Etsy connects buyers with unique, handmade item sellers. The platform supports small businesses, offering a chance for creative entrepreneurs. However, knowing Etsy's rules and avoiding bans is crucial for long-term success.
You can do that by understanding what their prohibited items are. Etsy has strict rules against the sale of certain items, such as weapons, drugs, etc. Moreover, listing items inaccurately or engaging in misleading marketing tactics is against Etsy's policies.
For example, don't claim an item is handmade when it is mass-produced. You cannot use stock photos that don't accurately represent the actual product. Etsy has a zero-tolerance policy for these tactics.
So, avoiding bans should be your priority when selling on Etsy. Here's a guide on how to sell on Etsy without getting banned!
Understanding Etsy's Management Rules
One of Etsy's goals is to improve trust and security in the marketplace. This aim has instigated a significant policy update introduced in 2024. Changes that were made were intended to strengthen integrity.
Generally, the rules on the ground were designed to enhance trust and fairness. The platform is already known for its creativity and integrity. These rules strive to maintain that reputation. It also provides an equitable and safe environment for you.
First and foremost, Etsy is made for crafts or handmade items. Some items are outright prohibited on the Etsy marketplace to maintain ethical standards. The items include:
- Amber jewelry: An alleged lawsuit of a child swallowing an amber prohibited it. So, item listings with the word “amber” on their tags and titles are deactivated.
- Kids' hoodies with strings: A choking hazard is very likely with these items. In listing hoodies, phrases like “with strings” should be avoided.
- Dropshipping products: Dropshipping products do not fit the handmade narrative. So, the activity is prohibited on Etsy.
- Print on Demand jewelry: Listings for Print on Demand can get your account deactivated.
- Illegal items: Products that violate local and national laws are prohibited.
- Hazardous materials: Items like explosive and flammable substances are prohibited.
- Harmful content: Items considered how harmful are prohibited. If it contradicts protected attributes, it can be delisted.
- Medical devices: Etsy has discontinued the listings of medically related items. Pharmaceuticals and herbal medicines are also prohibited.
Etsy has been a home where everyone with creative minds shines. Its integrity lies in personalization and authenticity. Specific rules have been placed to guide sellers when making listings.
First, as a seller, you must describe the items to be listed. It ensures that buyers know exactly what they are paying for. Etsy will not tolerate false claims and any title that appears misleading.
To be eligible to list an item, you must be directly involved in its production. You must be able to demonstrate the craftsmanship of your listing. Trying to resell mass-produced goods can get you banned. Yes! You saw it right.
Also, Etsy requires that you have respectful communication with buyers. It also includes responding promptly to queries and orders. You must also know how to resolve disputes professionally.
Don't forget that you must use tags and titles appropriately for each listing. Manipulating search rankings by misusing keywords is an offense. Each keyword must be related directly or indirectly to the item listed.
Sellers on Etsy are not exempted from tax regulations applicable. It means that you are to ensure compliance with sales tax when required. Also, your listings must not infringe on intellectual property rights.
Violating the rules can set you up for various penalties. Penalties can range from listing removal to account suspension and permanent bans. However, Etsy has an appeal process for users who think there was an error with the decision.
Why Do Sellers Get Banned on Etsy?
Etsy is a wonderful marketplace known for acquiring handmade treasures. Having a top-rated platform like it means that specific laws are followed. Selling on Etsy also means that you have to adhere to these rules.
When any of them is violated, temporary suspension or account ban follows. A lot of reasons can make you banned from using the platform. Here are a few causes of Etsy bans:
1) Selling Non-Compliant or Prohibited Items
The popular reason for most of Etsy’s bans is listing prohibited items. The platform has a rigorous policy regarding items not aligning with core values. Items that are not included in Etsy listings categories are among them, too.
Some items attract a ban, such as firearms or counterfeit goods. Also, products that do not comply with local regulations are prohibited. For instance, Beauty products must meet FDA standards.
Likewise, religious and culturally insensitive items can attract ban enforcement. This is because these products violate intellectual property laws. Customers are at risk if these standards are not met. The same goes for Etsy’s market reputation.
Remember that Etsy will always protect the integrity of its buyers. So, to correctly appeal to customers, your products must comply with the rules. Even unintentional violations will land you a ban. Always do a thorough research about the legalities available.
2) Misleading Product Descriptions or False Claims
To successfully manage your Etsy store, you must embrace honesty. You may be tempted to attract more buyers. It may lead to using misleading descriptions of the item as a clickbait. It can be mispresenting materials or exaggerating the nature of the product.
Also, advertising a false vintage product that does not meet the criteria can get you banned. False claims end up deceiving customers who shop on Etsy. It is also an unfair marketing avenue for ethical sellers.
For instance, a buyer can pay for a 100% cotton shirt. But will receive a synthetic blend, which makes it evident that the seller will be reported. Captions that mislead customers can erode trust. And Etsy will not allow the fundamental aspect of its model to be tarnished.
You can always avoid this by striving for transparency. Always provide accurate descriptions and detailed photographs of the goods. Have proof of the product’s authenticity to build buyer loyalty further.
3) Duplicate or Multiple Accounts with Authorization
Another reason for some account bans is setting up unauthorized multiple accounts. Although Etsy allows sellers to operate numerous shops, full disclosure is required. Etsy’s algorithms can view it as something else when it is not authorized.
Some sellers duplicate accounts to evade penalties or bypass restrictions. The system can ban your account when it is viewed as this. Besides, allowing multiple accounts disrupts fair competition among sellers.
