5 Things You Must Include When Packaging Your Order (Don’t Skip These!)
If you think your job is done once a customer hits “checkout,” you’re missing a golden opportunity to build loyalty, get repeat sales, and elevate your brand experience. The truth is—packaging is part of your marketing.
Every product that leaves your hands is a direct reflection of your business. Whether you’re selling on Shopify, Etsy, or your own website, the way you package your order makes a real difference. It doesn’t matter if it’s a $200 product or a $2,000 one—your packaging tells your customer how much you care.
At PinMySEO, we help e-commerce sellers grow through smart Pinterest and SEO strategies. But even the best traffic won’t matter if your packaging causes customer complaints or kills your unboxing experience. So let’s break this down the right way.
Here are 5 things you must include when packaging your order. Don’t skip a single one.
1. A Thank You Card (With a Personal Touch)
Don’t underestimate the power of a simple “thank you.”
Customers are real people. They appreciate a moment of gratitude—especially when it’s handwritten or personalized.
Why it matters:
- Builds emotional connection
- Makes your brand feel human and personal
- Increases chances of a repeat purchase or a referral
What to do:
Write a short thank-you note, even if it’s printed. For small brands, handwritten messages go a long way. If you have many orders, include:
“Thank you so much for supporting my small business! I hope you love 
Bonus: Add your Instagram or Pinterest handle to invite them to tag you when they post about their order. That’s free user-generated content.
2. A Clear, Branded Invoice or Packing Slip
I know—boring. But crucial. A packing slip or invoice gives your customer confidence that everything they ordered is in the package.
Why it matters:
- Confirms what they ordered
- Protects you from disputes
- Makes you look professional
What to include:
- Customer name and shipping address
- Order date and number
- List of items (with variations if applicable)
- Your logo or shop name
- Contact email or support info
You can generate this easily from Shopify, Etsy, or even manually with Canva templates. Just don’t make it look like a printed Excel sheet from 2003.
And don’t forget—branding matters. At PinMySEO, we always say consistency builds trust. Your invoice design should match your branding across Pinterest pins, emails, and your website.
3. Proper Protective Materials (Don’t Cheap Out)
Nobody wants to receive a crushed box, broken mug, or wrinkled shirt. Protective packaging is not optional—it’s your responsibility.
Why it matters:
- Prevents refunds and returns
- Saves your brand’s reputation
- Shows customers you care about quality
Best practices:
- Use bubble wrap, crinkle paper, or honeycomb wrap for fragile items
- Choose the right box size (not too big or small)
- Add branded tissue paper or custom stickers for a more premium feel
- Seal everything tightly to prevent shifting during transit
Pro tip: Use eco-friendly materials if possible. More customers today value sustainability. You can even include a note that says, “This packaging is 100% recyclable.”
4. Business Card or Loyalty Insert
Think of every order as your marketing material. Just because they bought once doesn’t mean they’ll buy again—unless you make it easy for them to remember you.
Why it matters:
- Encourages repeat business
- Introduces them to your other products
- Keeps your brand top-of-mind
What to include:
A simple insert or business card that has:
- Your logo and tagline
- Website and shop link
- Social media handles
- Discount code for next purchase (e.g., “Get 10% off your next order – Use code: THANKYOU10”)
Even better? Create a QR code that leads to your Pinterest board or best-sellers page. At PinMySEO, we help sellers create boards that match buyer intent. Sending customers back to your optimized pins? That’s how you build a loop that prints money.
5. Clear Instructions (If Needed)
Not all products are self-explanatory. If you sell skincare, gadgets, handmade crafts, or anything with steps, you need to guide your customer.
Why it matters:
- Reduces customer confusion and negative reviews
- Improves product satisfaction
- Shows that you care about their experience
What to do:
Include a simple instruction card or mini user guide. For example:
- How to use or apply the product
- Washing instructions (for clothing)
- Dos and don’ts
- Safety info (if applicable)
Make it clean, easy to read, and ideally branded. No one wants to read a wall of text or black-and-white printouts that look like tax documents.
If you’re building an aesthetic brand, this is your chance to impress. Your care guide is another way to elevate the user experience. Use visuals if needed!
Your Packaging Is Your Brand Story
Most sellers put all their energy into product listings, ads, or content—but forget the packaging is part of the experience. Packaging is what your customer sees and touches, and it can turn a one-time buyer into a lifetime fan.
Let’s recap the 5 things you must include when packaging your order:
- A Thank You Card (adds a personal human touch)
- A Branded Packing Slip (builds professionalism and trust)
- Protective Materials (avoids damage and refunds)
- Business Card or Loyalty Insert (boosts repeat sales)
- Clear Instructions (reduces confusion and makes them love you)
Now here’s a bonus tip from me as the founder of PinMySEO:
Your Pinterest account should match the experience inside your packaging.
Drive Pinterest traffic with optimized boards and pins, then make sure the packaging reflects the same quality and personality.
At PinMySEO, we’ve helped sellers go from 50 visitors a day to 5,000+ using Pinterest + SEO—and packaging is part of the whole journey. From pin click to unboxing, every step is part of your marketing.
If you’re struggling to get eyeballs on your shop or build a repeat customer base, let’s talk. I’ll show you how Pinterest marketing and SEO work together to grow your sales—organically.
