As a small business seller, overall flexibility and the option for product customization has been one of the most successful selling points. In the realm of handmade business, buyers seem to be especially interested in the idea of customizing products to be unique to the person receiving it. For example, by adding a name, favorite color, or quote, a customer is able to turn a generic product into a thoughtful gift. Especially on platforms like Etsy, sellers are encouraged to offer customization as it increases sales significantly. With my own products, I have noticed significantly more views and purchases on products that can be customized. Often at craft shows, people will come to me with a specific request for a painting or other product. By positioning myself to be open to these custom requests, I not only create more sales opportunities, but also discover more about my customer base and their needs. For example, I used to sell custom hand-painted Bibles online, most of which were floral or landscape designs. However, I was open to doing custom Bibles and received a message from someone requesting a baby boy design on the Bible. I would have never thought to enter this niche market, but by completing this Bible and posting it as a product for other people to purchase as well, it became my most popular product. Listening to customers and allowing them to make requests for custom products was beneficial to both the customer and I.
I think this points to an important aspect of sales – making the sales process about the customer and meeting their unique needs. By making a product customizable, a seller has the opportunity to uniquely mold the product to fit the customer’s specific needs and preferences. By doing so, they increase customer satisfaction and build the reputation of their brand.
deleonardislm24