Etsy is unfairly penalizing you if you respond to a buyer on another message instead of the help request message they originally sent. I responded immediately to a help request but messaged the buyer through another message. Etsy is saying that I did not respond within 24 hours when in fact I responded within 2 hours and resolved the issue. As a seller, when you do everything you are required to do and still get penalized, it is discouraging to even bother with their requirements because even if you follow them, you still get penalized. Absolutely ridiculous when they see the messages and can clearly see what is happening and they tell you they can't fix your stats.
From another thread:
Etsy is clear about how the message response rate is calculated in help center here https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/4403058372503-How-to-Become-a-Star-Seller?segment=selling
There is a highlighted bit under message response rate info that says "The Message response rate only applies to the first message in a thread. Initial messages from both buyers and sellers on Etsy are counted towards the Message response rate. "
That means ALL messages. The system is completely automated and doesn't know if the message is from a buyer or another seller. It just sees a message and calculated the response time. That's just how it works.
While the rules may not seem fair, Etsy does spell them out very clearly.
"it is discouraging to even bother with their requirements because even if you follow them, you still get penalized"
If you had followed their requirements, you would not have been "penalized"
From another thread:
Etsy is clear about how the message response rate is calculated in help center here https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/4403058372503-How-to-Become-a-Star-Seller?segment=selling
There is a highlighted bit under message response rate info that says "The Message response rate only applies to the first message in a thread. Initial messages from both buyers and sellers on Etsy are counted towards the Message response rate. "
That means ALL messages. The system is completely automated and doesn't know if the message is from a buyer or another seller. It just sees a message and calculated the response time. That's just how it works.
I‘m confused. Are you reselling from the Pottery Barn claiming hand made or are you copying from the Pottery Barn?
Maybe your lack of understanding on how the SSB works continues with the Etsy rules and regulations concerning the word handmade?
You have some serious reading to do.
Yes, looks like the ghosts I looked at stated made with help from Pottery Barn, California way down at the bottom of listing. I only looked at 1st page and noticed a mug from Macey's. Guess a way to have a large variety of handmade items. They did say handmade.
PotteryBarn as a production partner? The nerv of some people.<insert eye roll>
899 Sales!
A mickey Mouse cookie Jar from Williams Sonoma, with the description copied as well.
@BrandsYouLovetoShop Handmade means handmade by you, or designed by you and made by a production partner named in your listing & about section!
https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360024112614-What-Can-I-Sell-on-Etsy-?segment=selling#h_1a7d...
I've found that if the "auto reply" (click 5 days) is activated will help resolve the problem. However, you have to reactivate the auto reply every 5 days or it will end. This function is found by going to your messages, look in the top right corner of the page and click on auto reply and complete the profile.
Yes, it is ridiculous when sellers lie about handmaking their products. Might be time for you to go to eBay to sell your non handmade items if you are so frustrated with Etsy.