Friend Sales

[Former_Member]

I made a makeup bag for a friend and I just sold it to her at work. She is not really computer savvy, so I just swapped money and merchandise when I saw her.

***Question*** Do you have every person (even friends/family) go online to purchase items, or do you think it even matters?

I felt bad making her go online, but at the same time, I keep thinking maybe I should have posted it to show the sale.
Any thoughts???
Thanks!
Sara @
www.etsy.com/people/KoiTextileDesigns

[HullStreetStudio]

I don't think it entirely matters, it's certainly easier in some respects but if they aren't very good at dealing with computers then it probably isn't worth it to make them deal with it. But if they live further away (so it's easier than trying to get cash/check etc over long distance) or if they are comfortable with doing it then yea.

some of my family/friends orders are on etsy and some are in person. just take it case by case :)

[Former_Member]

Hi Sara-
Personally, I refer friends to my etsy store to friends as a way for them to see all the different scents I offer, and of course to purchase if they want. Most of the time, though, people just shoot me an email with what they want or pick up soap from me at the farmer's market where I sell. Yes, it would definitely be nice to have all those sales show up in my etsy store, but I think it's good to go with whatever the customer is leading. I.e., she wants to pick up soap at the car pool, office, school, etc. The sale is more important that the etsy feedback and giving the best customer service I can.

[Former_Member]

I used to really want everyone to purchase through Etsy or my website because I liked the thrill of showing sales online, but after awhile I realized that didn't matter so much. What matters is that you have friends/family who like your product and want to support what you do, so whatever way is easiest for them to purchase should be the way to go :)

[Former_Member]

I know what you mean about this! I'd like to see all my sales show up in my Etsy store, but unfortunately most of them come from my job, my family, or craft shows. I normally won't ask them to purchase on-line unless I have to mail to them.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for responding everyone. I think I will continue to make a case by case determination when it comes to friends and family :)
I think you are right, twentyseven27soap, it is about providing the best customer service.
I had another friend tell me she wanted to order, and I let her complete the order on Etsy, just because it was easier then trying to deal with the payment at work. But I think I really felt OK about that because she uses computers all the time and it wasn't a big deal.
Thanks again!
Sara

[LaurasLastDitch]

It's great you're making sales!

[Former_Member]

I think that if it is an item which you have not listed on Etsy than it is fair and seems to fall within Etsy guidelines. The only loss to you is that it is one feedback less and that may make a difference. The Etsy fees are very reasonable and we should all do our part to make Etsy more successful. I sell other items elsewhere but they are not listed on Etsy.

[Former_Member]

I don't think it matters. If they buy through Etsy and use Paypal, you will get transaction fees deducted from the payment.

[Former_Member]

I have friends that I will be making sales to. I am asking them to go through etsy so that it shows that I am making sales. I think it looks good to prospective buyers if the new business that I am starting is being trusted by others. I find it beneficial.

[TheSalvagedEdge]

I only have about 15% of my pieces online. It got too confusing when I took all of my items to shows. If people want my Etsy pieces, they look on Etsy and pay on Etsy.

[Former_Member]

I have many people who purchase my products from me and not from my shop. It's frustrating because it's not shown on my etsy but at the same time, I feel like I can't make them purchase online.