Posted by In 1970 the Osmonds released a song “One Bad Apple” referring to the saying “one bad apple doesn’t spoil the whole bunch.” And this may be true in love and other situations, but in the online selling world, one bad review does seem to spoil the whole bunch! These reviews tend to be unwarranted and as sellers we obsess over them for a time. And bonus, for sellers on Etsy even one bad review in a three-month period can temporarily derail our star-seller status. Negative reviews are not something we can easily forget.
I’ve been pondering this after a fellow Etsy seller recently vented in our Facebook group about the unfairness of a one-star review she received. (It was clearly a case where the buyer did not read the description or look at all the photos.) We all commiserated, but on the flip side it also got me thinking about all the wonderful reviews and emails I’ve received from customers, and the small portion of those who also share photos of the item in use. Honestly that makes my day! It’s the frosting on a cake.
Here are a few…
This antique sterling silver and glass sugar bowl was turned into a delightful home for an orchid. I never would have imagined that use for it, but it looks so classy!
This vintage Biagioli Gubbio pottery jar looks perfectly at home in this Old World setting–like it’s always been there.
This vintage Chinese watercolor found a home with Stuart.
He had it reframed and it takes pride of place in a trio of Chinese watercolor paintings in their serene bedroom. Perfect!
A turquoise disc choker became part of a trio of necklaces this buyer liked to wear. She was very pleased with the quality of the turquoise. (One of my few Goodwill jewelry finds.)
A little Bavent French bunny joined a family of Bavent bunnies and the buyer was thoroughly delighted with this addition.
This charming 1950s/60s polished chintz gardening smock became the base for this buyer’s garden themed display. Doesn’t it look like a photo out of a home decor magazine?
This Victorian-era English kettle looks right at home with some primitive bread boards at Sophia’s house.
All this to say it’s been wonderful reflecting on my customers, particularly those who have gone the extra mile to share their joy (and photos) about the item they purchased from me.
Thank you.
Karen
Hunting for Vintage 
The problem with reviews is it seems the unhappy ones are more likely to complain than the happy to bother to say they are happy. Reviews of restaurants, stores, etc. all seem to follow that. I guess I am guilty of that. If I have a bad transaction I will complain, but not compliment when it goes well. I think going well is the default, and what I expect!
I do see how buyers don’t read descriptions or look closely at photos, then are unhappy. Or they did and are lying about it, hoping for a discount/refund. I’ve had things in worse condition than I thought, but when I go back I see I didn’t look closely.
It’s nice your customers send photos of how they use the items! You know they went to good homes.
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Hi Lisa. I think you’re right…it’s more human nature to take the time to leave a negative reviews rather than positive. I am so thankful for all the folks that take the time to leave positive ones and include photos. Makes me smile.
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