getting Feedback

[Former_Member]

HI there,

I would like some tips on how to encourage buyers to leave you feedback. I include a letter with all my items, which apart from thanking them also says that I would be very grateful for their feedback, but so far I only got 1 out of 11 sales.

Is there a way of getting more feedback from buyers?
thanks
mandy

[BingArt]

Well, for my shop, I've noticed customers will usually eventually leave feedback... eventually being sometimes weeks or even months later... aside from including a note I have this in my message to buyers: "Please be sure to visit the feedback page once your item arrives so that you can rate your experience with my shop." Buyers receive the message whenever they purchase the item. Good luck! :)

[Former_Member]

Rachel, that's a really good message.

Mandy, it's not easy to get Etsy feedback (as compared to Ebay and Amazon...I sell on both, and both venue send reminder emails to buyers to please provide feedback). I feel your frustration; you feel like it would help your shop if prospective buyers could see how nice your items are in person, right?

Unfortunately, according to posts on these forums, you just have to be happy with whatever you get.

[Former_Member]

I send the shipping notification and say this:

Note to buyer about this shipment
i sent the banner today. i hope you enjoy it.
if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me so we can address them.
positive feedback is my goal, it also lets me know you received the items. if you have time to leave feedback after your banner arrives, please do so at the following link:
http://www.etsy.com/feedback/awaiting
all returning customers can use the unexpiring coupon code xxxxxx for 10%off anytime.
jenni

[Former_Member]

Nice, Jenni. Clear, not pushy. I like it.

[Former_Member]

Great. I worry sometimes. That's the only thing I send. If they don't leave it, then fine. I happen to have a ton of Feedback, from buying a ton.

[amysfunkyfibers]

Thanks for that link Jenni. I often get e-mails from customers with great feedback, I would love to copy and paste those on :)

[philosophias]

Offer incentives! I offer a 10% off coupon the buyer can use again and again forever if they like my facebook page and leave positive feedback telling you why they liked your item. This not only gives you positive feedback, but detailed feedback other buyers can look at and it makes it much more impressive. Some people don't even want the code but it communicates how much it means to you to receive feedback. Try it out! 10% is not that bad and some customers forget to use it or don't even ask for it. Probably about 3/4 of my buyers now leave feedback which I consider very good. I was especially eager when I first started out to get feedback but now I've slowed down. I used to send a personal convo thanking them and offering incentives. Now I just put it in the note to buyer. The convos work out really nice, I would recommend it. Good luck!

[philosophias]

Trading is also a great way to rack up positive feedback. It double counts too, since you leave them positive feedback, and they leave you positive feedback. There are quite a few trade teams on Etsy and a lot of them are really active now that everyone is buying Christmas gifts.

[Former_Member]

I've never heard of trading on etsy. Tell me more, please!

[Former_Member]

Margo,
1. Add item to cart
2. Select "Other" as method of payment
3. Send item
4. When you receive the item you ordered, mark the order as "Paid" by clicking on the "Paid" button under "Sold Orders".
.........
This is the way I've done it. You have to make sure you have "other" as an option of payment in your shop first. Like Emma said there are teams full of sellers wanting to trade. Have fun!

[Former_Member]

Trading is definitely a great and fun way to get feedback! Search the teams for "trade" or "barter" and you will find lots. It's totally legal to do it through etsy, as long as you do it honestly and pay all the fees, etc. that you would normally pay when making a sale. Once you go to make a trade with someone, you checkout using "other" as your method of payment & that's pretty much it. Bartering is just another form of payment. Here is a link with etsy's standpoint on it - http://www.etsy.com/help/article/295

[Former_Member]

I just got one other feedback today :) it does feel good to see positive comments :)

[philosophias]

Margo,
I think this is the most active trade team if you want to go check it out:
http://www.etsy.com/teams/6490/etsy-trade-a-holics
Just about everyone in the team is very friendly and open to trades. You just trade for something of approximate equal value and follow the instructions others posted. It's a lot of fun, and a way to express your creativity by making something in exchange for something someone else made without any exchange of money. It's wonderful! I would definitely recommend it.

[VintageCarolina]

Emma - that's a great idea to offer a 10% off coupon for feedback!

When my shop was newer it seemed that folks were more careful to leave feedback but now I think I get about 60% - I always include a thank you email, "let me know when it arrives so I can leave your feedback and hope you'll do the same for me" type message. Doesn't matter

[Former_Member]

This is an interesting thread. Being quite a new seller I see feedback as hugely important but so far have only had a couple of people bother. I've often wondered if it is appropriate to follow up with a customer and ask them for feedback.

Annoyingly the last two customers have sent very positive emails/messages, but not actually left it on the feedback page for everyone to see!

I love the trading idea, that's a lot of fun and a really nice way to connect and network with people. They are much more likely to spread the word about you if you've actually sent them something.

L x

[LettersAndPine]

These are really good ideas. I've been wondering if there's a way I can ask for feedback without looking desperate and/or pushy. Thanks for the ideas, everyone! I might consider adding politely asking for feedback in the handwritten thank you cards I send out with each package.