Customer Service Sundays : Amber of The Cotton Cupcake Shoppe!

How do WESTies go the extra mile for you? This Sunday we visit with Amber of The Cotton Cupcake Shoppe to learn about her awesome customer service!

"One of my favorite parts of the handmade process is packaging up my creations for the mail! My goal is to make people feel special when they receive a Cotton Cupcake package in the mail."

"I want them to feel good about buying handmade and know that the item was made with love and that extra care went into packaging as well!"

Follow The Cotton Cupcake Shoppe

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Customer Service Sundays with Deanne of LittleFeatherDesigns!

How do WESTies go the extra mile for you? This Sunday we visit with Deanne of LittleFeatherDesigns to learn about her awesome customer service!

"Hello! Deanne here from Little Feather Designs. I just wanted to let you know a little about what I do when I get that sale. First of all I feel all giddy inside, but besides that I get really excited to make another piece! Each product I make I am in love with by the end, and judging by my feedback, my customers see that as well. 

All of my products are pre-washed to make sure no drastic shrinking happens later. Then everything is serged, top-stitched where needed, polished and/or pressed for that professional quality piece. When it comes to shipping my package off, I always include a little hand stamped card with washing instructions on one side and my name on the other, with a little thank you on the order form. If the order is for a few items, I usually throw in a little something extra, like a soother leash or some toy polish for a bunny ear teether. 

My customers are very important to me, and when I have had questions or sizing issues, I always give them the benefit of the doubt. Remember when you could trust in the words "the customer is always right?" Well, at Little Feather Designs you can. If there is an issue, even if it is a hit to me to ship another piece, I ship it at no charge to my customer, 'cause at the end of the day, they are what makes me who I am. I cannot create without my customers. 

I think my greatest joy--besides making things for people and their babies--is when I get feedback or a review. It warms my heart by the kind things people say about their experience with me and/or the quality of my product. I feel very close to someone I don't even know and that means a lot, and it encourages me to strive to always be better, take time, and put care into each piece.

So thanks for popping in and checking in on us WESTies and letting me talk to you about my customer service. 

~Deanne/Little Feather Designs"

Visit Deanne via...

Facebook | Instagram 

Customer Service Sunday with Bixipix!

How do WESTies go the extra mile for you? This Sunday we visit with Rebecca of Bixipix to learn about her stellar customer service!

"We handwrite little notes on the back of our business cards that are sent out with all purchases. It gives us a chance to connect with our customers and be more personable.

We are connected practically 24/7 to our Etsy shop, seems weird but with three of us its easy to respond to all convos within minutes! Thanks, Rebecca Waczko"

Visit Rebecca via...

Facebook | Instagram 

Customer Service Sundays with Ang of Daisy Thirteen!

How do WESTies go the extra mile for you? This Sunday we visit with Ang of DaisyThirteen to learn about her stellar customer service!

Did you know that all of the wooden quote and photo blocks made by Daisy Thirteen are made from rescued pieces of wood that would have ended up in the landfill? Ang goes to job sites, loads up the trunk of her car with wood, takes it home, and transforms it into unique home décor. 

And of course custom orders are always welcome! Whether it's a photo (old or new, just provide her with a digital version) or your friend's favourite quote, Ang will pick your brain to find out what it is that you would like (even if you don't know yourself exactly what that is).Then you'll be provided with a couple of proofs to choose from, so that you have a good idea of what the final product will look like. The whole process should be complete in about 5 days. You then have a unique gift (for someone else or yourself!) that you know nobody else will be giving.
Local orders will be delivered in a paper gift bag made of 100% recycled materials (purposefully not branded so you can re-use them), and for mail orders we try to re-use as much packaging as possible (so don't be surprised if your order comes in a box that previously housed containers of almond milk). Of course you'll always find a couple of biz cards tucked into your order as well. 

Daisy Thirteen - Designs to Make You Smile.

Visit Ang via...

Facebook | Instagram 

Customer Service Sundays! with Tharika of BluePendulum

How do WESTies go the extra mile for you? This Sunday we visit with Tharika of BluePendulum to learn about her excellent customer service!

"I work closely with my customers on custom work so they get exactly what they are hoping for. I also adjust lengths of chains, bracelet straps etc. to fit you... and of course it is free of charge. I send my jewelry away in gift boxes and put a hand written thank you note on my business card."

Visit Tharika via...

Facebook | Instagram

Customer Service Sundays ft Just The Goods!

Welcome back to Customer Service Sundays! What better way to bring back Sunday posts featuring WESTies that go the extra mile for you, than to sit down with Milena of Just The Goods!

(source)

"Hi everyone!

Milena from Just the Goods, here =-)

WESTies care a great deal about customer service, and given this opportunity to share some thoughts with you, I'd love to mention the things I like to do so each person who contacts me and/or makes a purchase knows that they matter.

Yes, I always write a personal note on each parcel packing slip, and I always include a free sample with every parcel sent by mail but -- based on the feedback I've received -- it appears that the most important customer service I deliver takes place well before a purchase is ever made, and that's offering personalized advice and/or tips.

I am happy to spend time each day with people to help them clarify their skin care needs and this involves helping them read/understand the ingredients listed in their current skin care products, and explaining the types of issues that can be caused by these ingredients in relation to their current concerns. For example, I receive many messages from people with acne prone skin that is both greasy and flaking. In fact, this problem is far more common that most people realize and it can usually be traced back to the alcohol, benzoyl peroxide, and other drying ingredients in so many conventional, petrochemical-based products. And, the more and more I receive messages from people, the more I'm able to recognize patterns and offer assistance. No, I'm not a doctor or a registered health professional of any other kind, but I can share my observations while keeping in mind that the condition of our skin is affected by a range of issues including the products we use.

