My response rate dropped even though all messages were replied to with in 24 hours

[MisfitMarketDesigns]

 I got a notification that 1 message got a reply after 24 hours. I downloaded the message attachment and it was from Cheryl, whose shop I bought something from.

I saw her message in my Gmail, not knowing that the same message would appear in my Shop Manager and I replied to her there on my Gmail but the shop manager does not show that.

I didn't reply via the shop manager because I had already replied to her.

Now I dropped in score 

[BagmakerSupply]

@MisfitMarketDesigns: This is unfortunately one of the true glitches with Star Seller messages - answering a message via your eMail copy of the message does not seem to get properly attached to the message thread.

[NanaLetha]

You must reply in messages or mark as spam.

[GieseDeseiGns · Accepted solution]

Go mark that message as SPAM it should make your rate go up in couple of days.

[NoFrogsAllowed · Accepted solution]

The bot doesn't know you replied with Gmail, all it knows is you didn't reply through the Etsy messaging system.  Mark the message as spam and it may clear up your messages in a couple of days.

[GardenTeaCo]

The star seller program is frustrating and we are forced to endure the inefficiencies if we want to use their platform to sell our goods. If you answer messages from either of the Etsy apps or straight from your email the star seller dashboard will NOT register that message reply. 

Also, all the tracking numbers from my Pirate Ship labels will not register on the Star Seller dashboard either. I have spend hours on help chat, emails and phone calls to get this “fixed” repeated. I have decided to put away the tutu and refuse to do the dance for these “badges” any longer. For a platform to enforce these regulations it should have included the authorized apps and direct email response into the algorithm. 

[MisfitMarketDesigns]

Thanks for the feedback. In my defense I was just in my email and I saw this one from a seller and I thought it was nice to get an email from a fellow seller after I made a purchase and I wanted to be prompt in replying. I had no idea her message would come to me via email and Etsy Messenger.

When I did log in to Etsy, I saw a message notification and saw it was from that seller and then I realized it was the same  message. I contemplated replying via Esty messenger because of the star seller requirements but I would be redundant and I guess I just figured Etsy would know this was from a seller an not a buyer. Oh, well. Live and Learn.

[MisfitMarketDesigns]

Also, It was great hearing from you all. I got to check out your shops, too. You are all an inspiration. Thank you