That Etsy Package

I was reading The Wall Street Journal last week and they had an article on how important the presentation is when sending packages.  They specifically talked about Anthropologie and Crate and Barrel, but they could have throw me in with those two as well.

The article talked about the things that some of these companies do when they package their items, colorful tissue, decorative envelopes and other personal touches.  The article talked about thrilling the customer when he or she opened the box.  I try to do the same thing.

I thought you may like to see how I make my Etsy packages fun to receive (and fun to send..the person at the mail counter always remarks on their cheerful look).

I don't have a designated mailing area.  Boxes and bubble wrap live in the garage.  The rest of my supplies reside in these two vintage hat boxes that sit by my easy chair on our upstairs landing.

I like to include something fun in each package along with the purchased item.  Sometimes it is seasonal and sometimes it is just silly.  Here are some of the things you may find in an Etsy package from me.

A personal note written on a vintage florist card, altho I may cut off the top greeting so I am not wishing you a Happy Mother's Day in October. I also may use some other type of vintage card.

You may get a wooden spoon stamped with a "THANK YOU" and tied with a vintage ribbon. Thank you stamp was estate sale found.

My Etsy holiday packages that just went out had a little tag made with a vintage sticker and a handmade tiny reflector flower all tied together with a mini candy cane.

I also love these little Moo stickers that I made that feature different things I make and have found.

I like to use bright colored tissue paper to wrap the item up in.

The outside of the package needs some color too, so I always use some fun patterned tape.

I think that people enjoy the thought I put into their Etsy orders...I know I enjoy packing them up and making them special.

Ready to go.  Off to the Post Office.  Hoping my little package brings a smile.

Comments

[Karina]

What wonderful surprises you include. I especially love the little ice cream spoon and the patterned packing tape is fantastic. great tips.

[Doreen]

I am so lucky to be a recipient of your packages!I do appreciate the time and effort you take to make us buyers (blogland friends)feel special.
It's so much fun to open... it's like getting a birthday or Christmas present from you every time :-)
Thanks for your Etsy Package tour.
I have a designated place for your fun little "extras" you throw in. Kind of like finding the Cracker Jacks prizes!****The old ones LOL.

[chris mckinley]

I was thrilled to receive one of Magpie Ethel's packages. It was so nicely decorated on the outside, that my daughter called me on my way home from work saying, "oh, my gosh mom, you got something special in the mail! And to top it off, the inside wasn't too bad either!!
Best, chris

[Nan]

Yes I know all about the fun things you put inside you boxes! I have them all too. Thank you for taking the time to do this and adding to our enjoyment.

[Linda @ A La Carte]

I need to add more pizazz to my packages. Good ideas all!

[stephanie jacques]

I adored your package! I thought is was lovely and kept the reindeer in it and wrapped it gave it to my sister. She LOVED it! You're awesome!

[Kathy]

Beautiful crafts, beatifully packaged! I wrap things and include a little thank you but never thought of decorating the outside of the box. Great idea and I'm sure the recipients love it!

[Zita - Mlle Magpie]

I just got my wonderful reindeer this week and loved your packaging - you made my day!!! p.s. just used the reindeer in a pedestal plate centrepiece with a candle in the middle and my family loved it :)

[Carol T.]

I received my package from you on Wednesday and as always - it was very colorful and fun to open. I can't bear to put it away just yet - so it is still sitting out in my kitchen. And just so you know, I always display the "little extra" you always include somewhere in my home. I love my santa checking his list and the adorable snowman in the tin mold.

Carol

[Lisa]

The post office on the receiving end likes your packing and some of the extra's you put on the outside too! They always have cute comments when they hand me my package!

Happy Days to all the people who buy your goodies!!

[Lynne]

Oh, yes! Your happy packages make me smile. -I took a photo of the last one after I stopped squealing ;D

[Into Vintage]

I'm very impressed that all of your shipping stuff resides in two hat boxes! And I *love* that plaid tape. Great ideas here, Ethel.

[Lynn]

When I think of you in your vintage glasses, it always makes me smile so of course getting a package with your name on it always brings a smile to my face!

[Elma]

I allways save the bright paper and yes your packages ALLWAYS makes me smile:)