Etsy Account Suspension: Reasons, Solutions, and Proactive Measures
There is no better platform than Etsy if you are a creative entrepreneur. With the growing number of sellers on Etsy platforms, Etsy authorities are also strict with their terms and conditions to safeguard buyers and sellers.
So what’s causing Etsy seller account suspension?
And what to do if it happens to you?
We understand how it feels if your account gets suspended. It is definitely an overwhelming setback. No matter whether your Etsy shop is just a side hustle or your main source of bread and butter, an account suspension significantly impacts customer relationships and revenue generation.
If you try to understand what triggers the account suspension, how to take precautions like backup, and how to recover the suspended seller account, you can avoid or survive the whole suspension ordeal.
Let’s get started
The most common reason for Etsy account suspension is violating Etsy’s policies knowingly or unknowingly. Let us talk about it in detail:
Etsy started with a vision of creating a platform for artists, crafters, and unique sellers. Buyers flock to this platform to get something original, handmade, and a one-of-a-kind product. But if a seller is reselling mass-produced goods then it is a violation of the Etsy policies. It is also a threat and unethical act towards other sellers. Sellers should make sure that they are making their goods and keeping them original.
Etsy has very nominal listing and transaction fees. However, due to a lack of planning and some other reasons, many sellers fail to pay that fee and other outstanding amounts. It can surely lead to account suspension. It is mandatory to keep your account up-to-date in terms of finances.
Every platform should have some rules when it comes to product listing. Etsy is a humane platform where there are some strict rules regarding what products can be sold on this platform. Knowing all the rules regarding these can help you make an informed decision beforehand
Etsy is mainly for selling tangible goods. There are a lot of platforms where you can sell intangible items or digital products but Etsy is not for that. You should make sure that your products comply with the Etsy policies.
We understand that doing product photography can be troublesome and hassle. However, using copyrighted images or trademarks can lead to account suspension. You should get permission or NOC before using someone else’s or third-party content.
It is normal for many sellers to have more than one Etsy shop. But the Etsy system is very sophisticated so if you are using the same IP address to manage all of your accounts then one suspension can lead to the suspension of all the accounts.
You will be notified via email if your Etsy account gets suspended. Generally, you will lose all access to your account be it processing orders listing, or any other features. In some cases, Etsy restricts an account partially. Unfortunately, Etsy emails may not explain why the account got suspended other than the outstanding amount cases.
If your account is suspended you cannot do the following things
· You will not be able to list any new items
· You can not access the Etsy promotional or marketing tools
· Etsy will hold your payouts if you have any pending orders.
· You would not be able to communicate with your customers.
Go through the Etsy policies again and try to understand if you have violated any of the policies.
You can always ask for clarification after getting the suspension email from Etsy.
You can appeal to Etsy to clarify your case with the needed documents
The first step is appealing using the link shared in the suspension email. State your case clearly and provide all the evidence.
Etsy can ask you to submit a few documents depending on the grounds of suspension. It can be as simple as a video of you making your products or past invoices. Be ready to submit the documents as soon as possible.
Remember Etsy is dealing with millions of sellers and many of them are facing the same issue. So your appeal process can take some time. So you need to be patient and reply according to their emails.
Etsy will assess your case following the submission of your appeal. The duration of this process can range from a few days to many weeks. Your account will be restored and you will have complete access to all features again if your appeal is granted. Even if your options may be restricted if you are rejected, knowing the precise grounds for the rejection can help you refocus your efforts in the future.
The best thing you can do is be proactive and create a backup. We have created backupshop with a vision of empowering Etsy sellers not only to create a backup of their shop but also to do keyword research, AI listing generation, secured data storage, enhanced Etsy listing, and comprehensive on-demand backups as well.
We have kept our plans flexible and affordable to cater to all kinds of Etsy sellers. Even if you are just starting your Etsy journey, you can easily get access to our tool. Backupshop will save your shop information. You do not have to start from scratch if your account gets suspended.
Yes, it is really frustrating if your Etsy account gets suspended. But if you understand the different grounds, analyze them, and take proactive measures you can definitely get through this. A strategic approach can keep you on track and minimize the chances of suspension. Proactive measures will make you ready for unforeseen situations.
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