Personalized note with each order?

[#1]

I have included a short handwritten note with every order that I ship since I opened up shop, but I'm starting to wonder if it's really worth the extra time. I like the idea of including SOMEthing- is a branded and less personal message that I can print (instead of handwriting) a good idea? How do you all deal with adding that little something extra?

[Former_Member]

It doesn't take much time, and makes a big difference. People have mentioned in their feedback that they really appreciated the personalized note. I just use pretty pieces of scrapbook scraps from my boxes and fold it in half. It's one of the differences people like when buying handmade vs. store bought.

[Former_Member]

I've ordered from a very lovely shop *cough*ClassicallyRomantic*cough* (so lovely!) and she left me a cute little handwritten note. I LOVED getting it. It made me feel like she really did care about the order that she got.

For me, I can't leave handwritten notes because I ship my products through email, but I make sure I leave a customer appreciation photo in my feedback and I've been thinking about adding a coupon code at the end of my email for if they visit my shop again they can get a discount.

But yes, to everyone, I can guarantee you, YOUR NOTES ARE APPRECIATED!

Edited to add; Ruthie's right! It's the difference between store bought and handmade!

[Former_Member]

As a buyer I love getting a handwritten note with my package. Fancy packaging is ok, but a personalized note lets me know my purchase is appreciated.

[KriyaDesign]

One day I received a handwritten thank you on my packing slip from a supplier. It makes me feel... warm... and happy. Made me smile. And the next time I ordered from them. There is no handwritten thank you on my packing slip. Just a company thing... thank you for your order... you know. Like the company is consisted of machine or something. I was puzzled and haven't bought anything from them since then. And I buy loads of supplies especially the angel wings.

So is it worth our times to handwritten our thank yous? Doesn't matter if folks acknowledge our efforts or not. But deep down, they do feel appreciated when we take a teeny extra time to write down their names and simply handwritten.. Thank you. I am an old fashioned gal, I guess it works for me.

[SassiChic]

I love receiving snail mail, so why not send it to others? :)

[ClayLickCreekPottery]

I include a hand written note card with the order, along with a business card. I think it's a nice gesture.

[AlbracaDesigns]

I always write a little note on the packaging slip and staple my business card to it as well. I think it is a nice little extra touch to every order. It always makes me feel good when someone does that for me when I order something.

[thedots]

I include a small catnip toy as a free gift, with the larger versions I have for sale. Each freebie is in a little bag with a 'Thank you!' sticker on it.

I don't feel any need to include a 'Thank you' note, and any item I've bought here on etsy which includes a note with lots of gushing and exclamation points reeks of desperation, or the seller being new.

[Former_Member]

I write a handwritten note too! Think it adds a lasting impression!

[MythOfTheWild]

I can't really imagine how much time you must spend writing these thank you notes for you to deem them not worth the time.
Think about it another way: what would -you- prefer to receive when you buy from Etsy? A generic printed note, or one with genuine thanks behind it that someone took the time to write? It gives your work more value, and really gets across that you care about it.
Customers may not always appreciate it, some may not even notice, but what about those that do? And if you've been doing it since you opened your shop, then after 90 ish sales, it's already become part of your branding.

[damsontreepottery]

me too!
I always write a handwritten note and personalise shipping notifications too with their name and any relevant info - it doesn't take long and I know I appreciate it!
all the best
Marieanne

[Former_Member]

yeah!! definetly it's a wonderful touch!

[Former_Member]

As a buyer I like to know that the someone took time to take care of my order. So, now as a seller I do the same. I have some mini-business cards that I attach to the gift bag and just write on the back of the card " Thank you! Lili"
I think it's a nice gesture and besides, that it what separates etsy from mass production. :)
Lili

[Former_Member]

I've always put a hand written 'thank you' on the packing slip. I do this whether I've got 1 package to ship that night or 20.

I love the personal touch and I know that my customers appreciate it as well!

[studionubbo]

I start doing completely handwritten notes but as I started getting lots of orders, it was taking too long to do all my packaging etc so I've had to streamline. I've designed a cool little letter that I can print off (which includes a discount code) that I write the customers name on and sign. I also include a little freebie. I always get compliments on it :)

[BlueZinniaVintage]

I always write a handwritten thank you on the packing slip/receipt and enclose it in an envelope with my business card. Sometimes I also enclose a small gift. I like doing these things, and think my customers appreciate them, so will probably continue. I also like some of the ideas people have written about here, of enclosing an actual card, so may do that too. I think these personal touches are important!

[Former_Member]

I do the same, I write a little note. & I always mention to leave feedback... & no one ever does!

[Former_Member]

I also write a personal note on the receipt and I do include a free sample or a small gift ( louffa or such) with higher priced purchases.
I do include a discount code on the note and no one has used it yet. I just had a repeat buyer and she didn't use it either. So I will just refund her her money and hope/trust, she will appreciate it.
I also always mention to leave feedback but somehow my customers never do. I receive direct emails from them from time to time though...

[JewelMeShop]

I always include a hand written note. I think that people who buy directly from the artist appreciate that. Of course I don't have tones of sales and I really celebrate each sale...

[AtHomeWithLolly]

I include a printed card, with a return discount on the reverse side. I usually add a hand written Thank You and sign it.....oddly, I don't think I have had one customer redeem a coupon yet!

I have a stack of coupons received from my own purchases, and have used one or two..

So...my question would be...is the discount appreciated or tossed?

[StudioAvai]

I write handwritten notes too, I will include business cards and hopefully my logo/brand for the next order. I think its just a personal touch.

[ecoPaperie]

Well, considering I SELL cards, I feel the need to include one. :-) I got a bunch of postcards printed at Vistaprint with my logo and I include a little note on one with each order.

[Former_Member]

My daughter writes a quick note to send with each order. One evening I had her write up a few so I have them handy.

[EZCraftingStore]

I think it makes great customer service to include a nice letter.

[Former_Member]

I have to say I have purchased a couple things off here and would have really appreciated a handwritten noote. Makes me feel like you took the extra time just for me and would make me want to continue to do bus7iness with you.
I always include a handwritten note with my sales