Hi Freckled Nest readers! I'm Katie of I go by Katie & Darlingtonia Moccasin Company & today I am here to share some custom packaging tips for all of you online handmade entrepreneurs out there!
One of the greatest things about being a handmade business owner is having the ability to deliver really amazing & creative products to customers. Why not take that creativity & make your packaging really shine? After all, your packaging is the first thing your customer physically interacts with so make that first impression a lasting one! Here are a few tips to inspire you...
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• Custom Packaging •
Customizing the outside of your shipping boxes as well as your interior packaging can be a really great way to really wow your customer & make them feel great about supporting your small business. I've also found when I am in line at the post office people read my boxes & ask me where they can find what I sell!
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Rubber Stamps - These are so easy to use & to get custom made, it's silly! Just head over to Rubberstamps.net & order yourself one up to 6x6"!
What Kind? - I order my packaging boxes in bulk from uline.com which come flat & are super affordable. I choose not to use USPS flat rate boxes unless I am shipping super heavy stuff. I've found shipping in my own boxes to be the same price if not lower.
Screen printing - I screen print all of my packaging for Darlingtonia Moccasin Co, which is a great way to embellish a stack of boxes quick. If you've never screen printed before I would stick to using stamps or a print gocco for smaller packages if you've got one.
Interior Packaging - Inside each shipping box you will likely have your final jewelry box or in my case shoe bag. Make your interior packaging really stand out any way you can, with custom stickers, stamps, embossed lettering (which you can do yourself with embossing powder that you can pick up at any craft store!), ribbon & etc. When it comes to using fabric bags - I make my own using cotton muslin I pick up by the bolt when it goes on sale & embellish those too. If you wrap your items in tissue paper make sure it matches your branding in color & add something special to tie it all together.
Shopping Bags - When it comes to shopping bags get creative! Dissect a store bought bag, use the pattern & make yourself some newspaper bags like the one pictured above. Or add a little handmade touch instead of just your business name... Like using yarn & a hole punch to embroider a monogram on the front.
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• Thank You Cards •
Thank you cards are another way to stand out & you should you always include one with each order. Here are some neat ways to say thanks...
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Vintage postcards & stationary - Theses can be such fun thank you cards, especially if you write in pencil so the customer can reuse them - it's like a freebee! I've found vintage stationary & post cards for pennies at a yard sales & antique shops.
Print your own - I print my own thank you cards using my photo printer & double sided matte photo paper. It can be super affordable if you've got the right paper (check out redriverpaper.com - awesome & cheap). I also include a little reminder of my policies too.
Custom Post Cards - pick yourself up some promotional post cards to use as thank you cards. There are tons of sites that offer custom printing services like vistaprint.com, moo.com & 4by6.com
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• Promotion •
Put the cherry on top of your custom packaging sundae by reminding your customers where they found you & how to find you again!
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Freebies - I hand out pocket mirrors with each moccasin order, they are a fun gift & promote my business at the same time. I've also seen folks hand out a variety of really cute custom stuff.
Business Cards - Have some! Weather you make them yourself with a custom stamp ;) or order a batch from moo.com like I do - always include one with each order.
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Now that I've spilled my secrets & shared some of my resources I hope I've inspired you to come up with some of your own awesome new packaging ideas-- now go out & get creative!
xo, Katie
