Star Seller - Message Response Question

[DizzyBudgets]

I've noticed that my message response rate is showing as a lower percentage because I didn't reply to someone who I personally bought a product from. She messaged me to let me know that she was excited for my purchase. I did not reply to this as a buyer, as this was not someone purchasing from my shop, so I am wondering if there is a way for this to not count toward my Star Seller category.

Thanks!

[CappuccinoLace]

if there is a way for this to not count toward my Star Seller category.

Mark as spam.

Star seller does not currently distinguish between messages you receive as a seller, or messages you receive as a buyer. You have a seller account and therefore all messages you receive must be replied to within 24 hours or marked as spam.

[NanaLetha]

Read the star seller criteria. It's an automated program and does not read the messages.

[vintageNCtreasures · Accepted solution]

No there's no way for it not to count against you unless you mark it as spam.

You have to reply to ALL initial messages. It does not matter if from a seller or buyer. Etsy has no way of knowing.
It's been this way for a year now.

Etsy has NO way of knowing if from a buyer, a seller or for a coupon or it's spam so you have to reply to every initial message or mark as spam.

The rules are very clear on this.

Here's a link.
Notice it states "conversation with another member" another member is a buyer or seller.

How to Become a Star Seller – Etsy Help
You’ll see the percentage of messages that received a response to the initial message within 24 hours. “Initial message” means the first message in a single conversation with another member, also known as a “thread.” Responding to 95% of all your initial messages within 24 hours will earn you the Speedy replies customer service badge.

[DesertChains]

It doesn’t matter whether or not you answered questions or provided information. It doesn't matter if a message doesn't need a response. It doesn’t matter if you’re the seller or the buyer. It doesn't matter if the message you received is a duplicate. The system only determines whether or not you replied to an individual message. If you didn't respond or send a message to your spam folder, you are going to get rated down. That's how it works.

Right or wrong, the program has worked this way for nearly a year! The instructions for meeting this metric are clearly stated and easily accessible. Daily posts in the forums also discuss this exact topic.

Send the missed messages to spam. Your stats will update in a day or two.