Have you ever sent the wrong thing to someone?

[BrushStrokeOrnaments]

Sobb... Well it's happened. I sent out two packages...and got the shipping labels mixed up. I sent a moose ornament to someone who wanted a bumblebee ornament...and vice versa. Not the end of the world, of course. I am remaking and immediately resending the correct items. But I did wonder if others have ever done the same thing.

How do you keep track when you are shipping multiple packages/day? On my busiest days during the holiday season, I ship 15+ boxes/day. I've got a system that usually works pretty well...but maybe someone has other ideas I haven't thought of. Would love to hear from you!

[Former_Member]

I once sent the wrong sample to a customer in Australia. I realized it as soon as I got home from the post office and sent them a convo letting them know to ignore the first package and another one with the correct sample would be along shortly. Unfortunately, it cost me another $16 shipping to send a second package to Australia. And then I never heard from them again! Oh well.

I think as long as you are contact them immediately, apologize and correct the situation, most buyers are very understanding.

[Former_Member]

I did, before I started selling on here. Luckily the customer had her eye on the hat I sent by mistake aswell, she happily accepted that one and all turned out well : D

[Former_Member]

There have been a couple of close calls but it has not happened yet.

[Former_Member]

I've done it once - my mind just happened to slip at one sale, and it didn't register that I sent the wrong one until the customer convo'd me here. She was completely understanding though - I suggested she keep the buttons I sent her and I'd send her the right buttons free of charge. :)

My system is to keep the items, invoices, etc. together in a line, and far away enough from each other that they don't get mixed up. And, of course - double, triple check! :D

[Former_Member]

I set up a table and lay each invoice on it and put the materials needed on top of the item(make a list if I need anything) I also lay the correct size envelope and blank label in the same stack. I approach each order chronologically and as each item is finished I lay it on the stack. Then print the labels, assemble the package and put it in my car to take to the post office. I haven't messed it up yet. :)

[ForgedMettleJewelry]

Hasn't happened to me (yet) but I did have one day where I open 2 packages that were ready to be shipped out TWICE before I actually left for the post office. That was not a fun day. And it wasn't even because I'd mixed them up, I was just second guessing myself that day...

[Former_Member]

I did this. I actually had no idea I did it until the customer contacted me. I sent her the item she wanted but in the wrong size. I shipped out the correct order the next day and she was VERY nice about it. I was just very distracted.

I now use index cards because the invoices don't always have all the info I need. Each order has its own index card with all the specs on it. It takes a bit longer to copy it down but it's worth it to keep me organized.

I've also started using a large blackboard. Lots of people use whiteboards too. I taped it to make a grid and use it to keep track of receipt and shipment. It gets erased when it's packaged and ready to go out the door.

[BrushStrokeOrnaments]

Thanks for the ideas.