Weird msg - Would you reply?

[#1]

Hi guys,

I've just received a bit of a weird message from an Etsy buyer.

"for your prices...your cushions are cute but in comparison other sellers they should be filled. just sayin is all. Cheers"

I personally think my prices are very reasonable, and quite frankly even comparing me to other Etsy sellers - my prices are at the lower end of average, when related to cushion covers of the same size/detailing. Quite frankly even if they weren't, don't buy from me if you're not happy with my prices. (you may notice this has annoyed me slightly)

Anyway.

My point being, would you convo this person back politely pointing this out, or ignore it.
The buyer has favourite-d my shop, and some items, so I don't want to appear rude and lose possible sales/exposure. But at the same time, I am strong willed and am happy to stand by my convictions (in this case, my prices), this person may be sending similar messages to other sellers who aren't - and a polite convo might deter this person from possibly making others feel bullied into lowering prices. And some non-makers just aren't aware that buying supplies, and putting the work in, is actually worth money...

ok... you get the point. Should I say something, or ignore?

[lewisandbucky]

Just ignore!

[DeerGirlDesigns]

you know, i tend to agree with ignore, but by politely pointing out why your cushions are reasonably priced (high quality, hand made, etc) you might end up with a sale? You can really positively respond in a way that might just educate someone a little and create a good rapport! Obviously they are interested and looking.

[DeerGirlDesigns]

Ps Tessa, yeah - "just saying" is passive aggressive haha for sure.

[Former_Member]

Ignore and delete. No point leaving something behind that will upset you if you ever see it again.

[Former_Member]

Ignore.. I can't believe someone would message you and say that.

[Former_Member]

Ignore!!!

[PaperDotCo]

I agree with @davkadeergirl.
ignore it ...

and

In the listing, you can add some more info on the applique process of your products.
I love this cushion cover of yours and the concept and execution of it is awesome! So you can add some more description to let people know that. People who don't know the process, cannot understand the difference between this and a cushion cover just sewn with a printed fabric.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/92753706/moon-buggy-cushion-cover-21-x-21-large

[PaperDotCo]

and I would not specifically reply to her :) and I would just delete that convo.

I would just add something more to the description, so that it would educate all the people looking at the listing. Just saying "handmade" does not do it justice :)...it is more than that

and it is an original design by you, inspired by the apollo mission 17. Not everyone can envision that!

[JDsBowCreations]

I agree with the group-ignore. There are all kinds of ignorant people out in the world who do not understand what it takes to make a quality item. I think it takes guts to publish your craft and have everyone view and comment about it. There will always be someone who responds negatively but there are many, many more who value your product and the time it takes to make the pillow covers.

[Frecklesoriginals]

I wonder if this is the same person who put the same thing on a team thread to me. They said the same thing about my cushions ie : I would expect to get the pad for that price.My covers are priced Ok I think yours are too. Trouble is the shipping cost of sending a pad and people are alergic to some filling or just prefare to choose their own. Oh my why are we worrying anyway we are happy arn't we?

[Former_Member]

I absolutely love your cushions and for all the work, your prices are great.
About the comment, I don't think you can ignore it because it has already made an impact on you. The only thing you can do is decide on how to react to it. I agree with the prior comment on adding information to your work about the quality and type of fabric. You also might want to add a blurb about the reason for not including the pad. It totally makes sense to me on the shipping cost aspect, but Pamela brought up a great point I never thought about: allergy to certain fillings. That is a great selling point for NOT including the pad. Yeah frecklesoriginals!
I think that by adding details and/or explanations to your site, you can address the rude comment without having to address the rude person.
Did I mention i love your work?

[FenderGemsNCrystals]

The only reason I would not just outright delete that message is to maintain a convo trail in case you need to report an Etsy user. Completely inappropriate.

[Former_Member]

I think everyone has already given good advice, but I can't help but say that that message was indeed very weird, and grammatically really didn't even make sense. I would ignore.

[Former_Member]

Ignore the message, but keep the convo, just in case this person keeps bothering you. There's a lot of negative people and I've learned it's better not to be provoked by them.

[Former_Member]

Ignore it.

[Former_Member]

Oh, I didn't think about that but Kristen gave you good advice!

[wildwomanbeads]

Ignore. If you feel you must respond to honor your integrity, than follow Pamela's very good advice (above).

[Former_Member]

I've been tempted to convo someone who seems new to etsy to RAISE their prices! When things take a long time to make, the price should reflect that. Lots of people have no understanding of the time handmade takes. I've had custom offers that would result in me being paid $ 2 an hour. Crazy! I wouldn't offer a coupon or anything!

[Former_Member]

Ignore !!!
I just had 3 comments like that in my French shop ! The first 2, I was kind and polite.
The third one, I was angry, because the woman was very angry in her convo ! She said something like "you CAN offer the shipping because it's so expensive in your shop"
I replied, but I should not have to...
Just ignore !!

[MyGigiDoll]

ignore!

[BetweenTheWeeds]

I agree with all ignore. Nice things. Why does the populous think artists are not worthy of fair pricing yet would pay ridiculous prices for mass produced junk? Sorry pet peeve.

[Former_Member]

I wouldn't worry about it too much - thats only their option! I would convo back to thank them for their advice - they prob think they are being helpful!!

Better to be polite about it and assume they were trying to be constructive if they write anything else like this you could always report them.

Jill

[Former_Member]

Either take their 'suggestion' or ignore it.

Maybe they sell a similar item and they want your attention regarding their own.

I have had convo's from seller's who were pissed because I sell
"Prairie Glass Shards.....................Sea Glass Cousin".
They whine about my mis tagging or reference to their authentic sea glass and how I'm competing with them.

SURE, YES, that's what etsy is all about! Big DUH.

If you are proud of your products don't let someone else tell you otherwise.
I like your shop, your products are fresh and original. Ignore their convo or tell them to suck-it.

[Former_Member]

Haha, you have no idea how much I would like to tell them to 'suck it'!! I probably wouldn't even be that polite given the choice.... However, I decided to go with this:

Hi there,

Thank you for your comments, it is always nice to hear that people like my items.

With regards to your suggestion, I'm afraid I would have to disagree on that point. I make large cushions, and they are all handmade - using either time consuming applique work, or very intricate freehand embroidery - and this is reflected in the price. I have also chosen not to sell the cushion covers without insert as, with the cushion covers being large, it makes them quite heavy for postage; and have instead chosen to list a separate item for a cushion insert if the customer requires it.

It's interesting to hear other people's suggestions, but I just thought I would let you know that these issues had already been considered and that I haven't just ignored your comments.

Thanks,
Marie.



Also, on another note. The particular item she sent me the convo from (whether she had a particular problem with that item or not, I don't know) has now sold. So obviously not too expensive.

Thanks for the advice guys :)

[Former_Member]

Well written. :-)