After making a sale I can’t wait to pack it up and add all the cute details. It’s honestly my favorite part after actually getting paid!
I start with the box or padded envelope…you already knew that though…because what else would you start with? lol
For one item sales of clothing I use the USPS padded flat rate envelopes. For larger one item sales, like shoes, I use the medium flat rate or large flat rate boxes.
For bundles I use the larger flat rate boxes(or Priority Mail)!
Also, this is pretty well known, but all Posh sellers can us the Flat rate boxes (except express boxes). If your local post office is giving you a difficult time, Posh support can send you a letter to give to the post master. Just email them.
And most of the supplies from the USPS are free and can be ordered online on the USPS website (no shipping costs either)! Free and convenient. Sweet!
The fun details
Posh encourages you to wrap up your items attractively and leave the buyer a note. For smaller sellers, this won’t cost a ton if you head over to your local Dollartree! (Guys, seriously I shop here for everything) I use white tissue paper and ribbon. The color of the ribbon depends on the sale.
For women’s clothing I use silver ribbon. (The silver ribbon I get from Hobby Lobby when it’s 50% off) For boys clothing I use blue ribbon. If you are moving more inventory it may be beneficial to look into wholesale shipping items from Sam’s Club, Costco, or maybe even Amazon!
I just wrap the item in a couple sheets of tissue paper and tie a ribbon around it! The note will go under the bow.
Speaking of notes, my notes are still currently all hand written . I’ve gotten a couple love notes about my packaging (specifically my notes) so I don’t plan on changing it any time soon. I bought a large pad of muli-colored paper (pictured above) and select the color based on the item that sold. For instance, all my Lilly Pulitzer buyers get a note color coordinated with their item! Fun and thoughtful.
Writing the “Note”
It can be hard to write a thoughtful note to a person you’ve never met! Just keep it simple. I usually thank them for shopping my closet and tell them that I hope they feel great in their new item (be specific). I’ll leave an example below:
” Thanks for shopping my closet! I hope you feel fabulous in your new leopard print dress! -Kimberly O.”
If you’ve had a small conversation with the buyer you might consider including a detail from that. I had a buyer tell me she was looking for a dress to wear in Florida,where she just moved, that she would be cool in because it was so hot. Her note read like this:
“Hope you adore your new dress. Stay cool in Florida! -Kimberly O.”
The goal is to show them you really care and that they aren’t just another sale.
A little something extra!
For my bundle buyers I always include an extra gift. For the women I’ve been giving a simple accessory. For the little boys, I include a few toy cars! All are super inexpensive at your local thrift store.
I also make my own gift bags out of sandwich bags. Just cut off the top zipper part, add a ribbon, and pop it in the box. 5 stars here we come!
The final touch
Always use clear tape when closing your box and cover the entire label with tape! Make sure the label is straight. This isn’t a big deal, but to me it shows consideration. A sloppy crooked label says you didn’t really care and just threw it on there! Details, details, details.
When closing up your box I suggest putting tape on all the folded edges. This may sound excessive, but I feel it protects the item a little better if it’s exposed to the elements! (like sitting on a porch where it can potentially get rained on!)
You might be thinking does all this really matter?
To some people maybe not. Maybe my LP buyers notice their note matches their dress and maybe they don’t. But I feel the difference between a repeat buyer and a one time sale is all in the details! When you shop at a store and the staff takes care of you it leaves a good impression, you feel pampered, and it makes you want to return ready to shop! We don’t get that one-on-one time with our buyers. Use shipping to show them that you really appreciate their business and take pride in your closet. Focus on the details because that’s all we’ve got!
How do you package your sales? Have you had a problem using the flat rate boxes? Lets chat in the comments!
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