This actually happened a long time ago, but I still haven’t fully forgave Etsy for this one 😂

let me know if y’all enjoy storytimes too because I have so many stories to tell! 😌🫶

##candlebusiness##etsy##candlemaking##candlemaker##smallbusiness##wax##candles##foodcandles##customerservice##storytime##horrorstory

2025/9/2 Edited to

... Read moreRunning a small candle business on platforms like Etsy can be both rewarding and challenging. One common issue sellers face is dealing with difficult customer service situations, sometimes involving false advertisement claims or refund demands that feel unreasonable. As hinted in the story, customers might accuse sellers of inaccuracies, such as liquid or wax mixing problems, which can be frustrating, especially when the items are handmade and naturally vary. Many sellers emphasize the importance of clear product descriptions and transparent communication upfront to avoid misunderstandings. For instance, when producing scented candles, the use of specific fragrance oils is generally listed to set customer expectations. However, sometimes customers expect perfection in aspects like color or scent consistency, not realizing that slight variations occur due to the handcrafting process. When dissatisfied consumers resort to aggressive behavior or refuses to engage professionally, it can feel like a "Karen" situation, draining the seller emotionally and detracting from their passion for their craft. Platforms like Etsy encourage open dialogue and professional conflict resolution, but sellers often feel unsupported when facing uncooperative buyers. The key takeaway is to set clear policies regarding refunds and exchanges, document all communications politely, and maintain professionalism even in challenging cases. Sharing these experiences openly with other candle makers or small business communities can be cathartic, offering insights and emotional support. If you enjoy storytimes about candle business struggles and Etsy challenges, it’s a valuable way to learn and prepare for unexpected hurdles in your own entrepreneurial journey.

24 comments

Ayesha's images
Ayesha

That makes me not wanna deal with Etsy 🤦‍♀️

Melissa's images
Melissa

This is ridiculous!!!! People like this hurts us great customers

See more comments

Related posts

This actually happened… sort of
Okay but this actually happened. Book: THE HEIRS OF TERRISON by C.J. Rhinehart #bookrecs #fantasybooks #fantasybook #bookscenes
C.J. Rhinehart💫Fantasy Author

C.J. Rhinehart💫Fantasy Author

10 likes

Two hands hold bottles of Liposomal Vitamin C and MSM supplements, presented as a transformative combination for enhancing hair, skin, nails, and joints, aligning with the article's focus on these ingredients.
🌸 Beauty From Within: What’s Actually Working✨
I’ve built stronger nails, noticed new hair growth, and even seen fewer grays. These changes didn’t happen by accident. They came from being intentional with supplements, and one of the most impactful has been MSM. ✨ MSM Beyond Beauty Most people discover MSM for beauty reasons, but its benefit
andrea.m | Nails•Nourish•Glow

andrea.m | Nails•Nourish•Glow

2370 likes

weird habits ive quietly built but actually work
#breakbadhabits #productive #coolgirlaesthetic #pinterestinspired #routinetips
breanna🪽

breanna🪽

260 likes

20 Signs you are actually healing
Healing rarely announces itself. It shows up in small, quiet ways — in a reaction you didn't have, a boundary you held, a day that felt lighter than before 💚 I've been journaling my healing in @Psyfy and reading it back showed me how far I'd actually come #psyfy #journaling #hea
cozy_cat

cozy_cat

60 likes

A fit woman in a blue bikini sits on a pink beach chair on a sandy beach, with a text bubble asking why her waist isn't shrinking despite working out. Beach umbrellas and buildings are in the background.
A close-up view of a woman's midsection, showing her back and waist, with text explaining how activating the transverse abdominis (TVA) muscle creates a natural corset effect.
A table with sushi rolls, ginger, wasabi, and a small dish of seaweed salad. Text highlights limiting sodium intake and mentions soy as a sodium-filled ingredient that can cause water retention.
HOW TO *ACTUALLY* SNATCH YOUR WAIST FOR SUMMER✨
No, you do NOT have to do 20 min ab workouts! In fact, ab workouts probably only make up 10% of it all😮‍💨 How do i know this? Because I used to be the one persistently doing the 20 min ab workouts hoping for some miracle to happen one day😂 Here are some changes I made in my routine that gave me the
Cassidy

