MY WORST MONTH EVER as a Small Business Owner 😅 False Copyright Claim & the RUDEST Customer!

[@wilkscandle-creations9859]

it's really unfortunate that some other small businesses feel they need to attack other small businesses to try and get ahead. keep your chin up, you've been completely professional in response to it all x

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thank you so much! It's so sad isn't it! x

[@wilkscandle-creations9859]

@@HoppityDesignsUK it really is, experienced it myself recently and its so disheartening to experience something from another small business that you would never dream of doing, because you're a good and decent human being. x

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

@@wilkscandle-creations9859 unfortunately not everyone thinks like we do! X

[@BlackNBlue10_4]

You are sooooo much nicer than I am!!!! I'm a small business owner and I could not have been this patient. You are an angel because I could not. That customer is an idiot.

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thank you so much! ✨

[@aparlinproject]

Girl.... First off love how transparent you are second, losers have all the time in the world to be jerks and smear in negativity they've got all the time!!! Winners going to move on cause we're just too busy for that bs 🥰

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thank you ✨🩷

[@becks5867]

There’s always spiteful people who will try and bring others down. You’ve handled them great, and keep fighting with Etsy. I really don’t hear much good anymore about how Etsy treat business owners anymore

[@Jezlip]

Something I learned is to nip that kind of situation in the bud immediately. Or you end up dealing with this kind of vindictive and petty people for longer than necessary; all because you're nice. My one suggestion is that you consider having a template email for such situations. Make it automatic outside your regular hours and perhaps even clearly note it on terms of service on your shop. 1. Remind people that you have hours of operation and they will not get a fast response if they're contacting outside those scheduled hours. 2. Be nice about it, but match energy immediately that you see people losing their ever loving mind. 3. Be straightforward and adjust their expectations to reality as soon as possible. That person should consider their business and front facing reputation are also now in question because they're showing ignorant and intolerant behavior.

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thank you, I do have automated messages and emails set up for out of hours, but unfortunately this person completely disregarded these. I usually do stick to them but at this time I couldn’t ignore the things being said. Thanks so much for watching! ✨

[@emmajane-ukcraftingmemories]

I had a customer like yours who ordered a personalised Christmas item on the 18th December and when it hadn't arrived on the 24th proceeded to then ruin my Christmas even though I could do absolutely nothing to help her get her item to her for that evening as she was over 4 hours drive away and then caried on messaging me Christmas day, boxing day and into the new year and like you I carried on responding. In the end Etsy got involved and refunded her so she had 2 items and a refund! Some people there is just no pleasing. Keep your chin up. You did everything you could xx

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

So frustrating! People just seem to think we don't have a life, and we are definitely not Amazon! Thanks so much for watching! 💕

[@kerryfraser2693]

Omg u been through the mill so they say. Nasty customer . Just block her . I'm sorry . Love your videos keep your chin up. Esty should be on your side not the other business . U done the right thing . Hope things get better. Obviously u are better than them .

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thanks so much!

[@katielouthomas]

when it rains, it pours gal !!! well done for handling yourself so well and professionally 💕 thanks for being so honest about small biz struggles !! you’re big inspo✨ keep your head up

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thank you so much!💕

[@shalascreations]

Let me congratulate you because sadly there is a lot of small business owner that doesn’t know how to speak with their customers. You have done everything right and respectfully. Keep your head up and closed and burn that book and leave it behind. I wish you the best in your business. ❤😊

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thank you so so much 🥰✨

[@crochetkerry]

You handled all this amazingly well. To be honest these days first class is not next day, I've had loads of things take up to a week to arrive, once in the postal system it's out of our control and unless people pay extra for tracked delivery there is not a lot we can do. Regarding the infringement, this is what winds me up about Etsy, they can just do what the hell they like and their communication is pityful, you just get a general email well it can be for x y and z and you know that none of that applies. Keep going you handled it all so well.

