How do I get my customers to post Feedback?

[Former_Member]

Hello, all -
I am SURE this question has been posted before, but I have grown frustrated with how to get my customers to post in the Feedback section after a purchase. I have not had a customer post since last January. Yet, all the customers love their dolls (that's my product) and gush over them when I send pics of the finished family. I have a request listed on both my reply convos AND the paper receipt/invoice I include with each order.
Should I put this in a more prominent place on the invoice? Or should I send follow-up emails? I don't want to be a nag. It's just frustrating with so many happy clients and no one has bothered to post anything, although I post in their Feedback sections.
Thanks,
Shannon
P.S. The fact that over half of the customers are "new" to Etsy might be a contributing factor in this dilemma of mine. I wonder if Etsy could emphasize this service in the set-up procedure.

[Former_Member]

I am wondering the same thing.

I think Etsy does send customers an email now, thanking them for shopping here. It would be nice for them to suggest leaving feedback, maybe even include a link? I don't mind getting those emails from Amazon or ebay.

For now, though, I'm not sure. I hadn't even thought of adding a note to the invoice. I think I'm going to start doing that! Thanks!

[Former_Member]

Completely agree with you Shannon. I am in the same boat. I only get feedback on about 25% of my sales. I do the same and request for the client's feedback. I even do a follow up after a few days to make sure they have gotten their item, they like it, and then I ask them for a feedback. I think only 1 or 2 people gave me feedback after this.

I'm eager to hear from other people with advice.

[Former_Member]

Be careful about nagging ( asking ) for positive feedback. This can be a huge turn off for customers - and can inspire them to leave none at all. I have a sweet little " Positive feedback is greatly appreciated! " in fancy writing in the lower corner of my invoices, and leave it at that. I find that they get around to leaving feed back eventually. Sometimes I wouldn't get the feedback till months later. As long as the FB was positive, customer is happy, I don't mind waiting : )

[Former_Member]

A few of my earlier sales were quilts or quilted items and they were purchased by people that don't sell on Etsy. They didn't bother leaving feedback, so I sent them a very polite and cheerful message asking them if they were happy with their purchase or if the person who got it as a gift was pleased. I then wrote that if they were happy that I would love feedback on my etsy account because customer input is important, yadda yadda. They were very kind when responding and did give feedback right away.

None of them sounded nagged at all in their response to me, but moreso apologetic that they forgot and that they were new to Etsy and didn't know the ropes. I wrote them back letting them know that I appreciated their comments and that I'd be glad to assist them again in the future and then wished them a happy summer, etc.

[AnneLondezGlass]

I've heard that asking for feedback is an Etsy DONT so be careful with that. It's a bit difficult to understand the DOs and DON'Ts around here !

[Mindielee]

I'm one of those people who are turned off by sellers asking me for feedback. In one case, a seller was so aggressive about it (in my opinion) that I was turned off to her shop as a result. She said something like "I left you positive feedback, now it's your turn." I felt totally pressured.

[ziezoDesigns]

The Etsy feedback opportunity is time limited! I believe you have 30 days. . .

I have purchased items and had them send to friends - by the time I finally saw the products and wanted to leave feedback, it was no longer an option.

Just remind your customers gently and be patient, it will come.

[Former_Member]

Really Andrea? I'm almost positive I have recieved feedback more than 30 days after I sold the item.

I offer a 10% discount to all returning customers and a 15% discount if they leave me feedback, but I've only had one or two people actually use the 15% so I think I may stop that. I was always a little worried it my come off a little bad anyways. I always mention this in my paper invoice that gets sent with the item. But I've never done follow up emails, I've always been afraid that might seem too pushy and spam-y since I also send them an email to let them know when i will be shipping their order and another when the order is shipped.

[Former_Member]

I agree. I have not had many sales since I am new but they have mostly been from people I know. I am positive that they would leave feedback if it were brought to their attention. I don't want to be rude and ask though.

[Former_Member]

I get feedback from about half my sales. I email when the item is shipped and tell them that feedback is appreciated. I let it end there. Many of my items are sent as gifts so the buyer never sees the item anyway.

I do get annoyed when I am hounded about leaving feedback on items I purchase. I gave several of the items as Christmas gifts and wanted to see if the recipient was happy with the item.... I eventually left the feedback but with a bit of a sour taste in my mouth.... just my two cents

[Former_Member]

Thanks to everyone who left feedback! I do appreciate it. I have had about 50% return on my buyers leaving feedback, so I should not be complaining! All happy customers, too.
Shannon

[sherischart]

Most people aren't aware as to how much it means to shop owners as to the feedback. I am reminded Sears hasn't had my feedback yet. But I don't think they are waiting as much as we are. (giggles)
I use tracking the shipment to their doorstep as another opportunity to thank them and mention the feedback.

[KriyaDesign]

This something weird I experienced. 90% of the feedback I have now happened around October. I opened the store in March. I've never asked for feedback. Most of time in the shipment, I handwritten my thanks... and please let me know if you have any questions. I'd love to see you again... Then my signature. When my fingers get tired (no, not of handwritten many thanks for many sales) because I just did some house works or something, I just said thanks so much.

So I guess you have to wait for 6 months for feedback :-)... patience is the game here. I am not helping at all. Just hope this little story helps you feel less unhappy about not getting the feedback