To Whimsy Beading Customers - An issue of privacy

While the forum debates have been going on for a little while now, as you may have found out, yesterday the news started breaking through the internet that Etsy had made changes to their feedback and privacy policies that were upsetting to sellers and buyers.

Here's the Ars Technica article on the subject, with plenty of debating going on in the comments section.

I firmly encourage all of you to check your account settings to make sure the new default settings are something you agree to. I also encourage everyone to read both sides of the story and making up your own mind on what action(s), if any, you take next.

As for Whimsy Beading, we're not leaving Etsy. I don't agree with everything Etsy management has done, and I think they've handled it poorly. I'm willing to allow them the chance to make it right, and I think management should spend more time listening to what their customers, both sellers and buyers really want before implementing broad changes.

Whimsy Beading also promises all our customers that we will not sell, rent, lease, lend, or in any other way release any of your customer information or use it for any other purpose than to use it to conclude a business transaction or contact you with information about a transaction you initiated. In other words, you have to opt-in for us to contact you. It's how I would want to be treated, and I think it's the way to do business.

For some people, this latest Etsy issue is the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. I understand that stance too. So what do you do if you decide to leave Etsy, but you still wish to make a Whimsy Beading purchase?

1. Artfire. We still have a basic level Artfire account. If you have a purchase you wish to make but you do not want to use Etsy, contact us at whimsy dot wearables at gmail dot com and let us know. We'll list it on Artfire so you can make your purchase there.

2. Paypal Invoice. If you don't want to use Etsy or Artfire, we can invoice you through Paypal. Again, contact us at whimsy dot wearables at gmail dot com to request this.

Whatever you do, do not contact us through Etsy convo to request an off-Etsy sale. We will not be able to assist you. Please contact us through email only.

As always, we're willing to work with you on making sure you get the Whimsy Beading items you love at a good price and in a method that you feel comfortable. Our customers are our greatest assets, and we want you to feel safe making a purchase from us, no matter which method of purchase you choose.

Kelly and Joey