Cassidy

448 likes

How does this even happen? Actually questioning it
#gta5memes #gtamemes #gamingmemes #xbox
MStanceGamingVG

MStanceGamingVG

5 likes

weird habits that actually made a difference
#breaking bad habits #productive #embracevulnerability #coolgirl #mindfulness
breanna🪽

breanna🪽

41 likes

10 NBA Trades That NEED to Happen 😳
Every contender has one move standing between them and a championship. #bostonceltics #jaylenbrown #devinbooker #jamorant #nba
Kalum

Kalum

1 like

5 theories about your brain that will ACTUALLY
5 theories about your brain that will actually change your life. from someone who went deep into the neuroscience so you don’t have to. understanding how dopamine prediction error works, what your default mode network actually does and what neuroplasticity really means for your daily behavior chan
Clara Voss

Clara Voss

22 likes

what healing actually looks like
Burnout is not just tiredness. It's what happens when you give everything you have for so long that you lose access to yourself 💔 I burned out completely — and I used @Psyfy to rebuild my life one tiny daily goal at a time 🐾 Here's what actually helped #psyfy #journaling #journal
cozy_cat

cozy_cat

28 likes

A planner open to a 'TO-DO LIST' page, detailing household tasks under 'PRIORITIES' and 'TO-DO,' plus 'REMINDERS.' Colorful highlighters are in the background. An overlay reads 'Not Everything Belongs In Your Weekly,' suggesting a separate system for general tasks.
This Is Where My To-Dos Actually Live ✨
Let me show you where my random life to-dos actually go. All the stuff like laundry, cleaning something around the house, refilling dog bowls, changing sheets… those things don’t live in my weekly insert… …and here’s why 👇🏼 My weekly pages are for things that happen on a specific day — app
sweatpantsmama.plans

sweatpantsmama.plans

71 likes

Plan your dream life & actually stick to it!📌✨
If you’re ready to get organized and stay consistent, here are 3 platforms that will help you set goals, track habits, and make things happen: 📌 Pinterest – Create boards for goal-setting, vision planning, and motivation. Pin ideas that inspire you to stay focused! 📝 Notion – Use templates to
Ellie Nicole

Ellie Nicole

63 likes

A bedroom scene with a neatly made bed and a window, featuring text overlay: "getting out of bed in the morning is SO hard!!! here's how to make it easy" with a pointing finger emoji.
A close-up of an open planner on a desk, displaying a list of "Tips to get yourself out of bed..." including suggestions like counting down, setting alarms across the room, and going to bed earlier.
A person's legs and feet walking on a sidewalk, accompanied by a text overlay listing actions "once you're out of bed..." such as drinking water, eating breakfast, and going for a walk.
How to actually GET OUT OF BED each morning😴
I recently made a post about how to wake up fast which received a comment that said “nah I need tips on how to get out of BED” - I hear you loud and clear 🤩 Getting out of bed in the morning can be SO hard!! I have a very bad happen of snoozing my alarm at least once before actually getting up.
Rebekah Joy

Rebekah Joy

1268 likes

A hand holds a Nintendo Switch with pink and yellow Joy-Cons, displaying game icons including Animal Crossing. The text overlay reads 'Free Games on Switch'. Two guitars are blurred in the background, with a pink light on the left.
A graphic promoting 'Super Kirby Clash' features Kirby characters in battle. Text highlights it's for fans of Super Smash Bros, involves playing as a team of four to defeat bosses, and offers local or online multiplayer.
A graphic for 'Fall Guys' shows colorful bean-shaped characters on an obstacle course. Text describes it as similar to the show Wipeout, playable with 32 other players online, and offering versatile game modes.
FREE GAMES ON SWITCH (THAT ARE ACTUALLY GOOD!) 🎮✨
While there aren't THAT many free games on Nintendo Switch, there are some that ARE free... and just so happen to also be pretty darn awesome! These are 3 of my absolute favorites: - Super Kirby Clash: for those who like a cute little combat game (definitely gives Super Smash Bros vibes)
LIV CHARETTE

