Why do we Pack Orders Like That?

Why do we mail almost everything in a box?

I've been a big fan of buying well-made pinup clothes for years, and one thing that always stuck out to me was that I could spend $100-$200+ and the clothing ships in a basic plastic mailer.

Now, there is nothing wrong with that. They're inexpensive, mostly sturdy, and the clothes arrived entirely intact. But, there have been a few instances where I have received the mailer absolutely destroyed. I've even had the post office provide an entirely different bag for my items because the mailer was so badly damaged in transport. As I was starting the business, I wanted to make sure the items that I sell made it to their destinations in great shape. Does that mean the boxes will never be damaged in transit? Absolutely not, they're still at the mercy of package handlers and sorting systems.

Now, I say almost everything is mailed in a box, because there are very very very few accessories I feel comfortable shipping out in a mailer (bandanas for instance). And there are some things that will absolutely not be sent in a mailer, such as stud earrings as the posts are able to puncture the mailers -unless they're packaged in another box or sturdier packaging that can handle being in a mailer (which is rare). I also sell things like brooches, mugs, salt and pepper shakers, headbands, hair claws, etc. things you'd  want to pack into a box anyways. I also like that the boxes are a lot easier to reuse, especially if someone needs to return or exchange, and they're able to be recycled a lot easier. We do use biodegradable mailers, but they need to be in a biodegradable environment in order for them to break down. A box can just be tossed into the recycling bin.

Now what about those pink hearts in some packages? They're actually biodegradable packing peanuts, and even better is that they're able to be washed down the sink! No need to put them in a specific biodegradable environment for them to break down in. As for the heart shape? They fit the brand aesthetic, AND they're produced by another small business!

This does mean that our shipping costs tend to be a little higher than most other businesses in the same niche. However, I believe that the trade off of having sturdier packing for something you are spending a decent amount of money on is definitely worth it.

XOXO,

Casey