I’ve been planning a Product for the Professional Resaler about, specifically, running a Designer Consignment shop recently. Lots of shops want the designer, exclusive buzz and shop branding … but have no desire to have a gilt-laden shoppe with Louis the Whatever husband chair or a chrome-clad stark “moderne” boutique look.
After all, we do believe in being earth-friendly. We just want to do our conservation efforts in Loubotin and Chanel. Just because we’re focused on Fashion and Style and Quality doesn’t mean we’ve misplaced our eco-roots. So I’ve been plotting, in my feverish little brain, an elegant yet green look.
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Call it, perhaps, Earthy Elegant.
To start my branding, I’m thinking a bit of the shop look that clients can carry away with them. Here’s how I’d package purchases. First, I’d use simple kraft paper shopping bags:
PS Why is it called “kraft” and not “craft”?
Then, I’d create tie-ons for my shopping bags, using manila tags:
PS And why “manila”?
I’d stamp my tags on one side with my shop info, and on the other, with “thought for the day” type stamps:
PS Find great stamps all over online, like here. And I’ll bet some of your loyal customers will start loaning you some from their collections!
And I’d switch which “thought” I was dispersing once a week or so, thereby encouraging my clients to “collect the set”… even fashionistas love fun!
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Auntie Kate The Resale Expert 
We don’t ever buy bags. We offer a 10% discount off of any one item (can be stacked on 40% to make 50%) if shoppers bring us a minimum of 10 clean paper shopping bags to reuse. Only catch is that they have to use their 10% that day. We just call it the ‘bag discount’ and it caught on so quickly that our store was highlighted on local environmental websites/pages. We don’t mind promoting other stores since we are using their store bag anyway (free of charge), AND most importantly, it’s not adding to the trashpile.
[…] you remember the Earthy Elegant branding theme I suggested for a shop that wanted an elegant, upscale feel to their business, but not something […]
I also love your idea Kate…just wondering where these women get their bags…last time I checked they were a bit pricier than the ones I am using but I hate that mine are plastic.
I get mine through Nashville Wrap. I get the white recycled ones that are a little heavier. I then put a large store sticker with my store info on it on both sides. I’ve seen lots of people in my development reusing them at other stores. I’m sure they are a bit pricier than the plastic, but presentation is important in my little world.
Cool idea I already use the paper brown kraft bags. Thanks
I love this! I have been researching bags and for my store opening this Fall. I love the idea of having colored tags (to match the color theme of the store).
Glad to help, Christina… but colored tags? Did we get into that? Seems the ideas on this blog and at TGtbT.com just set resale minds spinning! 🙂
No, we didn’t……I just thew it out there! 🙂
Another good idea – I’ll have to look for something special just for this. Ordered my stamps and will order the tags once I see the stamp sizes. Already using the white Kraft bags.
Love it!! I’m looking for stamps right now. I see that you can have them made, but I’d rather not pay for that!!
I’m sure, Elizabeth, there are ready-made stamps in the $6-8 range that you’ll love. but I WOULD have made a good rubber stamp with your name/logo/info, if you don’t already have one. And I DON’T mean a generic “return address” stamp, but something unique, attractive, and brand-enhancing.
What do you use the one with your name on it for? The other side of the tag? Did I miss that part of the post?
Sorry, not sure what you’re asking… rephrase, please!
As usual, a terrific idea that I will implement. I think the sayings fit perfectly with the fact that I have quotes on my walls. I think I may offer a $10 GC if they collect them all. Off to look for tags……. Thanks!
Great, Beth… but also consider some sort of actual gift… whatever looks like it’s worth considerably more than $10, will “reflect” your shop’s image and branding, and might even spark conversation between the “winner” and her friends and acquaintances. “Oh you love my crystal-studded heart/hanger/dollar sign necklace/ bracelet/ key ring? I got that because I LOVE Hershop…”
This is what I would LOVE to find out about-what y’all would give! I’m racking my brain and can’t come up with anything good!!
Give? You don’t really HAVE to give anything… it’s just fun. But if you want to make a game of “collecting all 6” or whatever, think of some prize that relates, is usable, and that their friends and coworkers will notice, so you get some WOM out of it!
Thanks Kate! I have some of those tags in my back room. Do you get the quote stamps at craft stores?
At craft shops, on line, at local art supplies stores… heck, I’m gonna guess, Sarahomt, that you, right now, have a dozen stamp crafters among your clientele who have stamps they’d be happy to loan you! Have a great time with this idea.
You can get them on Etsy. There are tons or options!!
That is AWESOME!! Love that Idea!!! How about…Make the Labels but put a twist on it too that if they collect all 5 or whatever you make then they get a “special collectors” discount when they bring them in…on their next purchase.
Sharon, you read my mind! I was gonna suggest that but I was afraid of all the shopkeeper-readers rolling their eyes at another idea to make customers feel special! (Now they can roll their eyes at YOU!) 🙂
Love it…I just ordered these bags. Can I borrow the tag idea???
Of course, Christine! That’s what this blog and TGtbT.com are all about: sharing great ideas! I’m flattered you like it.
Love this. What would you use for item tags?
Good Q, Ms. M! We’d love it if you’d do some web surfing and get back to us with some compatible ideas!