Need advice - How to keep in contact with customers without being awkward?

[HandcraftedWithJoy]

I am a brand new shop, and I'm considering ways I can keep in touch with and/or thank my customers. I would love to collect birthdays so I can send out a card or small gift. Or I was also thinking of sending out holiday cards. Obviously I have an address because they have checked out at some point, but would it be weird to send a holiday card, or do i need permission to use their address beyond just sending them their order? How do you get this permission, or how do you collect information such as birth dates, etc without being awkward? Thanks for any info!

[Chockrosa]

I don't think that's allowed actually.

[HandcraftedWithJoy]

Caroline, what isn't allowed? Can you be more specific? Thanks!

[HandcraftedWithJoy]

I don't want to do anything that's not allowed, but I'm just not sure which part isn't allowed. The collecting of information itself? Asking for permission to use their shipping address to send a gift or birthday card? The actual sending a gift or birthday card?

If this stuff is disallowed, can anyone provide some suggestions on some ways to connect with customers that would be allowed?

Basically, I don't want my customers to feel like they are just a customer and that I'm just looking to make a sale. I want them to feel truly appreciated, and I want to show my appreciation with no strings attached. So I don't want to just send a convo with a coupon code. That seems so impersonal to me. I want to do something really nice for my customers, like send a handmade birthday card to surprise them in the mail. Or something along those lines, but obviously something that is allowed. I don't want to break Etsy policy or the law or anything like that. So any suggestions would be much appreciated! Thanks a bunch y'all!

[Former_Member]

Using their personal information without their permission is definitely not a good idea. If you ask first and they say okay, you should be good to go. :)

[HandcraftedWithJoy]

Okay thanks Amy! I see this in the privacy policy: "Without express consent from that person, you must not add any Etsy member to your email or physical mailing list or misuse any member’s personal information"

But I see on another thread that some people ask when they make their initial purchase if it's okay to add them to their mailing list, etc. Does anyone know if that's okay? To ask permission? Thanks!

[BuzzBearStudio]

I include a card with coupon code for a small discount, etsy address, and other information when I ship my orders, and there is an etsy setting that when you ship your order, the costumer also get an email with a thank you coupon code.
That's my attempt so far. I have been having repeat costumers, but interesting they never used the coupon codes.

My concern is not really if it is allowed, but if it will be a good strategy for you. If I get a card from a etsy seller I used to buy things, I will feel more awkward than anything.

[HandcraftedWithJoy]

I totally get it. In fact, after a discussion a few minutes ago, I've decided not to do it. Some people said they would find it creepy. I was thinking about how I like to sign up for birthday offers by restaurants, etc and I would enjoy getting a random gift in the mail on my birthday, but I am probably not like most people, because apparently most people think it would be creepy. So I will find another way to appreciate my customers. I appreciate y'all's feedback!

[BuzzBearStudio]

I really like your profile picture, by the way. I think it is a perfect one for you.

[HandcraftedWithJoy]

Thank you!

[Former_Member]

I would think a holiday card a really nice touch--not creepy at all. After all, I don't find it the least bit creepy when charities I donated to years ago send me a birthday or holiday card.

It's sad that Etsy will not allow us to direct mail our customers. Other businesses do this all the time, and I want to let my customers know how much I appreciate them. (I'm chalking this up to yet another reason why I need to open an e-commerce shop off of Etsy.)

I'm working on adding a Mail Chimp e-newsletter opt-in to my shop. https://www.etsy.com/teams/7718/questions/discuss/12460679/