Category placing item in the wrong category. No way to fix this.

[#1]

After having four items removed from my shop for violating the Seller Handbook I've finally found out that Etsy is having a problem on their end that is having the system flag my items as being in the wrong category. The items were removed for being craft supplies when they were clearly not craft supplies (they were planter boxes). We originally placed them in the planter box category (indoor for some, outdoor for others) when the listings were created 9+ years ago. I assume Etsy has updated their categories to include auto populated categories because now when you choose Indoor Planters, Outdoor Planters or Planters in general the category Craft Supplies is added to your listing without your ability to remove the category. This is now why I have four listings removed in two days because Etsy is flagging my planter boxes as crafting supplies when I never put them in that category. Did I mention Etsy also removed my Star Seller badge and now says I'll be deactivated if further policy violations occur? I have almost 24000 sales, 5000 5 star reviews and have been a Star Seller since the the inception.

I've now scoured through my listings and moved all of them to decorative items because that is the only one I can find in my the planter category that doesn't add the category Craft Supplies.

If anyone reading this knows someone that can help me out to let Etsy know that their category system is currently fubared that would be great. I would love to have my listings reinstated and my star seller badge returned... since it was nothing that I actually did on my end.

The shop name is RedOakRoad

Screenshots added to show selection:

https://postimg.cc/PC1qqkG4 

https://postimg.cc/mcRgz6BG 

*I edited subcategory to reflect category*

[cindylouwho2]

@RedOakRoad Yes, please do update us if you are lucky enough to hear back. 

I am going to write something about this today. Sometimes we can get Etsy's attention that way. Will send you a copy once it is finished. 

[RedOakRoad]

As of an hour ago my listings were reenabled and relisted. I got a response from the customer service team but I haven't heard back about the negative marks on my account or the restoration of my Star Seller badge.

Here is the message:

Hi Seth,
 
Thank you for reaching out. My name is Alex, I'm a support manager from Etsy's Trust and Safety Team
 
After reviewing your account, we’ve determined that your listings were suspended in error. Your listings have been reinstated and should be searchable on Etsy within the next 20 minutes. 
 
Occasionally listings that meet Etsy’s policies mistakenly get caught up within the systems that we have in place to protect the safety and security of the marketplace. While we’re unable to share further details, please know we are continuously working to improve the accuracy of these systems.
 
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. If we can help with anything else, please let us know.

Best,

Alex

- Seth

[cindylouwho2]

@RedOakRoad that is good to hear! 

It can take a day or 2 for Star Seller to come back. If not, bug them again. 

[ByVictoriaMaxwell]

May I ask how you finally got a reply? I’m having the same issue and notice your star seller has been handed back. Was it via email? As they keep closing my tickets with no response and the live chat on my account no longer works.

many thanks!

[JojosBootique]

I have a hand crocheted basket that has the same issue.  It was taken down as a violation of their "craft supplies" policy.  It is handmade.  I am awaiting a response from Etsy, but it has already been over the estimated response time.  I am concerned because I have other crocheted baskets that could fall prey to this bot/Etsy rule change.

[TBQSC]

A "handmade crocheted basket" is not a "craft supply" because it is already a completely finished product and not something that is used to create a whole new product.  This may be why many craft supply listings are being taken down!  Your item would be best listed in the Home Living category like your other items.  Your highland cow is so cute!!

[TribesIronHardware]

Hi,

It took about 8 days all together, but I happy to say that Etsy has reactivated the 2 listing that were suspended from my shop: 

"After reviewing your account, we’ve determined that one or more of your listings were suspended in error. Your listings have been reinstated and should be searchable on Etsy within the next 20 minutes."
So I think anybody who had the same problem of "violated creativity standards for craft supplies" when the main category of his items where different (mine was "Drawer knobs & pulls") and contacted Etsy's customer service, should get the same positive results.

[LittleIslandSeedCo]

Hi, I'm a shop with what looks like the same issue; also four listings removed and threatened with the ban hammer. How did you reach out to Etsy? I did not have any luck with the chat from my account.

[RedOakRoad]

My Star Seller badge is back but I'm waiting to hear back about the negative marks on my account and if they have been erased.

- Seth

[ByVictoriaMaxwell]

Thank you @cindylouwho2 I would really appreciate that, how best to message you?

[cindylouwho2]

@ByVictoriaMaxwell if you want to talk freely, you can email me through my website. Link is on my About page, but it's also the same name as my shop so easy to find
: - )
Or you can send a message here, if you want.