What to do if you stumble on situation and get your Etsy account suspended?
Etsy suspends or bans accounts that are believed to have violated Etsy’s policies. Being a big platform like Etsy, there are automatic algorithm in place that flags shops for violation. And sometimes, shops may get banned mistakenly.
So don’t panic, and let’s go through the steps to see whether you can get your shop back.
Understanding different types of Etsy shop suspensions
There are two main types of account suspension: Temporary or Permanent.
With a temporary suspension, you probably have received an email from the Etsy Integrity Department. Read the email carefully of what they ask you to do to resolve the issue.
If your account is suspended because of an overdue balance (unpaid bills), then resolving it would be straight-forward. After paying your balance, you will get your account back basically right away.
If you haven’t received the email, go to this page, scroll to the bottom, and press “contact support”.
There is no set period of how long the suspension last. It would depend on how quickly you can take the required actions to resolve the issue.
Permanent suspension is more serious. You won’t be able to buy, sell, or even log in Etsy.
We will look at how to appeal a permanent suspension later.
How to recognize a suspension on your Etsy shop
When shoppers visit a suspended shop, they will see this banner saying "the shop is currently not selling on Etsy".
Inside your Etsy Shop Manager, you will see these red sections if your shop is suspended. Also, all your listings will be deactivated by default. This is what it looks like
Common causes for Etsy shop suspensions
1) Overdue balance
Your Etsy account could face a temporary suspension if you didn’t pay your Etsy bill. Sometimes it could be because of your credit card expired and Etsy couldn’t charge you. After paying the balance, the suspension should be lifted.
2) Selling products that are not allowed on Etsy
Visit this page for a full list of prohibited products. Here are some common ones:
- Copyright/trademark infringement
- Alcohol/Drug related
- Live animals
- Hazardous Materials like explosives and toxic substances
- Items that promote hate based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc.
- Pornography
- Items that promotes violence
3) Selling services that are not allowed on Etsy
Services are allowed on Etsy only if a new tangible item is produced, according to this Etsy rule.
For example, a copywriting service is allowed because this service will produce a new item - a piece of writing. Or a tarot card reading is allowed if a new item is produced, like a recording of the reading.
On the contrary, prayers are not allowed because there is no tangible item being produced.
Modification services (change or alter an item that already exist without producing a new one) are not allowed. Examples include fixing a car, restoring a vintage piece and tailoring for clothing.
4) Too many cases opened against the shop
Etsy could suspend your account if you have too many cases opened against your shop. There’s not a certain number of cases opened before Etsy takes action, but it’s good practice to avoid and resolve cases as quickly as possible.
5) Too many copyrights infringements cases opened against the shop
If your Etsy store was a subject of too many copyright infringements, claims or any other policy violations your store can be suspended by Etsy or your star seller badges can be removed until the issue is resolved. Check Etsy's Intellectual Property Policy
Reply to suspension email from Etsy
If you are temporarily suspended by Etsy, you should receive an email from the Etsy Integrity Department with direction of how to reinstate your account.
Carefully read through the email. Mark down what they need from you so you can gather the relevant information.
When you have the information ready, reply to the email as soon as you can so that they can work on lifting the suspension. Keep in mind to write clearly and to-the-point.
Usually you will need to wait a few days you hear back from Etsy about their decision.
How to restore permanently suspended Etsy account
If you get a permanent suspension from Etsy, you still have hope by filing an appeal to challenge their decision.
Here’s the process of how to appeal a suspension:
- Go to Etsy Help Center
- Scroll down to “Your Etsy Account” > “Contacting Etsy”
- Resolve any open cases against your shop
- Pay any outstanding balance in your account
- Go to "How to File an Appeal for a Permanently Suspended Account”
- Click “File an appeal” and follow the instructions
How to write your message to appeal Etsy permanent suspension
As every appeal is different, here are some guidelines to give you the best chance.
You should restate your reason for suspension. If they have told you in the previous email, you can use them.
The main part of your message should be about how you have started/plan to resolve the problem. Focus on your actions and how those actions can ensure the violation won’t happen again.
Your message should be clear and factual. Even though you may feel frustrated, avoid being defensive and blame Etsy as that wouldn’t help your appeal.
The appeal process should take a few days to 2 weeks. After they’ve made a decision, you will get an email about whether they will reinstate your account or have your account remain suspended.
As you only have one chance to appeal a permanent suspension, make sure to be proactive and transparent about your plan to resolve and prevent the violation in the future.
Can you open a second shop if you are permanently suspended?
Unfortunately, you can’t. As Etsy states, “If your account is permanently suspended from selling on Etsy, you’re not allowed to buy or sell on Etsy, or create a new account to buy or sell on Etsy.”
Etsy is likely using the information from your first shop, like your bank account details and credit card number, to link your suspended shop with any possible new accounts, which makes it extremely difficult to start a new Etsy shop.
