Are you looking for Etsy packaging ideas to make your customers feel special when purchasing your products? It might surprise you that creative packaging plays a huge role. And your mundane package can become exceptional with a bit of care and attention to detail.
Etsy is a competitive marketplace for sellers all over the world. So anything you can do to make your product (and your brand) stand out from the competition, the more likely you’ll create a returning customer or even get that 5-star review. And both are equally important!
This article will discuss Etsy packaging ideas play in your shop. We’ll show you how to come up with creative packaging and how to create a unique unboxing experience for your brand.
Investing in your Etsy packaging ideas
As we mentioned above, Etsy is a competitive marketplace for sellers worldwide. This means your Etsy shop is listed alongside other online shop owners. And if these shop owners sell products similar to yours, then they’re who you compete with every single day when selling online listings.
Your potential customer always has another option not too far away.
But you know this already.
That’s why you spend most of your time making your product photos look better, writing great product descriptions, and generally supplying the best product you can make.
But even after you make the sale, you still need to keep “selling.”
Customers probably won’t remember your store name if you’re a run-of-the-mill Etsy shop selling an average product. Instead, they’ll remember that they bought your product “on Etsy.” And that’s even what they’ll tell their friends.
Even after you make the sale, you still need to keep selling.
So if you want your customer to remember you instead of Etsy, you need to make yourself stand out. Obviously, the first place you need to start is with your product. Because without an incredible product, nobody will remember you anyway.
But after your product is the best you can make it, there are some strategic marketing techniques to make your buying experience more memorable. And creative Etsy packaging ideas are a great place to start.
Packaging is the first physical touch point between your brand and your customer. So it’s the perfect channel to really blow your customer’s mind. Investing in customized packaging can help you leave a positive first impression and make your customers feel they got much more than they bargained for. It will also ensure they remember your name, not just Etsy’s.
Finding the right packaging for Etsy
With shipping costs increasing worldwide, your first instinct might be to go with the least expensive Etsy packaging ideas possible. And if you’re a newer Etsy shop just starting out or finding your groove, that’s probably your best idea.
But if you’re ready to elevate your buying experience and increase the overall strength of your brand, creative packaging is the way to go.
Of course, you must thoroughly understand what you’re selling before you find your packaging.
- Is it fragile?
- Is it heavy?
- Is it an unusual shape?
- Is it soft and durable?
Answering these questions can help you visualize what your entirely packed and ready-to-send products look like.
It’s also an excellent time to remember that packaging isn’t always a box.
Etsy Packaging isn’t always just a box.
When you think of packaging, you probably think of an Amazon box or some form of a square cardboard box.
There’s nothing wrong with that, but there’s so much more to packaging than a plain cardboard box.
On top of that, a bulky cardboard box isn’t always needed for something like socks or cosmetics.
A simple cardboard tube takes up less space, gives creative branding opportunities, and is arguably more efficient.
Sustainable packaging is becoming higher on the “must-have” list for many consumers, so it’s probably something you also find important for your brand.
But the key to sustainable packaging isn’t always expensive materials, technology, or cutting-edge design.
It’s using less.
So, a simple padded envelope might suffice for small jewelry and fashion accessories rather than a cardboard box.
Filling empty space in your Etsy packaging
Giant eCommerce brands invest in packaging engineers to design packaging that fits as many of their products as possible while minimizing space and weight.
While you might not be able to hire such an engineer, the principle is the same.
Cut back on empty space.
Less space in your packaging means less space for the contents to move and less chance of damaging it. Void fill, in the form of tissue paper or wood wool (also known as excelsior), is a great solution. It also adds a little class and elegance when customers open their orders.
The last thing you want to do is stuff your Etsy packaging with old newspaper and magazine ads or loose junk mail lying around your house. Sure, it’s eco-friendly — I mean, you are recycling. But it can come off as unprofessional and haphazardly strung together. Like you never expected to get any online orders in the first place, so you had to use whatever you had lying around your house to ship in time.
You probably won’t make any repeat customers out of this packaging idea.
Using kraft paper for Etsy packaging
Plain brown kraft paper is a go-to packaging supply for many Etsy sellers.
