Restoration of Customer Service Badges -- When?

[UpshotArchery]

Background info: More than a year ago (June 2024) I had a couple listings removed for supposed policy violations. Essentially my original photos (with my face in them, no less) were stolen and used on other websites, and I wasn't able to get them removed, nor successfully challenge these actions with the Trust and Safety Team. That being the case, my shop is not able to earn customer service badges and has seen a decline in views and sales over the last year.

Question: When, if ever, will I be able to start receiving customer service badges again? Has anyone had that happen to their shop, and then had a restoration of the ability to earn customer service badges?

[UpshotArchery]

No replies in an hour. Perhaps that bodes poorly?

[JJewellerySuppliesUK]

Here is Etsy's article which mentions how to get your badges back: 

Why Was My Star Seller Badge Removed? – Etsy

If you don't qualify for reinstatement then you could write to Etsy explaining what happened to see if you can have the decision reversed.  If you receive a generic response then you will need to reply to it saying you still want help or Etsy will close the matter. 

Good luck!

[UpshotArchery]

I appreciate the reply, though the article doesn't actually answer my core question. Etsy has refused to reinstate my listings or reverse their decisions, and this is after many hours and days of back and forth with Trust and Safety and various chat agents. That said, the removal of my ability to earn badges does not seem permanent, and yet there are no guidelines on if or when badge earning may be restored. Etsy staff were not able to answer that question. So, has anyone actually had that restored, and how long did it take?

[JJewellerySuppliesUK]

@UpshotArchery Well it sounds like Etsy has answered your question then. 

[UpshotArchery]

Again, thank you for your interaction, but no, it seems you just don't understand the questions. 

To restate again, "Question: When, if ever, will I be able to start receiving customer service badges again? Has anyone had that happen to their shop, and then had a restoration of the ability to earn customer service badges?"

The question of "when" is not answered. The question of "whether anyone else in the same position (i.e. items removed and badge earning removed) has had that ability restored without having had the particular listings restored" has also not be answered.

[LightworkersLadder]

Etsy gives you another chance after 3 months.. they re evaluate.. you can see. your progress on your dashboard. If you dont have it back after 3 months, there could be another violation.  Something like poor reviews... i had one customer scam me by saying if i let them keep the item and give me their money back they would not leave a bad review. I said NOPE and reported them but their reviews on 3 items lost me my badges.  Also if you dont respond with in 24 hours you get strikes now... 

[UpshotArchery]

There was indeed a second "violation" on another listing, for again the same vague reason. Pressing Etsy for information, it looks to have again been my photos found on various Chinese e-commerce websites. 

The progress bars on my dashboard indicate I would have received Star Seller status, but that the badges were removed because of my previous 'violations.' So, the progress bars don't actually tell me anything.

[LastCentury]

what a hassle scammers are!

sorry I can't help with info you are looking for BUT looking at your shop, there might be some things you could do to improve your handmade-ness in the meantime that etsy might appreciate:

A complete About section that shows images of you making these items, your workshop, the hows whys & whats of it all.

A complete set of shop policies that are compliant to selling to the EU... add:
- sellers details with complete business address
- a right of withdrawal
- gpsr for each listing

maybe videos for each listing?

and just a thought, doublecheck that you aren't using any words that might trigger the prohibited listing bots. 

I trust you are retrying to do takedowns on those other sites? Or changing your images (and adding watermarks) so you can relist (if that is allowable)

good luck!

[UpshotArchery · Accepted solution]

I contacted Etsy technical support again just now, and finally got an answer. Previously they had said they could not tell me when badges would be restored.

"Muskan: Hi there, I’ve taken a look at your inquiry. Since you received a final policy violation warning, the badge will be removed for a period of 2 years. 11:26 AM

Muskan says: Please be assured once this term gets over you will be eligible for Star Seller once again."

Answer: 2 Years.

[cindylouwho2]

Personally, I would lawyer up and get these takedowns against your shop removed. Banning you from having customer service badges is usually the final step before closing your shop. 

Also, I would not rely on anything Support tells you. I frequently receive incorrect answers from them. 

[TBQSC]

@UpshotArchery --

If you have not already done so, you need to file DMCA's with every seller / every website that is stealing your photos ... then provide that proof to Etsy.  Have you done this???

Final policy violation warning usually means you are well on your way out the door ... you cannot have ANY more policy violations whatsoever within the next 2 years!  Ensure ALL your shop policies are legal for ALL the locations you ship to & from!  Currently, your policies are not legal for Worldwide selling & shipping!  Without this being done, your shop is not abiding by Etsy's Terms of Use!

Star Seller program clearly states temporary & permanent removal of badges may happen, but this Etsy Help articles explains how you might get them back.  Have you read this yet?  https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/4407191123607-Why-Was-My-Star-Seller-Badge-Removed?segment=s...

Wishing you best of luck!