Best way to transfer digital files

[SpruceAndWillow]

I am a designer specializing in DIY printable files. I'm wondering how other digital file designers are transferring their files to their clients (email, etsy convo attachment, dropbox, etc.). I have strictly been using the etsy convo feature because it's easy to manage. Everything is in one place. But today, I had a client message me and said it was "not the preferred method of transfer" and that she was disappointed because she couldn't figure out how to download from etsy convo and that she was afraid there would be loss of quality.

I've never had anyone complain before so I've never considered using another method of transfer but I'm certainly open to new ideas.

Thanks in advance for sharing your process.
- Alicia

[LeedsRadio]

Not sure I understand the question. You are already offering digital downloads directly from your listings. Why would you use convo or email?

[HildaLea]

I thought the same thing Richard, but it looks like in the item descriptions it says:

"SPECIAL NOTE: There are NO downloads attached to this listing. Downloads will be sent to your personal email after proofing."

Is there a reason that you do this, Alicia? It seems like the simplest way to send the files would be via automatic transfer through the etsy listing.

[LeedsRadio]

Bee,

Thank you. I didn't see that.

Alicia - same question from me. Why would you do that? Especially since direct download means customers could get the files instantly with no assistance.

[Former_Member]

To Bee and Richard:

Sometimes digital files are customised with personal info after the purchase- by the seller. The listing is listed as digital download, but client really pays for the services, and specific customisations, not for a ready to print file.
That is why we sometimes need to transfer files outside of Etsy, because there is no way to initialise a transfer after the purchase. Also, professional print ready files are usually too large for Etsy system.

To Alicia:

I only had one sale here so far, and so am not sure what is the best system, but I noticed straight away loss of quality in images uploaded via etsy convo.
It looks like it is only good for proofing, as messaging program is formatting images and optimising the files for web view. That is not good for print for sure.
I used email instead. I think it is pretty safe. There is also service called We Transfer that is helpful in sending large files.

[LeedsRadio]

Alina,

I can understand that but you can generate a custom order from the inquiry, for tangible goods or downloads in about a minute and the customer gets notified automatically with thumbnail etc. That's got to be faster than uploading to a third party and sending a link by convo to the customer. Plus you can re-use it.
And everything is in one place.

[Former_Member]

Hmm..But then, ( if I understand correctly) with this strategy, I would need to actually do jobs for clients without being paid.Just on the base of etsy inquiry?
Some project take days of hard work to complete, and so I wouldn't do this sort of thing for strangers, unless I was really desperate to design something.. :)

Or do you advice on creating custom order for a client after the initial purchase? But is it possible to make free listing on etsy? Or would I need to add a note to my policies that additional listing fees will occur?
Would this option be more convenient to you if you were looking for some designs? Because I understand that some people might not feel ok with giving out email address..

[SpruceAndWillow]

All - Thanks for your input. I guess I should clarify a few things. I design custom invitations and the buyer has the option of buying the digital file (that I create with date, time, locations, etc.) or purchasing printed cards. What I'm asking is the best way to transfer the digital files. It seems as if the etsy convo attachment feature is only good for proofing so I either need to email or transfer the digital hi-res print ready files. Until now, I didn't realize there was quality loss when using the etsy attachment feature (thanks, Alina!).