Hi all.
Let me ask you something. When you receive a gift ( no matter how small), and the giver of said gift has taken the time to package it special in some way, does it mean more?
Does it make it more memorable?
If you're small business owner, do you think how you package your products (or services) makes a difference?
Do you think of your packaging as part of your branding?
Consider this.
Several weeks ago I ordered a sweet little pin set I'd been coveting from Marieken's shop, always wear your invisible crown. A sailor man, an anchor and a mustache, as well as Frida Kahlo.
Well, lo and behold it arrived from the Netherlands and it was all I wanted and more. Marieken took care to make her product (and my little gift to myself) even more special by packaging it all in a thoughtful way, with lots of touches that added up to big impact.
It was like receiving my gift to myself and lots of extra gifts on top of it.
It came wrapped in sailor man paper and included: my brooches packaged in small glassine envelopes, two Dutch magazine clippings, some bakers twine and washi tape touches, pretty Dutch stamps on the outside of the package, a card that speaks my language (cheese), and a lovely little handwritten note.
The sweetness abounds.
So, wonder...as I work on tweaking and finalizing my re-branding for myself, work on branding for my clients, package prints to send to customers........is my packing saying all I want it to? Am I making the most of these opportunities to make a good impression? To add extra impact? And are you?
I hope you're having a fabulous Tuesday, the oft-forgotten day. The day that comes after the dreaded Monday. Before the half-way to the weekend Wednesday and the all important we're nearly there Thursday. Followed closely by Thank God it's Friday and of course the 'everybody's working for the weekend'. Tuesday can get overlooked.
I'll take my Tuesday with awesome sauce today, please.
Ciao for now,
PS- I could start a fire today it's so damn chilly and probably will by the end of the day. What is with that?
Yes, yes and yes...I think when you receive a package that was beautifully wrapped with care and love it will make you feel even more special. Btw: Marieken is such a sweetheart, isn't she? Love everything and that card is awesome! Hope you are having a beautiful day, sweetie. Talk to you soon:) xoxo
ReplyDeleteagreed. presentation makes a difference and Marieken is a peach. Isn't everything great. When I wear that pin trio I just smile!
DeleteYou're making me blush Diana!
DeleteI admit I still have to work on my packaging. I'm not completely happy with details. I need a stamp with my logo, I need Moo to deliver my stickers and I need more colored silk paper and twines!! I'm definitely convinced that what I ship must be an arrow-in-the-heart for who gets it. Your purchase came in the right package I think. I have to check Marieken's site! Thanks for sharing your thinking Pam :-)
ReplyDeleteBuon Giorno Cecilia or Buona Serra is probably more appropriate at your time of the day! I'm also wanting to improve my packaging 'a tiny bit here, a tiny bit there'. I LOVE what you said- a tiny arrow in the heart! Perfect. I'd love to see yours as it evolves! Definitely check out out Marieken's blog, she always has lovely photos of where she lives in Njimen and the surrounding area.
DeleteI'm working on my packaging still, since I just finished the graphics. Packaging is like the confetti on the icing on the cake. :0)
ReplyDeleteDebbi
-YankeeBurrow
(I love Marieken. Thanks to her blog, I'm always on the look out for interesting graffiti).
Confetting on the icing on the cake!!! Another good one. It's so true though, isn't it. Now,that's not to say my pins wouldn't have still been awesome, they were just bumped up a notch with such thoughtful packaging. It made it an extra special treat. Oh, don't you LOVE the graffiti that Marieken finds? Did you see ET this week? sweet!
DeleteIsn't it great that this whole blog thing shows you pretty things from around the world?
Deleteand simply connects people from around the world....but yes, just said to your mom I think on her Kings Day post....I love seeing pictures of where you live!
DeleteI loooove packaging and this is awesome! I really need to get a stamp, but overall I'm pretty happy with my packaging. I use red and white baker's twine, glassine or kraft envelopes for biz cards and thank you note, some red or black washi tape, and a red label 'thank you' sticker. I like recycled things. If someone includes a lot of 'extras,' I start thinking... you're either charging me a lot for stuff I didn't order or you're losing money!
ReplyDeleteHa! now there's a point...............either charging me a lot for stuff I didn't order or you're losing money. Some cases this may be true. But when include a couple of note cards, or a small extra print, I think of it as part of my advertising budget. Love the idea of a stamp.
DeleteAh, you're so right about Tuesdays!
ReplyDeleteWhat awesome packaging. I love to create fun packages. I include a bit of gift wrapping (and if I know they buyer is giving as a gift I'll include an extra tag) plus a handmade tag, as well as ribbons or any extras. I admit I'm not the best at branding myself this way--each and every package I mail out has a slightly different look--but I think it's such a simple way to say thanks, plus it helps me use up scraps of paper and yarn that I'd otherwise throw away. I try to just use what I have. Plus, a little washi tape goes a long way. (seriously, I just went through my first full roll of washi tape. i've had it for like 3 years).
Not all sellers like to do this though, I've received everything from simply a PayPal receipt with "thank you!" to gift wrap and more from Etsy sellers. I wouldn't base an entire purchase off of it, but that purchase will likely be remembered next time I go to shop if it's packed really well.
end rant :)
That is it exactly. It's not necessarily that you'd hold points against someone for packaging your purchase nicely BUT, someone who does will stick in your mind in a good way for longer. Leaves a positive imprint!
DeleteI love to get packages in the mail that are fun to open and full of cool stuff! I have spent several years working on my packing and I think it's pretty good now. One of the comments I always get is how nice my packing is, and that makes me happy. This post did inspire a new idea I may try in the near future, so thank you!
ReplyDeleteI hope you are having a happy Tuesday!
Valerie
Everyday Inspired
Hi Valerie! it is FUN to open a neat package. such a treat. sometimes it takes trying and revisions and trying to finally settle on what you feel is really 'you',but if you're getting a lot of comments you must be doing something right!
DeleteI love pretty packaged goods, it might not be the most important thing, but it sure helps to give an order a bit extra. I once got some magazine clippings from Japan, no idea what it said, but I liked the idea of getting some pretty paper (I love old fashioned paper goods, don't get me wrong, this digital thing is pretty awesome too!). I am happy you liked your order. It can be challenging to sell things online, so buyers don't exactly know what they will be receiving.
ReplyDeleteI LOVED getting your magazine clippings and having absolutely no idea what it said! I don't know, adds a bit of mystery. But also, it looked like magazines here and kind of shows that in the end we're really not all that different.
DeletePackaging can add just that little extra. I've been making paper bags from old road maps last night :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat? Paper bags from road maps? That sounds awesome. Hope you're going to blog them Wilma.
DeleteOh yes indeed, love nice wrapping. I really noticed for my wedding. Hybrid handmade packaging was beautiful, and the comparison to a shawl that arrived in regular beaten up post pack was extreme. I was so disappointed in the post pack..won't be buying from tha. Etsy store again.. The detail and effort from hybrid handmade was so much more exciting.
ReplyDeletewell our dear ms. hakes is nothing of not all about the details so I am not surprised at all. especially when you go to great care to create something special for an important event. how disappointing the shawl (or you as a customer) wasn't shown as much love.
DeleteSome nice products, indeed. They are even worth selling, in which case, that's going to be a whole new packaging problem you're going to have. Haha! Anyway, if there's a will, there's a way right? By the way, I love the envelope shouting "I LOVE YOU MORE THAN CHEESE." It's too cheesy and cute.
ReplyDeleteClay Delgado @ World Packaging Inc.