Etsy
Questions & Answers

You don't. You can check feedback and hopefully it will be honest, not a fake review. Personally, after what etsy did to me as a seller, I would NEVER shop there again! If they treat the seller like shit, they won't be nuch better for a buyer who has a problem. Frankly, they have become all about the money and don't give a fig about buyers or sellers! Its a shame, they used to be a good company. Guess going bigger wasn't better for them... but they have to pay for that new bldg in NYC somehow I guess.

Check the reviews, and Google the seller. Also, are the reviews written in good english? Does it seem fake? Check pictures from the buyers.

As a seller on Etsy I would say that the majority of sellers on Etsy are good sellers. I would tell you to check how long the seller has been in business and how many sales they have. Read their reviews. Check out their profile and read about their shop.

The feedback system is flawed for sure, but not just because they can remove negative reviews. Buyers figured out quickly how to abuse the feedback system by using it to get items at a discount, or sometimes free. The best thing is to remember that 99% of the sellers on Etsy are honest, and you just need to have faith in them. Ultimately, you can do a charge back on your credit card if something goes wrong. Skip the Etsy case system, and you will get your money back always.

I guess you really don't. The reviews are skewed as they can delete negative ones. I have had plenty of transaction ma that have been just fine. But I know if you are doing something custom and are arranging via convo messaging be sure the transaction is complete. I didn't really have a legal leg to stand on as she didn't complete invoicing with me. I advise to pay via PayPal as you have insurance then.

In your Search, limit the location to the US. Use PayPal Pay After Delivery or AMEX so if there is a problem, your payment card will file a dispute. Never use a debit card even if it says VISA on the front bc big banks won't go to bat for you. Google the company using the word "complaints about (name of company)" if there have been other complaints, something will come up but you may need to go to page 2 of Google (everything on first page is RARELY all there is. If you suspect a scam, try snopes.com. Even during Roman times when Latin was used the phrase, "Buyer beware" existed.

In addition to looking at the seller's feedback I would look to see if they have policies and an "about" page set up. An "about" page is an opportunity for the seller to tell their story about how they make their craft and what inspires them. Or if the sellers does vintage they may trace how they got into dealing antiques (as my own about page does). Sellers who are scammers and resellers tend to leave these bits blank or with just a few bland comments. They never write with passion and enthusiasm because they do not make the objects they well or buy them from wholesalers. You can learn a lot about the seller by looking at their "about" page.

Honestly etsy sellers love to scam. I know a lot do the asian drop ship thing and scam many people into buying what they didn't say for.

Read their reviews. If they don't have reviews, be skeptical. Of course, reviews can be padded so you may not have a way to tell. I read the other day that Amazon is adding a new marketplace, similar to Etsy. I assume that Amazon will stand behind items sold on their site. We'll see...

Be careful. In one year I dealt with the good and the bad. I filed 2 Consumer Complaints thru BBB. Etsy takes no responsibility for the shops and how they handle their sales, shipping, refunds or complaints I do have my "favorites" shops on Etsy, and will only buy supplies from them. Only buy within the USA. To me, the biggest problem with Etsy is the slow shipping. Oh, and no one cares!