Buyers beware. Etsy does ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to protect buyers from unethical sellers, even when sellers violate the Etsy rules. Unlike eBay, buyers have NO RECOURSE when sellers lie and cheat. On August 12, I purchased a set of napkin rings from Etsy shop, Recycling the Blues. The listing stated the items were a specific brand name. Prior to purchasing, I emailed the seller (Jamie Duckworth) to verify that they were brand name, and the seller confirmed that they were. Upon arrival, I verified that the items were not the name brand: They did not match the originals I already owned and they did not carry the characteristic brand name markings. I contacted Recycling the Blues and the seller was not able to provide any verification that proved they were brand name originals. Since the item received was not as described, it was within my rights as an Etsy buyer to request either a price adjustment that reflects fair market value for reproduction or to request to return the items at the seller’s expense for a full refund including all shipping costs. The seller was not willing to compromise on the price, and requested that I return the sets. The seller offered to pay for my return shipping since the items were not as described. Throughout this transaction, this seller violated numerous Etsy policies that warranted investigation, which Etsy refused to investigate or intervene on my behalf:
1. The seller misrepresented the origin of the items, misleading buyers into paying more than the items are worth and/or being unhappy when the items arrive and are not genuine as claimed. Etsy refused to investigate this as they said they are not in a position to determine when sellers are being honest. Hello! If Esty has all of the email corresondence between the seller/buyer in which the sellers states she can not provide proof of origin, why can't they hold the seller accountable for a misleading listing?
2. The seller failed to treat me, a buyer, with respect, and the seller knowingly harassed, insulted or abused me, both in private e-mail exchanges and publicly in feedback she posted that included false claims about me. To get me back, the seller posted negative feedback about me, which was completely false. Etsy refused to intervene and has no recourse or policy (like eBay) to protect buyers from false feedback. All it would take is for Etsy to read the email correspondence to quickly see that the seller was abusive and lying. 3. The seller did not followed through on the commitment she made in writing to refund me for return shipping costs. Etsy requires all sellers to clearly communicate their store policies and to honor them. However, Etsy refused to intervene and require the seller to refund me for the return shipping costs, even though it was clearly stated that a refund would be provided.
Etsy promotes a strong commitment to creating a community of integrity for both sellers and buyers in its rules, policies and Do’s and Don’ts. I am a longtime eBay buyer and have been shopping on Etsy for several years, and in the course of all my interactions with sellers, I have never been treated with so much disrespect and dishonesty as this seller. Likewise, through this experience, I have also been astounded at the lack of buyer's protection that Etsy offers its buyers. Etsy does not have an appeal process for buyers or live customer service support, like eBay so buyers have no recourse. When I did get a response by email, Etsy refused to investigate, saying it was not their responsibility. Etsy completely favors its sellers and by refusing to hold its sellers accountable, is condoning unethical and dishonest selling practices. Buyer beware. There are absolutely no ways for a buyer to file a complaint (no problem resolution process and no live customer service number, like with eBay). If you are lucky enough to get a response to an email, Etsy won't take action.
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