Star seller sabotage

[QuirkyAntiquesStore]

So every time I set my auto response to ON and save it in order to jump through these star seller hoops, when I log into my shop again that option is OFF and I have to start over. Thanks Etsy.....

[PillowDetails]

@QuirkyAntiquesStore  what time-frame are you setting it for?  Are you saving at the bottom of that pop-up?

[ChristmasIsLove · Accepted solution]

@QuirkyAntiquesStore Auto reply lasts AT MOST for 5 days, and only if you set it to that. So you have to reset it at least every 5 days. But it sounds like you're only setting it for an hour. That first setting is for how long it's on, not how long after the message the person gets the reply. See Help Center for the full explanation.

[QuirkyAntiquesStore]

Oh...my..god are you kidding??? That is the WORST software I've ever seen? Thanks so much. You are correct that's exactly what I was thinking

[TBQSC]

Oh I'm so sorry this happened to you, it did for me too at first ... then I learned about a little trick that works every time:

• Set your auto reply message for 5 days
• Set yourself a 4-day reminder to reset your auto message. 

I have my reminder set up on my phone (tasks), and every 4 days I get a reminder (alarm) telling me that I need to reset my Etsy auto message. You don't have to change the message (unless you want to), just hit save (ensure 5 days is selected), and you're good to go.  Hope that helps. 

[QuirkyAntiquesStore]

It does thank you! I'm not doing that though, its ridiculous.....

[Octopunx]

I may try this. I have been incommunicado rather frequently lately but I can almost always get online within 4 days. 

[Buntique]

One thing I've seen is there is confusion for some sellers what the time settings mean for the auto response. Some sellers think it means when the message will be sent. Since the default is 1 hour, some sellers think an auto response message will be sent 1 hour after it is received. However, the time settings actually are for how long the auto response will be active. So someone wanting to have auto response during a lunch break could choose the 1 hour. There are more settings under the drop down for up to 5 days that the auto response will be active. Those wanting an auto response for a weekend could choose 2-3 days depending on when they turn it on and when they want it to turn itself off again. Anyone wanting to turn it on overnight while they sleep could choose the 12 hour setting. When an auto response is active whether set in messages or as part of vacation mode, the auto response message is sent right after a message is received.

[QuirkyAntiquesStore]

There's confusion because it's the stupidest system ever lol. How hard IS it to have a system whereby if you don't respond in a certain time the auto response is sent should you choose to enable/use it?

[3dprintingagency]

@QuirkyAntiquesStore 

What's "stupid" about it?

Etsy is avoiding lazy sellers that would turn it on and then never respond to customers (yes, there are definitely sellers that would do that).

You can complain about it or you can find a way to live with it.

[ChillwolfArt]

@Buntique 

Thank You for your explanation.  I don't Auto anything, and this confuses me to be honest.  But you understand it very well.  So even though I don't "get" it, I do appreciate the time you took to try to explain and help.

[QuirkyAntiquesStore]

@3dprintingagency  Whats "stupid" about it are several things. Its very confusing for one. Secondly no-I don't believe there are "lazy sellers who would never respond to customers"-that makes no sense at all. Why would anyone ignore a customer email intentionally? Thirdly-as a CONSCIENTIOUS seller I would like the option to set it for 8 hours just in case I accidentally miss responding to an email promptly for whatever reason. No customer likes to be ignored and it would cover my bases. And yes-I WILL complain about it and I'm sure I will find a way to live with it as its certainly not the end of the world its just annoying as I thought it might be an answer to a star seller hoop AND a good back up plan. But thanks for your input.....

[3dprintingagency]

Sorry....I should have said "sellers trying to take the money and run" or "sellers selling illegal merchandise". They wouldn't want to respond to any customer emails.

Anyways, it's Etsy's party and we're just along for the ride.

[MaynardMillinery]

I used a supply seller once that never replied to buyers. I messaged with a question and didn't hear anything back. Went to their feedback page and review after review mentioned their lack of communication. Never did hear back from them. It does happen. 

[PersonalizeStation]

@3dprintingagency 

Bingo! That's exactly what it is. 

[SunnyDayVintage]

"I don't believe there are "lazy sellers who would never respond to customers"-that makes no sense at all."

Makes plenty of sense. Not everyone has your apparent dedication. I've asked sellers questions and never gotten replies.

I placed an order that was delivered WITHOUT the gift message I requested, so I asked the seller what happened, and never got a response.

Not difficult to understand.

[JDTotesnDolls]

@QuirkyAntiquesStore   Because there are sellers who do just that.  They don't respond.  When buyers used to be able to come here, one of their complaints was a seller not responding to a message.  Yes, there are sellers like that.

I believe this is also why Etsy will never allow doesn't need a response button.  There are sellers that would abuse it. 

When you set the auto reply, you have the option to respond right away if you are available.  You can interrupt it.  The auto reply does not stop you from answering if you desire to.

24 hours is what Etsy asks for.  That helps everyone be able to answer because not everyone has the ability to answer immediately.  Nor should they have to.  We train people to expect immediate responses when at times it is not possible,  

[UniqueGiftOrnaments]

@3dprintingagency. Lazy sellers? Only your opinion and not factual. 

[3dprintingagency]

And the fact that it's not factual is only your opinion.

[PersonalizeStation]

@UniqueGiftOrnaments 

Exactly. I wouldn't use the word "lazy." There are truly just some sellers that pick and choose which emails they want to respond to. I think a majority of sellers answer all emails unless they are spam.

During busy times, I know I've read a message and thought I responded but didn't.  Then there's the group of sellers who have an array of problems with orders and are using a time-buying tactic. 

[Octopunx]

I just want 36 or 48 hours instead of 24 because I frequently need to get someone else to answer something, look for the thing, whatever. I don't like automated messages because it just seems so impersonal, but I've had to start using it now instead of answering with the "answer" to the question in a reasonable amount of time. The Buyer answers each communication from me with a new thread  constantly to the point that they'll get like 3 or 4 identical out of office emails and get mad at me *this is an eyeroll emoji* because they think I'm not paying attention to the questions.