When I started Sassy Sundae, I knew that packaging wasn’t an afterthought but an essential part of the brand experience. Packaging does more than protect a product; it tells a story, sets the tone for customer experience, and in the age of social media, plays a crucial role in brand visibility.
The Luxury Packaging Challenge
Luxury packaging comes with a hefty price tag. A custom-made, high-end box that met my expectations cost $30+ per unit, with a minimum order of 250 boxes. That’s too high a cost for a startup and completely at odds with Sassy Sundae’s core mission: providing affordable luxury. If I had chosen that route, I would have had to pass those costs, plus higher shipping charges onto my customers, which was simply not an option. Luxury shouldn’t be defined by excessive price tags—it should be about thoughtful details, quality craftsmanship, and an experience that feels indulgent without being wasteful.
I needed to find a solution that was:
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Unique and memorable
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Eco-friendly
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Practical for customers
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Affordable enough to keep my prices reasonable
The Pouch: A Functional, Sustainable & Elegant Solution
That’s when I landed on the idea of using jewelry pouches instead of bulky boxes. Unlike disposable packaging, a high-quality pouch has a lasting purpose—customers can use it to store their dog’s necklace or other small treasures. After extensive research, I discovered that there is only one manufacturer in the United States that specializes in these pouches: Pouches USA in Chicago. Enter Bob, the owner and expert behind the operation, who is assisted by Marge, a German Shepherd, who keeps everything running smoothly. Bob understood my vision and created a Sassy Sundae-branded jewelry pouch that is both elegant and durable, embodying the essence of the brand.
Protecting the Product: The Polishing Cloth from a Storied American Manufacturer
Even with the pouch, I needed an extra layer of protection to keep the luxury chains from rattling in transit, which could alert potential thieves. This led me to Blitz Manufacturing in Indiana, a family-owned company that has been crafting jewelry polishing cloths since 1912. Their product is so iconic that one of their cloths is on display at the Smithsonian. This was the perfect solution: not only did the cloth keep the jewelry secure inside the pouch, but it also added extra value for customers—giving them a practical tool to maintain their dog’s necklace for years to come.
Thoughtful, Eco-Friendly Presentation
Rather than using excessive and wasteful packaging, I wanted the finishing touches to be as charming as they were sustainable. Here’s how the final presentation came together:
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The jewelry pouch is wrapped in tissue paper printed with soy-based inks, making it both stylish and biodegradable.
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It is sealed with a circular Sassy Sundae-branded sticker, adding a polished touch without unnecessary waste.
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The entire package is then placed in a padded envelope, ensuring safe transit while avoiding the bulk and cost of a large, rigid box.
A Commitment to Small Businesses and U.S. Manufacturing
By choosing these packaging elements, I added on to a supplier ecosystem that supports American manufacturing, particularly entrepreneurial and family-owned businesses. Our Puplaces are made by-hand in California, sourced from a female-owned and led company. From Pouches USA in Chicago to Blitz Manufacturing in Indiana, every detail in Sassy Sundae’s packaging comes from artisans and craftspeople who take pride in their work. This isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about supporting businesses that value quality, sustainability, and ethical production.
A Winning Strategy for Customers and the Planet
Sassy Sundae’s approach to packaging accomplishes multiple goals:
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It keeps costs reasonable. Customers don’t have to pay an extra $30+ just for packaging, ensuring that Sassy Sundae remains a brand that delivers luxury without unnecessary bloat.
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It’s reusable and practical. Instead of a box that gets discarded, the pouch and polishing cloth have lasting value.
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It’s eco-conscious. Every element minimizes waste from the reusable pouch and polishing cloth to the soy ink-based tissue paper.
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It enhances the unboxing experience. Thoughtful details like the branded polishing cloth and elegant wrapping make receiving a Sassy Sundae Puplace feel special.
At the end of the day, Sassy Sundae is about affordable luxury with heart. Every choice—from the products themselves to the way they are packaged—reflects that mission. And as the brand grows, this foundation of thoughtful, sustainable luxury will remain at the core of everything we do.
