Question: Do you include little extras or gifts with your sold goods?

[Former_Member]

I was wondering...do any of you include little extras in your packaging to the customer and if you do, what? I've thought about doing this but not sure what to include that wouldn't take a lot of time or expense to create yet still reflect the feeling of my shop.

[WintergreenDesign]

I usually include a hand quilled gift tag like the ones I sell in my shop (the design varies depending on the type of ornament the customer purchased). I've had a couple of people purchase from me a half dozen times and I often send something a bit more substantial just to show my appreciation. That being said I don't think "extras" are at all required. I think most customers just appreciate their purchases getting to them as quickly as possible, packaged well and free from damage : ) Best of luck with your shop.

[FleecefulFarm]

I agree with Christa...Great customer service, quick shipment and safe packaging are the most important. I do include a bookmark which advertises my shop with a ruler printed on the back so that it has some useful purpose for the receiver. The only problem with that is I hate to keep sending the same bookmark to repeat customers. So I am researching a little more substantial yet inexpensive gift for those wonderful repeat customers. I was thinking a sachet or a small soap would be nice for that purpose in my case. For your shop, maybe a paper related item like a sheet of stickers or a gift tag.
In regard to your specific shop Jessica, your photos and products are very nice....you just need to offer more products....gradually try to increase your items for sale to 25 items, then move on to a goal of 50 items listed. I've been working on getting up to 100 listings for some time.
Best to you!
-Lisa

[Former_Member]

No I don't generally include anything other than what was purchased and a business card and thank you note.

If you start adding 'freebies' you need to remember that each one is cutting into your profit and before you know it, you've given it all away.

I've found that great customer service and fast shipping really keeps the customers coming back.

[Former_Member]

I don't include little gifts, but I do include handwritten thank you cards and a customized coupon with the customer's name. I also spend a great deal of care on my packaging. I send everything out so it's gift wrapped.

On the other hand though, when I purchase something and I receive an extra little item, it just makes my day.

It's just a personal preference thing. Whatever you feel is best for you and your shop.

[Former_Member]

I include a small piece of jewellery as freebies to celebrate a customer being my 50th sale and make a point that this is why they have a freebie.

I only freebie stuff that I really want to get rid off too lol

But as a whole, no I don't give away freebies. Like crochetgirl says, it's about customer service and your product that gets people coming back.

[JewelMeShop]

I always include a thank you card, and a handwritten note offering discount for next purchases.
I usually do not include extras, only once I've included a small gift to a repeat customer who had left a great feedback.

[Former_Member]

I include a 10ml sample of leather conditioner (my own recipe) to go with my leather dog collars.

I hope it reinforces to my customers that leather needs a little TLC to stay nice-looking. Many people don't realize this, even though I include a pamphlet on leather care. The container is enough to last a long time, so I think sending it along helps the longevity of my product.

There was a thread a few months ago about freebies, and a lot of people confessed to throwing most freebies away, unless it was somehow related to the product they bought. I used to give a free leather coaster with my logo stamped on it, but they were a lot of work to make, and I suspect few were actually used.

[Former_Member]

I always include a nice thank you card and at the end of the year in February i send out a small promotional gift that is tied into the organization that some of my profit goes to. I think its a nice touch and the thinh that seperates you from other shops

[theartofobservation]

I sell prints and I include a 4x6" quote print with a simple handwritten thank you on a piece of paper. When purchasing on Etsy, I've never expected a freebie and can't remember ever getting one. I have been pleased with all of my purchases. I think customers are most happy to see the item they ordered arrive promptly on their doorstep.

[TheRoamingPeddlers]

We include a small baggie which has a couple of business cards, a coupon for their next purchase, and 3 or 4 hard candies. Our "Magical Forest Friends" (our most expensive product) come with a small vial of essential oil.

We have been told time and again thank you for the extras, and I feel it adds a fun touch and a bit of good karma. :)

[SnarkFactory]

I tried doing this for awhile, but I've gotten much better responses when I personalize the packaging. When I ship prints, I ship them in a fiberboard mailer (it's flat, because curled up prints ANNOY me!) and I write "Dear Mr. Mailman, please do not bend ART inside! or something similar. I emphasize the word "art" by writing it in bubble letters lol :)
Then, I write a personalized note (as well as sending them a message after they order) and I thank them and leave little doodles or something funny or cute that's relevant to the item they purchased. I keep it light and I write things that I hope will make them smile.

If I've done my job correctly, from the time they've ordered to the time they've opened their package, there should be 5 or 6 instances where I've made them chuckle, smile, or remind them how grateful I am for their business.

[SnarkFactory]

I like doing this more than sending free things. When I would send freebies, I had no idea if they would like it or have a use for it. Now, by personalizing their order, I know for sure that everyone could use a laugh or smile and likes feeling appreciated.

:>

Plus, from a business standpoint, it's cheaper.

[elainesgems]

I include a small polishing cloth and a small crochet heart in the organza bag along with the pendant.

[Former_Member]

I just began giving a small sample of my sugar scrubs to my new costumers, to promote the new items in my shop, it's only a small thank you token, however if the order is very small I usually just add my business card with a coupon code.

[LoveJewelryByJ]

i only send something to repeat customers or customers that order a large amount - i've been sending little stud earrings with swarovski crystal, beach glass or beach stone

[SageNThymeDesigns]

I wrap everything in white tissue with a ribbon and sticker with my company name. I include a handwritten thank you note and a business card with a coupon code on the back. Most of my repeat and referral customers do not use the coupon codes.

I'm always a little disappointed when I get a package from another Etsy vendor and there's not a thank you note, but I don't want or expect a gift.

[Former_Member]

No freebies here. A Thank You note and great customer service is key to me.

[Former_Member]

awesome...thanks guys! I definitely want to add a personal touch to stuff, to make the customer feel appreciated...so all this advice is perfect. :)

[Former_Member]

I typically include a handwritten thank you mini card, as well as a blank mini card and vellum envelope, or a matchbook style tag, a business card, and a coupon code for their next order. I also make the package as nice as possible because I personally love getting letters in the mail (not junk mail or bills) but good mail, so I want to make sure they are just as excited as I am about getting something in the mail!

~Felie

[Former_Member]

LoVe receiving unexpected goodies in
a package of sorts.
Is so much fun to prepare an order
with our own little twist, a hand written
message is much appreciated, perhaps
an extra mini art print if the order is big.
Treat a customer they way you wish
to be treated as well ♥

[Former_Member]

I include a thank you note which gives them $5 off their next purchase. So it's not technically a freebie, but a thank you gift! :)

[LeNidDeFleurs]

I always include some hair clips!

[Kokabella]

I usually include a free greeting card with orders of multiple items. In all orders, I include a 4x6 canvas-textured promo card of my business illustration with a discount code for repeat orders and contact info. On the back, I hand write a personal note of thanks.

[DryDockCreations]

I always include bird seed with every birdhouse or feeder. I may also include a small rustic wind chime made from glass scraps on a twig. And yes, it's always a nice surprise to find an unexpected goodie with your purchase. That goes a long way with me.