Your videos are always so informative and you’re way kind in sharing so much. One of my fave things about small businesses is how they care so much about being eco friendly/friendlier.
I'd love to buy a stamp for my packaging. I just need to decide on a design that I'll want to keep for a long time - that's the tricky part. One alternative to bubble mailers I've used in the past is the Jiffy Green bags. I don't know if other brands do them too but they're padded with paper instead of plastic. I think they're probably heavier though.
Thank you so much for all the info!!! This video couldn't have come in a better moment! I am thinking of opening an etsy shop and since I don't have any experience with sending things by post, packaging is something that stresses me out xD
I have seen people use clear/sheer paper and wrap the items in it and put it in the envelope! It's eco friendly and super cute, especially when decorated.
Thanks for sharing! I'm not quite there with the total eco-friendly shipping but I'm working toward it so I really liked seeing options I could take once I use up all my current shipping supplies. :)
Wonderful video Birdie, I have been there with the buying packaging and finding what works. The problems being a small business :) Its nice to hear from other sellers for sure.
Thank you so much for this video. I wish I had found it sooner ! I’m working on my soon to be shop and I’m looking for packaging that is as eco friendly as possible but all the info I found quickly was on US based websites (I’m in France) so I am looking for Europe based manufacturers/sellers. It is oddly complicated to find recyclable cardboard enveloppes in the sizes I need in the same website ^^ I love your channel I’m so glad I found it !
Another tip (imo) thats good to think about is just using old newspaper if you have it. I have personally found its easier as a consumer to throw that into recycling than spring fill (i hate that stuff) and ill be honest i usually throw it away since im not even sure if i can recycle it where i live. Where newspaper i think is pretty universal to be able to recycle (i could always be wrong though.) Sure it doesn't look "as pretty" but i personally would rather have something i can recycle easily and make sure my products come safely (always my number one priority buying from others) though cute packaging is always nice too.
Extremely helpful! i use 100% recycled and recyclable kraft paper corrugated or honeycomb envelopes (mailers) already for my others small items. I found them in the EU which is amazing. I wanted letterboxes but sadly too expensive with all the import fees (plus they don't make these in my country unlike really cheap small paper boxes - it's always better to get it locally straight from some bigger company who specialize in packaging.) Btw. you are so lucky with having letterboxes in Sweden, I see you have them haha! I have literally done research, multiple times, and one company that sells these in your country is also available in here but they just don't have these letterboxes available to ship into my country - how funny is that xD Also for packaging filling, we have here a nice local company that sells recycled and recyclable so-called CRINKLE PAPER (small pieces of paper "noodles" that don't make mess or dust.) You can get them in multiple colors and it's really nice as an alternative of bubble plastic fillings. I got 3 boxes for a 2nd year using ocassionally for little packages, and I still have tons and tons of the crinkle paper:D
I use some of that crinkle paper too, I love it! I'm so surprised that the letter boxes aren't available where you are - they are so popular here and I use them for a lot of my orders. I've recently also got new paper mailers that I love since making this video So great to see that this vid can still provide helpful tips! Thanks for watching
Hallo! I buy mine from a Swedish website called packoplock.se If you don't live in Sweden, shipping might be expensive so definitely do your research for finding a good supplier!
Thank you for sharing. I had never heard about that hex paper bubble wrap alternative, good to know! I think some people spend too much time and money on packaging(and tend to use a lot of plastics) when in all honesty people are buying products, not packaging, it's not so important. Environment and safe transportation of products should be way more important then "aesthetic". I've never been less excited for an order that was sent in a plain brown envelope. I have felt upset over excessive packaging though, too much waste.
