Turning Sales in to Positive Feedback

[HappyBabyCrochet]

I'm sure this has been asked over and over again but can you tell me the best way to get feedback after a sale has been made. I am a new shop and getting some sales but not many are leaving me feedback.
Does it depend on who is buying from you and if they are an Etsy regular?
I have started offering a discount to those who leave me feedback but is it "rude" to follow-up with a buyer and ask how they liked your product and if they did, would they consider leaving you feedback? I don't want to bug them or be annoying! Thanks so much for any suggestions!

[HopSkipJumpPaper]

You can't ask for feedback. It's completely optional. You just have to hope that they will.

[Former_Member]

Oh man, I was coming to this team to ask the same exact question. I'm sure many new buyers look at your feedback more than anything, so I'd like to be able to get it as much as possible.

My last customer sent me an email telling me grateful she was and how my babywearing wrap had helped her so much since she got it. She said she would leave FB after she had taken pics wearing it then post it. That was a few weeks back. I don't want to bug her either because she's probably busy with life since she has very young babies, but I do need and absolutely rely on that feedback.
I'll be watching this thread to see what others say!

[HopscotchCouture]

I find that providing great customer service is what brings about great feedback. Standing out for your service as well as your product. Most of my feedback is related to my fast shipping and care given to the client.

[girlwitharadiomind]

Usually, I wouldn't ask the customer for feedback but if there's some after sale convo going on and it feels ok to add in that message about giving feedbacks then I will.

I think some customers don't even know there's this feedback thing available so I don't really want them to go through the hassle of looking for it.

I see it as a big bonus when customers leave good feedbacks. Sometimes, it makes my day as much as having sales because I know that someone's happy with their purchase and they even make an effort to leave a feedback for that. :)

[Former_Member]

I don't think asking for feedback is appropriate. It is totally optional and once the transaction is complete that should be it. However, you could perhaps remind them there is an option for it in the "Message to Buyer" or something along those lines.

Feedback will come with good service, I honestly wouldn't stress yourself over it.

[Former_Member]

The easiest way to build up positive feedback is to buy stuff. . .

[perpetualposy]

I received a bit of advice from a fellow Etsian regarding the same issue. They suggested what they do is utilize the "message to customer" box in the info and appearance section of your shop to invite the customer back to Etsy to provide feedback on their experience with your store. (Your customer receives this note after their transaction with your store) Explain that when they leave feedback it let's you know that they received their item/s and are happy with their experience with your shop. I felt this was a great way to politely suggest feedback without the pressure of contacting them again. Unfortunately, I cannot let you know if it worked since I have not had another sale since I changed my message :( Anyway, I hope this advice helps.

[thedots]

This is what I have on both my Shop Policies page, and in the automatically-generated email etsy sends a buyer who's just purchased something from my shop, and it has indeed generated more feedback for my shop:

"When you've received your order, I invite you to visit my shop again and leave feedback. This way I know you have indeed received your order, and you are happy with your purchase. And that your cat would recommend my shop to all his or her feline friends.

*Be sure to add an appreciation photo of your cat(s) w/ their new toy(s) along with your feedback!"

[HappyBabyCrochet]

Thanks so much for the advice and suggestions.

thedots, I really like that idea about adding the feedback request to the already generated email that the buyer gets when they purchase something. I will definitely add something like that to my message and that way, I don't feel like I'm bothering them.

When I mail out my item, I include a little note thanking them for their purchase and if they are not completely satisfied, to please contact me. Then I add a little note about how much I appreciate their feedback and give them an incentive for 15% off their next purchase. I just started doing this so I'm not sure if it works yet. I got this idea from another shop on Etsy but after reading these responses, maybe it's not appropriate.