Unfortunately, my regular supplier had stopped carrying the perfect needles for pine needle baskets so I had to look elsewhere. The description from this new supplier sounded like exactly what I was looking for and the seller was very accommodating, until the order was received. When I opened the priority mail box with over 3 pounds of pine needles (yes, it takes a lot of needles to make a little basket) I found that these needles were not as described. Included in the box were short pine needles, pine cones, branches, and so many tiny little needles that were unusable. It appears this seller went into the woods, scooped up some pine needles, weighed them, and sent them off without any concern for the quality of his product.
The seller's shop policy states, "In the event that items are damaged during shipment or customer is unhappy with the product please contact us to discuss refunding or replacement options."
I voiced my displeasure with these needles in an email (no phone numbers are listed on Etsy), but stated that I would have to keep them as I had run out of pine needles and had baskets to make. I warned the seller that I would be leaving a less than positive review of the product and that I would not be ordering from him again. That was over a month ago and I've yet to hear back from this seller.
Now, maybe it's my nature but I want to do everything in my power to make my customers happy. Had I received an email such as this I would have responded immediately, even if it meant that I would no longer have this person as a customer. Apparently, this seller doesn't have the same dedication to pleasing the customer.
I get annoyed every time I use these needles and find more small, broken or otherwise unusable ones. It takes twice as long to complete a basket because the needles are shorter, so this seller has impacted profits as well. It seems like I wasted my hard earned money on these unusable needles and branches and that this seller doesn't care. I ordered 3 pounds of needles. 3 pounds 5 ounces were shipped. I think I've thrown out about 1 pound of unusable needles. I definitely did not get my money's worth!
What is my point? In my opinion good customer service is so important in this age of anonymity. No longer do we look a person in the eye as we sell our product to them. We print an order, pack it in a box, ship it out, and hope the customer is happy. If not, many sellers think, oh well, I've got my money...
Had this seller replied to my email I would have referred others to his shop for the other items he sells. Instead, I am writing a blog about his lack of customer service.
We, at Cruisin' Creations, pride ourselves on the quality products we create and the superb customer service we provide. Each item is meticulously made and generally shipped out the same or next day. Oh, we have had our share of unhappy customers, but they are few. And, we do everything possible to make them happy. In some instances it has been refunding the purchase, in others making a repair. There are some customers who will voice a complaint then never reply to my response or solution for the complaint. Since we do not have phone numbers for these customers and are only able to converse via email there isn't much else I can do but send a follow up email and hope the customer responds.
So, if you are looking for unique, quality women's fashion accessories and want a company that stands behind their product then please visit www.cruisincreations.etsy.com. We will be happy to work with you to provide you with exactly what you are looking for.
Baskets Are Coming Along
I am having so much fun making the pine needle baskets! While I love to challenge myself with large unique pieces, I am finding that making some smaller ones for rings, or other trinkets are great to keep me busy while I ponder the design for the next big basket. I've also branched out into making trivets and coasters. While these are not yet listed in my Etsy shop, if you would like any of these pictured or would like to order anything special, please email me and I will make arrangements to get you the baskets you desire. |
| I was given a wonderful compliment the other day that I have a knack for making these baskets and make them very well. I was so humbled by this customer's remarks! |
Upcoming Events
We are looking forward to returning to Speculator, NY to support the Hamilton County TWIGS in their efforts to help fund several emergency service organizations as well as scholarships in the area. Stop by the baseball fields, next to the firehouse in Speculator, NY on Thursday, August 11 from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. You can pick up your women's fashion accessories, and pine needle baskets at Cruisin' Creations as well as your gourmet seasoned pretzels at Santa Snacks booth! It is always a good time and there's so much to choose from with over 150 artists on hand! It may be a good time to jump start your holiday shopping!We are branching out a bit and are offering a few select items at the Castleton-On-Hudson Farmer's Market. Visit Santa Snacks and Cruisin' Creations the first and third Fridays of the month from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at the intersection of 9J and Scott Rd in Castleton, NY.
Until Next Time...
Diane
#womensfashionaccessories
#pineneedlebaskets
#speculatorcraftfair