The hexcel bubble wrap was new to me too but a super cool find! I think that people are definitely becoming more eco-concious, so having simpler packaging is slowly becoming more accepted :)
I use those cellophane bags too!!! cuz I'm still so paranoid that it's gonna get wet 😭 I recently saw a tiktok of someone's envelope mail getting wet, but the stickers were in plastic so it was ok. but the notes and business cards weren't 😭 U know girl..... here in America, it says do not bend, but they still bend it 🙃
D: Ugh that is no fun at all. I think it comes down to whether or not you're okay re-sending stuff if it gets wet. I think it happens rarely, or at least shouldn't happen! As for the "Do not bend" ... mailmen go through so much mail, they are for sure not going to look at each envelope. I've seen my mailman dump a whole pile of letters (AND my boxed up ceramics) into a cart 😂 so I def keep that in mind when packaging stuff! But for small envelopes, like the A6 ones, they're relatively rigid and seem to have traveled fine so far! (I feel like I may have jinxed myself now...)
After Working at the post office, I don't trust sending a regular envelope without wrapping near the whole thing in sturdy packaging tape.. because management (or anybody really) doesn't care about what it is, or what shouldn't be ran through the machines, but just want the numbers up, and put soo many things through that shouldn't. Buckets of torn and destroyed cards letters or merch from the envelopes, but can't be matched to the original envelope.. especially during the holidays.. so many gift cards and items that will never be returned.
Thank you so much for the info!!! I also watched Leigh’s guide before I set up my shop so went directly with all plastic free packaging materials, which is nice! BUT, I have bought a lot of the wrong/not useful sizes that I don’t know when I can run though 😂😂😂😂 love all of your videos! Thank you Birdie!
Hello Birdie, I understand the fact that we encourage people to reuse and sometimes customers think that we as vendors are cheap. I am a person that reuse packaging on at least on 85% of my orders. I sell thread and it is shipped on individual boxes. So, I use the same boxes to ship to customers. Some customers file a return because the box says somerhing different than what their order... they did not even open it. I used black tissue paper that was giving to me and when I used it to ship items, customers said that they were fricked out of why the item was packed with black tissue. One year, I had so many shopping bags and made them envelopes and people complained why if I charge shipping the package is used. Anyway, packaging is one aspect that customers score on feedback and make us (vendors) spend more or spend less because we want the customer to give us 5 🌟. Ecofriendly is expensive just like organic food. Some will be willing to pay the price and some others do not care. I 🧡 your video.
Agh I am so sorry that happened to you! I think that many businesses may face this as there is still a customer expectation about how packaging should be, especially on your branding and audience. But, I'm hoping that we can eventually transition into a mindset where reusing stuff is appreciated and normalized in the future.
I'm so glad to find a shop owner based in Europe! Could you provide a link of these supplies? I normally buy them on Amazon but I'm currently looking for biodegradable clear bags. Thank you!
Sure! I usually try to find suppliers in Sweden, but hopefully you can use them too! www.packoplock.se www.rajapack.se www.kuvert-sverige.se I haven't found a source for biodegradable clear bags. If you find some, please let me know :P
Thanks for this! I think they’re also called letterbox mailers in the UK? what size is that smaller box! I’m starting with just pins and I really don’t want to use plastic. Would you share where you found them? Thank you so much for being open with your advice most people don’t do this. Xoxoxo
Ahh thank you! Letterbox was the other term I couldn't think of. The smaller box is a bit smaller than A6? But it's too small to put an A6 postcard in. I bought mine from a Swedish website called packoplock.se, but I think shipping might be expensive outside the country. You also have to buy in bulk from them
Hey! I'm so sorry for the late reply. I got mine from vistaprint.com years ago, but you can find similar models on other websites for cheaper if you look around :)
I haven't tried eco friendly cellophane bags yet- I think that could be a nice switch in the future for putting prints in :) I've heard that biodegradable bags need to be in special environments to be biodegradable, but I think that goes with most things that are said to be eco/green/biodegradable. Either way - trying more eco friendly alternatives is always a win.