LIV CHARETTE

526 likes

A white background image titled "Ways to Keep a Relationship Working," listing various pieces of advice such as "Love Eachother," "Keep Communication Open," "Forgive and Forget," and "Trust Eachother." It also includes a section on "Romantic things that don't get enough credit," like completing chores and leaving love notes.
✨💕 HEALTHY Couple Habits That ACTUALLY WORK 💞✨
✨ Healthy relationships don’t just “happen”, they’re built, day by day, moment by moment. It’s not just the big gestures, it’s the quiet choices, the thoughtful responses, and the everyday efforts that keep love strong. ✨ This post is your gentle reminder that soft love, consistency, and emotion
Margarita

Margarita

1086 likes

does this ever happen to you 🥲
lately I’ve been realizing that even when I sleep enough, I’m still waking up groggy, tense, and unrefreshed (like my body shut down but my mind kept working overnight) and I’m pretty sure it’s bc my evening routine is non-existent rn 🙃 without time to unwind before bed I end up going to slee
carley ◡̈

carley ◡̈

102 likes

“If I actually were move forward in the..”
“If I actually were move forward in the direction I prefer to..” - Bashar
Sung Hatonn ll Wisdom

Sung Hatonn ll Wisdom

0 likes

5 simple ways to actually reset your brain
Clara Voss

Clara Voss

34 likes

How to Actually Stick to a Workout
Same time daily. Start stupid small. Track everything on Repscroll. Never miss twice. Set reminders. No equipment needed — squats pushups planks sit-ups. Your bedroom is your gym. Stop planning, start doing. 50 squats tonight. #consistency #workoutmotivation #discipline #bodyweight
Repscroll

Repscroll

333 likes

This Didn’t Happen Overnight… But Look 👀
This is your sign to KEEP GOING 💯 I’ve been on this fitness journey for a long time… and for a while, I thought I was doing everything right. But the truth is I wasn’t eating enough, my stress levels were high, and it was holding me back more than I realized. Once I started fueling my body pr
Honey87

Honey87

2 likes

How I actually study effectively
dear students, study isn’t just your assignments When I was younger, I used to think studying meant sitting at a desk, taking notes, turning in assignments, and chasing deadlines. And while yes, that’s part of it… I realized that wasn’t the whole picture. College taught me something: Going
Meredith Jao

Meredith Jao

19 likes

Budgeting Tips That Actually Work 💸
#fyplemon8 #MoneyTips #passive income #fyp #relatablequotes
Hazel

Hazel

5 likes

What wellness actually looks like ✨➡️
Most women already know what they “should” be doing. The hard part is: • applying it consistently • not spiraling after one off day • managing overwhelm • feeling emotionally balanced around food and wellness That’s why The Wellness Room focuses on support. #wellnesslifestyle #womenwh
Sarah G.

Sarah G.

4 likes

signs you’re actually healing not just existing <3
#emergingcreator #healingjourney #datingtipsforwomen #breakups
madss🐆

madss🐆

3 likes

Things that actually help with autistic burnout
Autistic burnout does not go away with a good night of sleep or a self care Sunday. It is a nervous system recovery that takes time, and the most important thing you can do is stop treating it like something to push through. Swipe for what actually helps. #audhd #AutisticBurnout #AutisticWo
Bailey Pilant | ADHD Therapist

