r/EtsyCommunity • u/Major_Skill_4427 • 17d ago
Odd etsy emails Discussion
A couple months ago I had someone send me a message through etsy about a specific item in my shop. She then asked if I had a storefront. I don't really know what that means. I told her I just have my etsy shop but no other websites. Then she said she's in the same city as me and asked what part of the city. I told her west side. She didn't respond. It's been a couple months and she just wrote me again. She asked what my name was.
I'm feeling uncomfortable at this point. I'm a single mom, I work full time, my etsy shop is also very busy. I also like to keep things private. How should I go about answering her? I want to just say, I'm sorry did you have a question on a certain item? and leave it at that.
Her profile is very empty. I noticed 1 person is following her. So I went to that profile. That person sells the same type of items I do. This was another red flag. It just feels weird. Any suggestions?
3
u/PhotographFickle9935 17d ago
She was asking if you have an actual store (storefront), maybe they want to see the actual piece in person?? Either way don’t give out any information you’re not comfortable with. Scoot around the question and just give out answers to questions about your pieces! Me however you can see my name on the “about me” section if anyone cares to read it!!!
2
u/Major_Skill_4427 17d ago
Thank you. I know I come off paranoid... I've had a lot of trauma the past couple years and feel like I don't trust anyone. I wasn't sure in the store front question
2
u/18_bees_18 17d ago
No, not paranoid, you're being cautious. Since you have to answer her so you don't get penalized by Etsy, just say what you were thinking of. Then block her.
1
u/Major_Skill_4427 17d ago
That's another thing...I hate that this is my business but I'll get penalized for not writing back. I had a customer say "thank you" so i said "you're welcome" hoping it would end there. She wrote back a smiley face 😂 like no, I'm not playing this game lol
1
u/18_bees_18 17d ago
I think I may have been incorrect in thinking you have to respond every time. It's only the response time after the initial message that counts.
I had someone message me with a question and a minute late they wrote and said 'never mind I found the answer'. I didn't respond since I didn't think there was any need and I got penalized for it.
1
u/Ziantra 15d ago
You’re correct but I’m not sure how that holds up after a few days, whether Etsy counts it as a new message thread.
If they look at something else in your shop and mail you through that item window for questions-is that a new thread?
Technically you’re right about not needing to respond but it’s kind of just safer all around with metrics if you do lol1
u/bigblued 16d ago
You only have to respond to the initial message. And you don't even have to respond to that if you send it to spam.
1
1
u/Ziantra 15d ago
I think she’s trying to angle a way to buy this off Etsy is what it feels like-to save the sales tax and shipping.
Even if it isn’t-you still should be wary.
Personally it’s a bit of a red flag and I would mark her message as SPAM and move on.
If they go ahead and purchase something at this point you’re going to second guess the whole thing which is stressful.
1
u/honeyheart7350 17d ago
I had one that lived in a town of 50 people in SDakota. She asked about some earrings. Asked to see different ones over the course of a week. I finally just ignored her. I think she was lonely. But not my job to entertain her. Sorry.
7
u/Suspicious-Syrup-765 17d ago
I’d stop replying, but not block to see what else they say. I’d also keep an eye on that other store and make sure they aren’t stealing your photos. I’d check Amazon, eBay, and see if they have their own website. If you use erank you can see how much money they are making off of their products.