Presentation & Packaging

This post is part of our continuing series where our STJ artist's share what is important to seller and buyer alike. I asked Kristin Beason of Kristen Beason Designs to share with us her experience with packaging and presentation and why it is important. I was lucky enough to recently receive my first purchase from Kristen and was amazed at her style and how wonderful her presentation was. I felt like I was opening a present on a holiday!


Thanx Kristen for sharing with us.....


First impressions are everything. Just as the case with first meetings, sellers must be aware of the fact that they are creating an impression as soon as the buyer receives the box in the mail.

How many times have you purchased a piece of art from a seller, only to be confronted by the smell of smoke, dirty packaging, or worse- no packing at all? Making that little effort to present your artwork as exceptional requires a little creativity and money. Speaking for myself, I am always impressed with the seller who packages their art with the intent that they are producing something that is professional. It is also likely to create repeat buyers if they know you take care and pride with your packaging. I always shop at boutiques and galleries that offer gift wrapping free of charge. It doesn't matter if the purchase is $10 or $100, the packaging reflects that something special awaits inside.
We've all heard the saying that you need to spend money to make money. If you're willing to be creative and thrifty, a seller can find unique ways to making the visual experience of the buyer a satisfied one.

1. What packaging did you encounter that made you think, "Wow, this is nice!" Try not to copy other sellers, but find something similar that puts your unique artistic vision to your artwork.

2. Add little surprises with your shipments. Without giving away trade secrets from other artists, I have been impressed with all of the fun, inexpensive goodies that have been stashed inside the mailing box. Think of lightweight gifts that are different, maybe something that pertains to your medium or part of the country.

3. Does your buyer know where they or their friends & family can get more of your work? Be sure to include business cards, tags, or postcards that have your website, blog, and/or online selling websites clearly visible. Websites like Vistaprint have free business cards available. My husband is very good about pinning my business card on any bulletin board he encounters on his business trips. I had someone contact me from a business card on the other side of the country. Promote, promote, promote!

4. In this day of trying to be green, recycle clean packing materials. I've never been a fan of crumpled up newspapers or paper towels. There are a lot of gift and specialty stores that have a surplus of packing materials that are thrown away each week. Just ask.

5. Think outside of the box- literally. I recently received a box from Dani that had cute illustrations and sayings on the outside of the box. What a great way to put a smile on that buyer's face. Taking another cue from our STJ leader, try not to recycle boxes that may have questionable print on the outside. Who wants to receive a box that has "Depends Adult Diapers" stamped on it? The United States post office offers free Priority Mail boxes that can be delivered to your door in less than a week.

Going that extra step will insure that you will have a happy buyer who will love that newly acquired piece even more.