3 Ways to be a Better Etsy Customer

If you are an Etsy customer, but you don't have a shop of your own, here are three things Etsy sellers wish you would do when shopping:

 

1. Fully read and understand the listing

Please take time to fully read and and understand the item description and to thoroughly look at the photos of what you are buying. Most sellers will try to describe and show the item as accurately as possible. If you receive something that is flawed and the flaw is easily visible in the photo and/or described in the text description, don't leave a bad review for something that was obvious before you purchased. If an item is described as three inches long but you want it to be five inches long, don't buy it expecting it to miraculously become five inches long. If you are looking for a book with a specific title, don't buy something that's close and then be mad when it's not the title you wanted when the photos and description clearly state the actual title.

 

In THIS Etsy shop, I sell handmade envelopes, most of which are made from a variety of magazine pages, many of which are quite thin. A buyer recently said she thought I might have magically figured out a way to make them thicker and left a bad review, fully knowing that the envelopes she would receive would be thin. Another buyer bought a book that looked sort of, kind of like a book they wanted and then they were mad and left a bad review because it wasn't the one they actually wanted...even though the title and other details were clearly on display. Don't be like these customers.

 

2. Understand shipping 

You've placed your order and are eagerly awaiting its arrival . . . but your package doesn't arrive as quickly as you expected. Or it gets stuck in a shipping facility for days on end. Or there's a natural disaster that disrupts package and mail delivery. Or there's a mail services strike in your country.

 

Once your seller drops off the package, shipping is out of our hands. It is your sellers responsibility to: 

• Ship within a reasonable time frame
• Have shipping time frames noted in their Etsy listings/shops
• Submit a tracking number for all packages valued at over $10

It is NOT your seller's responsibility to make sure the mail or package carrier actually delivers within a certain time frame. Etsy gives you an *estimated* delivery window, but it's still in the hands of the carrier to actually deliver.

  

If you order an item on a Friday or Saturday or there's a holiday within a day or two of your order, give your seller an extra day or two for shipping to take into consider the weekend. We aren't Amazon. Most of us don't have the capacity to be shipping 24/7! 

 

Of course, if you item is delayed by the postal or other delivery service, it's perfectly OK to message the seller and ask about their policies. Some sellers may have policies listed related to extended delays. If not, ask. For polite customers and those that have reasonable expectations, I'm far more willing to make exceptions to my policies, including for shipping issues. 

 

3. Contact the shop owner before leaving a bad review

Before you leave a review of less than 5 stars, please reach out to the seller. Most of us want to make sure you're happy with your purchase. For the most part, my customers have been great and communicated well before, during, and after their purchases. However, a few have opted to leave a bad or subpar review, even acknowledging in private messages that they were at fault for not understanding a listing or expecting something other than what was advertised (see above!).

 

If you're an Etsy seller (or a seller on other platforms), what do you want your customers to know before they buy? What advice do you have for customers?

Check out my Etsy shops here:

 

Download-and-print coloring pages, stationer, self help tools,collage ephemera, and more at Marbles and Jam

Vintage goods, handmade stationery, crafting tools, and more at Shop the Junk Drawer

Networking for Introverts, Highly Sensitive People, and Others

A few months ago, I attended a networking event for female entrepreneurs in my area. It was great, but it was also exhausting!

 

As an entrepreneur, I run my own private tutoring and academic and career coaching business, in addition to two thriving Etsy shops. I also consider myself to be a shy, introverted, highly sensitive person.

 

Networking and meeting new people are all scary and feel exhausting before I even take part in them! The same is true for many introverts, shy people, and highly sensitive people.

 

If you find networking difficult -- even if you aren't an introvert, shy, or sensitive -- here are a few ways I've made it easier for myself: 

 

DECIDE IF IT'S A GOOD FIT

First, I analyze if the networking event is a good fit for me. I assess what I hope to get out of the experience, what I have to share with others, who is expected to attend, the type of event, and more. If I don't think I'll get anything out of it and that I won't be able to bring anything of value, then I likely won't go. If the event will be huge, I won't go. If it's formal, I won't go.

