Not able to reply to messages or even message anyone.

[ErsariBohoRugs]

A couple of years ago, when I wasn't familiar with etsy's policies, I sent two unsolicited messages to sellers. I know it wasn't right but I was a teenager and as I said, unfamiliar with etsy's policies. Now I have become a seller myself and I even got a sale which I'm very grateful for but I recently received a message from a potential buyer to whom I can not reply. 
I understand what I did in the past was wrong but is there any way to file for an appeal and have etsy lift this restriction? Any help will be greatly appreciated!

[NanaLetha]

You refer to "we" lots in your shop so see if one of your shop members can reply.

[TheVintagePineapple]

Maybe the message you can't reply to is from a scammer?

[ErsariBohoRugs]

I'm not sure really, doesn't seem to be a scammer tbh. Also, I can't seem to be able to reply to others too.

[PiecesofMeCardsnMore]

That potential buyer might have been a scammer that Etsy shut down before you tried to respond. Scammers like to target new sellers. 

[GlassyFields]

I'm surprised a time-out on being able to send messages would last years.

I think it's more likely to be a spammer/scammer ... they target new shops. See if you can send or respond to a message to/from someone else.

Otherwise, contact support and let them know that your message function is not working.

[ErsariBohoRugs]

I just emailed them so hopefully they resolve the issue. And yes, I did try to send a message to someone else and had the same issue. Anyways, thanks!

[Amaradorn]

What happens when you try to reply to the potential buyer? Do you get an error message? What does it say?

[ErsariBohoRugs]

Yes, I get a message saying : "Bummer, your messages have been temporarily disabled. Please contact support to have them reactivated. Also, see the FAQ and Community Guidelines for more info about Messages."

[audreytherese]

It says to contact support to have them reactivated... have you tried that yet? Seems like that would be how you appeal.

[PiecesofMeCardsnMore]

@ErsariBohoRugs 

That doesn't sound like you're trying to respond to a scammer. Did you send a lot of messages at one time at some point? Maybe you were sending coupon codes to buyers who favorited your listings? Etsy will suspend a shop's messaging privileges if they suspect spam.

[ErsariBohoRugs]

@PiecesofMeCardsnMore yeah that's what I thought too. But no, I haven't sent any messages since becoming a seller and even before that I messaged like two shops and that too only once. Other than that, nope.

[ErsariBohoRugs]

@audreytherese I have contacted them but they haven't gotten back yet. 

[audreytherese]

@ErsariBohoRugs When did you contact them? It could take a while to get a response. First, messages aren't a high priority problem for them to resolve. Also, Etsy workers generally seem to be on the American schedule, and today is a federal holiday in the US, so they were probably running on a skeleton crew with most workers taking a 3-day holiday weekend. Honestly, I would expect an answer sometime in a 2-5 week timeframe. 

[MrsDsHandKnits]

BTW,honesty and transparency go a long ways not only with your potential buyers but with your fellow Etsy members > Who are the "we"?  the "our" "Woven by artisans "?? you need to declare who actually designs these rugs and who actually makes them...you need to name all shop members and production partners...

that Fall of Afghanistan rug is available on eBay by other sellers, as well as from other outlets on the internet...

[ErsariBohoRugs]

Ah, I see. The thing is there are a lot of people involved, from weaving the rugs to washing them and all other work that goes in between so it will become a VERY long list. Still, I will add all the ones that I can. Thanks for the advice.