on 06-08-2013 02:06 PM
What ever happened to the old Ebay tradition of sending a small free gift with every purchase? We've been doing this for years now, because we enjoy doing it and buyers love it too. With a bit of creative thinking, it doesn't cost much to do and I think it is still a nice touch. We've even received unexpected feedback from delighted and suprised buyers, telling us that they felt valued as a customer, simply by receiving a little extra something that may have cost all of 40 cents. As a buyer, I have not received a free gift with my purchase in a few years now, except from one or two exceptional sellers, and from a seller in China, who sent a 1cm piece of green string in a tiny cello bag, with 'free gift' written on it. I am not sure as to whether they 'got the idea' right with that one?! Anyway, with so many aggressive impatient buyers and distrusting resentful sellers operating on Ebay these days [am i correct?], perhaps a free gift with every purchase, would at least work towards something positive, in calming all those stormy oceans ...
on 07-08-2013 12:21 PM
I have a standard "appropriate to purchase" item that I pop into each of my clothing sales parcels, and I think that no one could argue that my feedback reflects that buyers very much appreciate the thought.
I frequently get free gifts with my ebay purchases, including some higher priced items. Don't quite get the individual that doesn't appreciate an unexpected bonus - or the thought at least.
on 07-08-2013 12:56 PM
@phorum_junkie* wrote:I generally include a little something extra for repeat buyers, or buyers who have purchased multiple items in one transaction, but not for standard, single item transactions.
me too DG.
You do have to think carefully about what you send though, i have received sweets when I am on a strict diet, pillar earrings when I don't have pierced ears and worst of all a lavender bag when I am allergic and sneezed for two days!
That's the beauty of selling handmade jewellery - I will always have something similar to what was purchased, and I can be pretty confident the buyer can use it if they like it (I never include earrings unless they've already purchased some).
I used to get the odd message letting me know I'd 'mistakenly' included something they didn't buy and they'd be happy to return it, so now I try to remember to put a little 'with compliments' or 'thank you for your repeat custom' kind of note in with it.
When I was primarily selling clothes, I used to include cosmetic samples (sealed in a plastic bag, so no accidents occurred during transit), and thankfully no one ever complained about allergic reactions etc. Twice now I've received toffees in a package (different sellers) - the first ones were unfortunately rather awful tasting, but the thought was sweet, even if the lollies weren't.
I've received the fluro yellow string from a seller too, with other jewellery findings, so I figure it's intended as stringing material (to make lanyards, phone charms etc with what was purchased).
on 07-08-2013 01:44 PM
My goodness, I can only say that I am delighted I am a very different person than someone who would receive a sweet, sachet or other such gesture and put a negative spin on it.
Fortunately, the vast majority of buyers, including those with allergies, would never be so spiteful or nasty to take issue with any such freebie.
My feedback speaks for itself.
on 07-08-2013 08:53 PM
on 08-08-2013 11:16 AM
l've had a few emails in the past from buyers saying they received their purchase but was there meant to be a freebie in the package too. I asked one what 'freebie' they were after, they mentioned that most 'good' sellers give a free gift with their purchase. She then went on with item numbers of my listings that she thought would be a suitable gift. Talk about more front than Myers.
on 08-08-2013 12:46 PM
I have been giving a free gift for two different reasons:
1. If they buy a postable item and pay by direct deposit I state the gift is include and what it is.
2. I have recently started giving free vintage knick knacks with furniture items if they fit the theme and these will be photographed and state in the listing
@great_buys_cheap_price wrote:What ever happened to the old Ebay tradition of sending a small free gift with every purchase? We've been doing this for years now, because we enjoy doing it and buyers love it too. With a bit of creative thinking, it doesn't cost much to do and I think it is still a nice touch. We've even received unexpected feedback from delighted and suprised buyers, telling us that they felt valued as a customer, simply by receiving a little extra something that may have cost all of 40 cents. As a buyer, I have not received a free gift with my purchase in a few years now, except from one or two exceptional sellers, and from a seller in China, who sent a 1cm piece of green string in a tiny cello bag, with 'free gift' written on it. I am not sure as to whether they 'got the idea' right with that one?! Anyway, with so many aggressive impatient buyers and distrusting resentful sellers operating on Ebay these days [am i correct?], perhaps a free gift with every purchase, would at least work towards something positive, in calming all those stormy oceans ...
. Eg. 2 porcelain trios with a vintage table.
This works for me. I enjoy it and thats the main thing.
on 09-08-2013 10:37 PM
Occasionally I've received free gifts when buying Tupperware - the little gadgets that you usually only see given away at Tupperware parties. Some of them have been really handy so I love getting those, especially as I am not keen on holding or attending any Tupperware parties myself.
A Chinese seller I've bought a few things from also included little packets of craft stickers, and I once received a little packet from a Japanese seller which I think contained tea. (I don't drink tea).