What about real cellophane? 🤔 the first time I heard about the cellophane bags i kept getting confused why people were calling them plastic since we call cellophane sheets cellophane paper, and then I realised it wasn’t real cellophane but plastic mimicking cellophane 😭💔 i tried researching more about it recently but the information doesn’t seem to be much up to date on production. Because it’s a byproduct of paper pulp production and biodegradable. But I’m unsure if the process is more eco than it used to be decades ago or not. If it’s real cellophane you can tell by the tackiness and curling or just out it on a flame. If it burns like paper it’s cellophane.
Oh I've never heard that before! That's so interesting :O I will definitely have to look that up because if so, that's totally awesome and I want to use that!
I appreciate the eco friendly tips...I'm getting tired of companies wasting so much. I love a good recyclable package.
I love hearing that! I sometimes get hesitant to reuse stuff too, but I think the more we do it, the more normalized it will be!
Your videos are always so informative and you’re way kind in sharing so much. One of my fave things about small businesses is how they care so much about being eco friendly/friendlier.
Thanks Mina! I think since we're small, doing these kinds of changes are easier for us :) Hopefully the bigger corporations will follow
So much precious advice on this video! Highly recommend it to anyone who wants to run a small business
Yay thanks! Happy to provide info!
I'd love to buy a stamp for my packaging. I just need to decide on a design that I'll want to keep for a long time - that's the tricky part.
One alternative to bubble mailers I've used in the past is the Jiffy Green bags. I don't know if other brands do them too but they're padded with paper instead of plastic. I think they're probably heavier though.
i have the same issue
I actually received something in one of these once and forgot to share it! They're really nice alternatives but really heavy 😬
Thank you so much for all the info!!! This video couldn't have come in a better moment! I am thinking of opening an etsy shop and since I don't have any experience with sending things by post, packaging is something that stresses me out xD
Oh don't be stressed out! Once you've sent a few things it'll be a breeze! 😊
I have seen people use clear/sheer paper and wrap the items in it and put it in the envelope! It's eco friendly and super cute, especially when decorated.
I'm also thinking of mini paper CANDY BAGS! They too are really pretty, cute and eco-friendly, not too expensive :)
thank you so much for another very helpful video. :)
Another very helpful video! thanks for making it.
This kind of videos does helps a lot! Thank you for making it
You're welcome! Happy it helps 😊
Thanks for sharing! I'm not quite there with the total eco-friendly shipping but I'm working toward it so I really liked seeing options I could take once I use up all my current shipping supplies. :)
You're welcome! :)
Please post an update when you find more eco friendly options you love!
Wonderful video Birdie, I have been there with the buying packaging and finding what works. The problems being a small business :) Its nice to hear from other sellers for sure.
Thanks! I think it's nice to see what other people are doing too so we can learn from each other :)
@@birdietam couldn't agree more!
This was really helpful! Thank you so much!
You're welcome! 😊
Thank you so much for this video. I wish I had found it sooner ! I’m working on my soon to be shop and I’m looking for packaging that is as eco friendly as possible but all the info I found quickly was on US based websites (I’m in France) so I am looking for Europe based manufacturers/sellers. It is oddly complicated to find recyclable cardboard enveloppes in the sizes I need in the same website ^^ I love your channel I’m so glad I found it !
super helpful angel!! thank you for sharing this content
Yay happy it's helpful!
Another tip (imo) thats good to think about is just using old newspaper if you have it. I have personally found its easier as a consumer to throw that into recycling than spring fill (i hate that stuff) and ill be honest i usually throw it away since im not even sure if i can recycle it where i live. Where newspaper i think is pretty universal to be able to recycle (i could always be wrong though.) Sure it doesn't look "as pretty" but i personally would rather have something i can recycle easily and make sure my products come safely (always my number one priority buying from others) though cute packaging is always nice too.
This was so packed with amazing info Birdie! So informative as usual! Thank you for touching on all types of items ♡
Thanks Valerie! :) Happy to share!
