Famous Jewelry Collections: THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

Monday, April 18, 2011

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

Posted: 18 Apr 2011 04:00 AM PDT

Someone left a note in my Shoutbox (rightmost sidebar) a while ago asking if I could do a post on how to package and ship jewelry. So here goes with some tips. Do you have more? Please do comment!

Packaging
If you are shipping a gift or a sold item, packaging is the first thing that will indicate it's been handled with care and thought on the part of the jewelry maker. So wrap it up prettily. Also think about branding when packaging - what are your shop colors? Logo? Whatever you do, keep it consistent.

Don't forget to slip in a business card, jewelry care card and discount card for loyal customers if that is your policy. Watch this DIY Packaging for Handmade Jewelry video by Sheryl Westligh for her tips.

Need some packaging inspirations? Then check out the Etsy Packaging Group Pool on Flickr. There are over 3000 pictures of how different artisans tackle their own.

Courier or Post Office?
Aren't we lucky jewelry is usually small and easy to ship? Shipping via the Post Office is cheaper in most instances than via courier if there is no need for speed. They don't call it snail mail for nothing! Depending on the options you choose, they also have tracking codes if needed.

The Post Office rates vary depending on the country so you will need to check with your local outlet.

In Canada, the Post Office uses a plastic template to quickly check if the mailing is less than 2 cm. If it is larger than that, then it has to go via parcel post which is more expensive. That's why one Canadian Etsian called it the "Slot of Doom"!

That's why I took a leaf from IKEA's books and ship my packages flat whenever possible because it is cheaper. The gift box I supply is a pillow box style rather than the conventional lidded box which makes the package too thick.

Helpful article :
Shipping How-to : The Final Frontier

Customs Forms
If you have to fill out a customs form, try and avoid "jewelry" or such giveaway terms which might alert a potential thief. I'd like to think all Post Office employees are honest but play it safe and use "handmade fashion accessory" - a great tip I came across in the Etsy forums.

Insurance
Insurance is always preferable but is usually an option only if the recipient is willing to pay unless it is a gift.

One last thing, did you know Harry Winston insured the Hope Diamond for $1 million and then sent it to the Smithsonian via the US Postal Service? You can read about this famous jeweler in my past post, Harry Winston and the Hope Diamond's 50th Anniversary at the Smithsonian.

More Business Tips

For more tutorials check out my Jewelry Making Tips

Liked what you read? Don't miss a post!
Subscribe