mocha with cream

Looking ‘expensive’ doesn’t always mean being expensive. In today’s guest post, Chelsea Stirlen of Chelsea Stirlen Photography shows how your packaging can look like a million bucks without breaking the bank (or even the piggy bank).

When I chose my packaging I had one thing in mind – COST. I knew the look I wanted, but as a new business I was, shall we say, poor. Very, very poor. I chose chocolate & ivory for my packaging because not only was it easily available from many different vendors, but frankly I loved the way it looked. I always have. I wanted to keep my branding very simple, inexpensive, and available so I had the option to shop for the best price.

This is everything I use to package (except my glue gun). Avery labels, ivory paper bags, ivory wrapping paper, white tissue paper, 1″ ivory satin ribbon, chocolate boxes, and 1″ chocolate satin ribbon. That’s it. Simpler was easier for me and had the added benefit of being less expensive. It still gives me the rich, special look I want, but it doesn’t break my bank book to package my orders.

All but the chocolate print boxes were purchased at Xpedx – a nationwide supply store. Those spools of satin ribbon & the wrapping paper come in 100′ lengths for $10 and $15 each (respectively). Much less expensive than a lot of online outlets and I don’t have to pay shipping. Unfortunately they do not have an online store, but they have retail locations all over.

The chocolate boxes are provided by my lab and my prints come pre-enclosed in clear poly bags according to size. I remove the ecru tissue paper and replace it with white, then seal with one of my thistle flowers. This flower appears behind my logo and I use it for sealing tissue in print boxes, thank you notes to my clients, and the info packets they receive at their sessions.

I’d show my info packet but you’ve probably already seen it… It’s Robyn’s Template #1 from her ‘Fit to Print‘ line. I personalized it with my own colors, included print prices & frequently asked questions. I also created a seperate 5×7 flat insert that contains my referral program and an area for order notes. My model release and photo contract are printed onto simple letterhead and are awaiting my clients the morning of their session – I do not send them ahead of time so they do not need their own packaging.

To cut costs in creating personal touches, like my thistle sticker, I opted to create my own. I created a page full of brown circles the same chocolate tone as my packaging, inserted my purple thistle flower and VOILÀ – an entire sheet of stickers for next to nothing. I print them onto full sheet Avery labels – available at any office supply store or large chain – and punch them out using a scalloped edged craft punch.

When everything is sealed up, I add ribbon. Brown boxes get an ivory ribbon and ivory wrapped items get a chocolate ribbon. Canvases, digital files, keepsake books, etc. are all wrapped in ivory paper to protect them, keep them clean and create that ‘gift’ look.

My ribbons used to be hand tied, but thanks to Robyn I now use the ‘uncrushable’ version! They hold up well, don’t come apart or become indistinguishable in shipping, and they’re quick & easy to make. When everything is sealed, wrapped, and adorned with ribbon I bag it.

I use ivory paper bags in a variety of sizes, each with it’s own Avery label. (I should be an Avery label spokesman!) On my bags I use the 2″ x 4″ labels & just round the corners with a craft punch. It has a chocolate edge, my logo inside, and a space where I can write my client’s name. As I often have more than one order packaged and awaiting pickup in my home, it’s nice to label them so I know I’m giving the correct order to my client. I use more of the white tissue paper in the bags and top it all with a small chocolate ribbon to keep the bag closed.

My vendors are few, but I do love them.
WHCC
Xpedx
Perfection Distributing

I hope this helps other newbie photographers realize that they can do beautiful packaging without bankrupting themselves. It may seem expensive, but if you shop around for the best price you can get an expensive look for a very reasonable price tag.

Thank you so much, Chelsea! Please stop by her website and blog to thank her for her time and recommendations!

If you’re interested in having your own business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured please contact me (my e-mail is in the sidebar and is robyn @ this domain – or you can leave a comment).

tag you're it: assembly • bow • bows • boxes • business • envelopes • Fit to Print • guest post • labels • marketing • materials • packages • packaging • photographer • photography • stickers • supplies • wrapping