Craft Show - Packaging

[kb3gun]

I want a way to protect the finish after an item is sold and to protect the customer from some of the sharper items (saw blades, sun and moon, etc.). What are folks using to bag/wrap/package items sold at a craft fair? I've been looking at some cheap canvas totes (around $1 each bulk), but I'd like additional options.

Thanks! -Bill

[weldor2005]

Dont know what kind of prices you can get on them, but cardboard envelopes?

[CNCCAJUN]

I would think flat cardboard & make sandwiches as needed. Packaging tape & heavy duty staples. Just trim to fit.

Steve

[kb3gun]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[d bushey]

I tried a lot of different things and have resorted to wooden boxes 24" square and 5.5" wide. Then I put all my pieces vertical inside of pillow cases I get at the local thrift store. Then the boxes get strapped along the wall of my trailer. You can put a lot of pieces in a small area this way.

[kb3gun]

Thanks d bushey,
I lost track of this thread. I do something similar transporting them to a show. I was looking more for a retail packaging, after the sale solution.
I think I'm going to use CNCCAJUN suggestion and just take a stack of flat cardboard with me this weekend and make envelopes as I need them.

Thanks!
Bill

[CNCCAJUN]

I HAVE TO SAY IT . . .

Be careful with the box cutter. Try to get a safety (shallow cut) box cutter.

All this import cardboard does not cut very predictably.

Any appliance distributor that delivers (refrigerators, washers, etc.) will have large cardboard they want to rid themselves of.

Steve

[Old Ironworker]

Here is a idea that I used. Gift bags from a dollar store ( 3 for a buck ). I took one and tried a couple ways to show the cut-out from my business card. I did it with a paint spray can ( just to see what the outcome would be like ). I made up about 25 using the outline ( with airbrush, real neat ) . A little bubble-wrap, they are on their way. Note: Not my idea ( little sister )

[kb3gun]

Thank your little sister for me Ironworker. I'll have to stop at the dollar store on the way how and see if they have something similar. That will work good for my smaller items. Time to break out the airbrush.

Cajun... Thanks for the warning. Yep, been there, done that.

[Eggman]

We constantly discuss this very topic at shows we do. My GF wants to put everything into a bag, be it a plastic bag or such. I only want to wrap it in the clear plastic bag so every one else at the show will see it and may ask where the client bought it at. I do like the idea of painting a logo on the side of a low cost bag.

[Scott F.]

Hey,
Try checking at Uline. They sell all types of shipping supplies... http://www.uline.com/
I'm also new to the forum...
Scott

[abmagrum]

hey, if you get youre metal with the sheets of card board .

cut them the width of youre project + inch or 2 and double the length.
fold in halve and tape with packing tape.

looks good nice and clean
you could do this with boxes too.

I used a table saw to cut it to size . the dropped the blade and nicked it in the middle for easy folding

[CNCCAJUN]

From ULINE

You can make a cool tool and get away from that finger notching saw

Just mount the blade with a shoulder bolt on a piece of 1/2 square tube or even wood.

Now wherever you past the tool you have a fold point.

Steve

[redduke]

We use clear plastic large trash bags and "apologize" for not having a better bag for them. I'm with another user - then they are carrying it around and people are seeing it. I've never had anyone upset by this - I tell them it will protect it and that metal isn't very friendly to package and say it with a smile I've had people come up to me and say they saw a lady walking around with such and such piece and do I have another. If I don't I offer to make her another and ship it. They are usually excited b/c then they will have one and they didn't have to carry it around with them.

[GooseCreekGator]

It's an old thread but I stumbled upon and figured I'd add my recent experience. The Dollar store near me sells tri-fold card board display boards. I can put a 2 foot by 2 foot flat part in there, close the side folds and I have safe package. I also staple a business card to the board.

[Gamelord]

Foam works excellent, wrap it and tape.

http://www.uline.com/Grp_18/Foam

It really is pretty cheap and they ship instantly.

[DARRYL21270]

We use shrink wrap. Bags rip

[HaasMetalDesigns]

We use shrink wrap. Bags rip

Be careful with shrink wrap I used to do that when it get hot it stick to the peace and ruin The Finnish and come off in small little pieces