5 Low Cost Ways to Elevate Your Wholesale Packaging (That Retailers Will Actually Notice)

Because boring boxes don't build buzz.

Let’s talk packaging.

Not the Amazon “meh” kind with those air pillows that burst as soon as you look at them. I mean the good kind—the kind that gets your wholesale order snapped, tagged, and shared in a boutique’s Instagram Story before it's even on the shelf. That kind of packaging.

When it comes to shipping wholesale orders, your packaging isn't just protection—it’s part of your brand. A well-thought-out unboxing moment makes your retailers feel taken care of. It gives off main character energy. And most importantly, it shows you’re serious about your brand without having to shout it.

Good news? You don’t need a Kardashian budget to make it magical. Here are five affordable ways to uplevel your wholesale packaging—and make it shareworthy.

1. Custom Stickers That Seal the Deal

Stickers are a branding goldmine. Cheap. Cheerful. Impactful.We use them in two spots:

• On the outside of the box to create an instant “ooh what’s this?” moment

• Inside, to seal tissue paper or wrap product bundles for that boutique-chic vibe

Pro tip? Don’t just slap your logo on it. Add a little flair: a catchy phrase, a scent name, even a seasonal wink (ours once said “Wicked Good Things Inside”—retailers ate it up).

Bold Branding Bonus: Stickers are one of the few packaging pieces retailers sometimes keep. That means repeat visibility, for pennies.

2. Branded Tissue Paper That Feels Luxe (Without the Price Tag)

There's something about unwrapping tissue paper that just feels fancy—even if it's not.Level it up by using tissue paper that aligns with your brand. You can go full custom with your logo printed, or stay budget-friendly and choose a solid color that matches your palette.

Need a great source? Nashville Wraps is the MVP for boutique packaging basics.

Think About It: Even if your product is phenomenal, a plain wrap job says “meh.” Branded tissue says “I thought this through.”

3. Personalized Thank You Notes That Build Real Connection

Every wholesale box we ship includes a handwritten thank-you note. Why? Because we’re in the relationship business, not just the sales one.

This small act:

• Feels personal

• Highlights your attention to detail

• Sets the tone for long-term partnership

  
  

Include a short story about your brand, a peek at what’s coming next, or even a friendly “let us know how this sells for you!” It humanizes your business—and in a digital world, that matters more than ever.

True story: A boutique owner once posted our thank-you note on their story… not the product, not the packaging… the note.

4. Custom Boxes and Mailers (If You’re Ready to Glow-Up)

This one’s for when you’re ready to really strut your brand.Custom printed boxes or mailers instantly elevate your wholesale orders—and they don’t have to be bank-breaking.

Platforms like Packlane let you design boxes that match your aesthetic and order small quantities. Think bold logos, fun interior prints, even cheeky copy (I once saw “You’ve been expecting me” printed inside a box lid—10/10 would copy).

Why it works: Your box becomes part of the experience. Retailers know it’s from you the second they see it. That kind of brand recall? Chef’s kiss.

5. QR Codes That Drive Engagement (and Reorders)

Here’s a power move:Print a QR code right onto your insert, tissue, or sticker. Link it to your catalog. Your reorder page. A behind-the-scenes video. A pop-up promo. Whatever moves your business forward.

Retailers are busy—make it easy for them to reconnect.We’ve linked QR codes to our Faire shop, a private wholesale promo, and once even a silly “unboxing playlist” (because vibes matter).

Even better? Retailers often pass this along to their customers, so your wholesale box becomes a marketing channel. Sneaky smart.

Wrap It Up—Literally

Let’s be honest: If your packaging is an afterthought, it shows. But if your packaging feels intentional, it says,“We care about the details. We care about you.”

And retailers remember that.They share that.They reorder because of that.

Even if you're shipping from your kitchen counter right now, you can still create an elevated, memorable experience—one sticker, one note, one QR code at a time.

So tell me—what’s your packaging signature move? Drop it in the comments or share it in the Biz Bestie Hub. I’d love to see how you’re leveling up your unboxing game 💌