Being an Etsy Customer

I have purchased from Etsy before.  However, it has been a while since I've actually down more than just browsing, or "window shopping" on etsy.  I was excited that this assignment would be a good excuse to buy something fun and unique from etsy.

I just moved into a new house a few months ago, and i'm still always on the lookout for fun decorative objects.

I wanted something that was actually handmade, so I started looking for different types of drawings and paintings.  Immediately it appeared that the paintings were out of my price range, so I switched up to drawings.  I searched for the word pinup because this is a style of drawing that I like.  I came upon a picture of a pinup style angel that I really liked.  Even better, the drawing was 25 dollars, well within my price range.  I was even more interested in the drawing after finding out that it was being sold by a prisoner's outreach program for inmates who are transgendered.  I am very interested in art as a medium for healing, learning, and rehabilitation, so this sealed the deal for me.

After confirming my order and paying with paypal, I waited.  While it only took 5 days for the drawing to arrive, the seller didn't send me an email letting me know that the art had shipped or a tracking number by which to follow its delivery progress.

When the art did finally arrive, it was securely packaged in a padded envelope.  There was a handwritten note of thanks from the artist.  Even better, the drawing was even more detailed and impressive in person than it was in the photograph.  I am already waiting for the artist to finish more work.

What I liked most about this purchase is just how smooth the transaction went, and especially the high quality of the product.  I learned how much customers can be influenced by the story behind the art or the artist.

I believe that making your customer feel that your item is truly unique and allowing them to relate to your story compels them to purchase.  This shows me how important it will be to write good descriptions and profile that allows the customer to make a connection.