So, I'm getting closer to having a doll ready to cast for sale, and I'm starting to think about how I'm going to package her for sale. I'm thinking custom set-up boxes, which seem to be easy to get in relatively small quantities. But I'm not sure what to use for cushioning. I'd love to use pillows, or a padded cloth case, but where to get them? Has anyone else looked into this?
I've been looking for similar solutions. I've not gotten around to it, but I was thinking of ordering custom made boxes from Ali-baba. They deal with factories, which can make you pillows or shaped foam to help ensure your doll is super cushy and safe. Although, they have huge minimum quotas which are discouraging (500-1000). I know there are places which must do smaller quantities- I've only had a quick look, but I'll get back to you with more info soon! x
Yyyeah, I'm not sure I'm going to sell 1000 dolls in my entire doll-making career. ;P But! I did find this promising-looking Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/listing/116462979/size-10-to-12-any-solid-patterns Also, custom boxes: here and here.
Papermart also does a ton of boxes and packaging and there is no minimum order quantity for them. I don't think they do cushions though.
So, now that I'm back on the doll-making wagon... that Etsy shop seems to have gone out of business, buuut look what I found: custom polyester inserts, i.e. pillows. They got back to me near-instantaneously when I emailed them, and confirmed that they have no minimum order. I'm psyched. ^_^
Well, Marion no longer does hand assembly (meaning 50 boxes is way too small of an order for them), and Brimar never got back to me. I've contacted two more companies that look like they might do small orders. Fingers crossed!
Hi, I'm very interested in pillows too : ) I just contacted jpop dolls and they said they can order doll pillows for me, minimum is 50. But I only asked if it is possible at all in the first message, so no idea about the price (waiting for second answer). As soon as I will know details I'll post them here
Oh, that's good to know! Someone from Cactus Containers actually got back to me, so I'm getting a quote from them. I've also decided I'm going to use a lenticular postcard as my CoA. Should be very hard to replicate!
Sigh. No word from Cactus Containers. I'm contemplating getting a case of these and then adding a custom die-cut sticker for the logo. Not as classy as the foil-stamped set up boxes I was hoping for, but it would work.
You can get embossed foil stamped stickers. I thought I saw a place that did them..... I think it was something to do with bridal supplies. I stumbled upon it while looking for something else! lol.
Huh. Maybe... but I really wanted foil on a dark box. Since the stock boxes I'd be buying are white, I'll probably end up doing something else. Thanks for the thought, though!
I don't know how DIY you want to get but there is an inkjet paper company that specializes in magnets, vinyl, stickers, etc...They have gold and silver inkjet sticker sheets you can buy to print sticker designs on. http://www.papilio.com/ I found them when I was looking into making DIY stickers on vinyl, but I haven't tried their product yet. They do sell small sample packs too so you don't wind up blowing a bunch of cash on something that may not work for you.
Does anyone here know where you're able to find someone who makes carrier bags? In The Netherlands it's pretty much impossible to get boxes the size we need, unless you buy a minimum of 200 pcs, buy I'd love to send my dolls in a nice looking box/bag/whatever.
I've kinda been thinking of making my own carrier bags... Bit of padding (you can use that polar fleece stuff, it's nice and squishy), some drawstring, and a nice exterior fabric, and it's all just rectangles and straight seams. If you cut all the pieces for several at once, it shouldn't take more than about 15 minutes to make one, with any half-decent sewing machine. Or if you're a little bit more accomplished at sewing, something like this box bag, but longer, would make a great carrying case, with only a little bit more in materials. I've been toying with the idea of packaging dolls in the fetal position, so when they're unboxed it's like they're being born - a shorter bag would allow for that, though I'm not sure if it's a bit too gimmicky an idea, or a safe way to ship/store dolls.