Bailey Pilant | ADHD Therapist

7 likes

A hand holds a 'Manifestation Checkbook' with a check from 'Bank Of The Universe,' featuring the text 'How to use this CHECK for manifesting.' The checkbook is labeled 'BEST SELLER' and promises to 'ATTRACT ABUNDANCE FROM THE UNIVERSE.'
A smiling person holds a 'Manifestation Checkbook' in a store with shelves of products. The text overlay advises to 'Know exactly what you want. And come as close to the real price as possible.'
A close-up shows the 'Manifestation Checkbook' and a small paper. The text overlay instructs to 'Complete Your Check Don't forget to sign the back of the check; just like you would a real check.'
A Manifestation Checkbook That Actually Works
It’s frustrating, isn’t it? When year after year, you're not where you want to be. Almost like the universe didn’t get the memo about your dreams. But here’s the thing no one tells you: the problem isn’t with you. The truth is, manifestation often falls flat when there’s no emotional connect
Roll Pretty

Roll Pretty

144 likes

Romans 4: What Real Faith Actually Looks Like
Today’s Bible study was Romans chapter 4, and it really shifted my perspective. Abraham wasn’t considered righteous because of his works, but because he believed God. That means faith isn’t about striving or trying to earn anything. It’s about trusting God, even when you don’t see the full pi
Darlene | Bible Study

Darlene | Bible Study

59 likes

summer glow up tips (that ACTUALLY work)
it is not too late to have a little summer glow up!! so here are some tips to make that actually happen that have seriously helped me so so much :) do these sound reasonable to you?? #lemon8partner #glowup #summerglowup
Belle Grubb

Belle Grubb

7 likes

FAT BURN HACKS THAT ACTUALLY WORK!
Are you ready to burn that stubborn fat and spice up your fitness routine with some sizzlin’ hacks? Well, buckle up because I’m about to spill the tea (and some other juicy secrets) on fat-burning hacks that have not only worked for me but have also gotten a thumbs up from the toughest critic—my bo
Lushie Club 💖

Lushie Club 💖

4063 likes

A partially eaten box of chocolates, with some empty slots and some chocolates remaining, illustrating the start of a 30-day sugar detox challenge.
A person in athletic wear stretching their leg against a white wall, representing increased energy and improved workout resistance after quitting sugar.
A close-up of a person's face, with arms framing it, illustrating the benefit of clearer skin and reduced breakouts after cutting sugar from their diet.
What happen when you quit sugar?
Hello friends! 🍋 I know, sugar is pretty good. All the treats and snacks are amazing, but for years, I've heard about the potential benefits of cutting sugar from my diet. I always found excuses to delay the process, but finally, I decided to committed myself to a 30-day sugar detox.
Thamires Cottone | REALTOR

Thamires Cottone | REALTOR

2777 likes

We might actually get a female president 🤯
It could actually happen. It’s looking like Kamala is going to win #kamala #kamalaharris #madampresident #historical #womenleaders #womensempowerment #letschat #lemon8challenge
EternalWomenInc

EternalWomenInc

399 likes

A shower interior with light-colored tiled walls and a dark shower head, featuring text overlays about a shower routine for a skin condition and activating soft skin.
A hand holding a blue, mesh exfoliating sponge, with text explaining its gentle yet effective use for removing dead skin without irritation.
A hand holding a bottle of body wash, with text describing its benefits for rough, bumpy skin, providing tone, texture, and hydration.
4-Step Routine That’s Actually Helping My KP
I have KP so smooth skin doesn’t just happen for me. It takes a little effort and the right products. This is my go-to shower routine that helps me feel confident and ready to show some skin this summer. #showervibes #bodycare #HardLaunch #lemon8challenge #letschat
Beauty

Beauty

50 likes

THIS ACTUALLY DOES HAPPEN
Ma

Ma

4 likes

A couple embraces, with one person's hand on the other's chest. Overlay text reads '6 RED FLAGS TO NOTICE BEFORE HE CHEATS,' introducing a list of relationship warning signs. The image includes the Lemon8 logo and username.
Against a blurred background of an embracing couple, three red flags are listed: '1. THEY DON'T TAKE YOUR FEELINGS SERIOUSLY,' '2. THEY LIE,' and '3. THEY DON'T HYPE YOU UP,' each with a brief explanation. The Lemon8 logo is visible.
Over a blurred image of an embracing couple, the final three red flags are presented: '4. THEY ARE INSECURE ABOUT YOU CHEATING,' '5. THEY AREN'T OPEN ABOUT THEIR LIVES,' and '6. THEY DON'T EXPRESS THEIR FEELINGS,' each with an explanation. The Lemon8 logo is included.
Cheating Doesn’t Just Happen
My high school boyfriend was a walking red flag. He lied constantly about the smallest things. His attention was constantly elsewhere. And he was super secretive about his life outside of our relationship. While it should have been obvious to me that he wasn’t going to be faithful to our relati
staci york 💛🍋

