How stickers spread a simple message around the world

![You are beautiful stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d82a465dded95af5ebcdbba49df83983a6b79a73)

Many people believe that they don’t know how to make a difference in this world, but in reality, everyone contributes to making the world a better place in their own unique way. 

The thing is, when we think about making a difference, we immediately think about doing something big, but the truth is that even a small contribution to someone's life can change their entire day or even month – even something as simple as paying them a compliment. 

## Making a difference with sticker art

Matthew Hoffman started the [You Are Beautiful](https://you-are-beautiful.com/) sticker project in 2002; he had no idea just how far his message would spread. The project was run out of a two-car garage until 2018.

In the beginning, he created a batch of just 100 stickers with a simple message: you are beautiful. 

This simple statement was intended as a small but positive affirmation for whoever might happen to spot one of Hoffman’s stickers; just a daily reminder that you are beautiful.

![You Are Beautiful stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/68ea0db36ffae4b01fc395d0c817adb857565eca)

Without a doubt, this is a message that struck a lot of people and touched some hearts. Now, fifteen years later, the estimation is that they may have sold close to five million stickers. It goes to show just how much people really care.

Sticker art is an incredible way to say something to the world. They are small, they stick to things, you can hand them out and they never go out of style!

## How the You Are Beautiful sticker art project started

Where did it all start? How was the You Are Beautiful sticker project born? Well, when Matthew Hoffman moved to Chicago, it was his first time in the big city. Surrounded by a lot of visual noise and a lot of audible noise, the city excited him. There were so many different types of people and cultures, all in one place!  
Naturally, anyone new to the busy city life will also feel instantly overwhelmed. You could feel lost in the chaos. Matthew wanted to make something that was quiet and comforting. This project would be something that makes anyone part of the conversation. 

The You Are Beautiful sticker project was one of the very first viral messages, spreading out in the real world rather than online. These stickers instantly spread a simple message around the world. The project brought meaning to a lot of people's lives. 

Sticker art is real, it is a tangible product that won't go anywhere. So, when purchasing these stickers, you know that you are making a real difference; anyone can come across this message in their daily life. Hoffman tried to make stickers that blended with the environment, with bold and colorful letters so that the message could stand out. 

These days, most of us lead a busy lifestyle. We are all part of the rat race, without any of us slowing down. We are so used to chasing things, we forget to see the beauty in life. The purpose of the You Are Beautiful sticker project is to remind us to slow down sometimes and see the beauty in all of us.

![You Are Beautiful stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7d1e5c97df19c8decc5bb1c17db0f718bdf41faf)

## How the You Are Beautiful sticker art project changed over the years

Remember, this is a project that started before social media even existed. In those days, people were used to getting mail and using their PO Boxes. People would send Matthew photos with their You Are Beautiful stickers, and even letters; they’d use them to map out where each sticker was in the world.

These days, especially with Instagram and sticker hashtags, there are billions of photos. The world essentially got so much smaller when social media became a thing. 

As the project's success grew, they were soon shipping You Are Beautiful stickers around the globe, in one hundred languages. 

![You Are Beautiful stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7f7ab5096aae3ed6d47b91bd198039dfb2862b5b)

## The peoples' voice

‘The project has actively combatted negativity by distributing millions of You Are Beautiful stickers’ says Hoffman. 

‘Through the years, it has grown into various large-scale, wood installations and murals, as well as collaborations with many designers, students, and artists, worldwide. There have been a lot of people creating their own art from the project and putting their own spin on the movement.

One that stood out in particular: someone drew the words in sand with their footprints. They stayed in the photo for scale, and so you could see it was massive. 

It's just amazing to see what people do with absolutely no materials or budget. All it takes is just a little bit of time, which is great.’

## Get your own You Are Beautiful Stickers

The You Are Beautiful project is still ongoing. You can, as always,
[request free stickers](https://you-are-beautiful.com/pages/faq-free-stickers), or place an order for a larger number if you want to blanket your neighborhood with a simple, sweet and positive message.

This is a message that should be spread to loved ones and strangers alike. With a message like this, there should be no political or religious motive, just a positive affirmation of the fact that all of us are beautiful in our own way.

![You Are Beautiful stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c54bb4aa4d243d839e0449d3ee709b3e1d76a7a7)

## Start your own sticker art project

Interested in starting your own sticker project to make a difference in this world? You can easily create custom stickers online to let your artwork speak for itself. You, too, have the opportunity to spread a message using sticker art, and create something meaningful in this world.

Inspired to create your own sticker art, yet? Get $10 off your first Sticker Mule order when you sign up by clicking the button below.

<ButtonCta text="Get $10 credit" href="https://www.stickermule.com/unlock?ref_id=7980330701&ref=blog" />

When Matthew Hoffman started the You Are Beautiful project in 2002, he had no idea just how far his message would spread.

How to design packaging tape (video tutorial) 

Designer, Hayden Aube, shows off his favorite techniques for creating a seamless [packaging tape](https://www.stickermule.com/products/packaging-tape) design in Adobe Illustrator.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="NM_PztxoC7A?rel=0&showinfo=0" />

When ordering from Sticker Mule, our artists will work with you to transform your design into a seamless pattern, but if you’d like to do it yourself, follow along.

## Step 1: Create your document
Create a new document. The size of your artboard will determine the size of your pattern.

## Step 2: Layout your tape
Using the *Rectangle tool* (M), create a rectangle that matches the size of your artboard.

Remove the stroke, and give it a fill with you desired background color.

Position the rectangle directly at the center of your artboard and lock it in place.

## Step 3: Add design elements
Place any design elements you want to include in your pattern over the existing background.

Be sure to have some of the design overlapping the edge of the artboard. This will help to create the seamless pattern.

## Step 4: Reposition overlapping elements
Duplicate each object that is overlapping the edge of the artboard (*Copy*, then *Paste in Front*).

Next, move each object to the opposite side of the artboard. Use *Object* > *Transform* > *Move* to move it exactly the same width or height of your artboard.

## Step 5: Make your clipping mask
Using the *Rectangle tool* (M), create another rectangle that matches the size of your artboard, then align it to the center of your artboard.

With everything selected, right click, and select *Make clipping mask*.

## Step 6 (optional): Add to Swatches
With everything selected (including the background), drag the artwork to your *Swatches* panel. This will create a pattern that you could then apply to any shape.

Once you have a pattern you’re happy with, you can upload it to Sticker Mule for printing. 

As with all of our orders, you’ll receive a proof in 4 hours and our custom packaging tape ships in 4 days or less with free shipping. Samples of custom packaging tape featuring your design are just $4.

<ButtonCta text="Try custom tape for $4" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/packaging-tape-sample" />

Designer, Hayden Aube, shows you how create a seamless packaging tape pattern with Adobe Illustrator in this video tutorial. 

How to design stickers (video tutorial) 

Designer, Hayden Aube, shows off his favorite techniques for creating a [custom sticker](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers) in Adobe Illustrator.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="0Gh69t8mg8I?rel=0" />

You can also try [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio) – our free online design tool. Choose from over 1000+ templates and quickly create your own design in minutes.

## Transcript:

Hello, my name is Hayden Aube, and I'm a graphic designer and illustrator. And today, I'm going to show you how to create your very own sticker inside of Adobe Illustrator and get it printed with Sticker Mule. In the end, you'll see what it looks like when it's printed and shipped. Let's jump in.

So we're going to be creating a sticker for an imaginary company called Journey Pizza. I'm going to start off by making a series of circles using the Ellipse Tool. So there's the first, and then I'm just going to duplicate a second one and put it behind the first. And then I'm going to make a third one behind that one. Next, I'm going to grab the red and yellow circles and use the Divide Tool in the Pathfinder window. This will split those two shapes into what you see here.

Now I'm going to create another circle a bit smaller than the last, and this is going to be the path that I type my text on. So I'm going to use the
Type on a Path Tool. And as I've mentioned, the company is called Journey Pizza. So I'm going to type that out, and then I'm going to use the Selection Tool to drag it exactly where I want it on the path. Then I'm going to shrink it down a little bit and make it white. And now that I have the text looking how I want it, I'm going to create outlines from it so it's easier for printing.

Next up, I'm going to use the Live Shape options with this Ellipse to drag out these widgets into the exact kind of pie shape that I would like.

