What's Up Wednesday: What I Received in the Mail Today...

vintage on the ridge

Etsy Sellers... you gotta love 'em

I found two beautiful vintage victorian trade cards in
a lovely etsy shop called Vintage on the Ridge.

I received my package today and was delighted to find my cards carefully wrapped in pretty teal and brown polka dot tissue paper with a dainty matching ribbon tied up in a bow. Very nice.

What tickled me most about the package (besides the cards wrapped inside!) is the note on the matching custom sticker used to secure the tissue...

I Hope You Love It

Thanks So Much

Please leave feedback  -  It's nice to hear from you!

In such a small space this seller was able to convey to me her anticipation that I love what she's sent, her thanks, and what is probably the nicest request for feedback that I've ever received. Nicely done.

Do you have any great packaging stories to share?

Marketing Monday: How to Design the Perfect Packaging

I hope everyone had a great Earth Day celebration!
I'm back with a series I'm calling Marketing Monday!
In addition to writing a few posts,
I'll be posting links to lots of great posts and articles.

This first link is to a post in a great series called
Biz Ladies on Design Sponge.
How to Design the Perfect Packaging



Most of us are very small businesses and ecofriendly, too.
So while we may not use or want to use much packaging,
there are still some important points in the post.

" ... packaging is a powerful avenue for “finishing” your product and make it seem much more valuable than if it would be unadorned. Even if it’s just a sticker or hang-tag, these little extras convey importance and attention to detail ... "

"Packaging doesn’t have to cost a lot at all. I recommend for start-ups and small businesses with small budgets just entering the world of consumer product sales to start with stock packaging customized with a label."


wearwolf.etsy.com

'Stock packaging' can be recycled boxes or handmade boxes made from recycled paper.If you don't want to use boxes, even hang tags can be made from recycled paper or chipboard right from your recycling bin. Labels can be printed right at home on your printer - just pick up some sticker labels made from recycled paper at your local office supply store.

How do you make your packaging?

dress you up

So you have a wonderful creation that you are going to sell on Etsy.

remaker.etsy.com

How do you spread the word?

tresijas.etsy.com

You need to convince all of those Etsy shoppers that your creation is the one they want.
This will involve promoting your work with packaging, advertising, and publicity.
First, let's talk about packaging.

ClaudiasCreations.etsy.com

"Good packaging arrests the eye, attracts the heart,
and perfectly suits the product being promoted." Martha Stewart
The packaging should reflect the quality of the product inside.
You've spent some time making your creation,
spend a little time packaging it up nicely, too.
Who doesn't love getting pretty package?

FeltWerker.etsy.com

Recycled packaging can be attractive -
use the same creativity to fashion your packaging that you use to make your creations.
Wrap it up in tissue, or with a ribbon (all recycled, of course!).
Use pages from an old book or magazine and pieces of fabric.

ecokaren.etsy.com

Make envelopes from paper in your recycling bin.

ecogeneration.etsy.com

Include a thank you note or card.

DropsofJupita.etsy.com

And don't forget your card.

rikrak.etsy.com

Try to be consistent with your packaging - make it part of your branding and image.
Many sellers do this by including a photo of their packing in their listing of their item.
Do you?

wearwolf.etsy.com

Next week: a bit about advertising.