The weirdest contact.. ever...

[#1]

Oh..I really need your opinion about something...

Today I have been contacted by a person regarding one of my items (exact item was not specified). The message was saying that she was planning on purchasing one of my pieces for a long time but she was short on money as she must support her family financially. Now..she really likes the item and if I could give it to her for free..like donate it (the words she was using).

Does it happen to you too sometimes to receive such contacts? How should I react?

I was thinking of maybe offering a big discount..I don't know..I would give it away for free as well if someone likes a piece so much but cannot afford it. My only concern in this case though, is that it would be a very naive gesture from my side..
I really don't know what to do...HELP...??

[Former_Member]

I'm not sure if Etsy has any kind of regulation about this, but I have seen a few sellers offer payment plans in the form of reserved listings that are posted in several parts. It's my understanding that the seller comes up with terms for the buyer. For instance, you may have this item once you pay 5 monthly installment of xyz. If you miss a payment then your money will be refunded and you don't get the item, or whatever. Only after the final payment has been made, will the seller send the item. I've seen this in other shops as listings that say things like "Reserved for Jane. Part 2 of 5" if Jane had already made 1 payment. The buyer "buys" the item in the shop, pays for it, and the seller just edits the listing slightly and re-posts it.

Just a thought.

[CatherineMarissa]

I would offer to put her on your mailing list for sales.

[Mollymoojewels]

I've never encountered this before, but I have had the occasional customer who 'can't afford it right now', and would I hold something until their next pay check, Which I am happy to do. Times are tough for ALL of us not just this lady. I would never dream of asking for something for free. If I can't afford it I don't buy it, and covet it from afar hoping that perhaps one day I can!

[Former_Member]

I've been offered less than 50% of my asking price on a number of my shawls.

I simply reply that if they cannot afford the full purchase price in one lump sum payment, I'll set up a payment plan so that payments can be spread out over the month.

The terms are 50% down and the balance paid off in no more than 3 installments.

I charge a 5% fee for setting this up simply to cover the additional paypal fees that I incur.

I've had a number of people take me up on the offer.

[Former_Member]

This sounds like a scam, just ignore it.

[kidsstore]

I recently had a request through a convo from a person working with the Make A Wish Foundation, and decided to donate the item (and an extra one for his little brother) but I got the official form from them. Also, I informed the person who contacted me through a convo, that even though the request was for a very good reason she should be aware that Etsy Admin. severly frowned on solicitation letters to the Etsy sellers and could terminate her Etsy account. She said she was not aware of that policy and thanked me for letting her know. Oh, and after the child's reveal party I got a very nice thank you postcard plus a thank you convo that included photos of the child at his party. On the other hand, I have had a few requests that I have politely declined.

[HildesJewelry]

I would have ignored it. Rude to ask for item like that.

[TerraRhapsody]

I had someone hoping they could 'get a good deal' for buying two of my items. They were so eager to get said 'deal' that they emailed me again stressing the question a few hours later as I had not replied to them quickly enough!
Suffice to say when I declined their wish to make a deal (adding that repeat customers get a discount voucher), I didn't get a reply.

Messages like the one you received are usually people trying it on to get things for free, but they can also be used to sell your stuff on. Everyone has to financially support their family, but that doesn't mean I go to the supermarket and ask them to give me items for free. They try it here because some people give in and think they're doing someone a favour, but it's a sad scam.
Don't sell yourself and your skills short- that buyer will come along soon enough :)

[LeatherArtBoutique]

After reading all your posts I must say that you all have more or less the same opinion..coinsidence? I don't think so.. :) I also agree with you all and now that I gave it a second thought, it is so clear..

You have a very strong point there and I would also never contact anyone and ask for something for free..never..no matter how much I would want that piece..
Big thanks for helping me out with this!!

[Former_Member]

I would ignore it. Although I liked what Mary said about her glasswork.

My full-time job is in sales and there are times that I will negotiate depending on the size of the contract. Knowing your worth and value is very important.

Don't give anything away for free. I wouldn't even bother replying.

[RubyRobinBoutique]

Oh my god, I won't even haggle let along give away freebies! I work way too hard for that, totally a scam! Some cheek too using the sob story, pretty pathetic.

[WalterSilva]

I ignore such requests!

[BonitaBellita]

I haven't gotten a request like that, thankfully! While it is a nice thought to donate, I think the generosity is lost when it isn't a gesture made on your part and they asked for a personal donation. We don't do that in stores, why should it be so different for an individual? Your items are affordable, so a discount isn't even necessary.

Also, the comment of supporting their family... how many of us support our families by doing what we do on etsy? *raise hand*

[Former_Member]

Just my personal opinion....I do not think that "just ignoring" the inquiry is acceptable. As shop owners, we are all in the customer service business as well. I think a polite decline is in order with a brief explanation as to why.

First of all, your items are not necessities, they are lovely fun adornments.

Second, you are in business to support your family even if that us just you and an occasional gold fish. Your items are not at all over priced.

Third, this type of behavior deserves a "no" that lets them know that you are not willing to be taken advantage of.....maybe it will keep them from asking you or anyone else again.

Fourth, if this person just put back a little every week, they might be able to purchase that item.

Thanks for letting me know so that I can be prepared should I get such a message/offer.....please!?!

You deserve to be paid for your fabulous items!!!!

Cocokate

[PaperScissorsPop]

Well put Cocokate Barkley
I can imaging that person has probably copy and pasted that letter into messages to many other shop owners. Essentially it is just begging. You ask enough people and eventually someone will say yes.

[Former_Member]

I think Jen just gave you the perfect advice, so I'm just going to copy and paste what she said. :]

"While I like to think I would just ignore it as well... I probably would respond and say that I am also supporting my family with this business so unfortunately I can not just give items away."

Good luck!
Ciara

[Former_Member]

I believe in charity; I donate a substantial amount of my own work towards organizations supporting people (children in poverty, in shelters, and in hospitals) who sincerely need what I make.

That said, anybody who has the ability to use a computer and shop online, has the time and knowledge to support themselves. I annoys me when able-bodied educated people expect "something for nothing". I put that on a par with children on sports teams who are sent out in front of grocery stores with cans, begging strangers for "bucks for baseball" . What kind of message are their parents/coaching giving them? That somebody else "owes" them a new uniform every year?

[LaurasLastDitch]

That's why they made the 'delete' and 'report spam' buttons!

[theDelhiStore]

I have had requests to reserve items for long time but no requests of this type. :)

[Former_Member]

Don't set a precedent in your shop by giving this away, some people will try anything for a freebie

[SelkieCrochet]

oh my goodness - I hope you turned them down.

I think if it were me I'd reply and say that I couldn't afford to just donate an item to her (I do make donations to actual charities myself anyway) but would offer to put it on ''reserve'' for her if she wanted to purchase it in the next month or whatever.

I can't get over that someone would have the nerve to do that though

[mjcreation]

Yes, I've gotten similar things for a giveway for charity when i start selling back in 2008
i did give the item for free and after they did not contact me no thank you nothing
so in my opinion it is a good thing to give item free when it is for a good cause
B UT
not when people asking for free and i agree with Angela ALfieJayne some people will try anything for a freebie
so we all deserve to be paid for our creations
have a nice day to all best regards mj

[WilliamsGiftshop]

Ignore and delete!

And yes, I've had those kind of requests several times too.
I think they are utterly rude.
(Even though I DO give away items for free. Not through my shop and never when begged for.)

[ShopMissElla]

Surely no normal person would do this. Can you imagine saying this to another seller, that's nuts! I find it really disrespectful of your hard work.

Lush goodies in your shop, love the tights!!