Now I want to put a circle on either side of the larger circles. And I'm going to do that just by creating one where I like it right here and then using the Mirror Tool to reflect it to the exact other side.

The plan is to have a flagpole coming out of this inner circle, and so I'm going to start off by using the Pen Tool to create the pole of that flag. Once I've created the path that I like, I'm going to apply a stroke to it and then use the Stroke options to put it to the width that I'd like.

Because I'd like this pole to look like it's coming out of the circle, I'm going to use the Path Width Tool to make the top of the path larger and the bottom of it smaller. This will give it a sense of depth. And I'm just going to quickly change the position of it. And now I'm just going to duplicate one of these circles to create a little ball on top of the pole.

And now that this pole is looking how I'd like, I'm going to go to Object, Path, Outline Stroke. And this is going to turn it into a shape, which is going to make it easier to apply gradients to later on.

So now what I want to do is I want to create a flag shape that looks like a piece of pizza. So I'm going to draw it out with the Pen Tool, and then I'm going to go to Effect, Warp, and then Wave. And from here, I'm just going to play with these options until I get the nice curvy flag shape that I'm looking for.

Now, I'm going to move it behind the pole, and I'm just going to continue to move it around and adjust it until it looks exactly like I'd like. So I'll nudge it over a bit, I'll move the flag itself up, I'm going to change it to white. And now I'm just going to take these individual points and move them around. Because this is still a live shape, I can do this and the effect will adjust accordingly.

Once it's all looking how I like, I can go to Object, Expand Appearance. This will convert that live shape into actual paths, which once again is really helpful when it comes to printing.

Now as I said, I want this flag to look like a piece of pizza, so I'm going to create a bunch of little pepperonis. So I've created this symbol here, and I'm going to use the Symbol Sprayer Tool just to place them in different locations.

Now I'm going to use the Symbol Sizer Tool just to create variation among these pepperoni slices. So I'll make some smaller, some larger, and others I'll just keep the same. Next, just to change some of the position of these pepperonis, I'm going to use the Symbol Shifter just to nudge them in different directions.

And then lastly, I'm going to use the Symbol Spinner tool, and that's just going to let me to rotate these shapes so that they match the wave of the flag.

The last thing I want to do with this flag is just crop a little piece of that pole. And to do it, I'm going to create another circle shape, and then I'm just going to change it with the Direct Selection Tool to create a shape that I can now subtract from that pole. And then I'm going to just put that ball back on top, and there we have it.

Now, with all of the shapes made, now I wanted to apply some gradients to really refine this design.

So what I'm going to do is I'm going to create a gradient for this background red circle that goes from a red to an orange. So I'm going to set up the two different stops on the gradient window, and then I'm going to use a Gradient Tool to put it in the direction that I want-- so red on the bottom, orange on the top. Now for the yellow ring, I want to go from an orange to a yellow. So once again, in the Gradient window, I'm going to set up the gradient just as I'd like so that yellow to that light orange.

And then again, I'm going to use the Gradient Tool just to put it in the direction that I'd like. And then I can just reposition it here so it looks just how I'd like it. Next up, I'm going to do these two little balls, and I'm just going to eyedropper the background color and then apply the gradient in the direction to both of them at the same time. Now for the pole, I'll be using a dark blue and a lighter blue.

So I'm going to be creating it just as I normally have been. Oops, wrong color. There we go. And then again, I'm going to put it in the direction that I want with the Gradient Tool. For the ball on top of the pole, I'm going to eyedropper the pole's gradient, but I'm going to turn it into a radial gradient and then just switch the colors. This way, I can make it really look like it's a sphere. And I'm just going to make a quick adjustment to the pole.

And now I'm going to do this wedge shape here. So I'm going to copy that radial gradient, and now I'm just going to reposition it so it lines up exactly with that wedge. From here, I can continue to adjust the gradient itself to get it to line up just how I'd like it.

To add one final layer of depth, I'm going to create some drop shadows. So to do this, I'm going to create a shape that's a combination of both the flag and the pole-- so it looks just like this. And now I'm going to position it a bit lower than the flag and then put it behind. There we go.

Now from here, I want to crop it so it's only inside of that red circle. And to do that, I'm going to duplicate that circle, put it on top, and then I'm going to use Intersect in the Pathfinder window.

Now this new shape is where we're going to create our gradient for the drop shadow. So I'm going to put it back behind the flag, and now I'm going to create that gradient that is just this dark red on either ends of the gradient. But one of them is going to be a 100% opacity, while the other is zero. And then just as we have done with the other gradients, I'm going to drag it out with the Gradient Tool just to get it to look exactly how I'd like. Now I do think this is a bit strong, so now I'm actually going to go and reduce the opacity to about 25%. That looks good.

I'm just going to go back into it quickly and adjust that gradient to make it come down a bit more. Perfect.

Finally, I want to add a drop shadow inside this red circle so it looks like that yellow rim is coming forward. So I'm going to subtract one of those circles from another, just to get this thin shape here, like you can see. And then I'm just going to eyedropper that drop shadow I created before and drag it out how I'd like. Other way. There we go.

So now that we've designed our sticker, it's time to get it printed. And to do that, we're going to be using Sticker Mule's [custom samples](https://www.stickermule.com/products/sticker-samples) package. And that means we get 10 stickers for $9.00 and free shipping.

Once on the Sticker Mule website, we're going to go to Get Samples. Now on the sample page, you can choose from all sorts of different Sticker Mule products, including just a sample pack of a variety. But we're going to be using the custom sticker samples right here.

So from this page, we're just going to click on Order 10 stickers for $9.00. And then here, we're going to upload our artwork. If you have any specific instructions, you could put those in here. Otherwise, click Continue.

Now we just need to check out. And just as with any check out process, you'll need to enter your name, your email, as well as your credit card, and shipping information. Then press Place Your Order. And now we just need to wait for our proof.

So now that my proof has arrived, all I need to do is click here. And then at this point, you can see that they've added a nice white border to the design, and if there is any changes I want, I can just type those in here. But I think it looks good, so I'm just going to go and cancel, approve, and finally start production. And now my stickers are being made.

So let's see how they turned out. So I'll just open up the package, and let's see what's inside. There's the stickers, there's some Sticker Mule stickers as well. As well as a little card that tells me who printed it, which is kind of neat. But let's dig into this stack of 10 here and see how they look.

And, yeah, I can say that they're looking pretty good, looking like the design, which is really great. I'm particularly happy with how that white border looks too. And there you have it. There's the stickers after they've been printed.

So I hope that through this video, you've learned not just how to make a sticker that looks good on screen but looks just as good when you get it printed. Take care.



<ButtonCta text="Get sticker samples for $9" href="https://www.stickermule.com/samples?ref=blog" />

Designer, Hayden Aube, shows you how to design a custom sticker in Adobe Illustrator. Check out Hayden's favorite techniques in this video tutorial. 

Branded packing tape vs. regular packing tape 

<YouTubeVideo videoId="JGy4jwR-oqo?rel=0&showinfo=0" />

Custom packing tape is the best kept secret of the Internet’s smartest retailers. It gets your brand exposure while your shipments are in transit, improves deliverability by making your packages more noticeable when delivered and reinforces your brand so customers are more likely to reorder. This is why retailers that switch to using custom tape rarely change back.

Yet many businesses are still relying on clear unbranded tape.  Before we convince you to start using them, let’s take a closer look at custom shipping tapes. 

## What is a custom packing tape? 

Packing or mailing tape is an essential part of your [product packaging](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-packaging-design). Custom printed packing tapes are also called logo tapes (because you can print your logo on the tape for branding purposes), personalized mailing tapes, and custom package tapes. 

You may think that customers just rip them out but your printed packing tape serves more than one purpose. Visually, the difference between a box using branded packing tape and and a box using unbranded tape is obvious. And you might expect to pay a hefty premium for switching to custom tape. But the cost difference is less than you’d expect.

## Why you should use custom packaging tape? 

Aside from the reasons mentioned above, we have prepared more reasons to convince you to use custom printed tapes.

### Cost per roll of packing tape is not that expensive

You can get a 300 foot roll of [custom packing tape](https://www.stickermule.com/products/packaging-tape) from Sticker Mule for $29.

