One star rating because buyer thought he was buying a CD although our shop name and every listing notes VINTAGE RECORD ALBUM - The buyer even admitted "I thought I was buying a CD", but didn't want to return the record. What are my options? This one-star review doesn't affect my status that much, but is seems wildly unfair
Yeah some customers just don't read - titles, descriptions (even when Etsy isn't playing peek a boo with the description), text in photos, etc. They don't even always look at all the photos, but it can be worth adding information there. Could you take a photo of the record itself where it isn't sealed? A close up of the label but with enough of the vinyl so it is obvious what it is might make a nice detail shot.
Regarding the review - at least it had text, it's worse if they don't say anything at all and just leave a poor review. It is obvious the buyer made the mistake not you, so I wouldn't even reply, although you could say you offered a refund on return (if that is your policy anyway). Any reply is for future customers to see how you handle problems, but don't blame the customer at all even if it is their error.
The listing clearly states it's a record album. Nothing you can do. It makes the buyer look foolish. I had the same thing happen - a buyer bought a $4.00 crochet pattern - downloaded it and then left a 1 star review thanking me for the pattern and then saying they received nothing!
People just don't read anymore, and Etsy tries their hardest to hide the descriptions. Perhaps an idea to add a second photo to your listings with some info, visually showing them it's a vinyl? Regarding the buyer I would leave it as is, the buyer shows their lack of reading skills in that review...
"Etsy tries their hardest to hide the descriptions."
and then uses Star Seller Badges to slap sellers around for the buyer not seeing it.
Yeah some customers just don't read - titles, descriptions (even when Etsy isn't playing peek a boo with the description), text in photos, etc. They don't even always look at all the photos, but it can be worth adding information there. Could you take a photo of the record itself where it isn't sealed? A close up of the label but with enough of the vinyl so it is obvious what it is might make a nice detail shot.
Regarding the review - at least it had text, it's worse if they don't say anything at all and just leave a poor review. It is obvious the buyer made the mistake not you, so I wouldn't even reply, although you could say you offered a refund on return (if that is your policy anyway). Any reply is for future customers to see how you handle problems, but don't blame the customer at all even if it is their error.