Help! Smoker in the House.....

[GabysSchaufenster]

This is a subject nobody ever talks about, but I could imagine that I'm not the only one with this problem. My husband is a smoker... So far he did not smoke inside the house, but due to very hard an stressful times, he recently started that bad habit... I have my own smoke free area, my material and finished items are sealed in plastic and stored in containers. As safe as possible... And still now it has happened... I got a negative feedback because 2 of the 3 items I shipped were smelling of smoke..... Looks like I used 'older' material that at some point was exposed....I myself could not tell..... Now I have sent a Kiss and Makeup Proposal to the buyer and also got in touch directly, apologizing and explaining the situation.... So far there is no response.... Over time I have seen some people mentioning 'smoke' in their item descriptions. Like "If the item smells of smoke, just wash it with...." Or the funniest I found was that very successful seller having a whole paragraph in each listing about how it is not her fault when the postal workers smoke...... I have also read that some sellers wash every item prior to shipping. Right now I don't even feel like working my shop because the negative feedback ruins everything..... It looks like soon I will have a smoke free house again, but the damage is already done. What would you do?

[Former_Member]

I recently received an item from an Etsy seller and it wasn't mentioned that it came from a smoker's home. When I opened up the package, there was a waft of smokey smelling air coming out of it. I'm not a smoker and I don't care for the smell coming out of something I've purchased.

I've noticed that when I do enter a smoker's home, it's very strong and then after a while, it's not as noticeable. I think even though you keep your items in a separate room, the smoke will eventually get to it. You probably don't notice it because you're used to the smell of smoke.

Is there another space you could work in, like a garage or somewhere your husband won't go? Or you can mention in your description that it does come from a home with a smoker. I think being upfront with people will help to keep the negative feedback down.

If it's something I really want, the 'smoker in the home' warning won't put me off.

[GabysSchaufenster]

I'm sure you are right. People not being used to smoke at all do have very sensitive noses.... It must be because I was not able to detect any smell on my items..... And it's not like there is a constant 'fog' in the house, windows and patio doors are always open, but still..... Usually I work in my room with the door closed.... But yeah, doors aren't air tight.... Recently, when the weather was nice enough, I worked outside.... :-) As I said, hopefully this will not be a problem for long, but in the meantime I have to take care of it. I'm a very honest person, I don't believe in excuses, and I need to feel good about what I'm doing. I have been working too hard on my shop to now let it fall apart.... Maybe it would be the best to mention the fact in the item description. Thanks so much for your thoughts. :-)

[GabysSchaufenster]

Sorry, but I couldn't help it.... :-) This is what I found.... This seller offers similar items and is very successful.....

"I have a non-smoking household but have had random issues with my postal workers smoking. Please be aware that I do everything in my power to keep cigarette smoke out of my products but I can't guarentee that they won't come in contact with smoke once they have been shipped.
If there is a smoke smell, you can sprinkle it with baking soda and let it sit for a couple of hours and then machine wash."

[SockMonkeyBizzToyCo]

Why don't you try Dryel....it's a drycleaning bag that you put your finished items in and then fluff it up in the dryer (it comes with a 'cleaner'). Should eliminate most odd smells.

I had a positive feedback stating that her monkey had an odd smell (I use high heat glue and when mixed with the fibers of felt will sometimes give a funny smell). It fades quickly though.

I would definately try the Dryel and don't get discouraged!!

Best wishes!!!

[Former_Member]

It is difficult when you sell soft items. Yours are fantastic by the way. I have favorited you even though my bikini days are long over!
I use aromatherapy in my home, and make my own air fresheners. We have no smokers but do have 2 cats and a dog. Peppermint is a wonderful scent for removing the odor of cigarette smoke. Eucalyptus and lemon are also great clean scents. You could put a drop of the essential oil of your choice on a piece of heavy paper (handcrafted paper makes a nice statement) and place it in the package to make a pleasant opening experience for the customer. Essential oils are available online or in health food stores.
Bonnie

[Former_Member]

good advice up there. maybe even just airing it out outside?

I really like your neck warmers in the forest green color. I'm adding you to my circle and favorites so I can get one for next winter!

