Advice for sellers: Make an effort
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Original Post
While I'm on the forums, let me add another thing.
Sellers, when someone takes the time to support your shop and buy from you, take the time to acknowledge the purchase. I have bought things and never heard a word from the seller about getting the order. A week or so later, I get the item, but it's just an item in an envelope.
As a buyer, it would have gone a long way if I had gotten a quick email about the order saying it had been received or shipped or something. And if nothing else, a small note saying "thank you for your order" included in the package would be nice.
I think either of these would take no more than a few seconds per customer and it would make them want to shop again with you.
One seller with high volume sales has gone out of her way for me communications wise, keeping me posted about shipping, asking if she could include a gift note in the package and thanking me for my order.
Another never acknowledged my order and included no note or receipt or anything with it.
Guess which one I'd like to do business with again?
That's just my perspective as a buyer. As a seller, I haven't sold anything yet, but I've sold on eBay and I ALWAYS keep the customer posted on shipping and thank them for the order.
Posted at 2:17pm Jan 20, 2007 EST
Responses
Some artist just don't have people skills.
Posted at 2:18pm Jan 20, 2007 EST
I didn't mean to say artists I meant sellers in general.
Posted at 2:19pm Jan 20, 2007 EST
Wow! You need to buy something from me! I guarantee you lots of smiles, lots of warm fuzzies and lots of surprises :0)
Posted at 2:21pm Jan 20, 2007 EST
Burstofhappiness, I have had limited experience as a buyer on Etsy (I've only purchased one item, and the transcaction went well.) However, I can tell you that, as a seller, I have done all the things you suggested above, and then some! Part of my enjoyment in selling handmade items is that it's personal, so I enjoy adding that personal touch and giving personal attention whenever possible.
Posted at 2:22pm Jan 20, 2007 EST
Burstofhappiness, I think that is great advice. We should all know to say "thank you", and just be nice in general, but we sometimes need to be reminded!
Posted at 2:22pm Jan 20, 2007 EST
I have to agree. I don't think that a short and sweet, "Thank You, I'll ship your order on X date", is too time consuming to send.
Sure, buyers get the automated etsy invoice and paypal receipt, but that doesn't mean that the seller is paying attention on their end! When I purchase anything online, I like for my purchases to be acknowledged.
I try to treat my customers the same way I'd like to be treated :)
Posted at 2:28pm Jan 20, 2007 EST
This is such sound common sense advice that you'd think wouldn't even need to be stated. Some people lack interpersonal skills as well as business skills. The personal touch goes such a long way IMHO towards making the buyer's experience successful. It takes successful buyers to make successful sellers!
Posted at 2:30pm Jan 20, 2007 EST
I totally agree,Burst. As a seller, I try to go the extra mile with my thanks,packaging,freebie,etc. My buying experiences have been very good till the latest. PayPal is communicating nicer and more frequently than the seller. Oh,well! To paraphrase what craftsfromtheheart said "some PEOPLE just don't have people skills"....
Posted at 2:31pm Jan 20, 2007 EST
That's what makes Etsy different. Well written and great advice. I always follow up with my customers after the order and once it's been shipped. And a hand written thank you note is included in all my packages.
Posted at 2:32pm Jan 20, 2007 EST