Shipping, Customer Service and Reviews

Packaging

• Protect prints: they can snap or scratch. Use boxes sized to the item, padding and tissue.
• Branded touches (a thank-you card, care instructions, a discount code for the next order) encourage repeat purchases and reviews.
• Weigh and measure packages to set accurate shipping prices.

Shipping

• Compare postal services and couriers for your typical sizes; tracked services reduce "not received" disputes.
• State realistic processing times (print-to-order takes time) plus shipping times.
• International shipping expands your market but adds customs forms and longer delivery.

Customer service

• Reply quickly and politely, even to unhappy customers.
• For breakages, a fast replacement often costs less than a bad review.
• Keep a template library for common questions (delivery times, care, personalisation).

Reviews

Reviews drive marketplace ranking and trust. Earn them with quality, accurate photos, fast shipping and a friendly follow-up message asking for feedback (within platform rules, never offering incentives for positive reviews).

Returns policy

Write a clear returns policy: what can be returned (usually not personalised items), the time limit, who pays return shipping and how refunds are issued. Display it on every listing and follow it consistently; it prevents disputes and builds trust.

Exercise

Design packaging for one product, cost three shipping options, and write templates for five common customer messages, including a breakage response.

Check yourself

• Why use tracked shipping?
• Why might replacing a broken item be cheaper than refusing?
• How can you ask for reviews within the rules?