[MakinTheBestOfIt]

I am a buyer of handmade as often as possible; I love the love that goes into a handmade product and knowing that there is a person behind each piece.  So many of us are creative and passionate; but what about the business of selling?  I've purchased from some artists that have amazing customer service and make me feel like my package was the most important thing on their mind that day and I've purchased from some that were about as personal as KMart.

My question for you is what do you do to make your customers feel appreciated?  Do you email a thank you for your purchase, do you package in some special way?  I'd love to hear what you do that sets you apart from mass-market.

[Larissa]

I *usually* (not always if I'm in a real rush) handwrite a quick note on the packing slip, but that's about it.  I do try my best to get the order out next day or even same day if I can.

Which reminds me, a couple need to go to the USPS today... after I bring the Jeep to the mechanic.  Yes, in this mess.

[MakinTheBestOfIt]

I *usually* (not always if I'm in a real rush) handwrite a quick note on the packing slip, but that's about it.  I do try my best to get the order out next day or even same day if I can.

Which reminds me, a couple need to go to the USPS today... after I bring the Jeep to the mechanic.  Yes, in this mess.

Stay dry!  It is only going to get worse today...and I get to go out in it later to pick up my boys and take my oldest to sing with the chorus.  Normally I love that stuff, but not today.

[Larissa]

Ugh, yeah things are different in bad weather.  The mechanic was nice, though, and drove me back home; it's walking distance when it's nice out.

The post office is no real issue.  In good weather, I'd walk that too, but I'll take my car.

[jewelrybyjanelle50]

I think I send a short note on how to care for their wooden items, and I always at least thank them, in an email. Money eliminates elaborate packaging for me. In time, that can come as well. My feedback pretty much speaks for itself.

[Larissa]

Oh, as for packaging, I'm trying to stay somewhat eco-friendly, so I'm using bubble wrap that I'm recycling from packages WE get with our supplies.  On larger orders that require a bigger box and leave more space, I'm using shredded supermarket paper bags from our food shopping and also shredding the packing paper in which our orders come packaged.  That way I'm recycling it all in my own way.

[MakinTheBestOfIt]

Oh, as for packaging, I'm trying to stay somewhat eco-friendly, so I'm using bubble wrap that I'm recycling from packages WE get with our supplies.  On larger orders that require a bigger box and leave more space, I'm using shredded supermarket paper bags from our food shopping and also shredding the packing paper in which our orders come packaged.  That way I'm recycling it all in my own way.

Never thought of shredding supermarket bags, that is a great idea.  I usually don't have that many paper bags around.  For our jewelry, shipping is easy; for my glass there is a lot more packaging and bubble wrap just so it makes it in one piece and I always send a little card that I make with every package.

[JewelrybyNaLa]

I include a refrigerator magnet with my business card on it, and I wrap the jewelry in fancy tissue paper with a handmade seal that says "Wrapped with love from NaLa". I still have the tissue paper that I got with every purchase from Waukema, a wonderful store which went out of business here several years ago.

I also try to use as much used shipping products as I can get my hands on, from bubble wrap to bubble mailers. I've thought of including an explanation of why I use recycled shipping materials in my packages, but no one has complained so far.

I haven't bought gift boxes because of the cost, but I hear some $$ Stores carry them ... going to have to go on a $$ Store hunt soon.

[MakinTheBestOfIt]

I include a refrigerator magnet with my business card on it, and I wrap the jewelry in fancy tissue paper with a handmade seal that says "Wrapped with love from NaLa". I still have the tissue paper that I got with every purchase from Waukema, a wonderful store which went out of business here several years ago.

I also try to use as much used shipping products as I can get my hands on, from bubble wrap to bubble mailers. I've thought of including an explanation of why I use recycled shipping materials in my packages, but no one has complained so far.

I haven't bought gift boxes because of the cost, but I hear some $$ Stores carry them ... going to have to go on a $$ Store hunt soon.

I get jewelry boxes at PaperMart.com and they are reasonable, about .15 each.  I know that we could probably do without them, but I really like to send jewelry out in boxes with one of our stickers attached.

[Dragonclaw]

I too use recycled shipping materials whenever possible... and when I remember to I include a hand written note thanking them for their purchase ...plus if there's room in the package I include a free gift or two. And I also try to email a thank you note and confirm by email when they recieve it... plus I have just started to offer mmoney back guarantee if they are not happy for any reason ...send it back and I will refund the money spent including shipping both ways

[JewelrybyNaLa]

Thank you for the link Kim, but it seems the most economical boxes on that site are the ones you order by the case, and I only really need a few at a time ... at least until I become the world famous jeweler I am in my own mind! 

[MakinTheBestOfIt]

Thank you for the link Kim, but it seems the most economical boxes on that site are the ones you order by the case, and I only really need a few at a time ... at least until I become the world famous jeweler I am in my own mind! 

LOL!  I did buy a case!  I use them for shows and such and figured it was way cheaper to store them than to buy them a few at a time.

[Haffina]

I gift wrap every order, complete with a ribbon, so its like opening a gift. I also write a note on the back of one of my business cards, including a thank you.
I use recycled bubble wrap and peanuts (little foam things) from orders I have received. I make earring cards and all my jewellery comes in a little zip lock bags. I have some gift boxes, but dont really use them much, cos none of them match and I'm trying to be consistent with my packaging. Like, all my wrapping paper is the same and the ribbons are in my shop colour.
I want buying from me to be an event that evokes good feelings... and what better than a present to unwrap.