DO SOME BACKGROUND WORK

If you have access to the list of attendees, take some time look up several on LinkedIn, social media, or their websites. Choose a few that you would like to connect with and send them a quick message. Briefly introduce yourself, tell them you'll be at the event, and that you look forward to meeting them. This will prime them to be on the lookout for you. You'll have made connections before the event even begins! I don't know about you, but having a connection beforehand helps to break down barriers the day of the event.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO CONNECT DURING THE EVENT

After I've decided that the event is right for me and I've made some connections ahead of time, I challenge myself to talk to three people during the event. I like to ask them questions about what they do. Getting others to talk about themselves and what they do is a great way to drive a conversation without having to do much work. Some of the questions I like to ask include:

• What problems do you solve in your work?
• What was your best client experience?
• What was your worst client experience? Did it change how you do business?
• What is the most misunderstood aspect of what you do?
• What are your goals for the next several months?
• What is the biggest lesson you've learned in your field and how do you apply it day to day?
  

GIVE YOURSELF AN OUT

I like to make sure I have an out, just in case the event isn't what I had hoped, if I feel overwhelmed, or if I feel my social gas tank hitting empty. In truth, I've gotten comfortable just saying, "This has been so great, but I need to get going. I have some things to take care of at home. Should we exchange business cards?" Most of the time, this is a pretty good path to the door. 

CIRCLE BACK AFTER THE EVENT

After the event, go back through the business cards or contact information you gathered, or go back to contacts you made before the event, and touch base with a few people. Just send a quick message on LinkedIn or by email and let them know you enjoyed meeting them and hope to see them at future events. If you have reasons to get in touch in the future, let them know that they may be hearing from you again and that you look forward to working with them.  

UNDERSTAND THAT IT MAY ALWAYS BE OVERWHELMING

Some aspects of networking may always be overwhelming though and it's OK to give yourself an out so that you can leave events early! It's also OK to say no and to be selective about networking opportunities. I've opted not to attend several this past month, but I have been in touch with a few people from the event a few months ago through LinkedIn and Instagram.

 

What have your networking experiences been like? What has gone well and what hasn't? Drop a comment and let me know!

Find me on Etsy -- Shop The Junk Drawer for vintage, handmade, craft supplies, and more!

Find me on Etsy: Shop at Marbles and Jam for download-and-print coloring pages, stationery, ephemera and more!

5 Baby Shower Gift Ideas

One of my dearest friends became an auntie yesterday and will become an auntie a second time very soon. She asked recently about ideas for baby shower gifts. Here are my top 5:

Links may be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you make purchases through these links as they may result in a small commission for me. 

1. Lingerie bag

A lingerie bag is perfect for all the small bits that come with a baby but get separated or lost in the wash -- especially socks! Besides socks, I used it for drool bibs, gloves, and mittens. I also keep all of our family's single, unmatched socks in the bag, and over time I usually am able to find the matching socks! I like to use a big lingerie bag rather than small one as that gives the items inside of it room to move around and actually get washed while still staying contained. A large bag also leaves room for my own unmatched socks which I do wash every time I need to wash the little kiddo's socks.  

 

The bag I use for baby socks is actually an old lingerie bag that belonged to my grandmother, but here a few good options to check out on Amazon.com:

• MJIYA Mesh Laundry Bags, 3 Pack
• TENRAI Delicates Laundry Bags, 3 Pack, with a loop on each for easy hanging from a hook in the laundry room
  
• iDesign InterDesign Laundry, Mesh Wash Bag, 1 Pack
  

2. Restaurant delivery gift cards

In the past 10 years or more, I've only been involved in one group that has done a meal train for a family in need. When I was a kid, meal trains were incredibly common for new parents, sick people, grieving people, and so on. Someone would organize a group to make and deliver meals to the person or family in question. Although I know these still happen, it seems they are far less common than they used to be.

 

When my uncle passed away, someone arranged a meal delivery service for my child and I as we were his caretakers and he was our best friend. The meal service was great, but it had limitations -- pre-selected meals, allergens I couldn't avoid, and didn't always match up with what we were in the mood for. 

Consider a restaurant delivery certificate instead. GrubHub, DoorDash, Postmates or similar gift cards will provide ease and payment for the new parents or parents to be while also allowing them the flexibility to order food that fits their taste preferences, dietary needs, and so on.

3. A photo mini printer and tons of cartridges

In this day and age, many of us tend to keep our photos on our phones. Gone are the days of dropping off a roll of film or a disposable camera at a store for developing and printing. 

