shipping and packaging

[Jenna87]

I'm going to be starting a etsy store soon and I want to know how everyone packages their clothing. I am most concerned about protecting the clothing from getting wet, so I was going to buy some poly bags that seal. But I want it to look pretty so I also want to get some tissue paper, or is this overkill? Or can I just buy tissue paper and those plastic envelopes? Thanks!

 

[sewingmachinegirl]

Hi,

A little packaging goes a long way for buyers to know that you care .
I use acid free tissue and also pop my items in clear cellophane self seal bags. The cello look better than regular plastic bags and also weighs less.
Don't worry about overkill- but do be aware of how much extra time it takes to do the wrapping !
cheers, and best of luck with your new etsy store!

 

[EndlessAlley]

A little packaging goes a long way for buyers to know that you care

Agree with Gayle 100%. And like Gayle I also use acid free tissue paper , a clear cellophane bag (not self seal). I will sometime add the additional protection of a thin plain white trash bag before placing in the USPS Box.

 

[retro ruth]

I use tissue paper and plastic mail bags - I don't do an additional clear polybag. Totally agree that pretty packaging makes a buyer feel good. Sometimes I put gift ribbon round the tissue paper.

 

[morning-glorious]

I make sure the clothing is steamed and looks as good as it did for the photos before I wrap it. I fold it and put it in white tissue paper, then in a waterproof tyvek bag that is the right size for the clothing. I include a business postcard, as well as a personally signed thank you and the packing slip. If I'm doing any shows in their area, I include a show card. The garment also has a hang tag with our web store links on it.

I seal every parcel, bag or box with heavy duty shipping tape, print out a label from Etsy, and I paste pretty stickers on the outside so the package looks special. I've gotten many comments on my packaging looking nice and being pleasant to open.

I don't understand sellers who toss a wrinkled garment in a bag with no tissue or anything to keep it from sliding around. And I think including the packing slip and a thank you is so important. It's a sign of professionalism and I think buyers appreciate it, and may need it, especially if they purchase a lot of things at once from different sellers.

Jen

 

[Jenna87]

Thanks so much! Very helpful advice. Getting a vintage beauty in the mail should be like opening a present!

 

[cmpollack]

Getting a vintage beauty in the mail should be like opening a present!

Exactly!

You are right on target in wanting to combine a nice presentation of the item with keeping it safe en route, especially from getting wet! (I have had so many packages delivered to my home address left out in the rain and SOAKED that I'm borderline neurotic in my efforts to keep the things I ship from ever suffering that fate!)