The simple and earth textures build a handmade vibe, and with a little string, a custom stamp, or a sticker, you can create something that leaves a great first impression.
If you decide to use the brown texture of kraft paper, consider having it printed with your logo. Black print on kraft paper gives a rustic and rugged feel, while white ink on kraft creates a delicate, feminine, and elegant feel.
Rather than investing in expensive printers and ink, you could consider purchasing your own custom stamps to brand your packaging. It’s simple but effective.
Branding your Etsy packaging
When you started your Etsy shop, you created a logo. But you likely also create a color palette and other visual assets to accompany your brand.
Well, your packaging is the perfect channel for all these assets.
For example, if you want your brand name to be remembered, print your logo on the top of the box so that customers can’t miss it.
Get creative with your Etsy packaging design, and take shapes and symbols over the edges. Use color theory and psychology to grab and retain your customer’s attention. Print a design on the inside of your box, or better still, fold your boxes inside out and have a bright, vivid design on the inside and “plain and boring” outside.
Pick a theme with your Etsy packaging
If your Etsy shop has a rustic feel, continue that theme in your packaging design.
If it’s 50-styled, keep that same feel. Consistency in branding is essential. Your brand must be the same on Instagram, Etsy, and real life.
Know your values
Why do you offer a customization option?
Why do you use local wool?
Why are all your materials recycled?
Why do you donate profits to a cause?
Answer these questions on your packaging, and when your customer gets their order, they’ll be reminded of why they purchased from you. In addition, you’ll reinforce their decision that buying from you was the right idea!
Do you focus on sustainability? Is your emphasis on personalization? Whatever it might be, these decisions should echo in your branding.
Packaging Etsy orders
Here are a few things to remember when packaging your Etsy order and sending it out.
Create a space
A dedicated space to pack your products is essential. This separates where you make it and send it out into the world. Like your workshop where you create your products, with everything in one place to set up packaging and send orders, you’ll work more efficiently, keep track of inventory, and make fewer mistakes!
Use the right tools
Efficiency in your business will keep you sane and happy while you work. Using an old bottle to pull off lengths of tape might work, but a tape gun will help you perform even better. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
Using the right tool for the right job is the first step in working smarter, not harder.
It’s not just packaging.
As mentioned earlier, your packaging is the first touch point between your brand and your customer, so it needs to stand out.
But it’ll all just end up in the garbage or recycle bin.
So don’t throw loads of plastic glitter in your cardboard box, as that plastic can’t be recycled in the cardboard bin. Instead, think about what your customer will do with their packaging after it’s fulfilled its role.
Include a little something special
The simple act of saying “thank you” goes a long way in the world. And a handwritten note lets your customer know you really appreciate their order.
After all, you’re not some big-name brand from walmart.com, and that’s exactly why your customers look for you on Etsy in the first place. They want a small-business feel — where their purchase means something to an actual person — so give it to them.
But writing a message for every order may not be practical. Still, first orders that are big, orders that are above average, or orders that are customized, spend an extra minute or two to thank them. It’ll pay off in the long run.
Another thing you can do is print off large quantities of typed thank you notes, then sign each one before you seal up their packaging. If you sell too many orders to hand write each message, this gives a similar vibe while keeping your production line moving.
Establish proper shipping
Calculate your shipping costs as accurately as possible and communicate those times and the courier companies you use as clearly as possible.
Any delays compound – next-day shipping can quickly turn into three-day shipping if you have to search for information or change how you process a single order.
Remember to send tracking information to customers ASAP. This gives them peace of mind, which is generally standard practice today.
Have a contingency plan
Things will go south. Couriers will lose a product, a box will get damaged, or it’ll go to the wrong side of the country.
So what happens then?
What happens if your customer needed a product before a date but missed it because of the courier you picked?
Delayed shipping might not be your problem, but it is your problem. Consider how you can communicate shipping delays, damages, and other issues after sending your product in your order information.
Conclusion
You put a lot of time and effort into creating your products, so it’s only fair that you package and present them to the world in the same manner. It’s just a box, but it’s so much more to your business.
Investing a little time, effort, and money into upgrading your Etsy packaging ideas can make a difference and help your business be remembered. In addition, your customers will be left satisfied and want more to do with your Etsy shop in the future.