I miss having actual printed photos. It's nice to scroll through the photos on my phone, but printing them out is better! Make it easy for new parents by getting them a photo mini printer and plenty of cartridges. I love my Kodak mini printer and wish I'd had it when my child was a baby. 

Here's the printer I use on Amazon.com, as well as extra cartridges:

• Kodak Mini 3 Retro 3x3” Portable Photo Printer Bundle, Compatible with iOS, Android & Bluetooth

• 60 Pack Kodak 4PASS Real Photo (3"x3") Refill – Mini 3 Square Retro

4. A baby first aid and grooming kit

A combined baby first aid and grooming kit was one of the most useful and thoughtful gifts I received when my 23 year old was born. Even though I never used several of the first aid items, knowing I had them gave me peace of mind. And, the grooming items were more useful than I ever expected -- as a first time mom, I had no idea how often I'd need to use some items like baby nail clippers!

 

As a gift giver, combined baby first aid and grooming kits have always been a hit as a baby shower gift! Every time I give one, someone at the shower says what a thoughtful and important gift it is and asks why they didn't think of it.

 

Here are my two favorites on Amazon.com:

• American Red Cross Deluxe Infant Health and Grooming Kit

• Safety 1st Deluxe 25-Piece Baby Healthcare and Grooming Kit

5. Diapers and wipes

If you know if the family you are buying for plans to use cloth or disposable diapers, buy them some! Diapers are expensive and having a reserve is beneficial. Buy one small package of newborn and then larger packages of the next two sizes, if the recipient will have room to store them. If you are hosting a baby shower, ask all of the guests to bring a pack of diapers in addition to any other gifts -- at my sister's baby shower, not only did we ask that everyone bring one package of diapers, but we gave a raffle ticket to everyone that actually followed through! At the end of the baby shower, we raffled off a movie theater gift certificate.

What are your "go to" baby shower gifts? Leave a comment and let me know!

 

For older kids and partners, consider grabbing some of my download-and-print lunchbox notes -- available on Etsy HERE. Print them out and slip a note into your child's lunchbox or backpack or into your partner's purse or bag. 

Teaching kids to be grateful--is it possible?

Sometimes I wonder if it's possible to teach young children (and older ones too) how to be grateful. I know they are sponges and are always soaking up their environment, so if we model how to be grateful they should pick it right up, right?

NO.

Not only will they not necessarily pick up how to be grateful, but they will also embarrass you at the most inopportune times with how ungrateful they actually are!

We happen to have two kids who have birthday's almost immediately after Christmas. My son's just so happens to be 10 days after. Yes, 10 days. I have a summer birthday and always thought it was awesome to receive gifts throughout the year.

My kids, however, pretty feel like they get gifts, gifts, and more gifts once per year and then, what? No more gifts?

Waaaaaa!

Not only is there a TON  of kid stuff flying in and out of here, especially with Christmas followed by two birthdays, but we also are bound to have duplicate gifts some point. This is why I've made sure my kids understand: It's the thought that counts.

If someone gives you something that they think you will enjoy you say, "Thank you."

That is all.
You don't add a "But...." or an "I wish..." or an "I already have...."  

You just say, "Thank you."

This is a big time pet peeve of mine.

I went to a birthday party when Hank was a baby, and the child opening the gifts got two of the same things. Instead of saying thank you, there were full on tears and meltdowns because everyone should know that they were going to get a duplicate. The parent coddled the child, the child continued to cry, and I'm sure the gift givers felt bad. I felt annoyed, personally, and I vowed to make sure that my child would NEVER act like that. (I've learned now to never say never because our children are all bound to embarrass us at some point).

As early as it was feasibly possible, my husband and I started practicing being grateful with our kids. I know that modeling behavior is beneficial, but role playing is my go to when teaching my kids how to act in certain situations.

I mean, practice makes perfect, right???

I remember wrapping up toys that my son already owned and having him open them. Inside of some packages were his favorite toys, but others had items like a baby spoon or junk mail--things he wasn't interested in.

My son opened each packaged and then practiced saying, "Thank you so much! I love it."  We also practiced saying thank you if you get a duplicate gift and just setting it aside with the knowledge that I would help him to exchange the duplicate for something else later.

Now, with my daughter, she has not only her parents to model gratitude and grace for her, but also her brother.

