19 Things Online Store Owners Want You To Stop Doing Immediately

    Set up an online shop, they said. It'll be fun, they said.

    Jen Thomas
    by Jen Thomas

    BuzzFeed Contributor

    1. Stop asking questions that are covered by the FAQs, the delivery info, or the returns policy.

    Walt Disney Studios

    All of the information is probably on the website in a really easy to find place.

    2. Don't ever say "I could make that," "[store name] do it cheaper," or "Why does it take so long?"

    artsyfartsymama.com / instagram.com

    OK, make it yourself, or we’ll see you in six weeks when the high street one has broken.

    3. Stop ignoring our emails.

    youtube.com / Via giphy.com

    If you’ve emailed to get a quote for a custom item but no longer want it, please reply, even if it's "Thanks, but no thanks."

    4. And don't send us too many emails.

    Comedy Central

    Often the person making your order is also the person manning the website, the Facebook, the emails, and pretty much everything else.

    5. Don't use something and then send it back for a refund.

    6. Don’t run to Twitter or Facebook if something goes wrong.

    youtube.com

    Running straight to social media to complain or leave a bad review can be hugely damaging to small business. We're all human and mistakes happen; email or call first and we'll probably bend over backwards to fix it.

    7. Haggling shouldn’t be a habit.

    Bravo

    Most business owners work out their prices so that they try to make at least minimum wage, but sometimes they struggle to even make that. If you must haggle, don't be offended if we say no.

    8. Never say "The customer is always right!"

    bovveredforsooth.tumblr.com

    Nope. Saying this is a sure fire way to not get what you want. Just because you want it for half the price and for it to arrive yesterday, doesn’t mean it will happen.

    9. Never send abuse to a seller.

    Becky Barnicoat / BuzzFeed

    There's a real person behind the website trying to make the things we love, and you wouldn't walk into a high street store shouting abuse.

    10. Don't expect miracles if you've left things until the last minute to order.

    NBCUniversal

    We beg you: Please don't wait until three days before Christmas to order something handmade and bespoke that will take days to make.

    11. And remove this phrase from your brain:

    Kim Lawler @finestimaginary

    said it before & I’ll say it again, if not receiving a gift in time will “ruin Christmas”, you really need to look at your relationships.

    Reply Retweet Favorite

    12. Stop asking for freebies; we run a business, not a charity.

    Lionsgate Television

    We understand times are hard and sometimes your budget just won't stretch to the thing that you really want, but small business owners need to live too.

    13. Don't assume small business owner friends are free to talk or hang out, 24/7.

    somuchdamnbandmerch.tumblr.com

    Just because we sometimes work from home doesn't mean we can answer your texts or phone calls immediately.

    14. Laziness isn't cool – don't steal our businesses ideas or contact us asking for our suppliers.

    Universal Pictures

    Successful business owners spend so much time finding the right suppliers, designing items, learning skills, and building up contacts. It's rude to email us asking "where do you buy X, Y, Z" from and it happens all the time.

    15. Don't ask us to copy someone else's design: If you like it, buy it from them.

    E!

    That other business spent a long time creating their product, trying to get someone else to make it for cheaper is shady.

    16. Don't order something with the free standard postage then cry when it doesn't arrive the next day.

    wordpress.com

    That next-day delivery option isn't expensive because we feel like it — that's how much it costs! Don't go for the free second-class option and then complain that it won't be there for the party two days later that you must have it by.

    17. If an item description says it's available in red, blue, and green, don't email saying you MUST have it in yellow.

    NBC

    We're not wizards. Sorry to ruin your colour scheme.

    18. Don't forget to leave a review.

    Walt Disney Studios

    Reviews really help sellers, and if we've gone out of our way to help you or make something special, it's lovely to receive a nice testimonial email or review.

    19. Never think it's easier than an office job or that sellers are sat at home twiddling their thumbs waiting for your order.

    But despite all this, working for yourself is pretty cool.

    VH1

    There's nothing quite like that feeling when you receive a good review or an email from a happy customer, and not having to answer to a grumpy boss on a Monday morning.

    Note: This post is based on several people’s personal experiences. Thanks to all who contributed!