Etsy Shops in Helene Hurricane Zone

[HONEYPOT]

ETSY IS HEARTLESS> I was shocked to receive an email that my listings would be moved lower in viewings due to " lack of communication" from my shop. REALLY?? On Sep 27th we were hit with a catastrophic hurricane that left us without water, power, or cell service for over two weeks. Its as if ETSY has no brain or heart. Why wasn't ETSY figuring out how to support all the businesses in the path of Helene instead of punishing us? And of course the only action is emails that never get answered. LAME  I expect a public apology and a campaign to help Helene based shops

[SEAandCLEAN]

I can understand your struggles.  I too, did not have power for 10 days and locally we are still trying to get back to normal.  My local post just opened last week.    I shut down both my website and Esty shop until I was ready to fully service my customers.  Can you explain who you are not communicating with?  Your customers?  Are you promising to ship your product when you physically cannot.  You need to put your shop in vacation mode until you are fully able to operate.  I know this is hard to hear but put yourself in your customer’s place.  How would you like to order something and not receive it.   

[HONEYPOT]

I literally could not close the shop or access the internet for the first two weeks of October. So no, that wasn't an option. I communicated with all customers as soon as I could get service.  Most of whom were aware of the destruction and happy to wait and support us, ZERO customer complaints. It's tone def ETSY that had a fit. I was literally in lifesaving mode and lost an entire brick and mortar store so I don't think you can "understand my struggles" since you know nothing about them. I'm glad you had an easy time of it, you're lucky. Just remember, you don't know what people have gone or are going through in a catastrophic event. Have some heart, it's not all business as usual.

[BazzysHouse]

 Here in SC had no power for seven days. I am truly sorry for all my NC neighbors had had to endure. Etsy / Josh Silverman could and should be aware of whats happening outside his bubble, since its been major news now. 

[HONEYPOT]

That's all I'm saying. Where's the community that ETSY prides itself on? I'm sure they don't have a policy for supporting or protecting folks in Disaster Zones. Our livelihoods are crucial to the recovery

[JJewellerySuppliesUK]

You need to tell Etsy.  How can they possibly know how you were affected?  

[HONEYPOT]

Um, it was literally the most catastrophic geological event to happen in all of our lifetimes. The fact the Etsy ignored thousands of its customers ( us ) being hammered ( over 126,000 home damaged, hundreds of bridges and roads out, no medical or emergency care, 2000 landslides, etc etc) is telling. The fact that folks can't see that... also telling. PS - I have told them but it was not a priority when there were thousands of people missing the first few weeks. And I didnt have cell or power for weeks. I can see no one here gets whats its like to be in a real disaster. Also ETSY has NOT responded to my emaisl which is the only way to "communicate" with them

[TheVelvetPrincess]

It is such a harsh world and getting worse all the time. I hope you find the help you need. I have friends that had to move their shops (what was left of them) to NYC for awhile to try and sell what was not ruined or damaged. A lovely woman in NYC offered up some space for the holidays. I will say a prayer you find the help you need. Everything is computer generated. No more humaness to the game.

[ModJose · Accepted solution]

I'm sorry to hear about the impact of Hurricane Helene in your area. Please know we’re here to support you and your business. Our support team has been notified and will reach out to you directly.

Please know that our hearts go out to all those impacted by Hurricane Helene. Given the devastating impact to many Etsy sellers in the affected communities, we took quick steps to support sellers residing in these areas by adjusting billing schedules and providing guidance on managing their businesses during emergencies.

Our hope is that these actions helped sellers focus on their safety while easing some of the pressure of managing their shops during this difficult time.

We encourage all of our sellers to check out our Help Center, where we offer resources on how to Manage Your Shop In Case of Emergency. If you’ve been directly affected by this weather event and need further assistance, we are here to help: please contact Etsy Support.

In the meantime, I will be closing this one out so you can get the support you need from us directly, stay safe everyone!