There are a lot of budget friendly ways to build your brand. Thoughtful packaging - notice that I didn't say "custom" packaging - is one very simple and effective way to help people remember you.
A small business just getting off the ground has to use money wisely. It's great to aspire to have awesome custom boxes that are foil stamped with your logo and contain an enclosure that unfolds like a flower petal opening in the sun to reveal your amazing product. However, that kind of packaging flourish costs a lot of money.
Thoughtful packaging doesn't take a lot of money. All it takes is some thought and creativity to craft a nice experience for your customer while staying within your budget. The materials you use don't have to be fancy or expensive and any freebies you provide don't have to be luxurious. What you're looking to elicit is a smile. If the packaging and presentation makes your customer smile they're primed to feel positive about your product (you know the thing they actually spent money on). They'll remember that little moment. I know I do and that's why I package my products with giving people a smile in mind.
For most of my small jewelry I use inexpensive natural brown kraft boxes that you can get at any craft store. If you want to buy them in bulk definitely check out Amazon - they have them there for ¢33 a box if you buy 100.
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Blank Kraft Box
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Simple ink stamper
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Stamp
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Stamp on Box Lid
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Larger Ink Stamper
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Two stamps
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Inside box lid
I purchased two self inking rubber stamps from Zazzle to brand the boxes. I put my stylized logo on the outside and then when my customer opens the box they also see the full text logo on the inside. I also add small note inside the box so that my customers see that an actual person has prepared their order and wants them to be happy with their purchase.
Kimberly Falk of Ontogenie uses a similar box but goes even further to thoughtfully brand them as her own. Not only are the lids stamped but in keeping with her naturalist theme she uses a wood shaving fill to carefully protect her creations.
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Wood Shavings
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Beautiful Presentation
Furthermore she has a variety of cards to which her jewelry is affixed. This lovely presentation of her work shows her customers how much thought Kimberly puts into every one of her items - from design to the packaging every aspect of her work is special.
Finally check out this creative box by designer Daniel M. Floey Jr. of D & O Celtic Jewelry.
For his smaller jewelry pieces he uses origami boxes that he hand makes with craft paper. Each box is truly unique and since he uses craft paper with different patterns on it his boxes can change depending on the season and the holiday! Now if that's not thoughtful packaging, I don't know what is.
What examples have you see of thoughtful packaging that has impressed or inspired you?
