karlovycross
patreon
Poll: Packaging Updates 📦
🕑 Added 2021-02-02 19:44:41 +0000 UTCHello everyone! It's time for another poll!!
I've been stressing out about something for a while and usually the stress gets worse when I'm packaging everyone's mail. Maybe it's a little silly, but I would super appreciate it if you can all give a little insight to this problem I'm having.
SO!! Packaging!! *claps*
If you're new here or need a refresher, let me describe my current packaging system. I have my merch, glassine/compostable cellophane bags, washi tape, pink/green envelope, and some stamp that I use on the envelope. It always feels pretty barebones and I feel bad about it??? Occasionally I include a business card or a thank you sticker on the envelope, or maybe a small handwritten thank you "name" label, but to me it doesn't feel cohesive and pretty lackluster. I feel like I could do more!
So here is my issue, I don't really know what I should include? The majority of my time I'm focused on designing my products and everything else gets pushed aside.
On one hand, I think excessive packaging is bad cause usually it ends up being thrown out and that's pretty wasteful environment/money wise. On the other hand, I want you to feel excited when you get in the mailbox! Like, wow so cute :0 !!
So here is my list on everything + what I think about the idea:
- Business cards ( I can include them one time when you first sign up, but after that it seems a little excessive sending them out every month)
- Thank you cards ( Same as business cards. Unless you want multiples of them?? )
- Thank you cards that include handwritten "name of patron" ( Do people like being thanked every month? I think it's important when I'm doing online shop orders, but would doing it every month make the "thank you" feel less important? Also, my hand cramps up really easily, so I would need to space this out a little bit so I don't injure myself. But also, would you want me to make time for this vs other projects like more sketches in the digital zine?)
- Thank you stickers (This also seems kinda wasteful BUT they are cute and I love it when envelopes have little stickers on them since most of the time I like to keep the envelope too :>)
- Thin Twine/Yarn ( I started doing this with my last shop update where I wrapped each package with some novelty yarn. I LOVE yarn so whenever I get some in the mail, I keep them and re-use them for penpals or just tie them on something like my planner. Does anyone else do this?? Also a bit of a time management thing where I have to figure out how to space out tying 100 packages every month and if it's something you want me to invest time into)
- Custom Ink Stamp ( I'm planning on doing this anyways so there's no say in this lol but I just want to let you know it's going to be cute >:3 And also I'm going to have to manually stamp each envelope so that's another thing I have to make time for )
Personally I am trying to include packaging that is zero-waste, recyclable, and/or reusable especially since this is something I'm doing every month for 100 or so patrons. Maybe you feel like a stamp on envelopes is enough, maybe you'd like a little extra ~spice~ Also, when I say make time for I don't want it to sound like it's a burden or something. I'd just like to know what you guys want me to focus on vs maybe other things, especially if it's important for you!
Anyways, let me know what you guys think!
P.S Thank you so much for your answers on the last poll!!! You guys made my heart 3x times bigger and I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful supportive group. I will probably end up including the physical rewards on my shop in the future like once/twice a year? We'll see how it goes!
Comments
a thank you card that doubles as a business card would be great ! i love getting a hand written thank you, but it is more work for 100 patrons - maybe a printed thank you and sign your name / the patron ? i love your idea of twine as well, a flat alternative could be lace trim ! im so excited for my first order 💕💕
Hunca Munca
If the packaging is too pretty and a lot of thought and effort goes into it I feel so guilty about throwing it away. And then I end up with clutter that I really *should* get rid of but it's just so nice?? So for me personally, minimal cuteness, just a little thought and effort, something I can enjoy in the moment, but then won't feel bad about throwing it away. I'm also conscious about minimal waste so the more little bits that come with the packaging the more I'll feel obligated to try and reuse. Although a a handwritten thank you every now and then would be gorgeous! ✨
Steferella
Less waste feels best! I think adding a cute stamp is a good happy medium between amount of waste, time spent packaging, and cuteness hehe. Also, I like to do that with extra twine/ribbons too! I save them and tie them on stuff like plushies or vases :)
I don’t really like having business in Patreon packages, especially if I’m going to remain a Patreon for a few months, I feel like it’s a waste. I don’t care for pretty package but something I really enjoy is postcards that double as thank you notes. It’s a way for me to keep everything that comes in packages.
Oh also I meant to add that a handwritten name on a thank you note is a lovely touch, handwritten things make everything feel extra special but yes u should definitely work within your limit because nobody wants you exhausted or hurt doing something like this 💕
I love keeping packaging too!! I still have the packaging from the order I got from your Etsy because it was all too cute. I love pretty packaging that pulls out all the stops, but also I’m sure none of us would want you injuring yourself!!:( Also, for the waste thing I think it’s okay because everyone can reuse those items as you said, with sending to penpals or in a journal.
