7 Reasons to Include Tote Bags In Your Ecommerce Store

Whether you’re targeting fashion-savvy Gen Zs or working moms who are always on the go, tote bags can be a great addition to your online store collection. Not only are they stylish, but tote bags are also practical, which makes them a popular choice for customers who are looking for both function and fashion.

And in this article, we’ll discuss more about these totally trendy totes and why you should consider designing and selling them in your store. Let’s get started!

The Rise of Tote Bags

Try going to Pinterest and type in “aesthetic outfits” in the search bar. You’ll probably see a bunch of images of gals and guys with oversized tees, mom or baggy jeans, and guess what—tote bags.

Tote bags have become a popular choice for everyday carry, especially among the younger generation. However, with many designer and luxury brands like Marc Jacobs and Saint Laurent releasing their own versions of tote bags, these handy pieces are also becoming a must-have even for the fashionistas of the older gens. In fact, even the fictional, fashion-savvy character Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City who’s known for her high-end taste, was seen sporting a tote bag on several occasions.

The rise of these bags can be attributed to many factors which also make them a great choice for print-on-demand powered stores. And whether you’re just starting out with your business or you simply want some new pieces in your product catalog, investing in tote bags might just be a great idea. Here are some reasons why:

Reason #1: They’re Sustainable

One of the main reasons tote bags have become popular, especially among the younger generations, is because they’re eco-friendly. Over the years, they have become an alternative to single-use plastic bags which are harmful to the environment (Enviro-Tote). In fact, figures show that a single reusable tote bag can eliminate the use of more than 22,000 disposable bags.

This is a huge selling point, especially for customers who are looking to support eco-friendly and sustainable businesses. Furthermore, promoting the use of tote bags through your brand can also help raise awareness about environmental issues, which is always a bonus.

Reason #2:  They’re Affordable

With less than $8,  you can already purchase a decent canvas tote bag for yourself. Compare this to those small, trendy bags which can easily go for a couple of hundred dollars or more and you’ll see why tote bags are such a great choice—they’re affordable!

This makes them perfect for businesses who are just starting out and are working with a tight budget. And if your store is operating with a print-on-demand partner like Awkward Styles, you can easily sell budget bags with your designs without having to worry about minimum order quantities or inventory. Hence, you get to target a wider range of customers, including those who are looking for more affordable options, without compromising your profit margins.

Reason #3: They’re Practical

Whether you’re running errands, going to the beach, or simply bringing your laptop to and from work, tote bags can be a great choice as they’re spacious and practical. Their large size also means that you can fit a lot of things inside, which is perfect for busy moms or working professionals who are always on the go.

On top of that, a lot of tote bags come with additional compartments and pockets which help keep everything organized. This is quite an enticing  feature for shoppers who like knowing that their things are securely stored and within easy reach.

Reason #4: They Have a Large Print Area

If you want to showcase your awesome designs through your stylish pieces, tote bags can be a great choice as they have a large print area. This means that you can go crazy with your designs, whether you want to print a whole A4-sized photo, a motivational quote, or even a digital illustration.

With a large print area, tote bags also give you more room to get creative with your marketing messages. For example, you can give away tote bags with your store’s name and logo as a way to promote brand awareness. You can also use them as marketing collateral during trade shows or other events. The possibilities are totes endless! 😉

Reason #5: They Go With Any Outfit

If you scrolled through the Pinterest search results I’ve mentioned earlier, you would’ve noticed that tote bags can be dressed up or down to suit any outfit. This is one of their best features as it allows shoppers to use them in a variety of ways, whether they’re going to the office or running errands on the weekend.

This versatility is also great for businesses as it means that your tote bags will have a longer shelf life. Customers won’t get tired of using them and they could even become their go-to bag for quite a while, which means more brand exposure for you!

Reason #6: They’re On-Trend!

Dozens of influencers and celebs on Instagram have been spotted carrying tote bags, or even using them as props in their flat lays. We’ve also seen an influx of tote bag styles in the past couple of years, with more and more businesses coming up with creative and trendy designs.

This surge in popularity means that tote bags are definitely on-trend right now, and selling them in your online store is a good way to cash in on this trend. And the great thing is that the tote bag obsession doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon, so you can definitely expect them to bring in some good profits for your business in the coming months or even years.

Reason #7: They Say A Lot About You

According to Nicole Collazo Santana of Vox, a lot of people are obsessed with these bags because they “…give each of us the power to say who we are…in a practical, affordable way”.

That’s right! Tote bags can not only carry your groceries and essentials, but also your own unique style and personality. By selling tote bags with designs that reflect your brand’s niche, you’re giving your customers a way to show the world who they are and what they’re into. And that’s something that people are always looking for.

Moreover, you provide your shoppers with an opportunity to connect with your brand on a personal level.  When they use your tote bags, they’ll be reminded of how your brand and products make them feel—stylish, unique, and part of a community.

Some Tips on Designing and Selling Your Own Line of Tote Bags

Ready to design and add your own line of tote bags to your online store? Here are some tips that’ll help you get started:

Think Outside the Bag

Because tons of brands, including the high-end ones, are now selling tote bags, it’s important that your designs stand out from the rest. This doesn’t mean that you have to completely reinvent the wheel, but rather put your own spin on the classic tote bag design.

For example, you can let your customers personalize their tote bags by adding their names or initials to their chosen design templates. Or you could come up with a limited edition series featuring unique designs that’ll be released periodically. This will not only get your shoppers excited about your tote bags, but also make them feel like they’re part of the unfolding story of your brand.

It’s All About the Print

If your business is all about POD products that showcase your own crafted designs, then you have to make sure that your tote bags have high-quality prints. Nobody would want to carry around a bag with a design that’s faded or pixelated, so make sure to only work with a print and fulfillment service provider that can guarantee top-notch quality.

Quality Matters

Another thing you have to double-check when selling tote bags is the quality of the material and construction. After all, you wouldn’t want your shoppers’ stuff to fall out of their bag while they’re carrying it around, would you?

Do some research on the different types of tote bag materials and order a few samples from different suppliers before settling on one. Then, put the bag through a series of tests to see how well it holds up under different conditions. Only once you’re satisfied with the results should you start selling them in your store.

Showcase Your Tote Bags In Use

When marketing your tote bags, make sure to show them off in use. For example, you can create a  “What’s in my bag?” TikTok video or Instagram reel featuring one of your team members using one of your tote bags. This will not only give potential customers a better idea of what the bag looks like in real life, but also how spacious and sturdy it is.

You could also try partnering up with an influencer in your niche and giving them one of your tote bags to use and show off in their social media posts. Just make sure to choose an influencer whose audience is likely to be interested in your products!

Mix and Match Them With Other Products

As mentioned earlier, tote bags go with just about anything. So why not take advantage of that and upsell your customers by pairing them with other products in your store?

For example, if you sell clothes, you could put together a bundle consisting of a tote bag, a shirt, and a cap. Or if you sell beauty products, you could create a gift set that includes a tote bag, a skincare set, and a couple of makeup items.

The key here is to be creative and think outside the box. By coming up with unique product combinations, you’ll not only increase your average order value, but also give your customers ideas on how to style and use your products.

Looking for the Perfect Tote Bag?

Tote bags are totally here to stay, and there’s no better time to start selling them than now. All that’s left to do is get your creative juices flowing and come up with some killer designs!

Once you’ve got your designs down, you can choose from Awkward Styles’ wide range of tote bag options, with different styles and sizes that are sure to fit your customers’ needs! And the best part is, our tote bags come at a very affordable price point, so you can definitely make good profits while providing your customers with a satisfying shopping experience!