SHIPPING & PACKAGING TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES!
By Arianne Plehandzic
It is such an exciting moment for a shop owner to send out their product to a client!
When you spend so much time creating, promoting and putting together your product...
it's a good feeling when you can finally send it out for someone to enjoy!
But are you forgetting some small smart and special details?!
TIP 1: DOUBLE CHECK CLIENT VARIATIONS!
*If you offer your clients variations, double check with the client before sending it out.
I offer my clients the option to have a different message on their tags. Sometimes they don't realize that I offer this option or they forget to click on the variation that they wanted. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Plus it shows the client that you are willing to go that extra mile for them!
TIP 2: SEND THE CLIENT A LETTER!
*This is my favorite tip! I had to take an online seminar to discover this tip!
Create a letter titled 'Dear Client'...
Then include the following:
-Shop logo in letterhead!
-Congratulate them on receiving their hand-crafted item!
-Tell them how much you hope they will enjoy it!
-Your email address for concerns or dis-satisfaction!
-Ask them to review your shop and include your shop link!
-Calligraphy signature to personalize it!
*AND READ NEXT TIP TO FINISH YOUR LETTER!
TIP 3: A FREE GIFT FOR DOING A REVIEW!
*I place a bookmark inside of my letter to the client. I explain in the letter that this is a free gift to thank them in advance for doing a review of my shop. This gives the client more motivation to do a review , because then they feel like they owe you. You could also offer them a free gift or coupon code after they actually do the review. My only problem with this is constantly checking my shop to see if someone did a review. I find it easier to send the gift with every order. Another idea would be to email your clients and offer a free gift for a review. Your free gift should compliment your shop. I sell gift boxes and printables, so a free bookmark works. Maybe you have a jewelry shop, send them a free pair of earrings that you could easily make many pairs. Have them ready to go. Another thought, offer a percent off their next order.
TIP 4: PLACE YOUR CLIENT LETTER ON TOP OF THE PRODUCT!
*Be sure not to distract from the product. You still want them to be excited about the product. If you are sending the product in it's own special box, put the letter outside of the box. I place mine right on top of the gift box, but not inside the box. Then I wrap the gift box in bubble wrap. That way the letter doesn't get lost in the shipping box, but it also doesn't ruin the joy of opening the gift box.
TIP 5: GO OVER BOARD ON BUBBLE WRAP AND TISSUE PAPER!
*There's nothing worse than having a client open their package and find a broken product!
Don't be afraid to take extra precautions to make sure your items arrive in one piece.
TIP 6: TISSUE PAPER COLOR AND PATTERN MAKES AN IMPRESSION!
*Don't think that adding some pretty tissue paper won't matter! Your client will notice the little details! For my packages I like to combine pink and green tissue paper, because it reminds me of a flower. On occasion I can a beautiful floral print tissue paper for the same price as the regular paper.
Try to have the paper reflect the style of your shop. It's not necessary, but a nice touch!
TIP 7: INVEST IN FANCY ADDRESS LABELS!
*Creating nice address labels doesn't have to be as expensive as you think!
I use
Canva to create pretty shipping labels. You can buy shipping label paper at Walmart and print them out on your printer. Once you have a template in place, it's easy to change the address and print. It gives the client a feeling of professionalism and effort from you. They will be more likely to write you a nicer review of your shop, because they can tell you tried to make a good impression.
TIP 8: SEND THE CLIENT SHIPPING DETAILS!
*Give your client a sense of security! Give them an idea of when the order will arrive. Be sure to let them know that you can't guarantee this date, but it is approximate. Also give them the tracking number. This gives them the option of tracking the package themselves. Now-a-days it is getting easier to track packages and see where they are. That way, if the client is anxious they won't keep bothering you...they will just keep checking the status themselves. It also gives them the tools to deal with a lost package in case they can't get a hold of you right away. Getting an angry message from a client is no fun! Stay ahead of the game...go above and beyond.
REMEMBER: IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS!
Although you have already made the sale, you still want the client to be happy with the whole package. They will remember the effort and feeling they got from your packaging style. If you want your clients to return and spread the word about your business, you want to go that extra mile.
Also remember that a good review helps your shop get more business. Maybe your product was not what they expected, but when that see all the work you put into the details they might be more forgiving. A happy client is a returning client!
