Aren't repeat customers the best?!

[Former_Member]

Each month I thank my lucky stars for the dedicated repeat customers that generally purchase larger, custom orders. I figured out that custom orders and repete customers are almost 45% of my sales.

New customers are great too, don't get me wrong!

Does anyone else have a great bunch of repeat customers? What do you do to show your appreciation? I always provide coupon codes in my packages, but it seems that many repeat customers don't use them.

[Former_Member]

Yes! They are the best. I've only had a few repeat customers because my items aren't something you would really buy a lot of, but sometimes they come back to buy gifts for family/friends. It's such a great affirmation that my products are really liked. I don't give them a coupon code, but it's something I might look at in the future.

[Former_Member]

I have a number of customers who I've been doing business with for the past 10 years or so and they are fantastic!

Many started out in my very first class that I taught when I first started teaching and have continued on with others.

Other customers have joined me since I started my Etsy shop.

I don't use coupon codes but I do add a few 'extras' to their packages if they are being shipped.

[Former_Member]

I too add a special "thank you" gift for my customers!

[DoodleBirdTerrariums]

Yes! I have one nice lady in particular that owns pretty much everything in my shop past and present! I love it! :)

[Nbeads]

It makes me more happy to see a sale from repeat customer than a new buyer,because it means he or she really loves my stuff.All sales are good,but the feeling to be liked is another kind of happy.
I sent a coupon code card with packages before,but the repeat customers don't use it often,so I stop it.But I will check their purchase before,and add some extra beads he or she would love &they have not bought before as gift.

[WintergreenDesign]

I have a few customers that are repeat buyers and I love them! I've never offered coupon codes as I feel my prices are reasonable for the amount of work that goes into each piece. However I do usually enclose a little something that is complimentary to what they purchased... at least in that way I know that it is to their style.

[NeatoKeen]

Repeat customers are the backbone of my business! I usually include a discount code for a future purchase or add a special goodie (bookmark, vintage postcard, hankie, vintage gift tags or the like) - sometimes I add both!

[WilliamsGiftshop]

I have a dozen or so wonderful repeat customers, that return on a regular base, to buy gifts for themselves and for their loved ones. And then I have customers that return after 4 or 5 years, saying they still use my item every single day and they think it is time for a new one, in fresh new colours.
Some of my return customers ask for extra business cards, to hand out to friends and family.
I don't give free gifts anymore (I don't think anyone ever returned to my shop because they got a free gift). And, like Sean, I noticed that none of my return customers used my coupon code (I gave that a try for a while, but stopped it too).
Me going out of my way to accomodate them with the colours and sizes they want, the quality of my products and my excellent customer service, has always been enough for them to return.

[Former_Member]

I want repeat customers but haven't figured out how!! Any advice?!

[dalystudios]

I recently had my first repeat customer and it was so gratifying to know they were happy with their previous experience. A very good feeling indeed.

[CindersJewelryDesign]

I LOVE repeat customers. I give them a 15% discount coupon code and a handwritten letter. Hardly any of them use the coupon code, but they have the option to whenever they like.
I have some lovely repeat customers that I am so grateful for. ♥

[Former_Member]

It is nice to hear your experiences with repeat customers!

From what you guys said, the exprience of customers not using the coupon codes it common. Some of you include a little gift, but most just include a nice handwritten thank you note. I think I may get nicer thank you cards (from Etsy, or make my own) to include in the packages. Good 'ole appreciation goes a long way!

I liked what you said, Crochet Gal, about establishing repeat customers from a class you taught. It reminded me how important to build a physical community as well as an Internet one. I used to reach classes in my old town, but have yet to venture out that way in my new city...but I am doing a craft sale soon, so that's at least getting my feet wet.

[Former_Member]

JamyLisaKristi -
I want repeat customers but haven't figured out how!! Any advice?!

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I think the best way to get repeats is to provide excellent service, offer a great product, and make sure the customers know how to find you again. It may take some time...but they're out there!

[Former_Member]

Yes, I've had a few, and it feels like a wonderful compliment! I love it.

[Beaderbeads]

Yes repeat customer are great to have. I need more but I also need more beads in my shop. That will happen around December. :- )
For repeat customers I will start giving Free S&H or start adding extra beads in order.
I've had 4 repeat customers so far.....So I hadn't done anything other than get the orders out asap. Thanks for the reminder that repeat customers need appreciation too....

[philosophiacreations]

I guess my sales total here on Etsy is pretty low compared to a lot of others out there, and so as a result I might have had only a handful of repeat customers throughout my time here. Offline, though, I do have a lot more of them. It's always a great feeling, absolutely. (:

[Former_Member]

Yes, they are awesome! I get repeat customers frequently and just love it -- especially lately because it's more graphic design related projects. It will start out as 'can you do this?' and once that is done they will come back 'okay great, can you do this too?' and so on....

They never use the coupons either. I send out a 10% coupon on the back of my business cards with all orders but it's hardly used. I'm fine with them paying full price, lol, but if it were me I would be using any and all coupons or discounts I can get away with. ;-)