staci york 💛🍋

1097 likes

A social media post by Tay Doughty stating "EVERY CAKE got to get baked" with emojis, followed by a comment from the same user about a physical altercation. The post has 74 likes, 11 comments, and 714 shares.
A social media post by sixelanoir discussing a partner's infidelity, attention-seeking behavior, and the difference between her posts and the other person's posts regarding the partner.
A social media post by sixelanoir asserting no competition, having had everything the other person wants multiple times, and questioning the other person's claims about their relationship with a shared partner.
& i actually hate baking 😭🥲
$c0rP͙!0 braaat👽🎀

$c0rP͙!0 braaat👽🎀

14 likes

On A Bad Skin Day: The Tiny Step I Actually Kept
This began in a very normal way, with me as a junior graphic designer after taking off a full face of makeup, noticing that I kept touching my face because it felt uncomfortable. Then I was a junior graphic designer after taking off a full face of makeup, and I kept touching my face because it felt
bnhbchthu4987

bnhbchthu4987

1 like

A title slide featuring a small dog looking out a car window, with text "Five Things to Expect When He Ghosts You" and "What happens next (and why it's predictable)".
A small dog on a leash walks on a sidewalk, accompanying text about the first expectation after ghosting: "He comes back when you stop waiting" because "Silence bruises his ego."
A small dog sits on a patio, illustrating the second expectation after ghosting: "The excuse sounds familiar," listing common phrases like "Stress" or "Bad timing."
5 Things That Always Happen After He Ghost
Ghosting isn’t random. And it’s not confusing either. What keeps you stuck is how easy it is to stay connected to it. Because nothing actually ended. 🍋He disappeared → but didn’t close it 🍋He comes back → like nothing happened 🍋He gives just enough → to keep you engaged Different
Cariño ♎️👸🏽

Cariño ♎️👸🏽

36 likes

writing advice I’ve ACTUALLY taken
As someone writing their debut novel, I feel like there’s SO much advice out there— which is good BUT overwhelming. I’m writing a fantasy romance novel with a magic system, and I didn’t know where to start when I began writing. Here’s a few of the pieces of advice I’ve actually taken down, becaus
Savannah ♡ Author

Savannah ♡ Author

358 likes

How I think I look vs How I actually look
Way too often does this happen 😅 #gettoknowme #unfiltered #relatable #awkward #expectationvsreality
O.K.

O.K.

105 likes

Three cleaning products—Dawn Powerwash, Weiman Cooktop Cleaner, and Bar Keepers Friend—are displayed on a kitchen counter, with text indicating these are the cleaners the author consistently uses.
A bottle of Dawn Powerwash sits next to a kitchen sink with a sponge, illustrating its use for dishes and sink resets, as indicated by the text overlay.
A bottle of Weiman Cooktop Spray is shown next to a stovetop, which has cleaning solution applied, demonstrating its use for daily stove cleaning.
The 3 Cleaning Products I Actually Finished 🧽✨
There are sooo many cleaning products out there, but let’s be honest… most of them sit under the sink half used while we bounce around trying the next “miracle cleaner” 😅 So I wanted to share the very few that I truly ran through to the last drop. Like actually emptied the bottle and bought agai
alexia🧸🌞💗🌈

