I was docked for not reply to an Etsy PURCHASE MESSAGE

[InPursuitofPretty]

I made a purchase on Etsy from the Etsy app, and the seller messaged me to thank me for my order. The message showed up in my Etsy SELLER app, and since there was no action required on my part, I noted the message but didn’t reply. Now my star seller % has been reduced for not replying to that message when I WAS THE BUYER. 

Has anyone else encountered this? It’s not appropriate to have the buyer messages show in the seller app!!!

HELP!

-S

[nineteen27]

as stated in the star seller section.

you need to respond to all messages.

as a buyer or a seller.

What messages count towards the message response rate?

Your message response rate is based on just the first message in a conversation, not ongoing conversations. This means you just need to respond to the first message within 24 hours. This applies to messages both from buyer and seller accounts. Messages from Etsy staff do not count toward your response rate, and neither do messages that you mark as spam. You can also now find a breakdown of your message response rate score by downloading a CSV.

[WitticismsRus]

It doesn't matter which app you use, your account is the same in both. Once you open a shop on an account then it is then a sellers/shop account and linked to your shop. If you want a personal account for shopping that is not linked to your shop (or star seller) then you will need to open a whole new account and not open a shop under that one. Then just use that account for shopping instead of your shop/seller account.

[OmasFabricStash]

What difference does it make whether you are the seller or the buyer? You received a new message and didn’t respond. It doesn’t matter who sent it, the rules make it clear that you need to respond to all new messages or send it to spam. 

[AAANativeArts]

It says right on the Star Seller page that you must respond to ALL CONVOS at least once. It doesn't matter what it is about.

[CraftyCornishMaids]

you have to reply to all new message threads, or mark them as spam

100% it has always been like this.

....

if you are getting confused about this, open a buyer only account, and don't mix up your buying, with your business selling account.

[mommawhazelsquilts]

Rules aside, what's wrong with saying "you're welcome" when someone thanks you?

I always put this in perspective -

If someone is face to face with you and they say "thank you" do you just stand there or do you say "you're welcome"?

Too many people hide behind the internet IMO.  Good manners should prevail.  OP was technically correct in saying "there was no action required on my part" unless you consider the good manners we are taught as children.