Paper Bags..your opinion is needed!

[Katianne]

Right, I am trying to decide which paper bags to buy to use at a craft fair, the bags are for putting handmade phot frames in (5x7"). I am torn between these 2 options...

http://i2.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/85/19/839f_2.JPG (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=008&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=180091772373&rd=1&rd=1#ebayphotohosting) http://i1.ebayimg.com/02/i/000/7b/70/0a6f_2.JPG (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=018&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=280088419745&rd=1&rd=1#ebayphotohosting)

Any opionions? I like the fact that the brown ones have handles but the other are ein pretty colours!!! HELP!

[Apple Tree Crafts]

if the seller can possibly get the coloured bags with handles?

Are your frames heavy? if they were then handles are better for ease of carrying, but they might not take the load if the frames were very heavy.

If the frames aren't too heavy then the coloured bags would be nice - you could seal them by folding the top over and putting on a sticker with your details printed on it.

It's a tough call, that one.

Jules

[Katianne]

The frames aren't heavy, so I am tempted by the coloured ones - they are so pretty!!! I think it makes a difference that have pretty bags :) Thanks Jules!

[Apple Tree Crafts]

......there are some nice bags on the 'Bay' tonight, just been having a look. I've put loads in 'watching'.

Fancy some pretty pale blue ones to go with the pink ones I bought last time. Spoiled for choice though....plain pale blue flat bags or nice carriers, or both?

Jules

[Apple Tree Crafts]

Thread popped up twice...agghh!

[swirlyarts]

I think the ones with the handles are good - I have those and I'm planning to decorate them when I do craft fairs. Not sure how but thats what I'm planning on doing!!

[the felt fairy]

The brown ones are nice as they look more recycled/eco friendly if you get what I mean.

....but the coloured ones are nice also, especially if you folded them shut over the photo frame and sealed them with a sticker with your details on. Kind of looks like a present then??

[CleoCrafts]

from a customer point of view, i'd go for the handles - if people are wandering round a craft fair buying bits and bobs, it can get hard to manage your packages if there are no handles (from a point of view of someone who would be out with a toddler!!)

[beadsbydesign]

If you went for the handled bag you could always used coloured tissue paper to initially wrap the item. Leave a few ends poking out and it will add colour!

[Sparklez]

Alternatively, you could go for some small, pretty carrier bags. I got some lovely black, with gold swirly patterns on from ebay, that I use for my craft fairs. They were really cheap too.

Carol

[Katianne]

Thanks all the advice! I am sticking with the paper as I like the fact that you can recycle them. I have seen the black and gold bags you mean though and they do look really good.

[Katianne]

Ok, so the coloured ones won for me, but I take the point of practicality, so have decided to add my own handles and see how that works. I just loved the pretty colours too much, couldn't resist!!!

[candles by lisa]

Yep the coloured ones are nice but would probably need handles of some sort particularly if your frames are large.

All the best.

Lisa

[Seahorse]

I have to say when Im carrying something thats awkward and Im handed a bag with no handles I get annoyed.Handles are more convenient but the coloured bags are also appealing.
HAve you tried www.bagnboxman.co.uk they do paper bags in white,brown and colours or printed, all with handles.

[indri]

I think the ones with the handles are good - I have those and I'm planning to decorate them when I do craft fairs. Not sure how but thats what I'm planning on doing!!

You could use rubber stamps to decorate if you want it to be quick, easy and not too ostentatios.

I prefer the ones with handlles, less likely to drop the bag when carrying then!

The tissue paper suggestion is a good one ;)

[Katianne]

Yes, I agree handles are definitely a good idea. I have ordered the coloured ones (as had to make a quick decision as when I posted they were near to ending) but am going to add my own handles. I like the tissue paper idea too so will see how these go, if too time comsuming I think I will go for the handled ones next time and use tissue paper.

[lizard]

Handles will be easier for your customers to carry around with them. Maybe think about getting a personalized stamp made and stamp on the bags that way even the brown (dumpy looking) bags can be stylish and functional

[colourart]

I know this is an older post, but I just wanted to share this as there is talk of decorating the bags.

I was watching Mary Queen of Shops a few weeks ago and one of the clothes shops featured had brown paper bags which they got their kids to decorate just with felt tip and marker pens in different colours. The looked great really funky and personalised. With all the creative people on here this sort of idea should be no problem.

[BeadsbyLili]

and to add my twopenneth, for whats its worth, is that bags without handles are likely to be put inside another (carrier) bag so any marketing opportunities are lost.....