Do you send a message to your buyers after a sale?

[musicyouneed]

I just purchased something on ebay and was leaving feedback and noticed that the only thing that I could leave stars for was for "Item as described".    In regards to communication, the ability to leave stars for, was not available stating that there had been no communication so I couldn't rate it.  

So in summary I purchased the item, received notice from ebay regarding shipping see below and then on my order it showed when it was delivered.  

Now I know that buyers have appreciated me sending them an email regarding their purchase and several have mentioned that they liked it as it doesn't happen very often.  On the other hand, every so often I get rated as a "4" on communication.  Now the only reason they could rate me is because I sent them an email.  If I hadn't they wouldn't be able to rate me.  

Now I know that detailed seller ratings do not make a difference however they are visible to the buyer.  Now mine shows as all "5's" but it has been down to 4.9 because a couple of buyers rated my communication as a 4 or even a 3.  

So do you send a buyer an email after the purchase?

[sylviebee]

I used to send messages out as well.  

I began sending these messages when eBay started with the 5 star system and asked how fast the item was shipped.  The way that question was posed meant that Canadian sellers shipping to the States were unfairly penalized for longer that average transit times.  My message was designed to cushion that  effect as much as possible.

I stopped sending those messages when eBay altered the way they ask buyers to judge shipping time.

Not to criticize those who send these messages because that's fine for those who choose to do so.  (It's no big deal one way or the other.)

Personally, I find those letters from sellers to be nuisance.  Frequent buyers' inboxes can get swamped with messages about shipping details.

(Currently, items shipped via the GSP get bombed with message after message:  Very annoying to me.)

Femme long ago explained that she leaves the date of shipping in the FB.  I adopted that method as well and a further message about shipping time would only be redundant.

It's simple, but I think it serves the same purpose without being a nuisance.

[pierrelebel]

"Do you send a message to your buyers after a sale?"

Yes, I have always sent a "thank you" message once payment is received.  It acknowledges the purchase and the payment, advises the buyer how and when the purchase will be shipped and let them know that positive feedback has been posted on eBay for their prompt payment.  Here is my template:

"Good morning.

Thank you for your purchase and prompt payment through PayPal.

Your purchase will be mailed to you today, (insert date), by regular first class mail. Please let me know when received. Positive feedback has been posted on eBay for your quick payment.

Thank you for your patronage.

Pierre"

I do not ask them at that time to leave positive feedback or "five star" rating. This is done on the invoice (receipt) sent together with the items purchased. 

That simple approach has worked well with me for nearly nineteen years on eBay.

[cumos55]

Many times  I have receive feedback that includes a very positive comment with respect to communication.

Yet my communication is standard......  or Canadian buyers and then for US buyers

Many buyers are comforted with a seller's communication after a payment has been received....

How a seller's communication is received by a buyer might  depend on what one sells.... and in turn the character of the buyer.

I always communicate in the "third person.

I never say.... I did it

I say... This was done... It was done 

[silverpinups]

I always send a buyer a message after purchase....

A simple reply of thanking the buyer for his purchase and a standard note on any potential shipping delays maybe due to customs processing goes along way.

Sending a message to the buyer adds a more human element to the online sales transaction and although I don't always get a reply back, I do get the occasional thank you.

Just because a buyer doesn't reply to the message doesn't mean they don't read it.

This method of communication has always worked well for me during my 12 years of selling on eBay.....

[momcqueen]

I have to think sellers know their demographics best.

In some categories, the average buyer may be a young, upwardly mobile professional who receives 450 messages by email per day. Mine will NOT be appreciated. It's just more noise.

But to an elderly person who might get a dozen messages per day, the personal touch of a thank-you note from their eBay seller really hits the mark.

I don't think there's a uniform answer to be given. It really depends on your category of sales and the demographic it serves.

[momcqueen]

I do however always include a packing slip. With thank you note. A free gift. I have to think the buyer knows he or she is valued as a result of that.

[musicyouneed]

Hi MJ, I liked your response.  Since I sell CD's most of my buyers are over the age of 40, even into their sixties and seventies.  

Buyers ages will be completely different for other sellers in different categories.  

