Etsy is all about celebrating originality and individuality. People shop at this online platform because they're looking for something handmade, creative, and different — not the same old thing they'd find at their local big box store or department store. The desire for something different doesn't just apply to the products sold on Etsy. It applies to the entire experience.
To gain and retain an inside edge in the competitive market, Etsy sellers must ask themselves: What can I do to stand out from the crowd while delivering the message of uniqueness that Etsy shoppers desire?
Custom packaging is an excellent answer to this question. Swapping out your ordinary packaging for extraordinary packaging can make all the difference if you’re an Etsy seller.
Read on for a closer look at three ways to use creative and custom Etsy packaging to deliver unboxing experiences guaranteed to boost your business and brand.
1. Customize Your Packaging
Etsy shoppers aren't looking for the status quo. They're looking for unique handmade goods, artisan gifts, and other expressions of individuality. As an Etsy seller, your job isn't over once a customer selects a product from your store. You've also got to deliver the experience they're looking for — one that aligns the reasons for Etsy's popularity with your brand.
Custom packaging is an excellent way to build on and enhance your customer's perception of your brand. Personalized mailers, mailers branded with your logo, and other custom packaging heighten the excitement and delight associated with receiving a package.
It also makes the experience more memorable — and not just for customers, either. Every person interacting with your shipment during transit will also notice and connect with your brand.
Speaking of packaging, don't forget what's on the inside matters, too. In addition to protecting the contents, inner packaging should also speak to your brand. But colorful tissue paper, stickers, ribbons, tags, and other embellishments don't just look good; they also demonstrate care and attention.
2. Don't Forget Your Invoice Sheets
Etsy sellers put a lot of care, creativity, and talent into their products. And while it's true that your wares play a starring role when it comes to impressing customers, many other factors also contribute — even small ones. Invoice sheets are a perfect example of this.
A plain or boring invoice sheet does nothing to build your relationship with your customer. And while a personalized, attractive, or branded info sheet may seem insignificant, it's another touchpoint — which means it's an opportunity to connect, improve your brand presence, and increase customer loyalty.
Upgrading your invoice sheets involves very little investment of time, money, or effort. Essentially, you've got nothing to lose and everything to gain.
3. Show Your Gratitude
A simple "thank you" goes a long way. A surprise freebie goes even further!
Many sellers include handwritten thank you notes and thoughtful tokens of their appreciation in their Etsy packaging.
Just keep in mind that all "thank you[s]" aren't created equal. Research indicates that customers want personalized expressions of gratitude, so be sure to address the recipient by name in your note.
Freebies should be small, lightweight, and inexpensive. Branded items like stickers, magnets, and stationery are easy and affordable, especially if you buy them in bulk. Other options include product samples and coupons.
For example, your handwritten thank you note might be as simple as:
[Name], thank you for your purchase. We hope you love it! As an expression of our gratitude, please enjoy 15% off your next purchase with this code: [DISCOUNTCODE].
Remember, it doesn't have to be complicated, just authentic.
Or, consider including a freebie related to the products you sell. For example, if you sell journals, a bookmark is a clever complement. Sell homemade planters or garden accessories? Seed packs or seed paper are a fun add-on.
Thank yous and freebies are also opportunities to include other helpful information, such as instructions for special care or a business card to keep your shop name at the front of your customers' minds.
With more than 4.3 million sellers offering goods through the Etsy platform, the ability to stand out from the crowd can make or break your small business. These three custom packaging ideas can give your business a serious boost by helping you build customer relationships, improve brand awareness, and deliver a truly delightful customer experience.
Ready to start experiencing the benefits of custom packaging for yourself? Use our simple three-step online process to design your Etsy business's custom packaging today.