While a roll of [standard clear packing tape](https://www.amazon.com/Scotch-Shipping-Packaging-Dispenser-142-6/dp/B000J07BRQ/) only costs around $2.25.

That’s a big difference. However, at 300 feet, a roll of Sticker Mule custom packing tape is 4.5 times longer than a standard 800 inch roll of clear packing tape.

That puts the price per foot at:

- Custom packing tape = $0.10
- Standard packing tape = $0.03

### Custom tapes save you from a lot of trouble when packing

When using custom packing tape from Sticker Mule, 1 pass of tape is all you need to securely seal your box. Our tape is water-activated which allows it to quickly create a strong bond to your package once applied.

When using standard clear packing tape, 2 or 3 passes are usually necessary to seal your box. And even with multiple strips of standard packing tape, [boxes are still more susceptible to theft.](https://www.stickermule.com/support/how-is-your-packaging-tape-different-from-other-tape)

For a box that is 12 inches long, you’d want to include an extra 3 inches on each side for both the top and bottom with each strip of tape. That puts the length of tape needed for a 12-inch box at roughly:

- Custom packing tape - 36 inches
- Standard packing tape - 108 inches

If we take our cost per foot numbers from above, we can calculate the cost of tape per package at:

- Custom packing tape = $0.30
- Standard packing tape = $0.27

This means __it only costs $0.03 extra per box__ to create branded packaging.

But there is still one more important factor to consider…

### Branded packing tapes cut down your packing time

Since Sticker Mule’s custom packaging tape is water activated, we include a sponge with every order. If you’re only shipping a few boxes at a time, there won’t be a noticeable difference in the time it takes to seal a box with either type of packaging tape.

But if you’re shipping larger quantities, [a water activated tape dispenser](https://www.stickermule.com/support/what-tape-machine-or-dispenser-do-you-recommend) can cut the time it takes to seal your boxes in half. This does require an upfront investment of around $400 - $1,300, but it quickly pays for itself the more you ship.

And when you are shipping larger quantities, you can order custom packaging tape from Sticker Mule for as little as $19.50 per roll when buying in bulk.

In fact, most companies shipping 100 or more packages per day could actually save money by using Sticker Mule’s custom packaging tape, compared to clear packing tape.

## Where to get branded packing tape?

Are you ready to grow your business with custom printed tapes? If you want to improve your brand exposure and your package deliverability, while saving time and money, try custom packing tape for your packaging.

Upload any image and we'll format it for you, or easily [design your own tape](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-design-packaging-tape).

![Custom packing tape applied to box](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/6a27e0973a183c8a09fcd68a0e314d02a3c5d5cf "Custom branded packing tape being applied to package")

See for yourself the difference custom packing tape can make for your business.

<ButtonCta text="Try custom tape for $4" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/packaging-tape-sample?ref=blog" />

We compared the difference in cost and quality between custom packaging tape and regular unbranded packing tape. 

Branded packing tape vs. regular packing tape: Which should you choose?

Custom decorative tapes and examples

As soon as a customer orders, their anticipation and excitement grows as they await the mailman. However, many times, items are shipped in bland, brown boxes which do not excite the customer. 

At Sticker Mule, we are changing how items are packaged and helping companies get their customers excited about receiving their shipments. WIth our [custom decorative packaging tapes](https://www.stickermule.com/products/packaging-tape) you can promote your brand and engage your customrs. (Perfect for those unboxing videos that are all the rage these days 🙂) 

The best part is we don't charge extra for different colors and instead promote awesome designs that use as many colors as possible.

Before we show you some kick-ass examples created by our clients, let’s learn more about how we can make decorative tapes. 

## What is a decorative tape called?

Decorative tapes are now synonymous to washi tapes but the latter is just a variant of customized tapes. The material used for personalized tapes may also vary, depending on the use. 

For example, washi tapes are purely decorative due to the rice paper material used in making this tape. Though they may hold materials together and can be used to wrap gifts, it is not advisable to use them for packaging, especially for boxes meant to travel long distances. 

So what type of decorative tape can be used on packaging and boxes for shipping? We’ll get to that in a while, but first, let’s take a look at washi tapes. 

## What is washi tape? 

Washi tape is a customized tape made from rice paper. It is available in a variety of widths, textures, and designs. They’re mainly used for decorating boxes, planners or journals, rooms, phones, and other devices.

They are called washi tapes because they literally translate to “Japanese tape.” Washi tapes originated from a company called Kamoi Kakoshi Co. Ltd. that collaborated with Japanese women who came up with colorful designs. Their reason? Because they’re bored with the usual, plain masking tape that so many of us are familiar with! (And honestly, we can’t blame them.) 

### How long does washi tape last? 

To know how long washi tapes last, it is important to know the material used to make them. They are usually made from paper but recently, there are also washi tapes made from fabric and tissue. 

### Is washi tape as strong as masking tape? Or duct tape? 

For people asking if washi tape is as strong as masking tape, the answer is yes and no. Washi tape is similar to masking tape and can last for a year or more. However, if you are using washi tape made from tissue, then it won’t be as durable as the one made from other materials. 

## How do you make custom packaging tape? 

If you wanted to create your own washi tape or your own custom packaging tape, you’ve come to the right place! At Sticker Mule, we have created a [video tutorial on creating a personalized packaging tape](https://www.stickermule.com/support/how-to-design-packaging-tape "How to Design Packaging Tape") that even beginners can follow! 

### Step 1:  Open your design software and make sure your dimensions are correct 

Before you start designing your sticker, make sure your design will fit on the surface where the packaging tape will be printed. 

For example, here at Sticker Mule, we print on 3 inches (width) by 12 inches (length) tape. So if you want to print your packaging tapes with us, make sure the length of your design is 12 inches long or any variants (two six inches, three four inches, six two inches). 

![Custom Packaging Tape Sizes](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/defa5cc61a1d47a63a6be2046132472b660f8038)

### Step 2: Incorporate your brand logo and other distinguishing designs 

![Designing Custom Packaging Tape](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/db769fd79fb0390771a5cff43a17a7747757b634)

Start designing using your preferred software. It's okay to overlap the images for a seamless look. Make sure the design looks balanced. 

### Step 3: Transfer the design onto Sticker Mule’s template 

Click on the [packaging tape template](https://www.stickermule.com/template/packaging-tape "Packaging Tape Template") on Sticker Mule’s template tab. Follow instructions on how to transfer your packing tape design. 

Make sure all edges are aligned before you submit your design to be printed! 

![Custom Packaging Tape Template](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/368ae6e8b52f1195cbfade1cbdf5faa21335513a)

Alternatively, if you have a logo, artwork or design in mind that you want us to [convert into a packaging tape](https://www.stickermule.com/support/file-formats "Convert Into Packaging Tape"), you can easily send that over and we’ll take care of it!   

That’s not even the best bit. At Sticker Mule, we use BOPP tape which is stronger than the material used for washi tape so it’s ideal for shipping packages. An added bonus is that all our packing tape is [eco-friendly and recyclable](https://www.stickermule.com/support/packaging-tape-eco-friendly "Eco-Friendly Packing Tape")! 

## Custom decorative tapes examples 

Over the past couple of months, we saw thousands of amazing designs and thought it’d be cool to share 7 designs that really stand out. Below are 7 designs that can serve as an inspiration for your own tape.