I don't think I get very many teens or buyers in their twenties buying CD's unless they are buying for their parents or grandparents. 

I think that I will continue to send a message to my buyers.  Earlier a poster indicated that unless you have same day shipping or next day and upload tracking, you can still be subject to a buyer rating your communication.  I just thought that if I didn't communicate with them they couldn't rate me.  The seller I purchased the glasses from shipped the next day with uploaded tracking, so I was not able to rate his communication. 

But it is interesting on whether other sellers send a message or not.  Thanks.  

[ricarmic]

I always send a message as well. I often get positive responses (remember I'm in the stamps category).

Below are are my base templates. I send a different note to a repeat customer than first time customers. I will add extra stuff as necessary and will "it will be slow" type comments to folks in slow to arrive countries like Brazil etc:

Thank you for your purchase and quick payment.  Your parcel has been shipped out today, Monday XXXXXXX.  Once the parcel arrives, I hope you will find everything satisfactory.  If you are not completely pleased with this transaction, please contact me via email.  I will do my very best to resolve any problem you may have.  Regards, RICARMIC (Ron)

Thank you for your most recent purchase and quick payment. I am pleased you decided to purchase from me again. Your parcel has been shipped out today, Monday XXXXXX. Regards, RICARMIC (Ron)

I do have specialized ones for odd situations like CP potential strikes etc. Here are the ones I will be using Tuesday:

Thank you for your purchase and quick payment.  Your parcel has been shipped out today, Tuesday XXXXXXX (Canada Post was closed for 4 days for Easter weekend April 14-17 inclusive).  Once the parcel arrives, I hope you will find everything satisfactory.  If you are not completely pleased with this transaction, please contact me via email.  I will do my very best to resolve any problem you may have.  Regards, RICARMIC (Ron)

Thank you for your most recent purchase and quick payment. I am pleased you decided to purchase from me again. Your parcel has been shipped out today, Tuesday XXXXXXX (Canada Post was closed for 4 days for Easter weekend April 14-17 inclusive). Regards, RICARMIC (Ron)

[2nd-time-around-jewelry]

I have always sent a thank you note to the buyer from day one for their purchase & payment. I include when I am shipping the parcel, the method of shipping & the approximate time of delivery. I do mention that I would appreciate feedback if they are happy & I will do the same.

[triber]

I realize that most on this board are in a different situation that I am. As as 74 year old, disabled senior who doesn't drive, I am at home most of the time, and have time.

I have developed relationships with many buyers over 20 years, and have many that are return buyers and several are regular corresponders. I have one lady that purchased several books from me and we started emailing each other. She has now sent me several boxes of craft books for me to sell, she has become a real friend.

Quite a few others have become repeat buyers and always send a little personal note about family etc.

One very special transaction that was right after my much love rag doll cat died, and I was not thinking clearly and accidentally mixed up 2 packages and sent both to the same address. The one lady received both, and kindly offered to mail the one on to the correct buyer. I paid her for the postage and then wrote and explained what had happened to the other lady. She was so understanding and said she completely understood as her dog had recently died. She asked me to email a picture of my cat, which I did. Imagine my surprise a few weeks later when I received a package with a beautiful painting of my cat. She is an artist, and the picture has pride of place in my home. I was very moved by her kindness.

I know that when I purchase something and get no message, I wonder if everything is alright and if my package is in the mail.

It takes no time to send a "thank you message", I have messages saved that apply to US, Canadian or International buyers that I just paste and copy, sometimes adding a personal message.

[femmefan1946]

I put my shipping date and "by Canada Post Air Mail" in the feedback I leave on shipment.

The buyer gets the message and the feedback serves a useful purpose.

More useful than it used to be since it also helps anyone looking at my FeedBack Left to see when the transaction took place.

[musicyouneed]

I do somewhat the same thing except for mentioning Canada Post which is a great idea. 

I say:  Thank you for a great transaction. Excellent 5 Stars. Shipped Apr 13/17.  

Since I use USPS for all my US mail, the only time putting Canada Post would be good is for international.  However I have found that it gets to France and England faster than it does to Ontario.