A Tip from my Entrepreneurship Professor

[Former_Member]

The other day in class my professor was discussing good customer service and a surprising act of kindness that goes beyond good customer service is a good way to get customer's to come back and to even recommend their friends. One example she gave was sending out Christmas cards to customers.

I am definitely doing it, and since I make stationery I will be making my own Christmas cards to sends out along with a coupon code.

I personally think that sending the customer that fits something that you offer in your shop; for example if you make soap, perhaps send them a sample with coupon code, is a good way to keep customers coming back.

[Emariecreations]

That's is a wonderful idea! I'm not really prepared to do that this year, but that would be something to think about for next year. Thanks for sharing!

[BlissWorksStudio]

Great idea - thanks for sharing! :)

[Former_Member]

yes, nice idea. i get a calendar every year from my realtor that i haven't spoken to in years. guess he figures i'll always have his name! good luck.

[VelvetTeacup]

Thanks for this tip - not much effort to do it and who knows in the long run what the results might be.

[TheSnapDragonsLair]

I just sent out e-mail notes to all my buyers wishing them a happy holiday season, reminding them that I have lots of new items for them to check out, and telling them about my holiday sale.

Here's hoping all we do will keep us very busy packing and shipping!!

And, happy holidays to all of you!!

[Former_Member]

Sounds like a great idea....... now I jsut need some customers :S

[Former_Member]

It works I sold cars and sent out Christmas Cards to every customer I had....one year it took almost a month to send them all...but my customers started sending them back ...it is a personal touch they never forget...

[MurrayBolesta]

Good idea. I need to do that. I also have a "irregular" free newsletter that I ask customers to join -

http://eepurl.com/fJR5E

[Former_Member]

Has anyone had good results with this? Personally, I don't like receiving cards from my realtor or insurance agent. I know I won't use the realtor again because she was awful, no amount of holiday cards or magnets will fix that! I figure people know where I am, if they found me before, but perhaps the reminder helps.

[MurrayBolesta]

Sara - I have not tried it yet for my Etsy customers, so I'm not a good source for an answer. But the truth is that "snail-mail" marketing of any type is statistically successful for only a tiny sliver of folks receiving the mail. Overall we're talking only about 5% or less, so you should do the math first.

[greengrass2]

Funny you should say this - I've been sending out a free blank card with all my custom orders... it's a white card with a bauble on the front made from the fabric of their order, with a few sequins etc to pretty it up. Let's see if it works!

[Rt9NJvintageFun]

Elissa,
I think is a great idea, especially if your Shop is not running a BF/CM sale.
My markup is so low I would loose $$$, I lost money when I first started 3 months ago, you try and keep your prices competitive but realistic in the economy we are currently all living in.
I think my previous customers would feel special if they did get a Holiday card with a % off their next item. Whether they used it or not, I would be thanking them for their support of a newbie!

Happy Thanksgiving,
Candy

[ScytheAndStemFarm]

I do send my customers a freebie or coupon code with their orders, often both. If I know they are purchasing an item as a gift, I include a little something for the customer - something small, but handmade and unique. And I almost always include a customer coupon code with a special discount for return customers - I've not been here long enough to know if it will work, but I'm pretty certain it will. It's rewarded me with some happy customers and excellent feedback thus far.

I think its nice to include something when trying to send someone an item to solicit return business - the soap sample sounds awesome, a handmade card would be fantastic, something else that's small and light - just beware that it should seem genuine, and not just another discount flyer for those of us who cringe at what seems like junk mail - make sure there is really something that will warm the heart of the receiver and make them feel that you've thought of them, not just their business...

[Former_Member]

I think a seasonal card would be nice but I'd keep it generic. In this international marketplace there are many holidays other than Christmas that are celebrated.

[Former_Member]

I agree with Christina, not everyone is celebrating Holidays. What I am doing is to include a handmade thank you note with every order. I also like the idea of including a coupon with the order.

Thanks for all the great ideas:)

Adriana

[Former_Member]

great idea! thanks for sharing, every bit of advice is really helpfull! looks like i'll be spending the weekend doing xmas cards then!

[MorningHeirloom]

Good Idea, Thanks for sharing.

[Former_Member]

I liek this idea... but do not have that many buyers. Hopefully it will help increase sales!

[Former_Member]

I thought we weren't allowed to use our customers addresses (either email or postal) for any purpose other than to send their order, or messages about their actual order?

This might be great for off-Etsy buyers, but just be careful about "spamming" your Etys customers :-)

[Former_Member]

I wondered about that, too. If your customer opts in to your email list or your newsletter, that should be okay, though, I assume. It's just the "non-requested" contact that's a problem?

[RoyGBivandCO]

Gee...I was all excited about sending cards and then the spamming alert.....I guess alittle thank you card/gift when I send the item purchased will be okay...

[ToppyToppyKnits]

I write a thank you note
and Started adding stickers on the package, below my logo and address

One is bright red and says HOLIDAY WISHES
the other one is a textured snowman with glitter

[Former_Member]

I do not have many etsy clients, but what a fantastic idea! I should buy some handmade cards from fellow etsians and use them to wish them a happy new year and incl coupons!
Thank you...your professor really got us rolling!

[LaurasLastDitch]

Personally, when something is called a "holiday party," it makes me not want to go. I celebrate Christmas, but would not be offended if someone sent me a Chanukah card. Some people find political correctness a turnoff, too. You can't keep everyone happy, certainly, so I think, if you want to send a Christmas card, send a Christmas card. If you want to send a generic holiday card, send a generic holiday card.