Over the years, I've noticed something fascinating about customer behavior: the way people shop and what they expect from products can vary greatly depending on the platform they've been "trained" on.

Let me explain.

Shoppers who buy from Amazon often come with certain expectations — many are conditioned to expect next-day delivery, or at least prompt shipping. In fact, many don't even realize that Amazon Handmade exists as a marketplace for unique, handmade items. Instead, they tend to compare our handcrafted products to mass-produced goods, often made overseas, which can lead to unfair comparisons. This creates a mindset where people expect cheap prices for quality products, and it’s not uncommon for reviews to reflect this unconscious comparison to mass-market, mass-produced items. For example, a person may be looking for a windchime as a memorial gift on Amazon and stumble upon one of our Mother’s Angels^® ornaments, only to question why the price is so much higher.

On platforms like Etsy, the mindset is a bit different. Shoppers typically come to Etsy specifically seeking handmade products. The platform is known for its artisan feel and unique gifts. However, this is also where many hobbyists set up shop, often pricing their items too low in an attempt to compete with products they see at mass retailers like Target or Walmart. They don't treat their craft like a business, which results in prices that are unsustainable for actual small businesses like ours. As a result, customers may expect handmade goods to be priced in a way that reflects these hobbyist prices, which further skews expectations in the marketplace.

Then, we have our own customers. Many of them discover us through online ads (thank you if you're one of them!). These customers tend to do their homework — they read our customer reviews, explore our About Us page, and sometimes even reach out to us directly before making a purchase. We truly appreciate this diligence! What’s special about our customers is the personal bond we share. Unlike the impersonal experiences on Amazon or Etsy, we build relationships with our customers. They know they can reach out if there's an issue, and we value each and every person who chooses to support our small business.

Thank you for reading and learning more about the different shopping mindsets across platforms. If you’re ready to experience the care and craftsmanship of our handmade products, we’d love for you to make a purchase and support our small business. We promise you’ll feel the difference in the quality, artistry, and personal touch that sets us apart from the rest!