Laura,
I have two thoughts about packaging and mailing jewelry. I purchase
many types of beads and findings from other sources. My brain makes
notes of how they’re packaged and how much I’d want to do business
with the sender in thefuture.
When someone throws something into a bubble-wrap envelope with
nothing encasing it, no thank you note, no receipt - NOTHING, I just
don’t want to do business with them again. On the other hand, if
they take the time (and money) to wrap the item or put it in a nice
box, perhaps with a ribbon, it shows me that they value their work
and want me to value it too. I like to be surprised and delighted,
as if I’m opening a small birthday gift. The more expensive the
item, the more I expect from the seller.
That’s what I do when I send out jewelry. I bought a lot of plain
white jewelry boxes in varying sizes at a very good price. They’re
lined with cotton and I bought an extra roll of cotton in case I need
more cushioning than what’s in the box. I designed a logo and my
husband uses a laser cutter to cut out the pattern in wood, which I
glue onto the top of each box. I’m happy to email you a photo of
what they look like if you want me to. In this way, I’ve branded
myself and my jewelry.
I always include a hand-written small thank you note and I put an
extra little surprise in each package - an inexpensive mechanical
pencil, a fun bead, or an inspirational (never religious) card about
enjoying the universe. You wouldn’t have to include an extra, but
it’s a nice touch. And of course, a few business cards for them to
distribute.
You don’t have to spend much for packaging. In fact, here’s a link
to a video that teaches you how to make your own gift boxes from
scrap paper:
http://tinyurl.com/5on9jd
And this link takes you to an article about how important packaging
and shipping are:
http://tinyurl.com/oqnvcg
If you haven’t already, you might have to register as a seller on
etsy.com in order to see the links. One caution: If you think you
would ever want to sell your resin pendants on etsy, give a lot of
thought to your shop name. Once you choose it, you can’t change it.
You can see my store names in my signature file below.
Good luck to you -
Mara Nesbitt-Aldrich