3 Ways to Give Your Customers Exactly What They Want
02. Mar, 2013 
10 Comments
 |
Mint Chocolate Geometric 18 inch DECORATIVE PILLOW COVER by JillianReneDecor
3 Ways to Give Your Customers Exactly What They Want
What you think your customer needs and what your customer actually wants are often two very different things.
It happens all the time at the Energy Shop: I design a bracelet that I’m sure will be a hit, and it sits on my virtual shelves for weeks. At the same time, I list a new stone that I’m not sure will appeal to anybody, and it sells out that day.
In fact, when I opened shop I thought my Feng Shui supplies would attract customers, and I hoped my gemstone bracelets might interest a few along the way. I created a few pieces of jewelry and sold out of them in the first week. A year later, I still had the full stock of Feng Shui supplies I started with, but I had sold more than 1,200 bracelets.
Your customers and clients are always telling you exactly what they want, and to figure it out, all you need to do is make sense of their patterns.
- Learn and use the customer’s language. Pay attention when reading their comments and feedback. That way, you can begin to use the same words they use in your listings. Their words represent the things they value, such as: beauty, fast shipping, cozy, bright, comfortable, etc. My customers often comment on quality, so I offer a quality guarantee at the end of every listing in my shop.
- Ask for their input. Once when I was hosting a customer appreciation special, I went to my Facebook fan page and asked my customers what attribute they were looking for more of in their life (i.e. peace, wealth, love, stress relief, etc.). It was just another case of what I think they need vs. what customers actually want. The response to my request was overwhelming, and none of it matched what I thought they would be looking for in a sale.
- Repeat what works. I am trying to practice what I preach on this one, because I often sell out of best-sellers and never think to restock them. If one of your products sells out as soon as you list it, be sure to replace it. It’s a winner, and you want to keep it in stock. Even if the replacement stock doesn’t sell out as quickly as the first batch, rest assured that it’s presence improves the overall look and quality of your shop.
Until next time, Lisa
About The Author
224 
1013
Great post. I celebrated my one-year anniversary on Etsy last month, and I, too, have learned a lot from my customers. What I initially listed on a whim has become, by far, my best selling item. Three beautiful (in my eyes) little girl dresses have languished in my inventory closet, despite frequent renewals. Who knew??
I lesson I am learning as well! One never knows what pleases the public! I need to rethink how many pieces I photograph to list in my shop.
Very informative, love the tip about using keywords from customer feedback! Thanks!
Great info here as ever. Thanks!
To hell with what the maybe, sometime customer wants. That is thinking like a mass market business. Make what you believe in, make it well and with love then look for those who can see that. You do not need 100,000 customers. Are you working for you or for Mr/Mrs Dingbat?
I started designing metal furniture… love it and still make it. But if it weren’t for researching and finding out that modern metal jewelry sells and that is what people want, I would still be working for mr dingbat. There is nothing wrong with appealing to the larger crowd, and still believing in what you make.
Thanks for the reminder of re listing what has sold. When I opened 2 years ago, I was certain I was only making 1 of anything!
Now, my focus has shifted, as I can see I would never be able to grow with my 1 item at a time program. Just the picture taking & listing for each item is overwhelming.
Now, I’m searching through new ideas, thinking of how they will photograph…….then having supplies on hand to repeat the item when it sells. This approach gives me more time to create and I’m loving that!
That’s smart business, stichknit! I also quickly discovered that a 1-unit-in/1-unit-out operation was taxing and unrewarding. Much continued success to you!
I never thought of asking them on FaceBook. I am working on a sales analysis to see what type of jewelry sells the most and it’s kippot, earrings and necklaces. I am also learning to repeat designs instead of making OOAK items.
This is great. I am loving your blog so much! It is helping me a lot with my blog and business. Thanks!!
Check out my blog!
imcraftingmyway.wordpress.com