Feedback on Etsy: Part One

I'm taking a look at the Buyer/Seller Feedback coin.  I think each side is important.   For buyers, it builds a reputation of trust; especially for new customers coming to your Etsy shop.  It shows not only that previous customers were pleased with their purchase, but that a shop provides good customer service and products.  As a buyer, that's important to me.  Either on Etsy or eBay, I look at sellers' feedback to see if it's even worth looking at items in their shop.  I want to know that I've got a good shot of receiving my purchase quickly and knowing that it was accurately described.  It is also comforting seeing there are repeat buyers who keep going back for more.

The flip side of that coin is that it's a boost to sellers that we are providing valuable service and worthwhile goods.  Sometimes, I have had my fill of my own beads and I lose sight of their 'specialness'.  Or I get positive/plus sign feedback with no words, no thanks, no "oooh, I really, really just want to lick these they look so delicious!"  And then I receive a text/email/convo/feedback in my shop with a 'SQUEEEEEEEEE! I can't keep my fingers off them! OMG! OMG! OMG!' and my faith is renewed in my skills/abilities.  My inspiration is sparked again to move forward in new directions and create more.

I also look for feedback to post to make sure my beads or jewelry were received.  If I don't get feedback, I wonder if they got lost in the mail.  I always have little butterflies in my stomach when I send out beads until I know they have been safely delivered.  After receiving a delivery confirmation, I will give it a couple of days before sending a convo to the buyer asking if they received the beads and to make sure they are happy.

It's nice when buyers acknowledge particular details about my beads or service.  I think everyone likes validation and being acknowledged for their efforts, yes?  I spend alot of time on the torch (granted, it never feels like enough time for my creative spirit!), as well as cleaning out the beads, scrutinizing their structure and integrity before creating a set to photograph and spend time uploading and cropping pics (that's the extent of my editing as it is extremely rare I muck with the tint/colors/contrast of my bead pics) and then going through the Etsy listing process.  Please don't get me wrong or think that I'm whining, because I'm not.  It is just a lot of work that goes into getting to the point of listing beads before ever shipping them out.  It is finding/making the time to do all this on top of working full time for the phone company, taking care of my husband and two kids, a zoo of pets and not sleeping more than a coupla hours because Weeping Pony thinks he must cry and bark all.  night.  long.

So when feedback is left in my shop that is more than just a green plus sign, I'm thrilled.  Seeing what excites other people about their purchases is fun.  Knowing that it is something I made is even better.  I may even do a little jump with a heel click.  :)  It recharges me and keeps me going.  It pushes me to do more and try new designs.  It ignites a desire in me to, in turn, delight my customers even more.

Fellow Etsy sellers, please weigh in with your thoughts.  

What else do you think is important about feedback?  

How does it motivate you?