Create A Bundled Product And Include Public Domain Images – Step Two

You can read the first part of this series here: Create A Bundled Product – Step 1

I’ve been around the bend and back with this project… it’s the “outside” of the box label that  is next on the list and I was making it “harder” on myself.

I asked Deb Henry to help me with “the look and feel” I was trying to convey.  She has a creative “brain” like mine… but she isn’t so “emotionally” attached to the product.

She gave me several really good ideas… all would take “layers” and working with an imaging program like Photoshop. I started to work on these last night and was completely overwhelmed with the amount of work I was going to be putting into “just the silly label”.

Today – I shared my entire idea with my “gal Friday” (or ‘da book-keeper) who is also super creative… and in talking to her “out-loud” I figured out the problem.

Let’s look at this from a customer point of view… this is NOT a product someone is going to pick up in a store.  This is something that has to be sold by product page description and images of the product.

• I don’t NEED the contents of the box listed on the label. They will see that in the product description and the pictures.
• I don’t NEED a fancy “OOOHHH – How Cool Is That” label. It needs to be a label that is just “Nice” and sort of “generic”.
• I don’t NEED a label that the online customer can’t “see” from the image (too much “stuff” to look at).

What I do need on my product label:

• A clear graphic that gives a quick heads up – This Is What The Product Is and Who It’s For.
• A graphic that can be used over and over for different projects. (Set up once and use again).
• A label that could be created without using a fancy graphic editor (because you all don’t have that).
• I needed to be able to find and use something quickly – easily – and still look fantastic!

I’m actually using “ideas” from three sources, Deb Henry, ‘da bookkeeper and “me”!

First – the Deb Henry idea (not all her ideas – she is a gushing fountain of ideas) – but the one that made the most sense was to use Silhouette’s from Dover Publications.

These silhouette designs mean that I don’t have to “search” for a good public domain graphic. I can grab one off a clip-art CD.

• The bold black and white graphic looks great on the “white” box.
• The images are not “tooo flowery and cutsie” that a male customer/gift recipient would be turned off.
• The graphic “frames” the title of the product.

Second – ‘Da Book-keeper idea (she helped me simplify).

• The label doesn’t need the “contents” listed.
• The image doesn’t need to scream Valentine’s Day. I need to make these products more of an “all year long” product. (I’ll get into this thought process with you later.
• I needed an image I can easily “Add” something that does make it more “theme” specific.

Third – My Own Ideas (I have lot’s of ideas – but I’ll try to keep it focused).

• I want to use a cigar box label (and Photoshop editing) for this project – but decided against using one for the outside box label. I’ll be using one (I think) for one of the components inside the box.
• The reason I want to use some editing software – is to show you that with just a bit of additional “work” (not tooo much) – this product will be totally unique and yet “duplicatable” for future projects.

Creating The Bundled Product Label

The Label Paper – I’m using 8.5 x 11 inch sticker paper. I purchased a small bundle at Staples but found it cheaper (way way cheaper) on Amazon. Glossy Inkjet Sticker Paper 100 pack

Remember – The box I’m using has a 8 x 11 inch “top” – I could use just about any size paper. I think the full sheet size will be easy to crop and slap on.

The Silhouette – this is the silhouette I chose from the many Deb Henry suggested:

The copyright – Of course I can’t really “copyright” the image.  It’s public domain and unless I change it significantly – it’s just public domain.  I’m adding a “copyright” to the bottom of the label that gives the impression (because not anything in the box/product is really “original”) that the product is protected. Nothing illegal on my part, but if someone could (doubtful) duplicate the entire product… I wouldn’t really have a leg to stand on.

What I do have is “proof” that it is my “product” – if someone comes along and adds their product to my “product page” (using my UPC) – I can have Amazon take them off.

The idea is to have a product that is not going to have direct (pricing) competition. Right? This is how you do that.

The Title (printed on the label) – I “Was” going to “title” this product (right on the product) using “Valentine” or “Valentine’s Day”. This is just plain silly/stupid on my part. LOL

This product can be used “All Year”…. if I position it right on Amazon.  Just slap me upside the head right now and get it over with.

The original title was something like “***** For Lovers (or Couples) – Create A Valentine Memory” (The **** is still a secret – you will get to see it as it unfolds).

 The new title is something like “**** Snuggle Kit“

Remember – this is the “Name” of the product – so it will be used in the Product Page Title on Amazon as well.

That’s IT… Simple – Simple – Simple.

 I “Fudged” With Editing

I tried to “edit this label in something simple like “Microsoft Office Picture Manager” and that didn’t work for me. I just went with what I’m used to which is “Photoshop Elements” – I was frustrating myself trying to use a “freebie” tool. I know that their are imaging tools that are free – and work for others, please use what you are most comfortable with.

I edited and created the entire label in less than 15 minutes… Woot!

I’ll have to “reveal” the contents of this product in my next blog update… are you excited yet? I am pretty dog-gone happy with how everything is going so far – once I got out of my own way.

p.s. I’m having a hard time with the contents of this product… I keep wanting to add “more stuff”. The beauty of having a box already picked out – I can only add so much.