Often artists wonder “Will someone buy my products on Etsy?” (or another handmade marketplace). But this is the wrong question to ask yourself if you create crafts. You should look for ways to stand out and make products the public will love. The worst mistake an artist can make is to jump on the popular train because their products will land in a sea of common products and miss the chance to impress the public.
Your best shot when you start a handmade business is to create a product; you’re passionate about. They dig deep to find the right marketplace to sell your products. Once you find it, make a list of competitors and evaluate their products, starting with the packaging. Look for personalisation elements because customisation is the key to attract customers when you sell crafts. People want to feel special, and they expect each item they order online to be an experience. Personalisation goes beyond the product when you run a craft business; it applies even to the packaging. Here is how to have a thoughtful approach when you pack the products.
Use, rustic eco boxes
You may have heard about the rustic style, but you fail to identify its characteristics. The rustic design is inspired by wood and its organic warmth. You can make rustic packaging from corrugated cardboard and keep it in a minimalist shape with a black or white imprint. Small companies prefer the rustic style for packaging solutions because it’s affordable and user-friendly.
If you create jewellery items, you can ship them in kraft boxes. The tiny carton packaging works beautifully for the brand values you promote. Use a logo stamp to add branding elements to each box and ensure the clients can quickly identify the company that sent the products. A logo stamp allows you to keep your branding memorable and straightforward because you can insert the logo on any packaging solution. Rustic eco boxes personalised with logo stamps work great for small handmade items. You can buy packaging supplies from a professional company and ask them to customise the packages to fit the size of the products.
Cardboard envelopes
If you are specialised in creating postcards, graphics or other flat products, you can ship them in cardboard envelopes. All these elements can be sent in cardboard envelopes. Design the envelopes so people can use them when they offer the cards. The last thing your clients want is to throw away an envelope and purchase another. Opt for a minimalist model customised with the logo of the company and keep the colour scheme neutral.
Send handwritten messages
If you have nice handwriting, or one of your family members is an expert in calligraphy, make this message part of your packaging solution. A handwritten message gives your crafts pure handmade credential and leaves a lasting impression with your clients. Take this method a step further and personalise the message with the name of the client. You don’t have to use an expensive pen to create a great effect because you can purchase from a local supply store gen pens in different colours. You can use the logo stamp to customise the messages before adding them to the shipping boxes.
Add promotional elements
If you are new to this, you may have no idea what promotional elements are. You made a product that addresses the public, and you cannot wait to sell it. You also found a packaging solution that fits the work, so why do you need promotional elements? They can turn your customers into raving fans if you find a way to pair them with your brand’s values. Your goal is to convince clients to shop your products again and tell other people about their experience with your business. It’s easier to turn a customer into a repeat client than to attract new clients. Also, word of mouth is one of the most effective promotional methods, and you need your clients to act as brand ambassadors because your handmade business doesn’t include a budget for advertising. Capitalise on what you got, and remember that packaging is at hand when it comes to customisation.
Some promotional elements for your product packaging can be
– A coupon code you insert in the box or envelope to encourage customers to make another order
– A small gift or a product sample
– A note or card introducing your business and products
– A note or card introducing you, the artist
– Some branded stickers they can glue to their laptop
– A personal handwritten note to thank them for their purchases
– A social media feedback request
– Business cards
Add-one for products
After you receive the packaging boxes, make sure the product fits perfectly so your clients to receive the products safe and sound. Get in touch with the packaging solutions provider to find out if they also offer packaging fillers. It’s best to use eco-friendly fillers made from wood wool to lower your impact on the environment. Wood wool is light and made from recycled materials, therefore perfect for filling your boxes. Most handmade products are fragile and require plenty of filler, so you must use a lightweight option to keep the shipping taxes at a minimum. If you use cardboard boxes, the wood wool adds a touch of elegance and improves your products’ exposure.
Use crafting materials to create packaging
Be smart with the scraps remaining after crafting products because they can become packaging materials. In fact, using scraps is a financially-wise decision because it allows you to save money. For a client, it can be interesting to receive a package made from the same material as the product. If you need inspiration, check the Furoshiki method Japanese merchants used to wrap their items. This solution may require more labour time, but it’s cost-effective.
Each handmade product has a story, and as its creator, it’s your role to share it with your clients. Your packaging completes the experience your products offer and turn it into a memorable moment.
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