1) Thanks to the Sticker Mule team, I’m absolutely happy with the Custom Packaging Tape. The texture, colors - are perfect. Also, it's very useful for me that this tape is water-activated and pretty wide. Usually I use it to package (what a surprise :D) goods with my design (such as charms, stickers, art prints) to send them by mail. __- Olga Davydova__

![Custom packaging tape design by Olga Davydova](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/5f6c1f7ffb4f384c56fe36b9e88677eed8eb7c0e)
![Custom packaging tape design by Olga Davydova](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/713eae455f9f71d7e30cceaf171d0eea2d59bccb)


2) This roll of packaging tape is pretty fantastic. Not only do we grace the surfaces of our shipping boxes with it, but we also love to include it in product shots, use as decor in booth setups or maybe even clip a square off and toss it in a customer order. Thanks Sticker Mule, for offering cool products to help make our brand look better. __- Kristin Schleihs__

![Packaging tape design by Kristin Schleihs](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d471a480093da2baecaccedcacb95bba609c80bd)
![Packaging tape design by Kristin Schleihs](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9ee3289edd9ec484599ce532945b06e48172641e)


3) I think we all mentally wait at the mailbox when we're expecting an order. When a customer peeps in their mailbox I want them to be able to tell they've got an order from us straight off the bat! We designed this awesome tape with illustrated versions of each of our jewelry products to amp up the excitement as our customers rip open their boxes. The packing tape is a small investment that makes a big (colorful, in our case) impact! Buying anything, especially jewelry, is an emotional purchase and a beautiful, well packed box helps our customers enjoy their new goods from the moment they lay their hands on it. __- Jamie__

![Custom packaging tape design by Jamie](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/021b98150885e655eea30d0cb303bb9ad6539fd1)
![Custom packaging tape design by Jamie](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/20aeddf7adb751ad6041461101f5ef8173358e83)

4) Attached is a few pictures of our packaging tape. We love to use it primarily on our shipping boxes. But recently we have been experimenting with using it on padded envelopes and even some product packaging such as mailer boxes. Thanks for offering such an incredible product. Let me know if these pictures work for y’all. I can definitely take additional photos if needed. __- John Marquez__

![Sawdust & Embers custom packaging tape design](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/146d014e7d70c5ac86ae9de2dcdf178ce4dcd508)
![Sawdust & Embers custom packaging tape design](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ec9d8e4b9c7d4d62a6d6e8af66425fa80c321e05)

5) At Pennyknot, we use Sticker Mule packaging tape to add a color and pattern pop to plain shipping boxes. It helps people know that something fun is (securely sealed!) inside. __- Jenelle__

![Pennyknot custom packaging tape design](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/fc56f4a1969935ad186f6c8df5509f58f72be46b)
![Pennyknot custom packaging tape design](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/98258600f56ed85f3a151e355ff6ceb5875e0d9b)

6) Maybe just a couple of words why I'm a fan ... From the moment I got the tape, I really liked it. It is strong, I received way more than I expected and the quality and color of the print is really good, especially because my logo has a lot of small parts. A friend interested in the tape asked if applying water to the back of the tape to make it sticky is really time consuming and my answer was that it does not take me any more time than pulling the back of the sticker off. Before Sticker Mule tape I had to first tape the package with regular tape and then add stickers with my logo to the package. Now I only tape the package and branding is taken care of. So I'm definitely a fan! __- Ženja__

![Custom packaging tape design by Ženja](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/e5a18ca59287d013d777d0071f61aa30295f7c1a)
![Custom packaging tape design by Ženja](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ad52088f5a9f59d58b125aa317b57801d85324ae)

7) As a professional brand marketer for the largest credit union in my region, I know the importance of maintaining a consistent brand identity throughout all marketing pieces. This is why I strive to stay consistent in everything I do for my personal cooking blog. 

In an effort to grow my brand, I like to do giveaways from time-to-time to attract new fans. When shipping the prizes to the winners, the packing tape will pique the interest of those who haven’t yet of my brand and hopefully turn them into fans. I also plan on making branded mugs & t-shirts for sale soon, so the poly mailers I already have from Sticker Mule should also hopefully help in converting new fans. __- Jess__ 

![Custom packaging tape design by Jess](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/6fb42cd4178418ba1ba5f2b17788cba53b6feeec)
![Custom packaging tape design by Jess](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/992f3b9f34cb60c2367b7e73381a4e0df7a97886)

There are countless ways to delight _your_ customers and grow your brand using full color packaging tape and other custom printed products. And you can get started with your own tape design for just $4!

<ButtonCta text="Try custom tape for $4" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/packaging-tape-sample?ref=blog" />

Learn how to design custom decorative tapes in three easy steps and be inspired by these packaging tape designs!

The perfect print-ready file checklist 

If you’re a designer, chances are you spend a lot of time in the digital realm. And while you might be the best pixel pusher around, the rules change when it comes to print design. Here’s a checklist of everything you need to do to make sure your design is perfectly print-ready.

## Dimensions: At least 300 PPI
If you’re working with vector artwork, you can go ahead and check this off. If you’re working with raster artwork, you’ll want to make sure it is at least 300 PPI (pixels per inch). You can increase the resolution of any artwork file automatically with [Upscale](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale).

If you plan on using a logo, text, or illustration for print, we recommend tracking down a vector (or high resolution) version of the artwork if possible. If you need help, we recommend checking out our vectorization service: [Redraw](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw).

![raster-to-vector](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7084286daa27ce03bbfdab7bfd1a6836fcedde98)

To measure your artwork’s PPI, divide the width of your artwork’s dimensions by the width of your desired print size. For example, if your artwork was 600 pixels wide and you planned to have it printed 3 inches wide, you’d only have 200 PPI. This would result in a low quality print and may cause your artwork to look pixelated. In this case, it would be best to either recreate your design at a higher resolution or go for a smaller print.

To figure out the maximum size your artwork should be printed at, divide the dimensions of your artwork by 300. For example, if your artwork was 600 x 450 pixels, the maximum size would be 2" x 1.5".

(Note: DPI *or Dots Per Inch* refers to the resolution settings of the printer, while PPI refers to the resolution of the artwork. Occasionally these two terms get mixed up.)

## Color Mode: CMYK
Digital screens use a combination of red, green, and blue light (RGB) to form different colors, while printers use a combination of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink (CMYK) to form different colors.

![rgb-vs-cmyk](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/5afdee4db5bfc9c8f1d2e0283687cf1e496118d6)

You can convert your colors from RGB to CMYK (or vice versa) in most applications by simply changing the color mode.

However, while RGB can display a very wide color gamut for screen viewing, the same bright, vibrant colors may not be achieved in the more limited CMYK color space available for printing.

When designing something for print only, it is best to start in CMYK color mode, or at least be aware that some RGB colors might look different when printed.

## Units: Inches
Designing with inches (instead of pixels) will help you in a few ways. First, it’ll help you figure out the exact dimensions of your print without having to do any math. But more importantly, it will help you indicate any cut lines or bleeds in a way that is compliant with most print shops’ requirements.

For example, Sticker Mule’s [transfer stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/transfer-stickers) require that any solid parts of your design be at least 0.07" thick. Working with inches makes this possible to measure.

## Cut lines
Cut lines tell the print shop where to cut your print.

![cut-line](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/dfe4f5f0959a990b8fd79a76d60707e8d5f9a560)

Some print products, such as [die cut stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/die-cut-stickers), can be cut into any shape. At Sticker Mule we will automatically figure out your cut lines for you if none are indicated. By default, this is usually a uniform offset of the shape of your artwork.

[Indicating your own cut lines](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-create-a-sticker-cut-line) will give you full control over how your print is cut and can often speed up the proofing process. Cut lines should be indicated with a 1pt stroke.

## Bleeds
A bleed is anything being printed that extends beyond the cut lines. Bleeds are necessary whenever you want something to extend beyond the trim edge, leaving no white margin. 

At Sticker Mule, this is another thing we will add for you automatically as needed if possible. However, if you have something that is especially complex that you would like to be printed “full bleed” (to the edge of the print), then you will need to make sure it extends at least 1/16" past the cut lines.

## Outline text
This is a pretty basic rule when it comes to design, but it is often overlooked. Since there’s no way to ensure that a print shop will have all the fonts you use in your design, it’s best to make sure any text used is converted to outlines.

<WistiaVideo videoId="ke3fvba7fj" />

In Adobe Illustrator you can do this by selecting the text then selecting *Type > Create Outlines*.

----------------






With these items complete, your file should be perfectly print-ready. It’s usually best to save the file in it’s native format (Illustrator, Photoshop, Sketch), in case you need to revisit it later. Most print shops (including Sticker Mule) will accept artwork in their native formats.

As mentioned before, certain colors will often look different between digital and print – there’s no way around this. 

If you’re not feeling 100% confident before placing a large print order, order a small run of [custom samples](https://www.stickermule.com/samples), starting from just $9 for 10 custom stickers or labels.

<ButtonCta text="Order custom samples for $9" href="https://www.stickermule.com/samples?ref=blog" />


Here’s a checklist of everything you need to do to make sure your design is perfectly print-ready. 

How to create package inserts that work

So you’ve got your next order nearly all packed up. You’ve checked the packing list. You’ve made sure the order won’t get damaged on its way… and now you’re about to seal up the box.

