Free sample request. What should I do?

[kickglassenamels]

I got a convo from someone who is redoing her kitchen, and is interested in ordering cabinet knobs. She would like to try one out in her kitchen and wants me to send one. I responded asking about the design, and if she needed to see the whole knob or just the enameled insert, which I could send by regular mail. She responded with the design she is interested in, nothing else.

This is a $15 item plus the shipping. I feel like she's asking me to give it to her for free. Other people buy them. Do I send it and ask for it back if she doesn't want to order more? I don't keep these stocked and I no longer have the prototype, so I'd have to make it.

[PAPERFLORISTS]

I sell wedding invitations and when someone asks for a sample I tell them they are welcome to order one as a sample. They usually do order one.

[kickglassenamels]

What does one invitation cost? I'm thinking the cost might be her issue.

[LittleAcornToronto]

Do you offer refunds? Tell her she has to buy them, just like everyone else, but you're willing to refund the ones she doesn't want.

[InsideSandysShop]

Could you have her purchase it as a sample at a lower fee - and have the fee cover your costs so you aren't out any money. Let's say for convenience you sell them retail at $15.00 so would $7.00 cover your cost + shipping. That way she would get her sample but you wouldn't be out any money. As crafters we can't eat costs all the time.

[Former_Member]

Ask her to purchase the item and if she decides it does match or whatever her reason may be, tell her she can return it in selling condition for a refund.

[Former_Member]

With the cost of knobs it just doesn't seem worth it. Maybe just reply along the lines of:

"Thanks so much for your interest. At this time, I do not offer free samples. I can, however, offer a full refund minus shipping costs, if the knob is mailed back within two weeks."

[StuckOnSilver]

Be sure to add "in original condition" to the above note!

[seemomster]

I bought samples of my knobs when I re-did my kitchen...and returned those I decided I didn't want.

[seemomster]

(From a brick and mortar store.)

[kickglassenamels]

Thanks for the guidance. The etsy community is great.

I think I'll offer her a full refund (minus shipping) if she doesn't like it and want to order more for her kitchen.

Nina

[Purl1VintageToo]

Exactly what Melanie said. I purchased some drawer pulls and handles from each of two b and m stores, then returned the ones I decided I didn't want. It seems like she should do the same. It shouldn't matter that it is an online shop, or an Etsy shop... purchase one, check it out, and return it if she doesn't want it. She would pay the return shipping (I paid for the gas to drive back to the stores..)

[Former_Member]

I agree, I think that's fair :) It's great to have others to brainstorm with! Sometimes there are questions you just wouldn't think of -

[weekendjewelry1]

I think it's fair to think in terms of "what would a brick and mortar do". Even a nice mom-and-pop, or a large successful brick and mortar - take your pick. They wouldn't offer a free sample. Your offer of a simple and easy return seems the right way to go.

[TinyTiptoesBoutique]

Just have her order it, letting her know that if it doesn't work for her, she can return it for a full refund within a certain amount of time that you would choose.