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thank you so much 🩷

[@AmyTurnill]

Sorry this has happened to you. This is the first video I have seen but you seem like a very nice, level headed and fair person. If you get nothing from Etsy, I’d start tagging Josh etc on twitter etc. that’s how many people seem to get the response they deserve! I’d be fuming if this happened to my shop. I hope you get the result you deserve. X

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thanks so much! ✨

[@AmyTurnill]

@@HoppityDesignsUK I commented before I’d even seen the stuff about the customer! I seriously have no words 😳 hope things start looking up for you! X

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thank you! ✨

[@shopwildvenus]

Ahhhhhrgh!!!! What a nightmare….. luckily ive never had such a situation (fingers crossed i wont). Most of my frustration has been with Royal Mail so I only use tracked postage nowadays, still not perfect, but definitely better.

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

@@shopwildvenus I prefer to use tracked but so many of my customers complain because they don’t want to pay tracked for an item that cost them a couple of £. So I put both options now, people choose not to pay tracked and then I get issues like this 😆✨

[@OofusTV]

The struggle is realllll!!!! You held it together so well ❤

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thank you so much ✨

[@sharonsjs]

Hi Chloe. I'm so sorry you have had such an awful time. The unsatisfied customer sounds like a complete nightmare. How awful that she is also a small business owner. One would think that she would have empathy for other small business owners. I have ordered from you before, and the quality of your items speaks volumes. Do not let her bring you down. You are a talented person but sometimes you cannot please everyone. Continue to ignore her and be the best you. I'm looking forward to your next studio vlog and your next live. Stay strong and enjoy your life. 😊

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thank you so much! 💕

[@xyngchic]

Oh girl…this mess is exactly why it scares me to launch my small business. Some people hate life and their mission is make everyone around them just as miserable as they are. You were right to black her on every avenue. If I ever run into this situation, I will be refunding the customer and refusing future orders from them as well. No time for that foolishness. And seriously, the joke is on her for 2 reasons. One- for every aspect of your business, you should have a solid backup. Period. She failed to plan, therefore she took it out on you. Two- any fool in their right mind SHOULD know refunds RARELY hit the bank in less than a few days. She’s delusional. Her issues are her issues alone. Injustice found your channel….huge fan & new subby here. I wish you the best

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thank you so much! Don’t let it scare you, there are MANY more positives,l than negatives! 🫶🏻✨

[@SuzanneRowell]

Review extortion and harassment from buyers is against Etsy rules. That buyer can be kicked off the platform permanently. Report the extortion to Etsy legal.

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

I tried this but Etsy wouldn’t remove it ✨

[@FeatherBeautiful]

I'm glad to hear more people talking about and dealing with false copyright claims. I've even made a video on it recently. It was ultimately the reason why I left etsy.

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

It’s so frustrating isn’t it!✨

[@julianachandler2975]

So sorry that you’re dealing with this. It may be worth contracting a solicitor about both of these issues.

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thank you. If the customer has stopped now I’m happy to leave it. If she carries on I will be taking it further. As for the copyright claim, I’m definitely looking into what I can do to take this further. I can’t say too much! ✨

[@littlerane]

Wow that business owner is rude and nasty. She's lucky you handled her very professional and calm. I'm so sorry you went through this. take care luv

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thank you!

[@glendabrown6659]

When I first started I had an infringement. Not understanding the process I just took it down. Now I will fight tooth and nail. You keep fighting that infringement. As for the bad buyer experience. I have a thrust hold. If it's under a certain amount and has no tracking I just refund them and cancel the order on etsy. Done. 8 of 10 times it's because of the wrong address. If I get the order back I refund them less the shipping. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

🩷

[@chrissiejoy]

On behalf of all small business ownners I hope you take this as far as you can go because always little business get stepped on by the bigger boys and its not fair. Because we are small it is easier for the nasty people to pick on us. x much love from your newest subscriber in australia.

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thanks so much ✨🩷

[@LellybeanTV]

Oh Lordy Chloe youve been through it! Keep your head held high!

