Before the
Sale
- Label your work. Branding is important. Not the
plastering-a-giant-logo on the front of a T-shirt kind of branding,
but how about a simple tag with your Etsy shop name sewn under the
collar? Do your art prints have your Etsy shop name on the back?
Branding and labeling will help your buyers know where to
return!
- Customer service is the key to fostering repeat business, and
this starts with setting up the right expectations. Be sure to have
up-to-date and thorough Shop Policies. (If you are in the EU,
you'll be happy to see we've added a Seller Information field for
you to comply with customer protection laws. More info here.)
- Include shipping information in your Message to Buyer. (Do
you ship on Tuesdays? First Class mail? Is there a way the buyer
can contact you for a shipping upgrade?)
- Entice loyalty before the sale by encouraging fans of your work
to participate in your business without even making a purchase. Can
they fan your Facebook page?
Donate to a Kickstarter
campaign? Sign up for your MailChimp newsletter? (All of these
tools will give you access to contact these fans again!)
After the Sale
- Check the Notes to Seller area on your Etsy and PayPal invoices
to avoid missing a request from your buyer.
- Try to ship slightly faster than your policies and Note to
Buyer state. Quote a slightly long shipping timeframe and drop that
package off a day before. Your buyer will be thrilled!
- Creative packaging and a handwritten note is just enough to
turn that casual buyer into a fan. If this item could be a gift,
think about including something fun for the buyer that they can
keep for themselves. (Be creative and try not to eat into your
profits with this one!)
Stay Connected With Your Fans
Think of your core group of customers as your fan base. Here are
some ways to keep in touch:
- Leave thoughtful feedback instead of a generic, "Great buyer!"
Look for clues in your buyer's profile, the Note to Seller or other
communications
- Be sure you connect your
Twitter and Facebook accounts to allow your buyers to easily
follow your updates.
- Ask your buyers to sign up for your mailing list. (Many mailing
list providers offer a landing page where you can direct your new
buyers to sign up.)
- "Shout out" return buyers on your blog, Facebook page or via Twitter. (This
can even be anonymous: "Just wanted to send a big 'Thank you!' to
my lovely buyer from Hawaii. I know she's going to rock these
handprinted leggings!")
- Ask your customers for their help getting the word out! You'd
be surprised how willing they are to support you! (And reward those
who do.)
- Team up! Work out a cross-promotion with a complementary Etsy
seller, small business or your Etsy team. Supporting handmade,
vintage and other small businesses in general will keep us all
thriving