Problem of sending messages to customers

[JapaneseLinocut]

Rather than sending automatic messages, I want to manually send thank you messages to people who bookmark my store or my items. Until two days ago I could do it but since then, all my messages do not work. It says "failed to send" from pc or mobile.
Any idea why? And how to unblock the situation?

[WantableDesigns]

Probably sent too many messages. What you're doing is not a good idea IMO and would be considered spam. Also if that individual is also a seller, your unsolicited message will obligate them to respond if they want to qualify for Star Seller.

[JapaneseLinocut]

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

[SeasideRoseCreations · Accepted solution]

You can't unblock it.

Etsy has suspended your messaging.  It will be reinstated on their timetable (no one here on the forums can tell you when).

[JapaneseLinocut]

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

[BrickHouseFabrics]

Please don't do that... I don't want a thankyou for every time I heart something! If I got that, I would unheart, and not return... it is spam. 

[JustMeToo]

@JapaneseLinocut   I would stop favoriting things immediately if I started getting these messages!  I get enough junk email.  It really is NOT a good idea, so try to be happy that it's been stopped.  It's a favor.

[That70sChickVintage]

Because sending unsolicited messages to potential buyers is considered spam by Etsy. If they see you are sending out lots of messages in a short period of time, they will suspend the message function. You can’t fix it, you just have to wait til they lift the suspension. 
Plus, as buyer, it’s annoying. 

Etsy does, however, allow you to set up a coupon for potential buyers when they favorite an item. If you set this up in marketing, it will automatically send a coupon. 

[CatsWhiskersCurios]

It's spamming and it's illegal in some countries. It's also incredibly annoying.  Please do not do that.

[CraftyCornishMaids]

It's spam, stop doing it, they are not your customers

first time, etsy blocks messages, as it is illegal in most countries, including the EU,

and your privacy policy specifically states you will only use people info for...

For the following purpose: answering messages left via the contact form and shipping products

... you need to re-read GDPR laws for EU

etsy has some info here

https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360001027628-General-Data-Protection-Regulation-GDPR-

and how to write one

https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/59160674124

[VintageRescueSquad]

Just to add to what others have said: it's important to note that the reason people bookmark/fave your shop or items is not always an intention to purchase. They could intend to copy you; they may have a similar item so are monitoring the price; they may want to report your listing. 

What you were doing is against etsy's rules, and now your punishment is to lose your convo privileges. It usually lasts a week or two.

[JustMeToo]

@VintageRescueSquad   I only favorite items if I'm impressed with the workmanship, and want my buddy to see them - so not for any of the reasons you listed.  I'm sure they are valid reasons as well though.

[JapaneseLinocut]

Thank you all for taking the time to respond.
I will avoid doing this in the future and will set the etsy options as they were before.
Thanks to all of you.

[UppNorthEh]

Some people that received your spam messages may have complained to etsy.

[ClassicTeesDE]

I got that same problem too, but I don’t want to send people messages that didn’t even buy my stuff. I just want to reply to peoples messages if they asked for something or have a return question. 
I don’t know why I can’t reply to my own customers 

[BagmakerSupply]

@ClassicTeesDE: "I don’t know why I can’t reply to my own customers" In what way are you unable to reply? What error message are you getting?

[ClassicTeesDE]

I can’t send it anything and if I try it tells me that I can’t send messages. Specifically: “Could not send message.”