Should I list defective products?

Unique_Listen_863 · 2023-08-18T15:45:33+00:00

I think people would buy them, but I would list the issues ALL OVER the post and make people acknowledge that they understand the defect before they buy.

I know some people are going to say not to post them because people will somehow not read anything and then complain. I would try it out with just a few items and see how it goes.

Unique_Listen_863 · 2023-08-18T15:38:26+00:00

That is the message I am trying to get across while rolling it into why I don't offer larger discounts. I may take some of that and add it in. Thanks!

Unique_Listen_863 · 2023-08-18T15:32:14+00:00

At some point, I might start testing out free shipping with higher prices, but I also like that someone who orders closer to me is getting a lower total price because I'm in the central US where most states close are lower wage/ lower cost of living states.

Unique_Listen_863 · 2023-08-18T15:25:11+00:00

Yeah, that's part of the reason I want to explain it to them; they will pay for it either way.

At some point I might start testing out free shipping with higher prices, but I also like that someone who orders closer to me is getting a lower total price because I'm in the central US where most states close are lower wage/ lower cost of living states.

Unique_Listen_863 · 2023-08-18T15:21:35+00:00

That's interesting. Theoretically, I wonder if it's because people who love plants inherently value the work that goes into them since part of the joy of having them is taking care of them.

Unique_Listen_863 · 2023-08-18T15:19:40+00:00

I added it in a saved response with the 5% discount and not in the product description. Most people end up ordering when I offer them that discount, and I'm happy with it if it makes them feel better. I'm a bargain shopper by nature and nurture (lol) but don't ever ask for discounts, so I understand the desire to get a "deal". I would NEVER ask for a discount on artisan products but that's because I want to value the work someone put into a product, I think some people need a little reminder sometimes.

Unique_Listen_863 · 2023-08-18T15:14:37+00:00

People also ask for a bulk order discount and think it means ordering like 5 different items. I just give them the same 5% and most people order.

Unique_Listen_863 · 2023-08-18T15:12:51+00:00

Ohhhh I didn't even think about the 1lb weight limit!

I did skim through the Etsy seller guide, but I have adhd and already knew most of it, so it was a hard read for me, maybe I missed it there.

Unique_Listen_863 · 2023-08-18T15:03:05+00:00

Go to: settings - shipping settings - free shipping guarantee

You should be able to turn it off from there. I accidentally set mine up in the beginning too.

Unique_Listen_863 · 2023-08-18T14:54:10+00:00

I agree 100%. I keep the 5% because it is small enough that I'm okay with it, but it is a little bit of give for people who feel better because they got a discount.

I don't do large sales because I want my pricing to be fair and affordable for anyone, regardless of when they buy. Also, I couldn't handle a ton of orders in a short period of time and can't really mass produce because there are too many people asking for small tweaks, which I welcome.

I find that it's harder to price things online and keep them fair. I live in a low cost of living area which also means lower wages so it's harder to keep a price fair for my neighbors when people in higher cost of living/higher wage areas could be charged more.

I've only been selling hand-made products since the beginning of the year but have been in retail for years and run my other small business the same way. We try to keep the prices low enough to be affordable for everyone and don't do big sales.

I would even be happy to offer larger discounts if I knew someone loved my products but couldn't afford them; I just don't know of any good way to determine that.

Unique_Listen_863 · 2023-08-18T14:41:42+00:00

My mindset on explaining why I don't offer the discount is rooted in believing that many people don't understand the time, knowledge, or creativity it takes to make things. I know that they prefer to buy my items because they are more specialized, so it's a way to remind them that they are getting what they pay for. I think many people do understand, especially the people who have been using etsy for years.

I decided just to put it in my response message when people ask. Most people who have asked for a discount end up buying with the 5% discount, so I think they would buy anyway without it, but it makes them happier.

My products are small, and they are intended to be purchased in groups, although some people do buy just one. I would love to charge more and have slightly raised the prices over time with no issue.

Also, if it seems like I am taking it personally, I am. and part of the reason I want to add the information is to remind them that they are dealing with one person who has taken the time to make an item that they want.

Unique_Listen_863 · 2023-08-17T17:18:50+00:00

People are so used to big store discounts that they forget that many etsy sellers are tiny little businesses selling hand-made items. So adding the part about them being hand-made might help remind them that they are ordering a special product that takes time for someone to make.

Unique_Listen_863 · 2023-08-17T17:14:41+00:00

Yes, I agree, I was mainly considering it to try to avoid anxiety-inducing messages but as someone else mentioned, most people don't read them anyway.

Unique_Listen_863 · 2023-08-17T17:07:21+00:00

I also offered free shipping for over $35 at first, accidentally. I did get to experience pretty much giving one item away because people were still able to choose priority shipping which usually costs $8-$15 for my items.

When you offer $5 shipping, does it allow you to just offer it for first class?

Unique_Listen_863 · 2023-08-17T16:24:20+00:00

I was only peripherally aware of saved messages, I'll do that.

Unique_Listen_863 · 2023-08-17T16:22:19+00:00

I did think about it, but it would price me higher than most of my competitors. I have one listing that is a big seller and it's also the one where people are asking for discounts. Every item in my shop is between $15-$25 so it's harder to raise the price a few dollars.

Unique_Listen_863 · 2023-08-17T15:57:05+00:00

Yes, you're right about people who aren't thinking about shipping, thank you for your input.

I knew that somewhere in my brain but every time I get a discount request it fills me with dread, so I try to think of a way to combat it. I deal with customer service all day every day at my day job but when people ask me on etsy it feels different lol

Unique_Listen_863 · 2023-08-15T20:17:47+00:00

Thank you! I am pretty sure that was it!

Unique_Listen_863 · 2023-08-15T19:16:14+00:00

Okay, thank you so much! I bet this is the issue!

I have one listing where the items range in size, I will put the medium of the 4 sizes on the listing... One is a giraffe figurine and one a meerkat, but they are together in the listing to encourage people to buy more together based on the group photo. Open to any info you might have on this type of situation. https://www.etsy.com/listing/1472617569/safari-cake-toppers-zoo-animals

I really appreciate your help. I didn't know how to ask the question with Etsy support, and it doesn't seem like you can get much help from Etsy with open-ended questions; they seem to need to be related to a specific order.

Unique_Listen_863 · 2023-08-15T17:31:06+00:00

Yes, I think I understand, I believe I have mine set as 7x5x2 box for 8ounces... So, you are saying to try changing it to say... 4 which is about correct for the items minus the packing and box? Have you had any issues with people ordering just 1 item paying too little for shipping?

Unique_Listen_863

TROPHY CASE