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thank you! ✨

[@sarahg338]

Wow what a rude person she is! It makes me laugh how ‘entitled’ some people think they are. Good on you though for staying professional. 💕

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thank you so much! 🫶🏻

[@notamindninja2003]

OMG- People are so ridiculous and I am sorry- literally, thought I would mentally snap the other day from work- I have never earned so little while taking such abuse and demands (I work in advice/guidance as an independent contractor)- I am looking for work- or trying to- finding it hard to maintain consistency when all of my energy is in a dead end "job" that doesn't even pay enough to be sustainable. - Here's to better moments for you and thanks for being so transparent about how things are.

[@notamindninja2003]

Literally people complain the most bananas things- and you know it's not about you. LOL'd so hard about that "unprofessional" moment- you are only human- don't waste another second feeling guilty over that.

[@jackandtoniuk]

i'm so sorry you've gone through all this chloe, i had a similar situation a few years ago and have only recently re joined the online world. I couldn't even bring myself to go on social media for years because of the bullying i had towards me. this was from another small business. She would blatantly copy me and then accuse me of copying her, you clearly see i had the designs and products months before her. The stress of it all and the fact i was poorly and suffered with depression and anxiety meant nothing to her and eventually i just closed down. i couldn't handle it anymore. I've come back now, a different person and if it ever happens again, i will handle things differently. I admire the way you have dealt with this, you sharing your story will help others in the same situation too. if the customer in question is reading this, You just like many others are just out for whatever you can get for FREE and jealous of the successful small business that Chloe has made because you cant do it! water your own grass darling and stop trying to kill others, it wont work!!

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thank you so much! I’m so sorry that happened to you, I hope things are much better this time around! ✨

[@Krearlighed]

you have soo many 5 star reviews! people love you...

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thank you so much! ✨

[@jaberjaws00]

Im sorry all this happened

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thank you!

[@LucyLocksArt]

So sorry you have had to deal with this Chloe. its really sad when businesses just downt support one another. its worse when its a fellow small business. I think you hadnled it really well. well done

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thank you Lucy. I hope you’re well! ✨

[@jackandtoniuk]

what a horrible ordeal you've had. completely and utterly uncalled for and not fair. you've dealt with it in such a level headed manner, not sure i would of tbh. Absolutely not the same design at all. I would be tempted to register the quote just to annoy them 🤣

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Believe me, i tried! But unfortunately I’m unable to as it’s already sold online by many others! ✨

[@printsbymilly]

Honestly, I still can't believe the behaviour of this Etsy customer! She’s clearly got no idea how things work (which is worrying when she owns a business herself 🥴), especially when this is due to something completely out of your control. If she keeps treating people like this, I don’t see her customer list growing anytime soon! 😂 You’ve handled it all SO well though and I'm so proud! You’ve got this, and we all know who’s winning here! 🙌💕

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Love you! 🫶🏻🩷

[@denisewolfe-botha4204]

Hi Cloe, this small business owner (lady) has no integrity, very little ethics, so don't you worry about her. she's petty and from the sound of it, that's how she dangles. SHAME ON HER!

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thanks so much! ✨

[@pallor17]

@@HoppityDesignsUK Seriously. I would have stopped answering her long before, lol.

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Several times I said I was going to ignore her but she just messaged again, or messaged on Instagram as well as Etsy! 🤯

[@RachelWebb-kz1ph]

I've not had a bad customer....let me tell you why....I recently opened a shop with Etsy and they decided my art prints, drawn by me, designed by me were somehow suspicious! So my shop got suspended and theeeeeen, they still allowed people to shop! WTF! So I couldn't fulfill orders, could only get to speak to a bot annnnd then they locked me out of my account so I can't do anything! I think self owned websites are the future, I was going to try and reopen but I think after watching this and the lack of support they gave you overall is pretty shocking but not surprising! You were so polite, ignore these people!

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thank you so much for watching ✨ Etsy has its pros but it does have its cons for sure!

[@BlessNBlaze]

Gosh this sounds like it was a nightmare but well done for pushing through and handling it so well!

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thank you so much ✨

[@shellybaker5206]

Well one thing you know is she's watching your socials 😉 as she keeps mentioning them. You did everything right, she sounds like an absolute nightmare I'm off to hunt out who she is now so I can give her a wide birthday for life and warn my friends and family. She should worry about her own business when she's conducting herself in this way.