[GabysSchaufenster]

Thank you so much for your advice. I will definitely try the different methods. I've been doing the airing outside, if possible over night, if only for the reason that some items have been sitting in the plastic bag for long. Maybe some materials collect and keep smells more than others. I didn't have that many sales in this shop, but made quite a few items for friends. I'm sure they would have told me if their hats smelled like smoke. So far I was a little scared that pleasant scents just cover up and result in a mixture of both. Like when you spray air freshener in the bathroom... :-) Essential oils... sounds good.... and Dryel is on top of my shopping list. Again, thank you all for your support!

[ZanyZebraDesigns]

I think the "I have a non-smoking house but..." statement is super, IF it's true. Personally I think it's wrong to put that in your listings if your husband is smoking in the house. Maybe you can tweak it to explain your situation: husband smokes in house but items are created in separate non-smoking room with door closed, etc.

IMO it's always best to be honest with customers.

[GabysSchaufenster]

ZanyZebraDesigns, this is not what I want to write... :-) I found that statement a while ago and thought it was hilarious.... It is so unbelievable and actually impossible... But people don't seem to care.... As I said, this seller is very successful.... :-) So I think that I would have a good chance being honest.... Right now my biggest worry is the feedback. Unfortunately the buyer did not get back to me yet. I still hope that she agrees to the Kiss and Makeup Proposal....

[Former_Member]

Hi, I think it's great that you want to be upfront but I would imagine that it's going to deter a lot of potential customers. I just bought a purse on Ebay and I could smell stale cigarette smoke even in the packaging. I returned the item and it was very stressful as a buyer because I really liked it but I couldn't find a dry cleaner that felt confident they can clean it without ruining the purse.

I grew up with my dad smoking around me all the time and I got used to it. But since I've moved out years ago, I've become supersensitive to the smell. Even just a hint of it makes me nauseous and get a headache that lasts all day.

I empathize with your situation and even at the risk of losing some non-smoker customers, I believe honesty is the best policy.

[ZanyZebraDesigns]

I see what you're saying. It is really funny. :o)

IMO you need to be honest right up front. In the long run it'll be better because you won't have to deal with returns, unhappy customers or negative feedback because of it.

Plus, when/if things change you can post that too: UPDATE - Smokey has left the building! Due to ..... our home has resumed non-smoking status... etc...

[Former_Member]

I know personally I'm highly allergic to cigarette smoke, as is my daughter. I totally agree with the above, put it in your discription. It would stink (no pun intended) to acidently close someone's air way that had just bought one of your beautiful items.

[GabysSchaufenster]

Thanks again for all your input... :-)
Yes, I will definitely add a paragraph to my listings.... I do feel bad about the situation, but I also need to have some peace of mind....
Unfortunately the negative feedback is still there. The buyer did not react to my mail or the 'Kiss and Makeup Proposal'. This is kind of sad because we had a pretty good connection and she just loved the items..... Didn't say anything about smoke in the beginning... Maybe it's because I'm dealing with 2 different persons here, one is the user and the other one the buyer.

[GabysSchaufenster]

Ok, I did it.... Added this paragraph to all my listings, directly under the item description:


"Message to Buyer:

Unfortunately my house is not absolutely smoke free at the moment. I do have my own smoke free work and storage area, and I keep my material as well as my finished items sealed in plastic in 'airtight' containers. I do everything possible for my products not to be exposed to cigarette smoke at all, but cannot guarantee that my efforts will always be 100% successful. I would like to apologize in advance in case it should ever happen that a product has a slight smell to it. Generally this smell fades away pretty fast. Please let me know if you would like me to gently hand wash your purchase prior to shipping. "

What do you think?

I kind of feel better already.... just knowing to have it covered.....

[recrudescence]

So sorry to hear about your negative feedback.
I am in a house with smokers sooo I worry about my items having a scent when departing.
I would love to say "have a heart to heart with your hubby". If that's not to personal. It takes around 7-12 times (!) for a smoker to quit completely. So be supportive. It's not an easy task. I tried and will try again.
Unfortunately, smoke is incredibly hard to get rid of. As a smoker that lives with smokers, I honestly gross myself out sometimes. I air the house out as often as possible, burn "smoke-away" candles and have a good spray "fragrance free-Smells BEGONE-odor eliminator".
Try to be conscious of where you store all packing supplies-sealing containers-cedar sachets, in an area that is smoke free.
Until your hubby can kick the evil habit.....that is for some reason been legal and unregulated for so long.....
Hope this helps. I agree with being honest with your customers but a little extra "smoke-free" tricks can't hurt.