Wait!

Where’s the package insert?

## What is a package insert?

A package insert gives you the opportunity to earn more sales, nab a new customer or even clear some old inventory. All it takes is a simple slip of paper.
Package inserts don’t have to be anything more than a note. Many Etsy sellers send a simple, handwritten thank you note with every order. Or a printed business card with a coupon code. Like this:

![Thank You Insert 10percent off](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/736322e69ec43288ce7cec5d8d51329e8408a07f)

(Speaking of coupons, you can get [$10 off your order](https://www.stickermule.com/unlock?ref_id=7980330701&ref=blog) today at Sticker Mule!)

But that’s just the beginning of what you could do.

I know - you’ve got enough to do already. You just want to get this package out the door. Is messing around with a package insert going to be worth it?

In a word: Yes.

 ## Why you should create customized package inserts 

Still not convinced that you should be part of your regular packaging and shipping routine? 

### Package inserts get noticed

We’ve written about how special the unboxing moment is for shoppers. Including a package insert in the box means your message is part of that magic moment. Package inserts – especially nice ones – get read. Maybe it’s because they remind us of the gift cards that come along with presents.

### It costs little to nothing to deliver the package insert

You’re already shipping the box. It’s unlikely that the few extra grams of weight from the package insert are going to cost you any more.

### Package inserts can be made for pennies each

If you’re a micro-business, you could just handwrite your package inserts. Use nice stationery paper or any interesting craft paper.

### Package inserts can be customized

Personalization is one of the biggest trends in ecommerce right now. Witness how many Etsy stores offer personalized goods. Package inserts are a fantastic way to personalize a message, or to send an offer targeted to a particular customer group.

### Package inserts convert 

The average conversion rate for package insert marketing programs is .35%. It can range from .15 to 1%, but .35% is average. And that’s for acquisition – for inserts sent to someone who doesn’t know your company. If package inserts work that well for acquiring customers, they could get double that conversion rate (or better) from your existing customers.

How well your package inserts convert depends on a lot of things, of course. But one of the best ways to draw attention to them is to make them interesting in the first place.

## What do package inserts include?

Spending the time to create a handwritten note is great. But if your business is too busy to write a note for every order, consider printing.

You can have inserts printed as if they were business cards or as if they were postcards. Both formats are affordable – like $20 (including shipping) for 500 business cards. Or $30 for 500 postcards.

Want to stand out a little more? Use a format that might get used again. Like a bookmark. Nice quality bookmarks might cost a little more to make (or take a little more time to make) but if they’re nice, they’re likely to get saved and used. That means more “impressions” for your insert. Adding a nice quote to the bookmark, and toning your branding down can help, too.

Another option is a gift tag. You can buy nice [custom-made gift tags on Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/listing/242304833/printable-thank-you-tags-customer-gift). Or you could make your own. Or you could just punch a hole in the corner of a business card. Voila – your business card has become a gift tag.

![Thank you for your order](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c1b0d5511190d762a16bb8ed5530d25a0f1cd02b)

Do you want to create your own business card sticker? [Check it out here >](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/business-card-stickers)

You can still personalize printed inserts, of course. Consider leaving the salutation empty on the printed versions. Then just write in each customer’s name before you drop the insert into the box. Got even three seconds more time for that insert? Sign your name to the card.

### Use more than one package insert

Sometimes it’s nice to vary the package inserts, too. You could even A/B split test your package inserts to see which offers tend to do best. Or you might want to include a specific package insert for large orders, for instance. Or a different package insert for first-time orders.

If you have a standard package insert, and only use an alternative insert once in a while, consider getting the standard one printed. Then handwrite the one you use less often.

Or print your own inserts at home. There’s plenty of stylish paper that would stand out and can work in a standard printer. Just avoid most handmade papers with home printers… they can really mess up the insides of your printer.

Of course, you could also [customize your package inserts with stamps or stickers](http://www.onsuttonplace.com/etsy-what-ive-learned-and-tips-for-success/), too. There’s more than one way to get a message inside a box!

![custom-packaging-sutton-place-designs](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/157734d46ad5f5e93dae62995f661d69b6b7536b)

So now you’ve got ideas for possible formats for your package inserts. So now, what should yours say? You could…

### Offer free shipping on their next order

Free shipping is one of the all-time best offers. It might not feel like the most creative option, but it’s proven to work.  

### Offer a discount on their next order

Either percent off or dollars off.

### Ask for the customer to leave feedback about their order

Research has shown that the more reviews a product has, the faster it sells. So getting people to leave feedback can be a great way to increase sales.

### Offer a list of special sales items

Got some inventory you want to move, but don’t have enough of it to offer it to everyone? Make up a couple of flyers and put them in the boxes of people who bought related items. This gives them a special deal and lets you free up some space.

### Offer a discount they can share with a friend

Make it just one friend, and give your existing customer a benefit, too. Like “Know someone who would like [Your Online Shop]? Here’s a coupon for them to get 20% off their first order. When they use it, we’ll send you a coupon for 10% off your next order, too.”

### Offer samples 
We’ve written about product samples in the past. These are technically package inserts, so you might want to consider adding a few samples, too.

Or just give them an interesting little gift. This Etsy store has a printed business card to use as a thank you note. On its own, it’s nice… but not noteworthy. But when they add the cute little [customized paperclip with a rose](https://www.etsy.com/listing/260951692/flower-planner-clip-planner-paper-clip)? Then they’ve given the customer a gift.

[![customized-paperclip](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/664dbbfc777f8fecc8b635c5e5911da55ded1567)](https://www.etsy.com/listing/260951692/flower-planner-clip-planner-paper-clip)

Gifts like this are even better if they’re associated with your business. If this seller created faux fabric flowers, then this little paper clip gift would have added meaning.

### Ask them to share about their purchase on social media

This type of user-generated content is great for business. If you ask nicely, you can use these social shares in your marketing, too. 

For instance, you can re-share any posts from customers. Or you can add a little “as seen on social media” section to your website or your email updates.

At [Sticker Mule](https://www.stickermule.com/), we include an insert in every purchase that is signed by the staff member that worked on the order. On the other side we ask if they'll share a photo or video on Instagram and mention [@stickermule](https://www.instagram.com/stickermule/). We see hundreds of photos and videos every week and often repost them on our Instagram feed.

![Sticker Mule Cheers Insert Card](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/e6f6fc043df88facdc702fa92e536107557d2078)

Look at samples and try to [create your own *Thank You* stickers here >](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/thank-you-stickers)

## How to create customized package inserts

Catalog companies have been using package inserts for decades. They’re one of the oldest and most effective marketing tactics around. That’s why these retailers use their own package inserts… but also why there are package insert swap programs, too.

Yep – you can pay to have your package insert put into another company’s packages. Usually this sort of swap only happens with big companies, so the swaps are bought by the thousands. 

But you could possibly set up a smaller swap, too.

You’d need to find a company that is complementary to yours, but not a competitor. They could be larger or smaller than you. If you were on a tight marketing budget, you could just swap inserts if the company ships about as many packages as you.

Or if you had a little budget, you could pay about $20 to $30 per thousand to get your packages inserted into another company’s boxes.

If you can work out a deal with even a couple of complementary companies, your package insert program could become a reliable way to find new customers, too.

One thing to remember as you test this new marketing channel: Track how often the customers you get through package inserts re-order. In other words, track what the lifetime value of your customers is, based on the different marketing channels you get them through.

Who knows… maybe your package insert customers tend to order six times each, making their lifetime value well over $200. If they re-order that much, you might be able to afford $37.14 to get them in the first place.

Also track each package insert partner separately. Some sellers may end up being better partners for you than others.

Package inserts are an easy way to increase loyalty and attract new customers. They work even for small online crafters and shops because they’re so affordable. All you need is a few seconds and a pen and paper.

## Create your own personalized package inserts

Are you including a package insert or a thank you note with your orders? If you are, what does it say? Is there a particular offer that seems to work best?

Want to get started making your own package inserts? Why not start with some custom stickers or labels? Get $10 off your first order when you sign up by clicking the button below.

<ButtonCta text="Get $10 credit" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/unlock?ref_id=7980330701&ref=blog" />

Package inserts get noticed, convert, and can be customized. Learn how to use inserts in your orders & packaging. 

