Potential (?) customers messages

[Former_Member]

I got so many great replies to my last question, I had ask another.

My stores only been open for a few months. But since the beginning I get messages on a regular basis from " potential customers". The message usually says ' Im going to order 6 aprons...how soon can you get them to me' . Or 'I need 4 aprons can I get them in a week'.
I respond to all them that I will get their order to them by their requested date and then I never hear from them again. I'm a bit annoyed because 6 is a big order for me. Even 1 is cause to celebrate.
Is it just me? Is anyone else getting request from people then dont respond to you or purchase an item?

[Anthropologeek]

The way I see it is how many times do you go into a shop just to look? I certainly do and I even try things on and don't buy them. Be patient and sales will come soon.

[RomaMiaTradingCo]

That happens all the times, and the sales don't go through for a billions reasons from realizing you don't need them, finding them cheaper somewhere else, someone will ship them faster, etc.

I've had a couple inquire about items, and the one guy asked about if I could make 30 capes by a certain date. That would have been an amazing order! I wrote back to him immediately, and offered him a discount with such a large order. It never went through. I was bummed, but I moved on.

At least you know people are finding you, and are interested enough to inquire. Its only a matter of time when one of them comes through. Patience is key. :) Try not to get disheartened, this type of stuff is just par for the course.

[Former_Member]

Thank you both! Your right. I window shop all the time!

[MariasWorkshop]

I have had that happen, as well, but I have learned to just let it slide and not let it bother me.

Worse, I have had people order custom-made items (colors, type of beads, etc.) and after I make the item and prepare a reserved listing, the listing is never purchased and I never hear from them again. The items were not made in special sizes and I had all the materials at hand so, ultimately, I just listed them as a regular item, but still. In this case, yes, it does bother me. After the listing has been up for seven days (my limit), I sent the prospective customer a message saying that obviously they changed their mind and I am going to list the item to the public, but I appreciate their interest and they are welcome to visit my shop any time.

When the custom order requires that I purchase supplies, or is a special size, etc., I do charge in advance and do not start making the item until after the customer pays for the it.

[Former_Member]

Good advise, Ida! I'll bet that helps a lot.

[Former_Member]

Thx Ida!!

[wolfmansmummy]

I don't do custom work, but would think a small good faith deposit might work, too. Maybe offering to split the order into 2 or 3 convenient payments- they make the first payment and then you can start the work-

Stated in the nicest way possible, of course, that it makes payment easier for them.

[Former_Member]

I have had a few 'serious' inquiries that went nowhere but I think that's typical of retail in general. When I was in school I worked part time at a department store and people were always putting clothes 'on hold' that they never came back for. I don't think most are intentionally trying to inconvenience sellers; my perception is that it's more like not thinking about how these requests impact small sellers vs. big retailers.

[ColourscapePrints]

Fantastic reply there Ida!

I have it happen often, and occasionally they come back months later apologising that life got in the way and was I still able to do the custom order they were after (yes absolutely!). As Ida said, give the customer the details of how you work and what is required of them to ensure a smooth transaction :)

[RomaMiaTradingCo]

That is a fantastic reply, Ida. I'lll have to remember that.

[ByTheBayBeads]

Yes, this happens. I had three in one week recently. I do what Ida suggested (giving time frame, price, purchase info) and if they are serious they will go through with the purchase. I think it these type of scenarios are par for the course here.

[BlackCatStudio98]

You're definitely not alone, I've had several! It is frustrating to get messages like that, but unfortunately they do happen.

I even had someone order a bracelet and say in the note to buyer that they wanted to buy a second one just like the one they paid for. I sent several messages regarding the purchase of the second bracelet and never heard back from the buyer. I finally just mailed the first one and had to forget about the second bracelet. I just hated the fact that my messages were completely ignored. Maybe the buyer is too embarrassed to say they changed their mind, but they should be more embarrassed about rudely ignoring someones messages.