[GabysSchaufenster]

recrudescence, thank you so much for your advise and for sharing your own experiences... I have it all, electric air cleaner, candles, sprays etc.... And I'm rather cold than stinky... :-) But you're right, once the smell is in the house, it just seems to stick.... This is why I protect my own area fiercely.... Except for the negative feedback my eye opener was that my daughter was asked at school whether she smokes..... I felt so bad! Guess the laundry basket was parked in the wrong spot.... I don't think that you have to worry about your items. Maybe just make sure that the packing material is not exposed to the smoke. Paper, fabric, yarn... those are the materials that suck up the smoke.... I think it's totally cool that you talk so openly about yourself! We all know that a lot of people are not honest! Which reminds me of the listing on eBay (for some electronic item)... smoke free home.... and in the picture you could see an overflowing ashtray right next to the item.... :-) Same with pets.... I wonder where all those dogs and cats live..... Nobody seems to have any....

[Former_Member]

I would be very upset if I received an item smelling of smoke. It's a very toxic substance, not just a smelly nuisance. I would not want a replacement item unless I was SURE it came from a smoke free environment., because I don't want to expose myself or my family to the residue. I'm sorry you have to work so hard on this problem.

[Former_Member]

I'm sorry to hear you have to struggle with this on top of everything else.
Smoke really does not bother me too much except that I am pretty allergic to it, and I have a hard time excepting that as I try to be accepting of all things. Being closed minded and negative about things is far more hazardous to your health IMO.
Anyhow I would have headaches, difficulty breathing, etc. In spite of all this I would buy something I really loved even if it came from a smoker's home. That's saying a lot considering the condition it puts me in.
I really like to know what to expect so putting the notice makes it helpful. It means I can trash the packaging asap before it comes inside etc. Another thing that should help you quite a bit is just making sure your packing materials are relatively smoke free. Even if the item is smoke free but the packaging isn't it will make the item smell like it's come from a smokers environment.
One other thing. That other 'buyer's disclaimer' that you posted is just silly! I mean postal workers! haha.

[Former_Member]

My mother refused to let my father in the house when he was smoking and all of us girls grew up very opposed to it. I have bought stuff where it came reeking and I think it is such a good idea for you to post your paragraph. It makes me angry when I receive something and I have not been forewarned but I think it is too bad that the buyer won't respond.

[Former_Member]

I checked out your shop and your items are beautiful! (I especially love the olive infinity scarf!) I think the paragraph you added with each item is just right...as a buyer I would see that you are being honest and that you are doing everything possible (including offering to handwash the item) to keep your merchandise smoke-free. Good luck...I hope your hubby is able to quit for his own health as well as for your business!
ps...noticed you are in Orange...we're neighbors - I live in Corona!

[GabysSchaufenster]

You guys are awesome. Thank you again for caring and sharing! I went to the smoke shop the other day and looked at those electric cigarettes, the ones that only operate with water/steam.... Maybe that works for the habit... The nicotine part can easily be substituted if necessary.... I suggested to buy one of those once I get out of the hospital next week. Wouldn't that be great....?! Healing after my surgery, no more pain killers, no more smoke... The first steps to a better life.... :-) Oh, I forgot, I had a sale after I posted the message.... A 'little one', but a sale.... :-)

[Former_Member]

That negative feedback sucks! Keep your head up and smile, these things happen and at least you do have lots of positives! I agree that being up front and honest will be your best game plan. Majority of people will buy it if the love it and that won't deter them unless there is a true health concern (like allergies). Those are the buyers that really will appreciate the note. Honesty is always best, sometimes hard, but always best (that's what I tell my 3 dd :)

[GabysSchaufenster]

Yes, Serendipitydw , you are absolutely right. Before that feedback I was not aware that there might be a problem at all. It hit me hard... :-) But now I know, and I cannot just ignore the fact. I feel much better now that I added that little paragraph... I definitely don't want to be nervous every time I sell something.

[GabysSchaufenster]

Don't know whether you guys still look at this thread, but I just saw the mail I received from the buyer with the negative feedback.... She wrote: "I got my items today and I love them all !!! Thanks so much." Not mentioning any kind of problem.... Then, over 2 months later, the negative feedback.....