The making of our new homepage video 

Our [home page](https://www.stickermule.com/) is the first interaction most visitors and customers have with our brand. Our previous home page video showed the ordering process, but lacked a story that focused on our customers. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we created our new homepage video.

<WistiaVideo videoId="qwwgsbtbav" />

## Script
Instead of making a basic “how-to” video, we wanted to make something that was more inspirational and persuasive. To do this, we knew we had to tell a story – one that revolved around our customers. One blessing & curse with our business is that we have all sorts of different customers: big businesses, small businesses, non-profits, hobbyists, do-it-yourselfers, developers, designers... the list goes on. There isn’t just one “target customer” we go after, so we decided to focus our story on three: a startup, a do-it-yourselfer, and a designer.

With our personas selected, we focused on a few key features of Sticker Mule that we wanted to highlight in the script:

### Ease of use
- No file restrictions
- Mobile friendly

### Proofing
- Online proofs within 4 hours
- Unlimited revisions

### Speed
- Quick turnaround
- Free shipping

It was important to highlight the minor differences in how each person used Sticker Mule. For example, if we only showed someone uploading a photo from their phone that might turn away the designer who wants a pixel perfect print. But if we only showed the designer uploading a vector image that might turn away someone who doesn’t have graphic design skills.

After showing the entire ordering process, we focused on how each person used their stickers in real life. Easy ordering and fast shipping are great, but how they plan to use the stickers is the main reason people buy in the first place.

## Storyboard

A storyboard is a scene by scene drawing of how the video will look. We created a storyboard to plan the shoot and fix any potential pitfalls before we shot anything. We kept things simple by limiting the video to 4 different locations: Aaron’s office, Jess’ workspace, Brian’s desk, and a location that would tie in all three of them.

![Storyboard vs finished video](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/2f46e23cb97fb91c553a40b3324fcb9f1df24f76)

## Voiceover
We used the same voiceover pro to remain consistent with our other videos. One big advantage of using a voiceover (as opposed to on-camera dialogue), is that we didn’t have to worry about sound once we began filming. This made shooting and editing much easier and faster.

## Shooting
We shot the entire video in one day. This required a tight schedule for each location and set call-times for the actors. Luckily, each location was relatively close together, and everyone showed up on-time.

We kept the storyboard on hand as a reference to make sure each shot fit what we had envisioned.

<WistiaVideo videoId="rpcmc9d01e" />

For the final scene, we knew the timing was key. So we played the voiceover through an iPhone, which kept our camera movement and actors all in sync.

## Editing
We used a combination of Premiere Pro and After Effects for all the post production work on this video.

Since the ordering process is a key part of this video, we knew that whatever took place on the screens in the video had to look really good. But shooting a screen isn’t always easy and doesn’t always look as sharp as you would want it to. For this reason, we decided to overlay screencasts on top of the screens shot in the video. For the MacBook and iMac this was relatively easy, but the iPhone took some motion tracking and masking work to have it look realistic.

![Editing Sticker Mule's home page video](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/3e55e77faff205857f231219d199327935598642)

Instead of using straight-up screen capture footage, we recreated each scene and animated it in After Effects. This made all the movement perfectly smooth, and helped us with the next step: translating.

## Translating
Since the whole video was narrated via a voiceover this made translating very straightforward. However the on-screen scenes needed to be updated to have the localized versions of the site in each language. To make this easy, we used the Templater Rig After Effects plugin from Dataclay.

![Homepage video text](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/2f826187fe6b95ad4856ba701df6d7719033742c)

The Templater plugin allowed us to update each layer of text via a Google Sheet. We only had to animate the screencasts once, and we could easily change languages with a click of a button.

If you’re interested in seeing our homepage video in different languages here are the links. Just make sure you switch back to English (bottom right) when you’re done!

[Italian](https://www.stickermule.com/it#video)

[French](https://www.stickermule.com/fr#video)

[Spanish](https://www.stickermule.com/es#video)

[German](https://www.stickermule.com/de#video)

[Dutch](https://www.stickermule.com/nl#video)

[Portuguese](https://www.stickermule.com/br#video)

[Japanese](https://www.stickermule.com/jp#video)

## Conclusion
We’re thankful to have 100,000 customers that trust us to print their custom stickers, magnets, and poly mailers. It’s impossible to capture everyone’s unique story, yet we aimed to capture a representation of many stories in one minute and fifteen seconds.

And if you liked this video, you should [subscribe to our channel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/stickermule?sub_confirmation=1).

A behind the scenes look at how we made the video on our homepage. From script to post-production. 

How to make your shipping experience more memorable  

Unboxing has become a core part of customers’ retail experience.
 
There are tens of thousands of unboxing videos on YouTube. There’s probably another hundred thousand unboxing blog posts on niche websites.
 
The moment of opening a shipping box is pure delight. It’s a bit of Christmas any day of the week.
 
Unboxing is such a big deal that I wonder if it isn’t part of what’s driving the super-popular ecommerce business model of subscription boxes.
 
There are hundreds (thousands?) of small online retailers offering subscription boxes – and they are all anchored in the experience of opening a package.
 
But what’s wrong with that? Shouldn’t you want to charm your customers with the experience? Why not make a point of creating a terrific shipping experience?
 
The question is, how?
 
Glad you asked. Here’s how:

## 1. Engage all their senses
 
All you ladies – did you have a jewelry box when you were a girl? You know, the kind that opens with the ballerina rising up, the clinking music playing, with the mirror on the inside of the box. That was an unboxing experience – every time.
 
Sound is certainly one way to make an impression, but you’ve got four other senses, too. We talk about visuals a lot, but what about touch? That’s where the covering of the box comes in, or perhaps the surprise texture of special paper.
 
Don’t forget smell either. Scent is a powerful part of our experience. It makes memories - and sales. That’s why bakery chains pipe the smell of bread cooking through their stores. And why real estate brokers will dab vanilla extract on one light bulb in a house that’s for sale. It ever so slightly evokes the smell of home.
 
Doubt this has an effect on people? Well, consider the smell of Apple’s packaging. Some people have so much of a thing for that particular smell that there’s a candle, “New Mac”, that’s [scented to smell just like a new Apple product](http://thenextweb.com/apple/2016/10/04/mac-candle/). Seriously. The first product run of these candles sold out within hours.

![1 - Engage the senses](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/5319065005a2eed50e9bcdbf825a0de0c579f76d)

You can do this too, of course. Even if you aren’t selling personal care products. A little bit of potpourri could work. Or a touch of essential oil.
 
And what about taste? Well, I can’t recommend edible packaging, but quite a few home crafters add a bit of candy to their shipping boxes. Who doesn’t like candy, right?


## 2. Personalize it
 
It’s one of the most powerful ways to connect with someone – simply say their name. And so if you can include someone’s name on their box (and not just on the shipping label), you’ll have cemented the feeling that the object is theirs.
 
Any company that offers monogramming knows the power of adding a name. But names are just one way to personalize.
 
Adding something to their package that acknowledges a prior order is another way to personalize. Or to send something that’s appropriate for their zip code. For example, an outdoor goods retailer could send moisturizer or sunscreen for a customer in Arizona, and bug spray to someone in Florida. Or an online fishing shop sending a particular lure based on where the customer lives.
 
That level of personalization is going to take some finesse to do, of course, but “the wow factor” is real. A couple of customers might even order again, just to see what you’ll send next.
 
Here’s a simple example of personalization. It’s a package from the [Natural Handcrafted Soap Company](http://www.naturalhandcraftedsoapcompany.com/Artisan-Soap-Men-or-Women-Natural-Gift-Set-Soaps-p/holiday-gift.htm).

![2- Personalize your packaging for success](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ad23ad36a5df31bae1daca15fde00b64afb0c27a)

They offer two versions of their Skin Care Artisan Gift Set – one for men and one for women. The packaging for the two items is different, too.
 
Also notice how the tissue paper doesn’t stay inside the box. That’s deliberate… and unusual. And unusual = memorable.

## 3. Include samples
 
Speaking of sending extra little gifts in the box… samples are a classic way to do that. And they work, too. [Samples have increased sales by as much as 2000%](http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/10/the-psychology-behind-costcos-free-samples/380969/).
 
Not all products work well as samples, of course. You may have to create a sample version of a product – all the way down to buying sample-sized containers, making sample labels… the whole deal. But these can be a terrific way to be memorable. So memorable, in fact, that customers come back to buy the full version.
 
