Monday, March 30, 2009

Packaging and Branding Your Art


Do you ever read About.com's jewelry making section?  I receive an email once a week that includes some how-to's or topics of interest.

The post this week that was of interest to me was about packaging jewelry when selling online.

It seems like I've read a lot of posts where customers have said it doesn't much matter, as long as their purchase arrives safely, but I think a bit of extra care, really can help.

The article talks about this is your chance for branding your product.  If there is something about your work or business that the packaging can reinforce, then it makes a difference.  I agree.

I've included two basic jewelry boxes from Nashville Wraps, which is where I buy some of my supplies.  They're quick, and close to me, so shipping costs are reasonable too.

But I wanted to show you the difference between the two boxes, which both serve the same purpose, but in my mind, would be great for different types of beads.  The 80% recycled kraft paper box is very cool.  It would show that you are aware of current environmental recycling issues and to me, would look great with most beads.  In particular, if you specialized in organic style beads, I think the style would reinforce your look.  

The brown and pink one makes me think of glossy high fashion.  I picture beads with sparkle or detailed designs in these.  Girly floral encased beads or beadmakers who use these colors often would also do well with this style.  There are all kinds of colors for boxes or even organza bags out there to choose from to reinforce who you are and what you are selling.

Don't forget to include a business card in your package, so it's easy for your customer to contact you and tell you how much they love your art.  A short thank you to them never hurts either.

So when you're next ordering shipping supplies, look at your options, while also looking at prices.  See if there is something there that silently tells your customers a little more about who you are.  If you are one of my customers, you'll probably receive a new little box, but there will be recycled packaging materials inside- I guess I'm a combination of both worlds.

See you tomorrow,
Marcy

4 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Apparently I left the packaging comment under my kid's blogger ID. I usually remember to check and make sure he isn't logged in. Grr! You can delete that one and I will redo it here.

    I bought tissue paper in bulk that matches my business cards and some coordinated curling ribbon at the dollar store. I place the beads in a plastic jewelry sized ziplock, wrap in a small recycled piece of bubble wrap, wrap in the tissue paper, tie it in curling ribbon so it is like the customer is opening a gift.

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  3. I've always been fussy about packaging & presentation - (apparently no one else wraps Christmas presents quite like me either - according to my kids.lol!).

    I figure that I notice it when I receive something - so others will also notice it when they receive something from me.
    When it comes to beads, not only is it great marketing - but it says you care about your product, that your product is of value enough that you will lovingly dress it up & protect it.

    I love the Kraft paper boxes - sadly they are yet another item that we can't get here. I do reuse any that I receive beads in though.

    Other than that it's tissue that matches my business card theme, which I wrap around each bead, followed with bubble wrap - back into it's named zip-loc storage bag - then into an organza bag, followed by more bubble wrap for large orders or a box for single orders.

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  4. I love little kraft boxes (including the one I got from you with my beads in it!).

    I make my own little fabric bags for my jewellery now, and use brightly coloured mailing boxes, which many many people comment on, so I think it's worth the effort too :)

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