alexia🧸🌞💗🌈

16 likes

The image shows a protest with people holding signs, one reading 'bans off our bodies,' under text discussing period trackers selling data and the creator building a safe alternative.
A table compares several period tracking apps (FLO, CLUE, STARDUST, etc.) based on data storage, sharing, deletion, and location tracking, indicating many track user location and share data.
The image displays the Apple App Store page for 'Monthly: Simple Period Tracker,' described as a 'Completely Private Period App,' showing its ratings and a preview of its calendar interface.
an actually safe period tracker
i was HORRIFIED when i found out what period trackers do with our data. it’s so icky and honestly rly serious consequences… once your data is stored in their systems, no matter what they promise there is NO WAY to guarantee what will happen to it. that’s why i built my own period tracker. m
Liz 🫶

Liz 🫶

98 likes

100 Squats a Day for 30 Days: What Actually Happen
Day 7 your joints loosen. Day 15 your back stops aching. Day 30 your legs feel like they belong to someone younger. Most women stop before any of this happens. Save this and share it with someone who keeps saying they'll start tomorrow. #squatchallenge #womenshealth #fitove
Jayk.wellness

Jayk.wellness

30 likes

A woman in athletic wear takes a mirror selfie in a gym, with text asking if actions align with desires. She wears a dark t-shirt and light shorts, surrounded by gym equipment.
Text on a blurred gym background lists what 'taking aligned action' does not mean, including giving up, cheating, or stopping due to discomfort.
Text on a blurred gym background emphasizes that wanting results isn't enough; one must follow through with commitments and show up consistently, even on hard days.
Are you actually working for it?
If you want it, are you actually working for it? Calling you out isn’t supposed make you feel bad.. in fact, when used correctly it actually inspires change. Read this with an open mind. Reflect with an open heart. & truly ask yourself… Are you playing it small because you’re unc
AveryAnderson

AveryAnderson

76 likes

Glow ups don’t happen under pressure
They don’t come from come panic, comparison, or fear of failure. True glow ups come from slowing down, regulating your nervous system, and choosing consistency over urgency. If you’ve been feeling behind, this is your reminder: you’re not late - you’re unfolding. Follow these steps to sta
The Mindful Glow Up

The Mindful Glow Up

23 likes

A hand with red nails holds a bottle of pink pills, with some pills spilled on a gray surface. The image has text overlay asking 'LOW IRON? YOUR BODY ALREADY KNOWS' and a 'SWIPE' arrow.
A bottle of pink pills is shown on a gray surface, with text listing 'sneaky symptoms nobody connects to iron,' such as tiredness, dizziness, cold hands, and hair shedding.
A bottle of pink pills is on a gray surface, with text detailing how to fix low iron, including taking supplements, dietary changes, and tracking periods, leading to improved well-being.
Is your iron actually low?
#GirlTalk #lemon8challenge I swear iron deficiency humbles you in a way nothing else does. I kept telling myself “I’m just tired”… until I realized I wasn’t tired — I was empty. If the symptoms sound familiar, get your ferritin checked. It changed everything for me. 🤍 Tell me… did this eve
Nikki🍋

Nikki🍋

176 likes

Do you actually trust your doctor?
The left side of my body has been hurting me for some time now. I’ve been to my specialist twice and they can’t figure it out yet. Well I went back again, and I just saw my doctor take out his phone and start looking something up on webMD. Yes, webMD. I could see the screen as clear as day! Do
JustSabbs

JustSabbs

25 likes

Nobody Told Me THIS Would Happen…(GLP-1 + PCOS Edition)
My journey hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been powerful. These unexpected moments taught me SO much. 💕 #glp1 #pcos #glp1community #pcosweightloss #glp1forweightloss
diastarr_pcos

diastarr_pcos

66 likes

Actually felt okay for a while 🫶
The 🍋8 t shirt was a nice surprise. I got my flip flops too they are so cute 🥰 Little life update 💕 tomorrow I go in to get an infusion that will have iron in it so I can have rapid relief. The alternative was 3 months of supplements for results and I simply can’t wait that long. I’ve been havi
🖤Lyndsay🖤

🖤Lyndsay🖤

13 likes

See more