Message response rate

[MoodysMasterpieces]

I have a low response rate that is affecting my star seller. It appears it was due to a no response for an item I purchased on Oct 24 that was not related to my store in anyway. Can this be fixed?

[NanaLetha]

Yes by either replying or marking as spam 

[PlatypusDream · Accepted solution]

It may be much, much too late to do anything about it now.

Just remember in the future that ALL initial messages MUST be replied to, whether you are a seller or a buyer.

Etsy has directly stated that they will NOT ADJUST Star Seller metrics.

[OmasFabricStash]

Did you get a new message? Yes.   
Did you respond to the message? It sounds like you didn’t. If you don’t respond to all new messages you get dinged for the ones you left unanswered. 

[VintageRescueSquad]

The calculation is automatic. No one reads each message to determine whether it was for you as a buyer or you as a seller. All it shows is that you didn't answer.

Familiarize yourself with the rules, and you won't be surprised next time.