Ads are automatically enabled, even if shown as disabled when making new listing

[PlanetAlexProjects]

I noticed a while ago, a couple of weeks after I uploaded a new listing, that ads had been automatically enabled for that listing - I did not enable them when creating the listing or afterwards. Fortunately, after contacting Etsy support, I was able to get a refund on the ad costs, since I lost money.

I created a new listing last night, and made sure to double check that the Etsy Ads toggle was disabled before launching the product. I didn't take a screenshot last night, but even by starting to create a new listing now, I can see it's off by default.

However, I can see that overnight, ads had still somehow been enabled for that listing. The toggle was off, and I never manually set up ads for it. Luckily I noticed today before I lost too much money.

I've heard that other people have also had an issue with ads being automatically enabled, but I figured that was because the toggle was enabled by default in the new listing page. However, it seems the case is that even if it is disabled by default on that page, once published, Etsy will start charging you for ads.

[PlanetAlexProjects]

Recorded this video to show what I mean. I launch the draft product, which shows how ads are not intially enabled. After some fumbling (I momentarily forgot where ads were), you can see the ads page and the same product now has ads enabled.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HlLIFmZvoY3BbMEDOJdw-42qyubXIJ9b/view?usp=sharing

[OmasFabricStash]

I have read that Etsy does it that way. Every new listing or renewing a listing goes automatically to add the ads. Many sellers talk about always checking after it’s listed. 

[PlanetAlexProjects]

I don't understand why this should be the norm though. Doesn't the fact that Etsy takes money from your payment account, without your consent or knowledge, just not seem OK? Especially if the option to specifically not do so is selected.

[OmasFabricStash]

You consented when you joined Etsy. Most people don’t read what they are signing but it does say that Etsy has the right to do pretty much what they want. 
That is one good reason to look at the forums, this is where you will find out about new testing, glitches with something, new rules, scams, and that you gave Etsy permission. 
It’s also a good place to learn things that you might not have thought about. Who knew that the Smily Face was either a trademark or copyright?     
Years ago there was a thread about words that nobody thought would be a problem. I wish we were still able to read it. 

[PrairieCrocusStudio]

@PlanetAlexProjects   @OmasFabricStash    Even if the default is ads enabled, it should not enable ads when the ads toggle shows turned off. 

This seems like a system error that Etsy should fix. 

[OmasFabricStash]

I agree and it’s been a problem for a while now. Some sellers say they check it at least once a week if not daily.