In the Basket - 25th April 2025

 🔥 Hot Topic: Etsy's Spring Refresh: Helpful Upgrades, or Just More Change? 🤔

Etsy just rolled out a new batch of site updates aimed at “streamlining the seller experience”, but not everyone’s sold on the changes. While some of the tools are genuinely helpful (hello, real-time listing feedback 👋), others, like the redesigned dashboard, are getting mixed reviews from longtime sellers.

So what do these updates really mean for your shop?

🌟 Why It Matters Now

Spring is usually a “reset” moment for sellers: prepping for summer sales, testing new products, maybe even revamping your storefront. Etsy’s timing makes sense. But anytime the platform shifts how things look or work, it can throw off your rhythm, especially if you rely on muscle memory to manage orders and listings quickly.

The good news? Some of the new tools do solve actual seller pain points. The not-so-good? A few changes may feel like Etsy fixing things that weren’t broken in the first place.

🧭 What Sellers Should Watch

• ✅ The listing quality feedback (currently in beta) might actually help you rank better in search by flagging missing info or weak SEO before you hit “publish.”

• 🤳 Photo editing in the Seller app is a time-saver if you do product shoots on your phone, no need to bounce between apps anymore.
  

• 🧭 Dashboard changes are a mixed bag: faster loading and simplified pages = yes please. But some sellers say it now takes more clicks to access the same info. Worth exploring before you’re in a rush.
  

• 🙋 Improved direct support access is rolling out in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia - along with some high-volume sellers, but not everyone sees the new contact options yet. It’s helpful… if you’re in the right group.

  
  👉 Want the full rundown? Here’s the official Etsy blog post.

💬 Bottom Line

There’s no one-size-fits-all verdict on this round of updates. Some features are clear wins, others might take getting used to, or might not feel helpful at all depending on how you run your shop. As always, test what’s new, trust what works, and don’t be afraid to give Etsy feedback (they do listen… sometimes 😉).

What do you think of the changes? Let us know, your input helps shape future issues!

❓ Ask Me Anything:

"What should I do if a buyer leaves a bad review?"

Oof! We feel you on this one 💬💔. A bad review can sting, especially when you’ve poured your heart into your products. But don’t panic! Here’s how to handle it like a pro:

• 🕵️ Pause, Breathe, and Read Carefully
  Take a deep breath and read the review with fresh eyes. Step away and come back to it later, never write a reply if you’re feeling emotional about it. Is the issue about the product, shipping, communication, or something else? Honest feedback can help you improve, even if it’s tough to hear.

• ✍️ Respond Professionally and Politely
  You can publicly respond to the review right on Etsy. Keep it calm, short, and focused on resolution. Thank them for the feedback, clarify any misunderstandings, and share how you're improving. Example:
  "Thanks for your feedback! I'm so sorry the item didn’t meet your expectations, I’m looking into ways to improve packaging to prevent this in the future."

• 📦 Fix What You Can
  If the issue is fixable (wrong item, damage, sizing confusion), message the buyer directly and offer a solution. Some buyers will even revise or remove a review if they feel heard and helped. 💌

• 🔒 Know What You Can’t Do
  Etsy doesn’t allow sellers to offer refunds or discounts in exchange for a review change, that’s against policy. But delivering amazing customer service can lead to organic changes from the buyer.

• 🌟 Balance It Out with More 5-Stars
  Keep delivering great experiences and encouraging happy buyers to leave reviews. Over time, one low rating won’t hurt your shop’s overall rep.

✨ Quick Tip: You only get one shot at replying to a review, once you post your response, it’s locked in. And after you reply, the buyer can’t update their review either. So take your time, choose your words carefully, and keep your tone kind, clear, and professional.

Have a question? 🤔 Hit reply and ask, we might feature your question here in next week’s issue.