Advice needed retail packaging

[cpitam]

Hi all.
My name is colette and I am new here as well as being an entrepreneur. I am looking to open up an online children boutique and have a question about how to package the products. I would like to know how to go about packaging orders for customers.
My question is, should I order special packaging boxes unique to my store and mail that unique box in a UPS or or another carries box? Or should I just ship the clothes in the unique box as is thus saving money because of weight.
Also, how would it come off to customers if I didn't have special packaging and just ship the clothes off in the USPS box by itself?
Being a boutique, I would think that I need special packaging but it's pricey and I'm trying to save.
Please tell me what you think and advice as I'm sure it would be helpful.
Thank you.

[Cox SBN Editor]

Hi Colette,

I'll bet you could find a supplier to design a simple but elegant box to ship the clothes. Order them in bulk for a discounted rate.
I wouldn't pack a box within a box -- too cumbersome for you and the customer. Maybe you could temporarily start with the USPS boxes and see how many orders you get. That way, you'd know how much to order in bulk.

See my private message for a contact...

Hope that helps!

-Teresa

[daveb1]

Hi Colette,

I would just send them in your standard providers box (i.e. the cheapest, fastest 7 SAFEST way possible). I would work on designing a small flier / label / business card to go out with every order. I would focus on investing in sales / marketing / good products etc. etc. before even getting to a designer / boutique label all inclusive packaging. Do you have an online store we could check out? What kinds of product lines and marketing angles do you plan to utilize? Best of luck! Kids / childrens products seem like a valuable niche these days.

[designs57]

Hi Colette,

It's great that you are looking to start a children's boutique. Daveb1 is correct, anything related to children is hot now-a-days.

Depending on your initial start up capital and how much you can spend on marketing material I think your package will be key. Besides, think of how many people will see it as it travels through the hands of the US Post Office, Fed-Ex, UPS or other carrier.

I also agree with Teresa, that I would not do a box in a box.

Personally, if I was ordering from a "boutique", I think I'd expect more than a Fed-Ex or UPS box.

Check this article out called:

Marketing through your packaging.

(Since I am new here too, I can't post links yet, so put a 3 w's in front of the first line and copy the 2nd line and paste it to the back of the first line to get the right URL.)

22michaels.com/2011/10/
marketing-through-your-packaging.html

Michael Fox says it well in the post, their type of packaging isn't going to work for everyone (they are OVER the TOP), but it does give the "Holly Crap" moment when you get their products. And that is EXACTLY what you want from a customer or potential customer seeing your packaging.

And James Black makes great points in:

What Is Your Product Saying to Consumers?

"Two fundamental truths about packaging are routinely overlooked by marketers. First, packaging is the only marketing vehicle that 100% of the consumers who buy your product see. Not every consumer sees the brand's advertising or is exposed to the exciting social media that your brand is doing. But all of the consumers who buy your brand do interact with your humble package."

(Use the same instructions for the link above with this one please.)

adage.com/article/guest-columnists/
shopper-marketing-packaging-conveys-a-brand-s-message/148283/

Good luck with the business.

Angela

[wjames811]

Hey its not working man....

[bennallick]

Hey Colette

What about using a lightweight wrapping paper like, tissue paper, and using custom round stickers made up to hold the folds? (then ship in UPS box)
Would look lovely, and very pro whilst keeping the costs down.
Hope this helps, and good luck with your business!
Many thanks
Jon

Dodo Designers

[Ctash]

Recently seen something on television that may be helpful to your situation.

The Mentor: CEOs Advice For Small Business Owners - Bloomberg

I cannot remember the exact episode, however what was being discussed was costumer engagement. When you receive an ordinary package in the mail, you have no idea what it is until you open it. If the shipping container had your logo/slogan/business name on the package, the costumer would immediately know what it was. This helps build the customer relationship.

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[elitebag]

You'd better to package by yourself in a box or in a packaging bag ,which your store logos printed on .Then when you send to your customers ,you can advertise your store .If you want to save money ,you can import from China or other countries to reduce your cost.

[BarbaraKParker]

In my experience ordering stuff online, it is important to secure your package by wrapping them properly. I use to buy gadgets, they are properly wrap with lots of bubble wraps inside (this is just an example). You can also put your products in a box with your business name printed outside.

[milawalker]

That must be a tough business.