Customer Service Basics

Customer Service Basics
Most of what I am writing here is just common curtesy.   The rules for selling on line really aren't different that selling in person except for a few points.  The problem comes when we forget that the message on the other end comes from a real live person!    Thanks to the popularity of social networks like Twitter or Facebook, customer complaints are no longer just between you and the customer.  One of the best ways to handle the complaint is before it happens.  By that I mean if you keep the communication open between you and your customer in most cases you will alleviate if not avoid any complaints.

Here are some tips for you to follow:
1.  You have a comment from someone liking your work what should you do?
This one is simple but very easily overlooked.  First you must decipher if are they a colleague or a potential customer.  When I get a praising message I first check to see if they have an on-line store and whether they make similar items as I do.  If they do I thank them and comment on their work as well.   If they sell different items than I, they could be potential customers also, or are indeed customer be sure to thank them and tell them that if the have any questions to contact you.  You really should answer as quickly as you can.   If you have a full time job also you should set aside time every night to answer questions and comments!

2.  You have a message questioning whether one of your items comes in a different color?
Here is what you should do:  If you don't mind custom orders by all means answer the question and tell them when it is ready you will list it and email them immediately.  And do it.   If you don't have it available in their color or if you just don't take custom orders you must let them know ASAP.  Don't keep them hanging, because you don't want to loose them as a customer.  Trust me nothing can be accomplished by stringing the customer along and in the long run they will thank you.

3.   Great you have an order!  Communications don't stop here!  Send them a thank you message immediately.  Send them another one to let them know that the package has shipped.  I send a thank you note with my orders also.  Be sure to include either your business card or information on the card for questions and for more orders.

4.  I do a follow up also thanking them again and reminding them what you have available or a link to your shop.

5.  Complaints!  Item wasn't as expected!  Definately appoligize immediately...  Ask how you can make it right... I had a customer once that ordered a key chain.  The listing had the actual size listed but the photograph made it look larger!...Because the selling price was very low.. I told him he could keep it, and I refunded his sales money less shipping....he was happy.  To me, it wasn't worth having an unhappy customer....  But if the sales price was higher I would of definately had him return it, and either refunded his money or given him store credit.

Customer Service is the most important rule.  Honesty is the Best Policy. Integrity – Be honest and own up to your mistakes. Communicate what you plan to do to change or prevent the same mistake from happening again. Don’t be fooled into believing that a regular ‘mea culpa’ will get you off the hook. At some point the plan to fix the problem must take effect!

Netting Stitch

I used the netting stitch to create this bracelet!  I really like this stitch and have seen a shawl created with it.  Don't think I will attempt it now but it is on my long list of things to do!  This bracelet was made for the Etsy Beadweaver's May challenge titled "Nautical"

Challenging Myself

I finally made it to this month's Etsy Beadweavers Team Challenge.  Nothing fancy this time just was happy to get it finished in time. I really liked the theme Destinations!  Take a peak!  http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/    There was 48 entries and every one was absolutely  outstanding.  I am trying to rev it up for next months challenge theme "Seed Beads Only" the plan is in my head and trying to come out hopefully before the last minute of the 19 days left.  


I get asked frequently how I come up with my designs.  The truth is sometimes they are in my head waiting to come out, but mostly I get inspirations from the beads or stones themselves.  When I see one that I like I will lay it out on trays and put other bead or stones that match or look good with it and keep looking at them until it magically appears.  At any given time I will have three or 4 trays going at once.


While waiting for the plan to come together I have been making multi-strand necklaces in a variety of colors.  And yeah!!!! they have been selling!

New Work!

The cuff on the right is not finished yet but I have been playing around with other metals along with the silver and gold.  I like the textures and colors of copper, especially when mixed with the darker flat finish of jasper.  Because I used 14 gauge wire I need the assistance of my husband's strong fingers to adjust the shape.  14 gauge is a little too much for my fingers.

The cuff on the left  is done with sterling silver, Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Red Coral beads.  It is almost done it needs to be tweaked and straightened.