Pet Hates 101 part two

Part Two

6.    If you're charging me a fortune for 6 cabs, or 15 brass bezels then within that make sure you have charged me for the cost of either taping them together (see point 3 - as long as its not wrapped like a mummy) or placing the items in a bag.  Shoving them all into one bag that pops is equal to stamping on them in my books.  I didn't pay to have items scratched and chipped because you're too lazy to separate the items and show that you've spent some time packaging.  

7.    Giving me free shipping isn't something I need to be thankful of if you skimp on everything else you provide which should be a basic standard of running a business.  I won't be grateful for free shipping if it means you think you can send it to me when you want and in any condition you choose.  Result, I won't spend my money with you again.

8.    MY ADDRESS:  There's a bit of a clue in those words. My address, is where I live.  If for some reason you're running a business and you're wondering why all your customers haven't received your items... Then maybe, you did to them, what you did to me.  Try writing the correct address, i think it works when sending a package.  It means that you have read the information provided with your sales email and that you can put pen to paper and send it to the correct person.  I'd rather not sit for ten days when expecting a UK parcel to find it has been all around London looking for the address that actually doesn't exist anywhere other than in your head.  Now I know, mistakes are made.  But on contact, don't make it seem as though its the customers fault for your mistake.  It helps to be honest, or certainly just make it right.  No excuses, just MAKE. IT. RIGHT!

9.    Customs Form:  Hmmmm, no.  I’m not about to ask you to write GIFT on anything actually.  I pay over and beyond what I think any of us should pay HM treasury.  Tax on what?  I’ve just paid shipping, handling, packaging, and now I’m being charged more.  Ok, so this isn’t so much to do with the seller, but it has when that little green form isn’t filled out correctly and you think you’re being clever.  I had one seller send me my leather string, all in all it cost $5.  I know, I could have got it from ebay, less waiting time, less hassle, but I liked the colour (told you I was a compulsive shopper).  Anyway, I get a customs charge for around £14, I was expecting other stuff so no matter – that’s just what you have to take on the chin sometimes.  It arrived and it said ‘owl watch’ on the customs form.  I thought ‘huh’. I don’t even like owls, and I wouldn’t have bought  a watch from Etsy either.  Anyway, I opened it curious.  Low and behold, what do I find?  My fivers worth of string.  I just paid £14 as well as what, £3.50 approx for string.  You can imagine the message she got and the excuses I heard.  I received a refund for ALL my costs inc the charge from customs.


10.    I understand that on sites such as Folksy or Etsy we as buyers don't have to see the sellers address.  But what i would like if I have just sent through my hard earned cash is some form of business contact name, number or address.  if I have just done business with you, and you have my address, why shouldn't I have access to yours if I need to contact you. 

Just because we use sites like Folksy, Etsy - doesn't mean we need to hide our details from the customer.  I dealt with someone recently that after I sent her my money, I had no form of name, address other than the site I ordered from and a gmail email.  Nothing else.  That doesn't leave me feeling very secure as a buyer from some of the handmade sites out there.  I must say, its not too common and most of the sellers/store owners I purchase from at least respond via message with a name and include business information with the package on arrival.  

11.    Messaging Customers:  You know, its real nice to let people know if something has shipped.  But if you're bogged under and busy, I can understand how this can become a chore for the more successful sellers.  But when you contact me, please make sure you at least type the message or email properly.  I know its only the internet, but I'm a bit old fashioned in that way.  A 'Dear' or hello doesn't cost and certainly doesn't take more time.  I don't expect a novel, but I do expect you to address me as a customer and not a mate.  What is it, that a number of sellers think its ok to respond to queries with a one liner even though you have written to them using their shop name and signed your name on closing?  What is that?  What is it that as a seller you hide your identity on contact from me?  Why?  It won't make me trust you, it will make me wonder just what you have to hide.

12.    Don’t tell me you’ve sent my items when they’re still on your settee

13.    Don’t take my money and then tell me you’re sending it along later as it isn’t actually in stock

14.    If  I’ve been shopping with you for years now, and have spent a fortune – more than a few can of beans…  Then appreciate that I still spend with you and instead of your broken arse cracked beads, send me something I have at least chosen numerous times from your shop as a thank you.  Yes, I know that big shops don’t do this often, but they do offer point systems, vouchers and yes, it would make me spend even more with you because I know you actually give a damn about long standing customers and customer loyalty!

15.    Feedback: I am as honest I can be without ruining anyone livelihood or hurting anyone.  I am constructive or better still if I’m happy will sing your praises and pass your info on to other people.  I have been on the other end of feedback as a buyer, especially on Etsy.  People wait to leave you feedback even though as a buyer you have done your bit.  paid on time, money direct from bank via paypal.  I’ve done my bit *dusts hands* now I wait.  I don’t see why I can’t have my feedback now thank you!  But I know why.  My experience has been with mainly large suppliers on Etsy when they don’t like something constructive you’ve written they think its ok to leave you bad feedback.  I had one I had to go through Etsy admin to deal with.  I didn’t see that it was right that someone could leave me negative feedback when all I mentioned was them not sending the goods ordered, fair comment.  Yet she left a red mark on my perfect 1575, 100% pos.rating.  I was devastated, I don’t even know why.  I felt aggrieved because as a buyer who paid, I had done nothing other than to be honest and clear and not spiteful, as I could have been or angry or even evil.  It was all removed and eventually that seller closed shop and reopened as many many others had spotted what they had been doing to buyers and too many red marks doesn’t make for a pretty dress now does it?  I have no idea what that means but it just came out of my fingers.

Ok, so this may sound like a whine – well it is.  Today, I’m afraid I don’t care.  Why should I pay good money to have tat thrown into my home through a little slit in the door just because some small business’s just haven’t got to grips of how to run a business and how important customer service should be.  Why on waiting for ages for packages to arrive should I be the one to feel my heart sink? 

So that’s it for today. I’m sure as I sip my tea I shall think of plenty more to moan about today.  It’s just one of those days.  My latest never going to visit you again supplies seller was on Folksy, I guess that’s why I’m a little peeved really!   Just one long moan on how I would very much like to be treated as a customer please.