Is Packaging Important?

Creating some business cards recently has lead me to think about packaging, presentation and brand. Over the past few years of hannahdoodle my packaging has changed drastically. At first it was very simple, brooches packaged in cellophane bags with paper tops stapled on. I'd always include a handwritten thank you note and free little extras of things I'd made relating to the item sold.

(One of my first Etsy sales)

The Etsy forums are always alive with many threads on the subject of packaging, discussing whether people appreciate extra bits, such as business cards, tissue paper or simply prefer the item alone. A selection of people have the opinion that they'd rather not receive extras that will just end up in the bin, whereas others love packaging things prettily and want to feel like they are receiving a gift when they open their orders.

I think when packaging is different it adds a level of professionalism to a store that may not otherwise be achieved with an item alone, I've ordered things in the past that arrived in pretty boxes with shop-name stickers and ribbon. It makes me really excited to not only receive the item but helps me to remember the store name as well.

I'd really like people to feel that they are receiving something special when they open a parcel from my store, so I've overhauled my packaging style again and have started using striped paper bags, printed hannahdoodle stickers and a small bit of glittery yarn to tie around the item.

(Of course the bags are purple, I'm slightly obsessed, can you tell it's my favourite colour?)

Looking at these pictures makes me feel like my brand is developing nicely into the vision I've had for a long time, I suppose I've started to package things the way I would like to receive them, and I guess for a handmade store sticking to what you appreciate aesthetically can be an important part of setting up an image to show people what you are all about.

Do you think packaging is important, especially when buying handmade?