Item not available to UK buyers - waiting a week for Etsy help

[Helleboreia]

I think I've been hit by the 'Etsy not making items available to UK buyers' issue.

Only one listing is affected - a pin badge which has a sword on it (along with a pen, flowers and foliage). Would include a link but I'm not sure you'd see it!

I've tried contacting Etsy support via chat 3 times now. Each time I've been told someone should e-mail me.

All I've had is a generic e-mail that doesn't actually say what the problem is - just that 'Due to regional restrictions, your listing(s) are no longer available to view or purchase in certain locations.'

It's been over a week without a response. Is anyone else having this problem with Etsy support?

[CatsWhiskersCurios]

I suspect you've been caught by the UK restrictions on the selling of bladed items.  If you mentioned the word 'sword' in the title, description or tags, the bots will have pulled it.  Search here for the other threads on this subject. 

[Helleboreia]

Thanks I thought that might be the case.

I think the bigger issue is that I can't seem to get any response from anyone to dispute the issue.

[ImperfectlybyLinnie]

@Helleboreia I've just been on chat too, and I might as well have had a conversation with myself. They said they would email, but not holding my breath lol.

[Helleboreia]

I feel like I've been having a one-sided conversation with the e-mail!

[CatsWhiskersCurios]

Respond to the latest email you received saying you still need help. Don't start new emails as you'll go to the end of the queue again.  Keep everything in one email thread.  

[Helleboreia]

It's all on the same support ticket. I have only had 1 e-mail from the helpdesk.

[CuriosAnCollectibles]

It's ridiculous that the Etsy bots can't define the difference between a sword and a badge! 

[Helleboreia]

It'll be they only check the tag. This is why bots are never going to be as helpful as people!

[CatsWhiskersCurios]

...and also ridiculous that it's so very hard to get a response from the help desk in a timely manner!

[CuriosAnCollectibles]

But surely the bots can pick up "badge" from the tags also?

Most won't be wearing a sword or their lapel. Lol! 

[Helleboreia]

It has 'pin badge' and 'wooden pin'. The tag that I think is the problem isn't even 'sword' - it's 'pen and sword'.

The badge is inspired by Athena the Greek goddess of wisdom, war and peace (among other things!).

[Helleboreia · Accepted solution]

Finally heard back from Etsy. Got an apology and they've said the restriction was an error. I'm really pleased it's sorted but what a headache