Bonus idea: Include a lift card or package insert that offers a discount on the full-price products the samples represent. That’s [how Birchbox does it](https://misspettigrewreview.com/2016/03/30/march-birchbox-unboxing-spoilers/).

![3- Send samples to increase orders like Birchbox](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/51de0ce102ed6bdaed83dc8343f06fed35a58181)
 
Tackle Warehouse has an interesting twist on the sample idea. If you order $50 or more worth of stuff from them, you get a [Tackle Warehouse](https://youtu.be/h4CmB3vBYy8) sticker. Not an expensive gift, sure, but if you’re into bass fishing, maybe it’s kind of a status symbol.

![4- Include stickers for large orders](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/4bfb48483a6c8628930f8cfdefca5ff0b7d18f16)

## 4. Be creative with your packaging
 
This is one of the best ways to stand out from the start. It may mean investing in your packaging materials, but there are ways to do this both [memorably and affordably](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/5-inexpensive-ways-to-make-your-packages-stand-out).
 
Custom printed boxes are more expensive than standard ones, but they can make a major impression. And when your customers re-use their super-cool boxes, they’ll make an impression again. And again. And again.

![5- Be creative with your packaging](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/58c358eb35f85837e431f8a621d3a04d5f8e2439)

*From HelloSubscription’s September 20, 2016 blog post, “[FabFitFun Fall 2016 Subscription Box Review + $10 Coupon](https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/hello-subscription-6011201/fabfitfun-fall-2016-subscription-box-review-5149577877)".*

Don’t be afraid to re-interpret the box, either. Some crafters use paper bags as their product containers. Other retailers use [tin boxes](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Vintage-style-small-Tin-box-vintage-storage-bin-metal-case-tins-bins-boxes/1876134222.html), like this:

![6 - Reinterpret your box packaging](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/bb0ed7fb302dc284d71494c87fd477c43a533702)

These particular boxes are a little pricey at $3.09 per piece. But you could get plain silver boxes for about a dollar. Slap on a custom printed sticker to make it your own.
 
Don’t like tins? Why not a fruit box? Canvas sack? Basket? You get the idea.
 
Even plain boxes can have their charm. This subscription box from [Wonderful Objects by Wonder and Company](https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/hello-subscription-6011201/wonderful-objects-by-wonder-company-summer-5036617427) is pretty plain… except for some well-placed custom stamps:

![7- Use custom stamps to improve your box packaging](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/063cf25ab5a48f044287530365dc26228eb9de42)

Their whole unboxing and product discovery experience is a great example of storytelling via products. It’s an unusually well pulled-together subscription experience.
 
Right down to the sealed envelope…

![8- sealed envelopes for a premium unboxing experience](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/b1366ed7d71d694cc2de460ce06a66a23f461746)

## 5. Don’t make your packaging too hard to open
 
I had a very memorable experience with a Bliss product once, and not in a good way. It happened during unboxing, when I was trying to open one of the products to try it. The package was wrapped in fairly heavy plastic, and it actually cut my hand when I tried to open it. So suddenly I had this nice deep cut (like a paper cut, but from the sharp edge of the plastic). Then the Bliss product got into the cut, and just stung more.
 
I stopped buying from Bliss a while later. It wasn’t specifically because of that experience, but I could still feel the sting on my palm when I decided it was better to just stick to CVS.


## 6. Go beyond basic instructions
 
Got a couple of bestselling products? How about creating a user’s guide for them? This would be beyond the usual one-sheet instructions – it could be an entire cookbook for how to use a particular ingredient you sell. Or a little pocket version of a book of fishing lures, including how and when and where to use them.
 
Here’s how [Thrive Market](http://cleaneatingveggiegirl.com/2015/12/17/how-im-cleaning-up-my-health-and-beauty-routine/) has done it. They put these little how-to books in many of their boxes.

![9- How to books inside of box](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/383588bfb374ca8bc936cd356f27c5d31dce0f6c)

## 7. Get the mechanics of your shipping right
 
We’ve talked a lot about packaging, but there is another critical factor to your store’s shipping experience.
 
It’s information.
 
People want to know the status of their order. That’s [why transactional emails](https://www.experian.com/assets/marketing-services/reports/transactional-email-report.pdf) – the emailed order summaries you’re sending – get higher engagement rates than any other type of email.

![11 - Transactional email convert best](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/1af6a3d2e4147c00fbe188bd48345d791243a70e)

Transactional emails typically get sent to confirm an order has been placed, and then to confirm that it’s shipped. Many customers will also want to know when the package will arrive, and even where it is along the way.
 
You can include a tracking number in an email, of course. But there’s other technology available now that can skip in inbox. For example, Shopify lets their sellers notify customers via Facebook messenger when a package has been shipped or has arrived. And Google’s app lets me know when my packages have been delivered.
 
You don’t have to re-invent the wheel with this stuff, but do make it easy to your customers to know the status of their orders. It’s not a good experience to be wondering where your package is. It’s an even worse one to not be able to find out.

## Conclusion
 
Ecommerce is gaining an edge on brick and mortar retail. It lets us skip the driving and the parking lots, for starters. The prices are often cheaper, and there’s better selection. But where ecommerce has lagged behind is the in-store experience itself. “Retail therapy” as some people call it.
 
A great shipping experience will never be quite the same as walking into Bergdorf Goodman or FAO Schwartz. But with a little finesse, it can definitely be memorable… and in a very good way.

## Back to you
 
What’s the most memorable box you’ve ever opened? Mom’s care package at camp? A subscription box for your favorite hobby? [Tell us about it on Twitter.](https://twitter.com/stickermule "Sticker Mule Twitter account")

There are countless ways to delight your customers and make your shipping experience more memorable with custom printed products. Check out more ways Sticker Mule can help your business grow.

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Unboxing is a core part of your customers’ retail experience. Here are 7 ways to make your store's shipping and unboxing experience more memorable. 

5 inexpensive ways to make your packages stand out

You just got a new order. 

A nice one. All that work – the marketing, the website, the product, the sourcing, the transaction processes – paid off. Everything worked! 

Now that order has to get packaged up and sent to the customer. It’s got to survive the journey and arrive at your customer’s door intact. When they open it, everything has to be perfect. 

The moment of unboxing is so critical to the customer experience that people film this stuff. There’s a whole genre of unboxing videos now. [Even Mark Zuckerberg has done one](http://www.digitaltrends.com/virtual-reality/mark-zuckerberg-unboxes-the-oculus-rift-in-facebook-live-video/).

[![Zuckerberg Unboxing Oculus](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/6c93e85d40c915b3c628cc41850676882bfaf912)](http://www.digitaltrends.com/virtual-reality/mark-zuckerberg-unboxes-the-oculus-rift-in-facebook-live-video/)

*Mark Zuckerberg used an unboxing video to show off the Oculus Rift. Note how many views this video got.*

If someone makes an unboxing video of one of your packages, your product will be the star, of course. But the packaging you ship it in is the stage. 

Don’t underestimate how powerful this is. The packaging you use is part of the customer experience. But it’s even more than that – packaging has become part of the product. It may only catch your customer’s attention for a moment, but it will frame how they see (and talk about) your product forever.

Packaging may not have such a short shelf life, either. Ever saved a nice box to use it again? Good boxes get around. Good shopping bags do, too.

## The research on why packaging matters

There’s some new research out that really shows how powerful – and profitable – good packaging can be.

Here’s the first data point. This is how much packaging affects brand perception:

![Packaging Affects Brand Perception](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/e7913f9edaf9b9eaaaea05af1fe667be0166379c)

Notice how luxury brands are more affected by packaging. It’ll come up again.

And here are the specific ways packaging affects brand perception:

![Specific Ways Packaging Affects Brand Perception](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/0988da78e038efcd1bfd3d57b2b8bee27f0bf2f5)

The increases in “makes the brand seem more upscale” and “gets me more excited about receiving the package” are what’s changed most in the last year. This may suggest a shift in how customers perceive the importance of packaging. 
That importance does seem to be growing – [YouTube reports that viewership of unboxing videos is up 57% since last year](https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/marketing-strategies/video/youtube-insights-stats-data-trends-vol7/).

