Feedback manners

[JeannieGrayKnits]

All but my most recent Etsy transactions have gone excellently & everyone involved has either left no feedback or glowing feedback. But recently, I bought something that I was a little disappointed with - it just seemed really flimsy, which even my 14 year old daughter noticed. The item only cost a few dollars so I really didn't expect much, but..... The thing that sort of bugs me is that I may as well have been shopping at Walmart. I got no communication from the seller that my order had been received or shipped and the bracelet arrived with no thank you, no packing list, no business card, no nothing extra. Honestly, pre-Etsy, this would not have bothered me at all, but I guess my other Etsy experiences have spoiled me. So my question is, should I leave a neutral feedback or just don't leave any feedback at all? Are there feedback rules or generally accepted manners about that kind of thing?

Thanks,

[Former_Member]

Did anything about the seller make you think this might be the kind of item you'd receive? I've read on here that there are some sellers with mass-market junk. If it someone who sells thousands of things, then it might be worth mentioning that it is flimsy. It's unfortunate for those of us who work really hard to make things by hand to have to compete with wholesalers.

[thedots]

Hi Jeannie ~ From what you've written above, you don't sound at all thrilled with your purchase! No matter how inexpensive it was, if you are not happy with what you've spent your money on, that's telling. You aren't required to leave Feedback, and you can always send a message to the seller about your experience. Maybe the seller will try to make it up to you somehow (coupon; partial refund; etc.)

I had a similar experience recently: I bought crayons in the shape of letters, for my nephew, from an etsy seller. While the crayons were adorable, each of the seven letters had flecks (or shavings) of other crayon colors stuck on the front, which made me think the seller doesn't separate each of the letters with wax paper, or the like, so they're probably all stored in a big plastic tub together.

Cute crayons.
Not cute that flecks of other crayons are stuck on the front.
The two year old nephew couldn't care less about any flecks, of course!

Basically I haven't really been moved enough to leave feedback, and since the seller is doing a brisk business, I don't think they are wondering where my Feedback is!

[ThePlaidPineconeCo]

I personally would message the seller before giving feedback. See if they offer to redeem themselves. I recently sent something out that was damaged by the post office during shipping, and the buyer messaged me saying she received it and was not happy with its condition, but wanted to keep it and just wanted me to be aware of its poor condition so I know not to use that particular kind of box next time.

I apologized and thanked her for letting me know and offered to do anything to fix it. She ended up not giving me negative feedback, she claimed, because of my sincere and quick response. She just chose not to leave any feedback at all, which I appreciate.

I think it's a nice to contact the seller and see how they handle the situation. If they ignore you, or are rude, then neutral feedback it is, with an explanation.

[JeannieGrayKnits]

Thanks everyone for responding. I have to admit, I'm feeling a bit foolish now. I went back & read the item's description & it did say it was made from an "incredibly lightweight" material. And it did survive the US mail in only an envelope so it can't be but so flimsy. As for the customer service, maybe the shop is just too busy at this time of year. And maybe I really have gotten spoiled by my other Etsy experiences & greedy for freebies. If nothing else, the experience has definitely made me more aware of my service to my own customers. I should probably be thanking this shop owner instead of complaining. :)