Message to Buyer .... whats best?

[Former_Member]

I've tried a few different things for the message to the buyer sent with the shipping notification but i am still not sure what is the best way to use that space. This is my first holiday season and its been more successful than i had hoped for, but i am trying to iron out ways to bring customers back throughout the year. I want to be inviting but not pushy. So has anyone found a way to accomplish this through the message to buyer....?

[Former_Member]

The one that is sent with the notification on my account says this.

Note to buyer about this shipment
i sent the banner today. i hope you enjoy it.
if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me so we can address them.
positive feedback is my goal, it also lets me know you received the item. if you have time to leave feedback after your banner arrives, please do so at the following link:
http://www.etsy.com/feedback/awaiting
all returning customers can use the unexpiring coupon code xxxxxxx for 10%off anytime.
jenni

[Former_Member]

I don't know that the message to buyer has a lot to do with it. I think if people like your product, they will think of you and return throughout the year. You make a somewhat seasonal item, so it couldn't hurt to suggest they remember to check back at your shop at other times in the year. But I think our products really speak for themselves.

[Former_Member]

Sara, i only have seasonal items in stock right now but i design and make bows and decor for every season and holiday throughout the year.

[PiecesOfMePaperCraft]

I include a little card with a coupon code in each package as a thank you and incentive to return to my shop. The code is only given to people who purchase from my shop.

[Former_Member]

This is only my opinion>> When I sold in a very popular online auction site for 12+ yrs, I tried notes, business cards, and the like for a couple years. It was a waste of my time, money, and computer ink. I learned real quick that sending messages in the message box provided by Paypal and the auction site when the listing ended, was a great place to thank the customer for their patronage and that it would be my pleasure to serve them again anytime.

I had almost 10,000 feedbacks with hundreds and hundreds of repeat customers that never needed anything put in their packages, or the like.

Sending an email note to them thanking them for their business, fast shipping, packing items like a pro, and excellent communication skills is all that is needed. This is only my opinion, and it worked for me like a dream. I was also a Power Seller, so I guess what I did worked pretty good. :=]

[Former_Member]

I always, always include business cards. I also have thank you cards that I made by hand. I am in the middle of a move but usually I put everything in a gift bag.

[Former_Member]

Oh, that's really good Jenni, I'll have to remember that.
I am still kind of establishing myself here, so I do take the time to put in a thank you note and a business card. Sometimes I include a little freebie gift, and sometimes I give them a discount code for another purchase to encourage them to return. I had a feedback recently thanking me for the free gift, so I guess some people do like that. No one has used the code yet, but I'm hoping they will.

[Former_Member]

Mine is.....

Hey (insert buyers name)

Thank you for your purchase. I appreciate your business!
You order was packaged up and shipped! Your tracking is below, please let me know if there are any issues.
i hope you love your. (insert item name) :)

Is there anything else I can do for you?
Breanna

************

Been including chocolates with my boxes lately...like two lindell cubes or doves. Since the start of the holiday shopping which has gone over really well.
Women...love their chocolate you know ;) and by far most of my buyers are ladies soo...

[Former_Member]

Breanna, the chocolates are a cute idea. This year I gave away a free gift size bow with every purchase but next year i would like to do sonething that cuts into my profit less. Thanks for the idea!

[PAPERFLORISTS]

I have a post size card that says Thank you from PaperFlorists, and gives my Etsy address. I write a personal thank you note on it. I always try to make it personal and reference the event or person that the items were ordered for.

[Former_Member]

I also include the feedback link that Jenni includes. I think it helps remind people to come back. First I thank them, tell them when their package should arrive and leave short care instructions.

[Former_Member]

I definitely want to start including the feedback link. I havent heard anything from my last several sales which is a little worriesome.... thanks everyone

[FenderGemsNCrystals]

I think the shipping notification should remain uncluttered. It is providing the customer with important info. As others have suggested include a note in the parcel

[Former_Member]

I think some are confusing the what you include in the package with the note you send when you mark the package as shipped. Mine stays the same for all packages. I tried changing it once and then forgot to change it back and one customer in Florida wondered why i shipped her package to Wisconsin. oppss! Mine says

~~Thank you so much for your purchase. Your package is on it's way. Have a great day! Natasha~~

[Former_Member]

Natasha, this makes sense. Personalizing it for every purchase sounfs like it would leave a lot of room for error...

[MagpieQuilts]

I send the shipping notification saying your package has been sent via (insert type of shipping, ie air, ground, express) and should arrive in x amount of days. I always add a day or 3 to expected delivery times and if the customer receives it earlier, they'll be happy. coupon codes, requests for feedback are included in the note to buyers on their receipt or in with their package.

[TheSalvagedEdge]

Mine says
"Thank you for your purchase. Your package is on its way. Please let me know how much you love your item using the Etsy feedback system."
Simple. To the point.
I have learned in retail, especially around Christmas; never name the item. The gift giver might share an email with the receiver. When I worked at an estate jewelry shop if we had to call about a repair or custom order we were never to leave a detailed message. Always "your repair/custom order is ready for pickup"
Last Christmas I got an email about 2 weeks before Christmas from Apple telling me to enjoy my new iPad, which my husband had secretly purchased and managed to keep a secret for nearly two months until he set it up so I could use it when I opened it. It ruined the surprise. Lol