Thread: Fancy Costume Storage Boxes - Would you use?

I have an idea I've been knocking about for a while now and I want to run it by everyone and get some advice.
My business is going really well and so I'd like to personalize my custom costumes with packaging to make them really special. Right now I am just wrapping them in clear plastic and sticking them in the mail which is boring!
My dream idea is to ship them in boxes with mesh sides/zip up boxes/see through plastic and mesh or fabric and mesh. Maybe like a hat box style?
However it would have to be cost effective and each box would have to cost less than $5. Also I would put a label with the costume's name and my designer name/info on the top. Sort of a larger stick on version of the label that is already sewn on the inside of the costume. Maybe even a little potpourri bag could go inside. Another issue is whatever box I'd use would have to be able to slide easily into a priority flat rate box.
So here are my questions:
Would you - as a dancer - appreciate this?
Would you use it?
Would it jive with how you store your costumes now? Or would is just be a nuisance?
Where do I get such a thing and/or do you or someone you know make them?
All responses appreciated!!!..g.:

When I saw the thread title, I thought 'that's not something I'd use.'

But after reading your description -- yes, actually I'd love that. I currently hang my skirts and keep bras and belts in clear plastic boxes on shelves. Your box would fit right in on those shelves, and I'd feel very special when it arrived. When I got ready to sell the costume (sooner or later they all have to go) its' something I'd either keep or photograph as a selling feature along with the costume itself.

As far as where to get them -- my ex used to sell advertising specialties -- anything from clothing to pencils to seed packets with your logo on them. He would have tracked something down for you to imprint! So I suggest going to your local advertising specialties person. Or search for 'closet accessories' online or on e-bay to find the thing you like and affix your own label, might be cheaper IF you can get them in wholesale lots.

I would definitely appreciate that.

Right now, I am using boxes that are 4/$10 at Ikea: Fabric, clear plastic front door with velcro closure. It would be kinda cool to have a label maybe silksreened (no idea what work that implies) on one of those.

Alternatively, I would also find a zippered fabric bag (maybe with an extra pocket for jewelry/repair kit/safety pins that I can use for transportation quite delightful.

I'd love this and I wouldn't object to paying a bit extra for it either when buying from you. I agree that it would make the purchase extra special. It would be good to add acid free tissue paper into the box/bag?

I paid a LOT of money for a special box just to store my wedding dress in (and that cost about the same as some costumes do!) from The Empty Box Company so might be worth check them out to see if you can borrow any ideas?

I would so love something like that. I hang my heavy skirts and fold my light chiffon ones and store my bra and belt sets in those fabric drawers that you can buy at the container store, but if my costumes were in nice storage boxes I could just pack the box in my gig bag and run (which would me more effective then digging through the drawer looking for that missing ankle cuff or head band!

that sounds wonderful. right now i have mine in a closet but eventually i'm going to have to give up that space. it would also be nice to have a photo of the costume on the box, so you dont have to open them all if you have a stack.... not that i would know anything about having a stack of costumes...heehee

Interesting idea! Would this be more of a box style or more like a lingerie cage bag style? (Example: Amazon.com: Lingerie Laundry Cage Bag)

I would love that! Right now, I storage my costumes in hat boxes and I was planning on getting a chest for them. I love your idea, it's sounds like high couture ;)

I would love them. I do love them. I bought a bunch of zippered fabric boxes that I really, really like when they were on sale at the Container Store, but even on sale they're an expensive habit:
The Container Store > Flora Fabric Storage Boxes
I stack multiple dresses in one medium size and use the small size for individual costumes with multiple pieces. I switched to these from plastic because they're breathable and because I'm a sucker for a pretty pattern. It's a useful and attractive design. If yours were anything like this -- and having seen your designs, I bet they'd be even better -- that would be a great bonus! If you found/developed one that worked really well, people might very well want to buy them from you separately even if they didn't happen to be buying a costume at the time.

I also like Steffi's idea of a pretty and practical carrying bag. I recently saw a lovely personalized one from Bella that even matched the costume. Niiiiice.

Originally Posted by steffib

I would definitely appreciate that.

Right now, I am using boxes that are 4/$10 at Ikea: Fabric, clear plastic front door with velcro closure. It would be kinda cool to have a label maybe silksreened (no idea what work that implies) on one of those.

Alternatively, I would also find a zippered fabric bag (maybe with an extra pocket for jewelry/repair kit/safety pins that I can use for transportation quite delightful.

Not to barge into this thread and talk about my own stuff, but I've developed a bag just like this, which I'm offering to dancers if they're interested. I've posted pics in the "what are you working on" thread, and I also have some posted on Facebook.

I do like the idea of nice boxes with mesh for storage, but they can be too bulky to put in my suitcase, espcially if I need to bring a few costumes with me on a busy night. I had been using pillowcases, but I wanted something that was a better size, had separate compartments for the bra and the belt (or skirt) and accessories, and zipped closed, so I designed one!

I love your bags! I am guessing they are not in the $5 range =)
It sounds like this might just be a good idea. I am going to check out IKEA for sure. I was thinking mesh or plastic sides would be good for identifying the costume when stacked or even a label on the sides and top. I think silk screening would be too big a deal but I could use maybe an iron on label. I just hate stacking and unpacking my rubbermaids - which is how I store mine. It's a pain in the butt before and after a gig. If I could find both a box and bag option then I could offer a choice. I just hate it when I buy a costume and it just comes in a priority box. Cause you know it's like xmas when they arrive! I just want to make it special.

what about something like this?
Organizers - Blanket Bag

I also like the Flort
IKEA | Boxes & baskets | Paper & media boxes | FLÖRT | Box with lid

I would love to receive a custom made creation in a fancy box. I think it would be very special & appropriate. Great idea!!
(I'm so bummed I missed your fabulous yummyness performing at Cairo Caravan. Silly person making the performer list schedule....made me miss you).
Blessings!!

Hi Suzette! I am so glad you are on Bhuz! Yes Cairo Caravan was ridiculously unorganized this year.
I wish you were still in LA....

Originally Posted by eshtabellydance

I love your bags! I am guessing they are not in the $5 range =)
It sounds like this might just be a good idea. I am going to check out IKEA for sure. I was thinking mesh or plastic sides would be good for identifying the costume when stacked or even a label on the sides and top. I think silk screening would be too big a deal but I could use maybe an iron on label. I just hate stacking and unpacking my rubbermaids - which is how I store mine. It's a pain in the butt before and after a gig. If I could find both a box and bag option then I could offer a choice. I just hate it when I buy a costume and it just comes in a priority box. Cause you know it's like xmas when they arrive! I just want to make it special.

No, they're not, I really need to make about $20 apiece to make them worth my time and the materials, but I'm really tickled with 'em, and I think for travel with multiple costumes, it's a great solution.

I like the flort box you linked to - way cool!

Ooh I like the ikea box. Those would stack really well in a rolling tote that I have (from my scrapbooking days).