Extremely helpful! i use 100% recycled and recyclable kraft paper corrugated or honeycomb envelopes (mailers) already for my others small items. I found them in the EU which is amazing. I wanted letterboxes but sadly too expensive with all the import fees (plus they don't make these in my country unlike really cheap small paper boxes - it's always better to get it locally straight from some bigger company who specialize in packaging.)
Btw. you are so lucky with having letterboxes in Sweden, I see you have them haha! I have literally done research, multiple times, and one company that sells these in your country is also available in here but they just don't have these letterboxes available to ship into my country - how funny is that xD
Also for packaging filling, we have here a nice local company that sells recycled and recyclable so-called CRINKLE PAPER (small pieces of paper "noodles" that don't make mess or dust.) You can get them in multiple colors and it's really nice as an alternative of bubble plastic fillings. I got 3 boxes for a 2nd year using ocassionally for little packages, and I still have tons and tons of the crinkle paper:D
I use some of that crinkle paper too, I love it! I'm so surprised that the letter boxes aren't available where you are - they are so popular here and I use them for a lot of my orders. I've recently also got new paper mailers that I love since making this video
So great to see that this vid can still provide helpful tips! Thanks for watching
Where do you buy the tablet shipping boxes? Thank you so much I would love to start an etsy shop and those are great tips! ❤️
Hallo! I buy mine from a Swedish website called packoplock.se
If you don't live in Sweden, shipping might be expensive so definitely do your research for finding a good supplier!
@@birdietam thank you! Yup I live in italy, hope to find something similar here! 🤞
Thank you for sharing. I had never heard about that hex paper bubble wrap alternative, good to know! I think some people spend too much time and money on packaging(and tend to use a lot of plastics) when in all honesty people are buying products, not packaging, it's not so important. Environment and safe transportation of products should be way more important then "aesthetic". I've never been less excited for an order that was sent in a plain brown envelope. I have felt upset over excessive packaging though, too much waste.
The hexcel bubble wrap was new to me too but a super cool find! I think that people are definitely becoming more eco-concious, so having simpler packaging is slowly becoming more accepted :)
I use those cellophane bags too!!! cuz I'm still so paranoid that it's gonna get wet 😭 I recently saw a tiktok of someone's envelope mail getting wet, but the stickers were in plastic so it was ok. but the notes and business cards weren't 😭 U know girl..... here in America, it says do not bend, but they still bend it 🙃
D: Ugh that is no fun at all. I think it comes down to whether or not you're okay re-sending stuff if it gets wet. I think it happens rarely, or at least shouldn't happen! As for the "Do not bend" ... mailmen go through so much mail, they are for sure not going to look at each envelope. I've seen my mailman dump a whole pile of letters (AND my boxed up ceramics) into a cart 😂 so I def keep that in mind when packaging stuff! But for small envelopes, like the A6 ones, they're relatively rigid and seem to have traveled fine so far! (I feel like I may have jinxed myself now...)
After Working at the post office, I don't trust sending a regular envelope without wrapping near the whole thing in sturdy packaging tape.. because management (or anybody really) doesn't care about what it is, or what shouldn't be ran through the machines, but just want the numbers up, and put soo many things through that shouldn't. Buckets of torn and destroyed cards letters or merch from the envelopes, but can't be matched to the original envelope.. especially during the holidays.. so many gift cards and items that will never be returned.
@@sawakochan3 thats what I thought... so sad!!!!
Thank you so much for the info!!! I also watched Leigh’s guide before I set up my shop so went directly with all plastic free packaging materials, which is nice! BUT, I have bought a lot of the wrong/not useful sizes that I don’t know when I can run though 😂😂😂😂 love all of your videos! Thank you Birdie!
