Freebies?
This topic has been closed.
This discussion is public.
Original Post
I plan on selling my jewelry in my Etsy shop when I get up and running. I've been reading a lot in the forums and the blogosphere and I run into the question of freebies a lot. When I purchase something, I really do love the thrill of getting a little something extra in my package! I'd like to provide that, at least on occasion or to high-volume customers. The suggestion is usually to go with a smaller version or a sample of what you already make. But with jewelry, I'm just not sure what to do. You can't really give a sample because each piece is worth so much and you can't really make a smaller version of a piece of jewelry...
Jewelry sellers, what do you do for freebies/samples and the like? Or do you do them at all?
Posted at 4:06pm Oct 27, 2010 EDT
Responses
I love buying jewelry on Etsy and my favorite "freebie" is a coupon for say 10-20% off my next purchase. I usually use them.
Posted at 9:38am Oct 28, 2010 EDT
I send a free silver cleaning cloth with pieces that are Sterling. I also had some pencils made with my biz name imprinted. Didn't cost very much. I also made some cell phone dangles with leftover beads.
But you really don't have to send anything extra. Sometimes people send things that you have no need for and they just get trashed. Just make sure to send a business card or two.
Posted at 9:41am Oct 28, 2010 EDT
Yes coupon codes are a good idea, and apparently Etsy is working on making this easier for us. At the moment it's a PITA to have to refund through Paypal.
Posted at 9:43am Oct 28, 2010 EDT
I'm not a jewelry seller, but when I send out a sweater that's above a certain price, I include a little inexpensive de-fuzzer.
Freebies could really break the bank for me. And as a buyer, I have to say I don't really like them. I tend to think I'm paying for them somehow--something I didn't really ask for.
What matters most to me as a buyer is *thoughfulness* and *care.* There are lots of ways a buyer can show s/he was careful and paid attention to the product and package. A little personal note, simple packaging...I think there's a happy medium.
Posted at 9:48am Oct 28, 2010 EDT
I wouldn't expect a freebie with a jewelry purchase, although a friend of mine makes fine silver jewelry and I was happy to get a business card magnet from her when I purchased a necklace!
Posted at 9:49am Oct 28, 2010 EDT
Since I sell sterling silver jewelry, I really can't afford to send out freebies. I will include a discount code with a % off their next order from time to time. (Though I have yet to have someone use this).
Posted at 9:51am Oct 28, 2010 EDT
I don't do freebies, either, but I LOVE the idea of the product swap! I do give coupons, and I think if you can't afford freebies, that is a great idea!
Posted at 9:53am Oct 28, 2010 EDT
I don't do freebies either. Even making a little something is extra work that I unfortunately don't have the time for. I love DiBeau's cleaning cloth idea! That would be so helpful for customers.
Posted at 9:53am Oct 28, 2010 EDT
What spectacular advice everyone! Thanks so much!!
I'm thinking I won't offer a freebie since it doesn't seem standard/expected. But as a courtesy I might purchase some cloths for my fine metal pieces for purchases over a certain amount. And maybe I'll make up some small cards with care instructions!
Thanks again for all your help, each and every one of you. This has put me more at ease!
Posted at 10:35pm Oct 28, 2010 EDT
I don't do freebies anymore but instead make sure the purchase is packaged nicely so it's a treat for the buyer to open. I know that when I receive something I've bought on Etsy, seeing great packaging always makes me very happy and I'd rather see nice packaging and a handwritten note than a freebie that I may or may not use.
Posted at 11:10pm Oct 28, 2010 EDT