I have been spoiled I tell ya'!

I also appreciate the small, hand-written thank you note, even if handwriting analysis proves it to not to be the writing of the actual artisan, at least someone in the system wrote it. Often these artisan businesses are sidelines to day jobs with few to no employees involved so you're certain that if there's a handwritten note in the package it was written by the artisan themselves - take Chatillon Lux for example, I know that Shawn makes and bottles the product, packs the order and ships it all himself - he has a partner that does the labels and I believe there are a couple of other people involved in some creative capacity but its a very personal hands on business and I appreciate that.
Marko

Honestly it only takes less than a minute and so it's not a big deal. Sometimes when there's a lot going on I can't get too personalized, but a quick note isn't a big deal.

Luckily, my business partner and his wife's baby is becoming less-than-newborn, so reinforcements have been coming in lately. It's a big reason I'm finally getting caught back up on custom orders.

Wholly man! $46 shipping? Send an email to Rod about this - see if there is an error.

It is likely due to Priority over the cheaper, untraceable and uninsurable FIRST CLASS.

Just a guess.

Just a nit pick - First Class is traceable

After ordering a bunch of stuff from Stirling they threw in a shave sample, a bath sample, and a bottle of pre shave oil (Which is still unopened). I'm pretty sure I didn't ask for that stuff. Color me impressed.

After ordering a bunch of stuff from Stirling they threw in a shave sample, a bath sample, and a bottle of pre shave oil (Which is still unopened). I'm pretty sure I didn't ask for that stuff. Color me impressed.

Stirling always seems to throw in a few samples with each order. If you have any questions about their products, Rod will usually toss a sample of one of their products you had a question about in your next order.

What I didn't realize is that I have come to expect it!

Guilty here as well. Spoiled is the right word! I love and appreciate the extra goodies, hand written notes, or a simple thank you. I think part of it for me, is that when you purchase a product from an artisan, you are taking on slightly more risk in your investment. We know that the artisan does not have the resources to streamline every aspect of the business like a bigger company does. But we instead get a more intimate experience, and enjoy the extra touches of personalization. When it is missing, it can be a tiny bit disappointing.

Wholly man! $46 shipping? Send an email to Rod about this - see if there is an error.

It is likely due to Priority over the cheaper, untraceable and uninsurable FIRST CLASS.

Just a guess.

Just a nit pick - First Class is traceable

It wasn't a mistake and it was the only shipping option offered. It basically doubles the cost of the order. I can hold off and find alternatives. Badgershavingco.com in Canada carries a small selection of Stirling products and I've bought from there in the past. I can get cheap or free shipping if I spend the right amount. They don't have the bay lime though. I guess I don't need it that badly.

What I care most about from a vendor/artisan is that the item I want is available, item is in good condition as described, priced competitively, has quick shipping times, that the item is packaged securely and safely, and that they respond to inquiries or fix potential problems.

I am never disappointed if I don't receive a note or a sample, and lack of these things will never stop me from purchasing from them in the future, or even less likely to. Expecting something for nothing, or a freebie I didn't pay for, or a handwritten note from someone I have never met or will never meet, seems just a little over demanding and childish, imho.

Don't get me wrong, it makes good sense from a business perspective, to throw in samples, to entice you to buy those products in the future, or to hand write a note to give you a false sense of connection and remembrance... But these things are ultimately marketing tools, nothing more. Apparently it works!

We don't always see eye to eye Len, but in this case....I fully agree with everything you wrote.

People are free to want and wish for these things, but I don't get the point of this thread. It almost feels like shaming vendors into giving free samples and writing hand written notes on invoices.

FWIW, I fully get the bad packaging point in the initial post, it is the freebies and handwritten notes concept that I can't wrap my head around.

I hardly think it childish or immature and yes, it does work to establish a connection. This thread was a somewhat tongue and cheek juxtaposition of vendors who do add a personal touch and those that don't- giving those that do a nod of appreciation as it is in fact an extra effort.

As to whether the connection is false or not, if I get recommendations from a vendor on hotspots for the Amalfi coast to hit on an upcoming trip or general questions on how the new house build is coming it does seem to indicate some degree of interest beyond commerce. At the end of the day doesn't really impact the order but it's just pleasant- some of these artisans/vendors I've been ordering from for years.

Beyond that, I still enjoy a simple "Thanks!" and all things being equal, as mentioned [price, availability, etc.] I'll throw the business to those that make an incremental effort. Even more to those that go out of their way to support the community as a whole!

Regardless, it's a great time to be in wetshaving as there are so many choices to source product everybody can find their favorite vendor, from Amazon to Artisan.

I didn't say liking, giving or receiving freebies was childish, rather expecting something for nothing is, kwsher.

And this does feel sort of like a shame thread, @"Bruce". If a vendor saves me money, or gives me better service, that is worth many times more to me than a scribbled smiley face or a soap sample lasting 3 shaves. YMMV

And marketing does establish connections in the minds of consumers. This thread is evidence of that.