What Happened To Good Customer Service?

Growing up I was fortunate enough to occasionally get the opportunity to shop at high end small boutiques. The four of us would dress up, mom, Rose, grandma Liza and I, and go shopping. I remember how good the Customer Service was. There would sometimes be refreshments but the thing that stood out to me was the great service.

I worked in retail my first summer home from college and I tried to emulate what I remembered from those days. Greeting every customer, suggesting other items, all the things that are a part of good customer service. It earned me high accolades and a glowing letter of recommendation from my manager. After college I worked as a Promotional Model and Product Demonstrator in high end retailers and I was always praised for my Customer Service and Marketing skills. I was often asked to come back again and again, sometimes having more work than I could handle.

These days good Customer Service seems like a thing of the past. I don't understand that given the state of our economy. Retailers should be doing all they can to generate repeat business and I think this is especially important for Indie shops that carry handmade items. Not everyone understands the value of handmade so Indie shops need to go above and beyond to educate, acquire and retain customers.

Yesterday I went into two shops that carry handmade items. At the first shop there was no one inside. I looked around for about 5-10 minutes before she returned and realized she was one of the people I had passed standing outside when I came in. Now if it were me I would have acknowledged someone I saw going into my place of business. I would have immediately ended my conversation or whatever it was that was keeping me outside and came in to provide...Customer Service. When she did come in I barely got an acknowledgement. If it were me I would have apologized for neglecting the customer and then tell the potential Customer something about the items in my shop. Let them know a little about the artists, their process and anything I could think of to help make a sale if not now, in the future. The second shop I went into the person was on the phone and while she did end the conversation I still got no Customer Service.

So listen up! If you want me to Shop Local then when I come into your place of business stop eating, texting or doing anything else that tells me you couldn't care less that I'm there. Greet me with an enthusiastic and genuine greeting. And most importantly, Stand Up! If you're an Indie Boutique tell me a little about the artists featured in your shop. Notice the fact that I am wearing handmade jewelry and see that as an opportunity to sell me something handmade because I apparently, am a fan of handmade. Engage me in conversation.

And furthermore, Indie Shops, don't treat me like a leper on Social Networking sites. When you see someone is in your city and they 'like' you or 'follow' you or 'friend' you, embrace them. Invite them to your store. Find a way to engage them. There is nothing in your shop that I can't make myself or find from an indie artist online so you need to give me a reason to come in, buy, come back, and tell my friends. Start providing good Customer Service and you'll be surprised what happens.

Working On Resolutions

As some of you may know one of my resolutions for the new year was to paint more. Two other resolutions were to create items with all the beads I have and to work on my photography skills. I've spent the past week taking photographs of some of the items I made with the beads. And while I still have a ways to go on my photography skills at least I'm working on it.

You can find these earrings for sale in my Etsy shop with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society as part of Etsy Project Embrace.

Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.

My name is Betty......and I LOVE Scarves!

Recently a friend of mine started PEA, (Pie Eaters Anonymous) a support group for people who LOVE pie. It got me to thinking about all the things that I love and the need for support groups like Pie Eaters Anonymous. I mean think about it, I know I could use a support group for my love of scarves. We could meet at a craft store... er I mean someones home who makes scarves...er I mean a restaurant that serves...umm...pie!

So I'm shopping on Etsy and I find a scarf after my own heart. Not only is it beautiful but it's a PIF (pay it forward) item. Are you kidding me! I don't think I could check out fast enough. Now you know how I am about paying it forward. I bought the pink one you see in this photo and it's a beauty. I got it from FoxyGknits and I can't wait to wear it to my PEA meeting... er I mean to lunch with friends.

Be sure and check out all the beautiful items from FoxyGknits. Have a great day everybody, I'll see ya at the JBA meeting - (Jewelry Buyers Anonymous). Thanks for stopping by.

I'm Featured!!!

I was featured today at Art from the heart. Take a look here

Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.

Etsy Twitter Team Sidewalk Sale!

The Etsy Twitter Team is having a Sidewalk Sale! Please take a stroll down our sidewalk of shop listings. Each shop is having a different sale so be sure to check them all out. There are some extremely great deals going on this week!! The sales run from Sunday, May 17th through Saturday, May 23rd.

During the sale I will be offering 10% off on purchases of $15.00 or more! This is in addition to the already reduced prices in my shop - most art is now 50% off. Visit my shop at http://brefour.etsy.com and to see all the participating shops and stroll the sidewalk visit the Etsy Twitter Team Blog. You don't want to miss out on these great deals.

Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.

Ornamentia Lends Its Voice To Autism Awareness Month

Kristen Evans of Ornamentia was kind enough to post a piece on Autism Awareness Month. Please do stop by and while you're there be sure and bookmark her blog so you remember to go back and see the wonderful handmade items she features there. There is always something new and unique at Ornamentia.

Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.

Art For The Day

I made these using 14kt gold plated findings and pink Swarovski beads. Use them to help promote Breast Cancer Awareness. They are about one inch total in length. You can find them in my Etsy shop.

Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.

Art For The Day

These are some earrings that I made. They're available for sale on eBay.

Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.