include enough that they can also give to their friends who might be interested. I like to put 2-3 business cards in my packages. I use Moo to make my business cards. I use the smaller version of Moo business cards to make coupon codes for repeat customers. You can make your own stickers by printing your logo on sticker paper.

Include a personal note. I use left over scraps of decorative paper and fold them to make mini cards. I use these cards to write a thank you note to the buyer. Adding a personal touch will make your customers feel special and will make the transaction more personal. If you have samples or freebies, include a sample or two with each order. I don't personally include samples in my order, but I love getting them.

Be Unique and Define Your Brand
You want the packaging to go along with your product and define your brand. I like to match the wrapping material to the item. For example, if I sell a blue journal, I will use matching blue tissue paper to wrap it. If I still have that decorative paper I used in the journal, I might use that paper to make a mini card to write my personal note in. This gives unity to my packaging and makes everything look nice. Make your packaging unique and be creative. You can google "unique packaging ideas" to find more ideas for packaging your product. How you package an item will depend on what you're selling and how you want to define your brand.

Protection

Make sure your items are well protected. I wrap all my items in tissue paper. I also have the protection of the bubble mailer envelopes so everything is safe. If you are using large packages, make sure there is not too much space for the item to move around. If your item is fragile, use extra protection like wrapping your items twice in bubble wrap.

What are your best packaging tips?