Aww thanks - glad the video was helpful! I'm also working through all my old stuff so you're not alone 😂
@@birdietam yay!!! We are all in this together 😂😂😂
Hello Birdie,
I understand the fact that we encourage people to reuse and sometimes customers think that we as vendors are cheap. I am a person that reuse packaging on at least on 85% of my orders. I sell thread and it is shipped on individual boxes. So, I use the same boxes to ship to customers. Some customers file a return because the box says somerhing different than what their order... they did not even open it. I used black tissue paper that was giving to me and when I used it to ship items, customers said that they were fricked out of why the item was packed with black tissue. One year, I had so many shopping bags and made them envelopes and people complained why if I charge shipping the package is used. Anyway, packaging is one aspect that customers score on feedback and make us (vendors) spend more or spend less because we want the customer to give us 5 🌟. Ecofriendly is expensive just like organic food. Some will be willing to pay the price and some others do not care. I 🧡 your video.
Agh I am so sorry that happened to you! I think that many businesses may face this as there is still a customer expectation about how packaging should be, especially on your branding and audience. But, I'm hoping that we can eventually transition into a mindset where reusing stuff is appreciated and normalized in the future.
I know. Hopefully we can all learn to appreciate our planet. Thank you for doing your part.
I just use glassine sheets to wrap my stickers etc. no having to order five different bag sizes🙂 but i did order waaay too many envelopes lol.
Ahh I used to use tissue paper! But it takes so long to wrap each individual one which is why I've opted to using the bags now >_
I'm so glad to find a shop owner based in Europe! Could you provide a link of these supplies? I normally buy them on Amazon but I'm currently looking for biodegradable clear bags. Thank you!
Sure! I usually try to find suppliers in Sweden, but hopefully you can use them too!
www.packoplock.se
www.rajapack.se
www.kuvert-sverige.se
I haven't found a source for biodegradable clear bags. If you find some, please let me know :P
@@birdietam great thank you so much! I’ll take a look! I just write to you through Instagram DM to tell you about biodegradable packaging! 😃
Can you share where you source the packaging material from? Finding the right supplier and prices is very difficult.
Thanks for this! I think they’re also called letterbox mailers in the UK? what size is that smaller box! I’m starting with just pins and I really don’t want to use plastic. Would you share where you found them? Thank you so much for being open with your advice most people don’t do this. Xoxoxo
Ahh thank you! Letterbox was the other term I couldn't think of. The smaller box is a bit smaller than A6? But it's too small to put an A6 postcard in. I bought mine from a Swedish website called packoplock.se, but I think shipping might be expensive outside the country. You also have to buy in bulk from them
What is the brand for the self inking stamp you recommend? Do you have a link for it?
Hey! I'm so sorry for the late reply. I got mine from vistaprint.com years ago, but you can find similar models on other websites for cheaper if you look around :)
Thanks for the info❤️. Have your tried ecofriendly/biodegradable cellophane bags? They're a little expensive then regular ones tho 🥲
I haven't tried eco friendly cellophane bags yet- I think that could be a nice switch in the future for putting prints in :)
I've heard that biodegradable bags need to be in special environments to be biodegradable, but I think that goes with most things that are said to be eco/green/biodegradable. Either way - trying more eco friendly alternatives is always a win.
So awesome! Thank you for sharing! I'm working to start my own Etsy store and this was very informative
You're welcome! :D Good luck with your Etsy!
What about real cellophane? 🤔 the first time I heard about the cellophane bags i kept getting confused why people were calling them plastic since we call cellophane sheets cellophane paper, and then I realised it wasn’t real cellophane but plastic mimicking cellophane 😭💔 i tried researching more about it recently but the information doesn’t seem to be much up to date on production. Because it’s a byproduct of paper pulp production and biodegradable. But I’m unsure if the process is more eco than it used to be decades ago or not. If it’s real cellophane you can tell by the tackiness and curling or just out it on a flame. If it burns like paper it’s cellophane.
Oh I've never heard that before! That's so interesting :O I will definitely have to look that up because if so, that's totally awesome and I want to use that!
Glassine bags are completely eco-friendly research it
Glassine bags are eco friendly for sure! But reducing packaging is even better if you have the opportunity to do so since it creates less waste 😊