What should I do if a customer approved an Etsy proof with a typo?

Hi! Since the sign doesn’t match what the buyer originally asked for in messages, I’d treat this as a real mistake to resolve (even though the proof was approved) and reach out proactively with a clear set of options—because if they’re unhappy and open a “not as described” case, Etsy will look at the whole message thread, not just the approved proof.

If you want the “best Etsy-safe” approach, message them ASAP, own the mix-up plainly, and offer 2–3 choices so they feel taken care of while you still protect your margins:

• Option A (best customer experience): Remake/replace that one sign at no additional cost and with a realistic timeline. (You can still ask them to keep/donate the incorrect one if it can’t be resold, but don’t make that feel like a condition.)
• Option B: Partial refund to keep it as-is (you pick a number that reflects the impact—enough to feel fair, but not so much that you’d rather remake it).
• Option C: Remake with cost-splitting (e.g., you cover materials, they cover shipping, or a discounted remake fee). This sometimes works well if they’re reasonable, but be prepared that some buyers will expect a free replacement.

A simple message structure that usually goes over well:

1. Apologize + acknowledge the exact issue.
2. Confirm the wording they wanted (so you don’t repeat the mistake).
3. Present the options above with timelines.
4. Ask which option they prefer.

A couple practical Etsy tips while you’re deciding:

• If the buyer’s original instructions were mixed across multiple messages, Etsy may still view the “agreed customization” as what was discussed overall. Your approved proof helps you, but it’s not a guarantee Etsy would deny a complaint.
• Don’t push them to close anything or leave a review in exchange for a fix—just keep it focused on resolution.
• Whatever you agree to, keep it in Etsy Messages and summarize the final agreement clearly.

If you tell me roughly what the sign costs you to remake (materials + labor) and how upset the buyer seems so far, I can help you choose the option that best balances profit vs. case risk—and even help you draft the exact message to send.