neutral feedback - devastated!!

[kanga creative]

I received neutral feedback from a buyer, and I am so upset! The buyer was disappointed that there was no tag or label on my item, even though nowhere in the description is a tag mentioned, nor is there a tag or label on my photos.

I am so upset. I am trying my best to make quality products. I guess I may need to stretch my budget to spend a couple of hundred dollars on getting some labels made now, if that's what buyers want. :(

[cpercydesigns]

Take it as a learning experience - many buyers like the fact that they are buying handmade but they want the label too! I'd chalk this one down to a learning experience.

Some people use satin ribbon and use transfer paper from Officeworks to make tags - this is a cheap alternative. I heard that Bags and Tags (http://www.bagsandtags.com.au/Page/-woven-labels-taffeta-hot-cut-single-end-folded) make good labels.

Christine

[PixelAdventures]

Wow Bec :(

I just read her feedback and that is harsh. If the item was being given as a gift, isn't it the buyers responsibility to supply the tag!!

I have found that some buyers you just can't please no matter what...

[cpercydesigns]

Oh I didn't read the feedback ... let me check it out

[robyn lee]

Dear Bec,
I just read the feedback and you know what it is only about the labels and tags, the rest of your feedbacks are great and will let others buyers know that you have a great well made product! I think it was more the tag that the customer wanted because it was being given as a gift...I do my own in keeping with handmade and my own creations - if you have a printer all you really need is some light card, a one hole punch, some ribbon or string and a little creativity (which you obviously have). I name all of my designs and I do enjoy making the labels for each item. I have posted a pic of one of my labels to give you an idea of what I do. Regarding labels...I have never had any made but I am considering it. I do feel for you I am always on tender hooks until I get my feedback.
http://www.madeit.com.au/robynlee203

[robyn lee]

I didn't realise the pic would be so big! How embarrasing...looks like I am flogging my labels. Anyway it is just an example and the one behind is the care instructions.

[NestlingDesigns]

Hi Bec, I think because we all put so much time, energy and love into designing and producing handmade products that is it so hard not to take neutral or negative comments to heart. We would feel the same way. We have read all of your other feedbacks and they are all so positive, so try not to worry too much about the one neutral feedback. That comment wouldn't stop me from buying one of your products, they are great!

[InspiredWish]

If I was looking to buy from you, that comment wouldn't stop me. It doesn't say anything bad about the product or service.

Can you contact the buyer and ask if it's too late to supply a tag (depending on when they are handing the gift over). Maybe thank her for prompting you into action on the tag front and offer to send one. Just an idea.

Robyn - I love your swing tags, very professional and sweet looking. And I'm glad the picture is that big - means I can see all the info easily LOL =D

From everyone's experience - what is it that people want with a tag? Are they after a name, web link, care instructions? I use a swing tag. I bought a bunch of them from my newsagent. On one side I put a colour printed label that I've printed with my logo and the word 'thanks' or 'enjoy'. I'm a bit worried that it's a bit tacky as the label is more narrow then the tag. But the real reason I use it, is on the other side I write a handwritten note to personalise the purchase. I also include a professional designed/printed business card. Is a tag seen as something more useful/desired?

[chookette]

I think that is incredibly harsh!
But, those comments definitely wouldn't stop me buying from you. :)

I don't add labels....it is just too costly, and would be incredibly time consuming for me (simple as that).
I do attach a swing tag (similar to what robyn lee has posted)....I just order busniess cards from vista print, but make them in to swing tags. Works great, plus it's a cheaper option. I have my business name, email, made it shop, facebook on the front. Then on the back I have printed out care instructions and a thank you note on it. Then I have lines in the middle so I can add what the name of the item is, the colour and fibre content.

Definitely don't let it get to you and continue making your quality products! :D

[kanga creative]

thanks so much for all the ideas. I love your swing tags Robyn, they look great. I might think about doing something similar as I can't really afford labels. I have been adding a madeit business card with a sticker label on the back with my contact details but I forgot with this order as I was in a rush. Not good I know. With my Pram Snuggles I include a printed page of use and care instructions, but not for any of my other items.

I emailed the buyer to apologise, and got an email back saying how happy she was with the quality of the blanket and everything, and that she was just giving constructive criticism. At least I have learnt now that the little touches do matter, so that is something I will work on when I get back from holidays :)

[PixelAdventures]

Hi Bec,

If you need help finding fonts you can use commercially at no cost to you, let me know and I will give you the website address.

[Ollie Rose]

Definately don't take it to heart, it is a bit harsh and not really necessary and I think definately something that wont put people off - it wouldnt me.

As a side note, you may like to consider some swing tags (even ones you print/make yourself), as it is a requirement of selling items that they are labelled correctly with care instructions :)

[KyliesCollections]

I can understand that you would be gutted by this feedback Bec.
We all try so very hard to make quality products for people to love and enjoy and to get feedback not even regarding the product itself must be pretty frustrating!!
I also use my Vista Print business cards as a swing tag. I do not have any care instructions printed - was not aware I had to do this!!! (Add to 'To do list')
This feedback would not stop me from buying from you. Keep up the good work and most importantly enjoy your holiday :-)

[mrsmonkei]

Wow - I would be upset too. I was bothered enough by the two sales I've had that I haven't received any feedback at all for!
I also have business cards that I had printed cheaply at Vistaprint - I had them designed by a lady over at Etsy, I didnt find it to be too expensive at all. I add one in with the order and that's it... seems harsh to leave neutral feedback over something so minor!

[sweetseamz]

So is there any way negative feedback can be changed by the buyer?? I received harsh feedback today because the customer didn't check her spam folder on her emails (I sell emailed pdf sewing patterns).