With that being said, I'm totally a-okay with sharing my accumulated knowledge even when I realize someone might apply that to purchases elsewhere. It's not only the sale that matters, but helping people access information that they might not have had an opportunity to explore prior =-) That's genuinely important to me, and I'm glad those who find Just the Goods feel the same way =-)

So if you ever have any questions, please know that you can always ask -- I do my very best to reply as quickly as possible =-)

Thanks!
Milena / Just the Goods"

Customer Service Sundays with Amy of ehmeelu!

How do WESTies go the extra mile for you? We hang with Amy of ehmeelu today during this week's installment of Customer Service Sunday!

Amy has created a number of custom cat smartphone cozies to match photos of customers' cats! Shoot Amy a message if you're in the market for getting an artist's spin on your feline, stitched up as cozies!

Customer Service Sundays with SmashKnits!

Ashlee of SmashKnits loves a fun, unique custom order! Whether you're a Winnipegger, or way far out, be sure to shoot Ashlee a message to learn what she can make up just for you!

"This is a customer requested spin on one of my kiddo "I ❤ Mom" beanies. She wanted it transformed into an adult slouch hat, complete with faux fur pom and her kiddos' initials. So sweet and a lot of fun to create :)"

Customer Service Sundays with Yolanda of MosaicPendantsPlus

Customer Service Sundays - how WESTies go the extra mile for you!

This Sunday we visit with Yolanda of MosaicPendantsPlus!

 Did you know? Yolanda is happy to design custom orders just for you! Whether you're local or across the pond, be sure to shoot Yolanda a message and see what she can whip up just for you!

Customer Service Sundays with Sew Dandee!

Customer Service Sundays with WEST highlight WESTies going that extra mile for you!

Andee from Sew Dandee is all about gettin' and givin' the giggles and if she hasn't already made you bust a gut with one of her smart alec cards, she's more than happy to make you a custom card for that special occasion. Be it an anniversary card with the cheesy line your sweetie gave you that had you hooked from day one or something ridiculous that will be just the thing your best friend needs to put a smile on their face. She's your go-to girl to make all your crazy card dreams come true!

Visit Andee's Etsy shop HERE!

Customer Service Sunday

Learn how WESTies go the extra mile for you with Customer Service Sunday! This week, we meet up with Emm of Emms Pocketshop

"I welcome the opportunity to create what you need! Don't hesitate to inquire about something you don't see in my shop, whether it's a product or a fabric. 

Corina needed a new makeup bag, and it needed to fit her makeup brushes. Her old bag was grimy and her brushes only fit on an angle. We discussed dimensions and fabric options and this bag was made just for her!

Emms Pocketshop purchases come wrapped in recycled tissue, colourful tape and include a personalized handwritten thank you note."

Customer Service Sunday

Customer Service Sundays • How WESTies go the extra mile for you makes all the difference! • A new installment to WESTs posts, look forward to learning about the care that goes into each handmade or curated item from your favourite WESTies. 

Did You Know? Caitlin of Real Swanky hand writes a personalized thank-you note for each order, carefully bubble wrapping each embroidered piece with 3 of her snappy business cards? Parcels are wrapped with cute upcycled/thrifted kraft paper, to boot. Custom orders are happily welcomed with a turnover rate of ~5 days! Rest easy knowing your orders from Real Swanky will find you poste-haste in one piece!

Visit Real Swanky on..

Instagram • Twitter • Etsy • Facebook

Your Etsy Shop and Customer Service

A few tips for you this cozy Friday in Winterpeg on providing excellent customer service in your Etsy shop.

My top 10 tips
1 - Answer all Etsy conversations (commonly referred to as convo's) within 24 hours - even if it's to tell them you don't have an answer to their question, yet - let them know when you will have the complete answer

2 - Say Thank You, at every opportunity, even if you have no intention of meeting their request for 75% off everything or telling them where you get your supplies, just thank them for asking, thank them for shopping, thank them for returning

3 - Ship all made to stock orders promptly - define what promptly means to your shop in #9

4 - Seriously think through including unwanted freebies - not everyone appreciates them

5 - In your shipment, do include a coupon code for their next visit and a business card to help them remember your shop

6 - Do put your shop on vacation if you will be unreachable for longer than 24 hours - Do be aware this will make your shop invisible in most of the Etsy searches

7 - If you can't ship promptly let them know immediately - again see #9

8 - Offer refunds, AFTER they have returned the merchandise or proven non delivery or if you don't offer refunds explain why - more details for #9

9 - Write clear concise shop policies

10 - Clearly communicate how long custom orders take & as an aside never EVER start a custom order -- for paying customers, this does not include your Mom :) -- without at least 50% $ paid. This prevents all kinds of nasty things later. Explain it in good old #9.

11- Remember that rude convo's do not need to be answered. Yes, I know this is #11 in what's supposed to be 10 tips and that it contradicts #1. Sometimes, some questions or comments are just plain mean, hurtful,nasty or rude. People will say almost anything under the anonymity of the internet. Silence is the high road.


It's not just about getting new customers, it's also about keeping the ones you have. A happy customer will return.

As always, my opinion! Would love to hear yours.