While my kids are far from perfect, (and do say the wrong things at the worst possible times) I can honestly say that receiving gifts has been something that they have graciously done so far. I know that they get overly excited, can't wait to open presents, and can also give me a list a mile long of all of the things they "want", but over the last few years, they have learned to be appreciative of someone giving them gifts, even things they weren't that into.

In fact, this morning, my little guy looked at me and said, "You know what I'm most excited about this Christmas, Mom? It's spending time with my family."

Cue proud mommy moment and waterworks!  Whew!

While I have made a ton of parenting mistakes, yelled too many times at my kids, lost my mind, and tried to hide alone in the bathroom, I have also apparently done something right.

'Tis the season of chaos and gifts. You can't really get around it.

I'm challenging you to step back and think of one thing you've done right with or for your children this holiday season......and pat yourself on the back for that job well done!

What are some parenting things that you are most proud of? Do you have a parenting pet peeve, like I do, that really gets under your skin?  Share your experiences in the comments!

Did you love this post? Check out these additional articles:

 

 

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for even more parenting and education fun! 

We'll see ya next time!

 

How NOT to interact on Instagram

McKenzie and I LOVE Instagram. In fact, it might just be my favorite social media platform of all time. 

I am hyper visual and love the easy gratification of Instagram and the wide variety of images I find there--I love it even more than Pinterest, and I really love Pinterest!

We make it a priority for Mom2MomEd to try to post to our Instagram account on an almost daily basis and to interact with other posts and accounts that we enjoy. However, lately we've noticed a commenting trend that both makes us chuckle but also frustrates us.

We love comments that are relevant to what we post. 

If we post a picture of our kids covered in mud, we love hearing from other parents whose children also enjoy getting outdoors and down into the dirt. If we post pictures of our mom-problems, like spilled coffee or our obvious sleep deprivation, we love hearing from other moms that can commiserate. 

We love to leave comments on the posts of others when we have something relevant to say. If you post about reading a book to your kids that might be too difficult for them, but you do it anyhow, and the experience is positive, I'm likely to post my own thoughts about the importance of doing this very thing and how it will impact your child's reading interests and abilities for a long time to come. If you post an awesome craft idea, we might comment with how fun it looks and how we'll try it ourselves or with our kids. 

After all, the point of social media is interaction and connection with others, isn't it?

Sure, we use social media to promote our business, but we also use it to build relationships, to connect, to feel like we belong. We use it to build up our mom-tribe and to support other moms, just as we need support ourselves.

But, lately it seems like there has been an overflow of people using social media in a "Pay attention to me, Me, MEEEEE" sort of manner.

Here, friends, is a little primer on how NOT to interact on Instagram.

1. Irrelevant tagging
Don't tag us in posts or comments that have absolutely nothing to do with our message or theme. And, especially don't tag us on images or threads that have to do with sex, violence, drugs, or other unsavory or adult content...our whole business is centered on parenting and education! Keep it at least PG-13 or less, please!

2. Tagging on sales promotions
I'm sorry, but we don't want to buy the products you keep tagging us on. They are most likely irrelevant to us (see tip #1 above) or are for purchasing followers and likes. Sorry, but no. We don't want to buy followers and likes. We want to grow our audience organically and for our audience to actually be interested in us and our content, and vice versa. While I would love for Mom2MomEd to have a HUGE following, our size isn't our main priority--putting out good, relevant, strong parenting and education related information for parents and educators is our priority.

3. Irrelevant or generic comments 
You know how we know you just want us to follow you and build up YOUR audience, even if we have nothing in common? You post totally irrelevant or generic comments on our Instagram photos. You post things like, "Great shot!" or "Love your feed!" or "This is the best photo!" Is it possible you really believe these things about our pictures or account? Sure, it's possible, but it's also really unlikely when we take a look at your account and see nothing in common with us. 

Here's how you SHOULD interact on Instagram:
Like, comment, and follow when you really feel compelled to do so. If you truly like our images or think we have things in common, please like our images and follow us and comment! If you think we could have an engaging exchange, please comment and start a conversation, add some advice, or ask questions! We want honest, relevant relationships on social media. 

What are your social media pet peeves? Post a comment here, on Facebook, or over on Instagram!

Mom2MomEd rant OVER!

We'd love for you to take a moment to check out these additional posts:

• 5 things I do to tame Holiday Hoopla craziness
• Children are gross--a story about boogers
• Let them get muddy--the power of kids and the outdoors