Know what else packaging affects? Word of mouth – one of the most effective marketing tactics ever. As this study says, “gift-like packaging also encourages word-of-mouth marketing. Half of shoppers (50 percent) say the use of branded or gift-like packaging for online orders makes them more likely to recommend the product to friends, compared to 40 percent in 2015.” 

This is especially interesting. If packaging can affect word of mouth so much, the moment when customers open your packaging might be the best time to ask them to refer your company to a friend. A package insert that someone could give to a friend for a discount on their first order might work. 

But before you bust out the printer, keep in mind that the influence of packaging depends on the product that is being shipped. Not too surprisingly, the packaging for household goods had less of an effect than for luxury goods. 

![Premium Packaging Matters](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ed948cd8d006d98f13d8170f3d8a82c201cdf708)

There’s one last benefit of better packaging: It has a direct affect on your bottom line. Better packaging makes people more likely to order again. 

![Better Packaging Helps Reorders](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/acf2781a07868a992a05e6522436f1979e9281fa)

So it looks like it’s worthwhile to invest in better packaging. Fair enough – but how? And how to do it without breaking your budget? 

Have no fear. Any one of these five tactics can help:

## 1. Inserts

Inserts are a proven tactic for increasing order size, word of mouth, loyalty and more. They don’t have to cost very much, either. 

You could retrofit the design of a business card to become an insert if you wanted. Print a couple hundred of them as a template, then handwrite a custom code or codes as needed. Business cards can be printed for as little as 2 cents each.

Don’t forget postcards, either. They’re big enough to write a note on. 

The handwritten note tactic is becoming quite the trend. Many online retailers say they’ve had success with this.

![Add Inserts to Your Packaging](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/3f994304169556810ff182ab0467c324f65aff18)

Personally, [I love the idea](http://www.wix.com/blog/2015/11/14-brilliant-packaging-ideas-for-ecommerce-sellers/), but it seems like a lot of work. I still remember being up until 2am to get a big order out, and the idea of having to hand-write a thank you note/ insert card for each order makes me feel tired even now.

Then again… maybe the note doesn’t have to be very long. [This company](http://www.packagingdigest.com/packaging-design/trends-in-ecommerce-packaging-center-on-design1512) made an impression just by writing the customer’s name inside the box. All that takes is a Sharpie.

![One easy way to make an impression with your packaging](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/cddf73e90e53c3624f402cfd8ef4a151241ed0ee)

A few other ideas for “inserts”:

- Candy: Kinda the retail equivalent of the chocolate mint on a hotel pillow.
- Review request: Because more reviews means more orders. 
- Product samples: These aren’t free, but they can increase sales by a lot. 

Learn more about [how to create package inserts that work](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-create-package-inserts-that-work).

## 2. Printed boxes or mailers

I know – you think you don’t have budget for a custom box. 

But you can cheat... and “print” your own boxes with a custom stamp. A custom stamp with art and text that’s 5 inches long x 5 inches wide costs around $70-$100. That’s not free, but would let you have boxes like this:

![Hand stamped boxes](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/b69847aa3047775a3ca1b6712b84da35c1dee151)

<center>*The Etsy shop Heirloom Home and Studio ships with standard cardboard boxes pressed with a custom stamp.*</center>

If a custom stamp won’t work, consider using standard stamps used in a creative way. There are also roller stamps that can be made to look like your package is wrapped with ribbons. Roller stamps can be made with food designs, clothing designs, plant designs… you name it. 

Of course, while stamping is nearly free, it does take time. Ideally, you’d have a spare gang of little kids hanging around who just want to decorate boxes all day. 

![Trunk Club Boxes](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/a3c6bb08be80498b367c1eaacffec65d6e018d2c)
*An example of the printed boxes Trunk Club uses for its orders. This is also a clever example of another way to make your packages stand out – use a design that makes the box look like something more than just a box and [ties into a theme](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/online-crafters-save-time-money-with-creative-packaging).*

## 3. Color

Color is one of the best, simplest branding tricks ever. For example – that printed box we just talked about? If your company has a signature color, you could skip the printed box. Just get a box in as close a color to your brand color as possible. 

The color should continue inside the box, too, of course. Your color of tissue wrap. Your color of ribbon. Your color of insert card. Product label. Order form. 

You can also use color in strategic spots, like this:

![Bright colors inside of box](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/05b2910018a6cc3da53fc5e9d8432c6c9b9696a6)

I think you get the idea.  :)

## 4. Unusual materials

It’s tempting to go with fancy ribbons and luxe papers. But simple, lower cost materials often work just as well. It’s the creativity they’re used with that makes them work. 

So don’t get too limited in your materials. Think beyond the packaging shop. I once used cut up raffia in a gift box product. It was a gift box of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, so the raffia was meant to look like straw from the manger. People loved it. And the raffia was definitely not standard packaging materials. 

Here’s a few other examples of distinctive packaging materials that can be had for cheap:

* Aluminum foil (not for exterior packages)
* Wallpaper
* Butcher paper
* Old, discontinued hiking maps
* Twine
* Wool or yarn

Pinterest is a treasure trove of ideas like this. Here’s a cool silver bubble mailer:

![Bubble Mailers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/52d90b1998a17401aff7061d0529cabdcc522216)

Note that Behance logo. Behance is a hub of designers, including packaging designers. You might find your next package designer there. Or you could just shop for inspiration.

[Poly mailers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/poly-mailers) are an easy way to save on shipping and can be done in small batches with custom designs. These work best for apparel, t-shirts and other non-breakable items.

![Full Color Poly Mailers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/a5e7a080270c2253f834ffd4d135bbc5b8a4fd51)

I actually used a bubble mailer for a mailing a few years ago. It held a cover letter, a short report, and a clear plastic puzzle. The puzzle had a little metal bead inside that you had to roll around just so to open the puzzle. Inside the puzzle was a little card… and behind the card was the call to action. 

That mailing got a 20% response rate. 

Good packaging works for lots of things. ;)

## 5. Strategic use of stickers

Ok – not to toot our own horn, but we think [stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers) can make almost any package better. [Here’s an example](http://www.underconsideration.com/fpo/archives/2012/01/a-christmas-pack-needs-description.php) of a fairly plain, staid cardboard box that’s instantly hip thanks to its sticker:

![Use stickers to add custom packaging and seal your box](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/330ead9b2b10864b555ca694462c23dd942d0685)

Here’s another [cool packaging sticker](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/packaging-stickers). Very similar to the first, but notice the orange tape. That’s not custom tape, but it further secures the box and adds to the appeal. 

![Use color tape to enhance your store packaging](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/14a2531f485c94b3038384cb4f967f084b5f2f14)

[Custom tape](https://www.stickermule.com/products/packaging-tape) is pretty cool, too. And it's [easy to design](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-design-packaging-tape).

![cover-eco-friendly-packaging](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/381bb5cd39c67367e65415d49cbc6432315a03b4)

## Word to the wise

While all these packaging ideas are fun, consider their durability as much as their looks. It’s not okay for your packages to arrive at your customers' doors trashed. 

So before you fall in love with a box, or any kind of packaging, test it. Buy about ten of the boxes. Mail a complete order to ten people you know. Get detailed reports – photos, ideally – of what the packages look like when they arrive. 

Pay careful attention to your results. These are only ten packages, remember. If you’ve been shipping for awhile, you know it’s that outlier package – the one that got caught in some machinery – that’s when your packaging will be put to the test. 

![Damaged Box Package](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/763c695214ffb5e97aa1023e21510b0078bfb11e)
*About 5-10% of ecommerce packages get damaged during shipping [(depending on which study you cite)](https://www.packworld.com/issues/operational-excellence/article/13366678/ecommerce-packaging-pitfalls-opportunities).

## Conclusion

Packaging is way more than just a fulfillment function. It’s become a core part of the customer experience. It influences word of mouth and improves loyalty. It can even become part of your marketing, like Chewy.com has done with its ongoing #ChewyBoxLove campaign.

![Facebook Packaging](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/4f91142092d07c2e036ca324cadafcb9ef85a8f5)

But while it’s really powerful, great packaging doesn’t have to be expensive. You just need to… um … think outside the box.

Want to make *your* packages stand out? Take $10 off your first order when you sign up using the button below.

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Check out these five simple ways to make your packaging stand out, without breaking your budget. 

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