Defunkd

[Frank]

When I first got into eBay back in the Golden Age, I spent a lot of time on packaging. I wrote a quick personal letter and usually added a mix CD. Lots of fun, but of course very time consuming.

Now, I pretty much just fold the shirt and stuff it into an envelope.

Do you think it's worthwhile to try to build up some repeat customers by adding to the overall packaging feel or do you think it's more of a commodity transaction at this point?

[hermosavtg]

I had some 2"x4" stickers made up with my logo and a URL to my ebay seller page made up, and stick those on every package I send out. I hope at least it increases my rate of feedbacks. I think inserts are a waste and as a buyer can simply be annoying garbage.

[VP's]

The more you make the customers feel good, the more they will come back and buy from you. Can't hurt. I used to send business cards and a lock of my hair. Just kidding! Ha. Anyhow yeah, I think that personal touches are key to making the customer happy. What can be more joyous than opening an envelope and getting a vintage tee? Nothing in my book.
VPs

[jimmyj]

Insert for sure if you're selling the same product and have a chance for repeat customers.

If you're hitting power seller levels - and qualify for the discounts based on feedback - an add in is key to increasing your DSR's. I found that the vintage certification card I put in really helps in that department.

Even if it's just a piece of paper - I got an interesting add in once that said, "I strive for perfect DSRs, anything less and eBay charges me more money - so please contact me prior and I will make things right".

[Frank]

post your Certified Vintage certificate!

[jimmyj]

I can't release the certificate to the general public out of counterfeiting fears. Hehe - they are nothing special - printed on cardboard. I'm working on plastic certificates available in the new year - I'll gladly post those when they are ready.

[hermosavtg]

Been considering packing an insert with a discount code for the buyer's next purchase. The buyer could even pass the code along to his or her friends and it would be a great bit of viral marketing.

[StivTaters]

I've been thinking about doing a discount code insert too. I am deciding whether to have one code that every buyer gets and can use as many times as they like, or separate codes that are void after one use...
i talked to a guy at paypal and he was trying to get that going on his end so it would be hassle free for us. He took down my number a few months ago, but i haven't heard back from him.

[jimmyj]

Agreed - eBay/Paypal should allow sellers/buyers to specify discount codes - all independent e-commerce sites always have them, they're a staple of online business.

eBay should also have an upsell format, when someone is finished buying something sellers should be able to specify another complimentary product at a discount.

Eg - someone buys a Ratt shirt - and it triggers the system to offer the buyer a deal to include a Ratt button for an extra .50 cents.

[Frank]

you could offer free or discounted shipping for existing customers, i guess.

[jimmyj]

I tried that - it never worked for me - the first few years I used to insert a nicely printed business size card offering free shipping on a future item, at least a few hundred got them, no one ever used them.

Maybe since shipping is an after thought in the purchase process that people didn't see the card as having any value - because many return customers that I has sent the card didn't mention it.

But then again maybe that's a good thing? Maybe the card served it's purpose helping to create loyalty.

[Frank]

i created a little "we strive for fives" card to stuff into outbound packages now that i have my dot com name- thanks for the idea!

Hey, do you guys ship out in those first class tyvek envelopes or do you usually only ship out via priority? i like the free envelopes for priority, but $4.85 for shipping is for the birds. First class gets there in about the same time for half the price.
The cheapest i can find first class tyvek envelopes is a about 26 cents a piece.

Thoughts?

[jimmyj]

I used to use Tyvek until I found the plastic ones. Better for biz, not better for the environment. If you buy enough of them you can get them to under .06 cents each.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/items/?_nkw=9+1 ... =&LH_CAds=

[Frank]

wow, glad i asked! there's a supplier of these plastic envelopes 2 miles away from my home!

where should i direct your finder's fee?

[hermosavtg]

You won't find better prices or service than from "THEERB"
http://shop.ebay.com/threerb/m.html?_nk ... ksid=p3686" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I usually score my tape at the flea market (can find some awesome out of production USA made tape for $1 or less a roll). And my packing material behind the Pier 1 Imports at the mall. Why pay when you can get for free? I also want to incorporate this into some sort of "green packaging" marketing.

[jimmyj]

Yeah I used to buy from "THEERB" but they stopped shipping to Canada. These envelopes are enviro-bad...I looked in to more green ones, priced way too high.

[hermosavtg]

What green alternatives have you looked into? The plastic ones from THEERB are really excellent, very durable, wont get all mangled in the post, and top notch adhesive. I'd say they're better quality than any Tyvek stuff.

[jimmyj]

Fully recycled envelopes, compostible ones, etc. Tyvek at least has a recycled content...the threeb ones are like plastic bags and will forever be in landfills. I feel green guilt every time I use one hehe. But the other bonus is that they are lighter...so not only do they save $$ per use, but frequently make my shipping cheaper because they don't tip the scale as much. Not sure how it works in the US but with Canada Post there are precious grams that can make the difference of $2-3 and the plastic envelopes give me a better chance at scoring the cheaper rate.

[sevrocs]

Im my opinion the customer just wants their item shipped soon, a little note saying thanks is not gonna make them happy. Get it shipped out quick, pack it right. Assume your gonna get a few jerks here and there that are not happy no matter what you do.

[Little_Blue_Girl]

Hi!

If you're trying to develop a brand and you're focusing on quality, packaging is very important. A simple sticker, a personalized thank you note, maybe some freebies like download codes (for music, film, etc).

Here are some examples of really lovely t-shirt packaging made of cardboard:
unifiedmanufacturing.com/blog/cardboard-tshirt-packaging/

A little extra something will go a long way esp now that not too many businesses care about adding value.Surprise them.