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thank you so much ✨ oh yeah, she’s definitely watching! I fully expected her to have commented or emailed me or something 😅 but nothing - yet! ✨

[@moonlightxyz8728]

I don't believe that spiteful customer owns a business because mail issues are out of a seller's control, and fellow business owners should understand that. She seems more like a narcissistic stalker-how can she keep bugging you on every platform? Doesn't she have a 'business' to take care of? Was she the same one who made the copyright attack on you? Maybe I'm just overthinking it. Anyway, I feel you. It's annoying to deal with rude customers professionally. It feels like I have a split personality, LOL. I also had a competitor buy from me and leave a 1-star review saying 'Get out of the way.' I reported it to Etsy for removal, but they denied it. Selling on Etsy can be tough, but I’m still on the platform mainly because of the traffic. Plus, there are still way more good customers than bad ones. Don't worry, you did well and you're going to do great! *sending a virtual hug

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Unfortunately she really does own a business! 😅 No it was a different business that did the copyright attack. Thanks so much ✨

[@defnotanny]

These kind of people are just on the lookout for overly friendly people that lack professional protocol, if they see you trying to accommodate them instead of setting professional boundaries they will try to get a free product out of it. Frankly it sounds like attempted fraud, trying to make you feel guilty for this person not liking their product and wanting a refund, yet their product being custom made so having no return value for you, sounds very much like they just wanted you to say "ah its not worth asking for it back since I can't sell this to anyone else, just have your money back".

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

👏 ✨

[@dixitucker]

darling dont let them stop what you doing what your do xx i hate esty, I feel its USA based and i been ripped of by them so closed my listings x - as for that shit customer you have had a liable case is you state you have done everything to make things right ! UK postage is not your responsibility once its out of your hands ! dont block them report them !

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thanks so much ✨

[@DizDesignGirl]

Keep fighting that Etsy claim- they do not have rights to that saying AND your prints do not look alike! Hang in there!

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

✨

[@CoventinaSoapery]

Ugh, I hope all resolves soon!

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thank you! ✨

[@thetruthandnothingbutthetr6484]

That’s lady is scamming and trolling you ..if the post office said it was delivered than that’s it …she would’ve had to do a claim through them

[@joannementor5943]

That is a Karen

[@pallor17]

I totally agree with your POV on Etsy and their fees. I always think that people give them a bad rap. You will 100% pay more and have to do more work to drive traffic yourself to your products. I've worked in marketing, and I know what it costs to run a department. Etsy does it all for you and then some. So glad to see someone else recognizing this fact. I am a one woman show and I don't have it in me to do my own social media marketing and promo, etc. So I love Etsy for doing it all for me. I think you make a very astute point and if your opinion is unpopular, I'm right there a long with you!

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

100%! Etsy is great for small businesses and one person shows like us! Yes, it has its cons, but there are so many more pros! ✨

[@TheDragonQueensLair]

I kind or hope she says something on here so everyone can point out that she's in the wrong.

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

I did expect her to!

[@kristyhaysart]

Ohh, tell us who she is so we can pay her store a visit!!!

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Haha, I wish i wasn’t so nice or I would! 🤣✨

[@rappsface]

Why don't people understand that once you post an item, it's no longer in your control how long it takes to post, that's up to royal mail. That buyer was a complete asshole for no reason. I can't believe she's also a seller, she should know how this stuff works. Sounds like a nasty karen.

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

Thanks so much for watching ✨🫶🏻

[@cawneyhawme7141]

Yeah, she is a genuinely awful person. On the plus side I didn't know about your business but now I do.

[@Hollie-w1s]

You should just put in a complaint about there listing so they have to deal with the same thing you went through at least they won't be able to sell the print they complained about.

[@HoppityDesignsUK]

I thought about it, honestly, but I just don’t think it will get me anywhere. I will only be sinking to their level. Plus, they have 18 listings for the same print 😂 ✨

[@jenniferlewis9864]

💜💙