How would you approach this? - Transaction & Feedback Discussion

PaperPrincess · 04-07-2008, 10:52 AM

I purchased a few items from a WAHM on here. They arrived on Saturday (quickly), and everything I ordered is in there. Problem is, the craftsmanship is aweful. Not just a little flawed, its really, really, really bad. She didnt tie off loose threads, the stiching is uneven and running all over the place (and doesnt even catch the seam in a few places), the elastic on one item is sewn too taut - its shot already. Some corners are rounded and some are square (on the same item!). Most of it I wouldnt even dream of offering FFS. It looks like she just slapped it together in about 15 minutes (and these items should have taken like 2 hours to make).

She is a relatively new WAHM. I want to let her know what problems I see and how to correct them (I sew, so I can give some tips and such), but I dont want to upset her, KWIM? I know she *needs* to know or else she can kiss her future as a WAHM away, but I dont know how to say it.

WWYS (what would you say

)?

lovemy3boys · 04-07-2008, 11:14 AM

being a pretty new wahm myself, i'm always self concious about my products.. and very eager to give things away cheap or give refunds for problems... i like things to be perfect but hey, it takes practice! If someone was not satisfied with what they had purchased from me, i would definatly want to know and i'd make it right by the buyer. If i were in your shoes, i'd probably just send her a message saying something like, "i recieved my items on such and such a day. i apreciate the quick shipping. I am aware that you are fairly new at the WAHM 'thing', and as a novice seamstress myself i just wanted to give you a few critiques on your products." then state what was wrong and blah blah blah.. how she can fix it.. blah blah blah.. how she can avoid those problems in the future (like slow down on the pedel! that is my bigest problem when it comes to uneven stitches!) and then say you'd apreciate it if you could ship it back to her (preferably at her expense) to get your items fixed/replaced. or if you could get some sort of discount or whatever it is you are looking for. that's what I'D do.....

*Alabamamom* · 04-07-2008, 05:56 PM

She said it all perfectly.

Anna1345 · 04-08-2008, 12:10 AM

I would just be blunt, but compassionate. Tell her exactly you said right here what is wrong with the items. Make sure you preempt it with the fact that you are not really sure how to approach her and you mean this only as constructive criticism. Jsut make sure to also tell her what you DO like about the dipes....

ClothDiaperMePlease · 04-08-2008, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anna1345

I would just be blunt, but compassionate. Tell her exactly you said right here what is wrong with the items. Make sure you preempt it with the fact that you are not really sure how to approach her and you mean this only as constructive criticism. Jsut make sure to also tell her what you DO like about the dipes....

but do say something. If you don't, no one will get anything better from her.

ecomother · 04-08-2008, 11:51 AM

Definitely say something. She needs to work on her product and perhaps her sewing skills before selling anything else. She may feel a little hurt if you do say something, but it's worse if she just keeps doing it the way she is and then ends up making lots of moms mad and also ruining her own future as a wahm.

Gizmo516 · 04-09-2008, 08:34 PM

I've been in a similar situation with some custom soakers I got made...my DH actually took one look at a few of them and told me that he didn't really think the baby should wear them in public for fear that people would point and laugh at the "art". I, regretfully, did not say anything. I am now stuck with items I won't use because they are really bad. If that ever happens to me again I am asking for a refund and explaining nicely what is wrong.

Good luck, Mama!

-Rach

Kestlyn · 04-09-2008, 08:39 PM

I know that I am going to need feedback for my products! As embarassing as it would be to have negative comments, I need to know how my things are being perceived and I'd bet that this WAHM does too! Plus it gives her a chance to make it right

PaperPrincess · 04-12-2008, 11:19 AM

Thanks everyone. I was always planning on saying something to her, I just was at a loss for words, KWIM? I wanted it to be as constructive as possible, so that she takes the most away from it.

I spoke with the WAHM (via PM), and was as honest as I could be. She took the feedback and was gracious about it. I also left the appropriate FB via itrader - basically stating that she was great to work with (because she was), but that there were a issues with the product I received, and that the WAHM made the effort to correct her mistakes.

Hopefully she will put more time and effort into her items in the future.