Also, Etsy is equipped with a manual review analyzer that detects duplicate accounts. Once the account is identified, other related accounts may be banned. To avoid these, contact Etsy for approval to run multiple stores.
4) Poor Customer Service or Unresolved dispute
Satisfying a customer is a priority in the e-commerce business. Etsy likewise emphasizes ensuring that sellers resolve disputes amicably. A seller may risk being banned if he or she fails to address a customer complaint. Delivering poor-quality products and neglecting communication can get you banned.
Disputes can escalate to Etsy’s customer service if conflicts are not resolved. Problems like these can lead to poor ratings of a seller's reliability. A buyer is likely to report a hostile seller who does not receive a satisfactory resolution.
Having multiple issues with customers can make Etsy agree that you lack professionalism. And this makes you unfit to operate the platform or deal with buyers. However, you can maintain good standing by prioritizing clear communication.
Offer replacement, refund, or apology when appropriate can be the difference. Doing the right thing can change the negative experience to a positive one. Besides, nothing can be above fault or damage.
Also, try to maintain a comfortable shipping timeline for your customers. Having a clear return for tampered products can reduce the occurrence of conflict.
5) Violation of Payment Policies
Etsy has a payment system designed to ensure secure transactions for both parties. Sellers who try to override this policy can get their accounts banned. It can be in the form of requesting off-platform payment activities.
A seller who convinces a buyer to pay via PayPal goes against the rules. Such action significantly undermines Etsy's ability to provide a secure and safe transaction. Also, it deprives Etsy of its revenue from the transaction fee charged.
Payment policy violations do not end with off-platform payments. The inability of a seller to ship purchased items after receiving payment attracts a ban. Producing fake tracking numbers and engaging in chargeback fraud is prohibited.
Etsy strives for its users to be financially protected from loss and build trust.
So, ensure you adhere to all the platform payment protocols. Always keep your financial dealings transparent and clear.
5 Best Practices to Avoid Getting Banned on Etsy
Succeeding in your Etsy stores requires more than just your entrepreneurship spirit. It demands that you adhere strictly to platform guidelines. As a seller on Etsy, you are required to read the policies to avoid a ban. Below are 5 best practices that can help stay compliant:
#1. Compliance with Product listing
The first step to avoiding restrictions is making sure your listings are compliant. Etsy’s categories are handmade, vintage (20 years and older) and crafts. Supplying items outside these categories can lead to immediate penalties.
Products made from endangered species are examples of prohibited listings. Counterfeit goods and firearms are also strictly banned. Also, if you sell handmade products, ensure that they are genuine. Even if they are outsourced to production partners, let it be handmade.
Likewise, ensure that items listed under vintage are 20 years old and above. Craft supplies should also be marketed in this category. Doing this gives your lead buyers more trust.
It is safer always to review Etsy’s rules and cross-check them with your listings. Researching local laws and product safety standards makes it safer. Complying with these guidelines should be your routine.
#2. Accurate Product Description
A picture may say a thousand words, but adding a clear description is still important. Product descriptions that are misleading result in disappointed buyers. This can also lead to prospects reporting such sellers.
Being honest and transparent in just your description means a lot to buyers. Striving for clarity is essential because it aligns with Etsy policies. Provide details of the colors, dimensions, material, and other unique features.
Also, high-quality photos from multiple angles can provide more descriptions. It gives buyers the whole picture of what they intend to buy. Also, stating the imperfections or limitations of the product makes it realistic. When writing your description, adopt the buyer's mind and answer a question you would ask.
#3. Respecting intellectual property
Honoring Intellectual Property rights can never be negotiated in any business. Etsy is one of the platforms that also respects it strictly. Sellers must never use copyrighted or patent designs unauthorized.
For instance, making items inspired by popular movies and characters can be tempting. However, it is against Etsy’s policies to list them without securing a proper license. Without it, you may be infringing on IP rights, which is unacceptable.
To stay safe, always conduct thorough research to avoid infringing someone's rights. Platforms like U.S. patents can help you verify the originality of your designs. If you are using licensed material, ensure you have your document permissions.
#4. Maintain High-quality Customer Service
The lifeblood of any online business is customer service. Poor communication and delayed responses can land you a bad review. Unresolved disputes can lead to temporary or permanent penalties.
Etsy works hard to ensure a positive buying experience on its platform. It is also expected to be the same for all sellers. Repeated unresolved conflict can tarnish your store’s reputation. Penalty may follow, which can end in an ultimate ban.
Establishing clear expectations is the best way to ensure good customer service. Accurate shipping times and a detailed return policy are needed for clarity. When a problem arises, approach them with empathy. It shows that you are willing to find solutions to satisfy them.
#5. Follow Payment and Refund Policies
There are strict policies on Etsy guiding payment and refunds. It ensures that transactions are secure for buyers and sellers. Bans can result from violating these rules intentionally and unintentionally.
The most common rule violated by sellers is requesting payment off-platform. It looks like a good way to cut costs on charges, but it is highly prohibited. Actions like this make it impossible for Etsy to mediate when cases arise.
To comply correctly, ensure that you process payment on Etsy's official channels. State your return and refund policy and adhere strictly to them. When a buyer is requesting a refund, approach it with a professional mindset.
Steps to Take If Your Etsy Account Is Flagged
Running an online store on Etsy can be rewarding, but unforeseen situations may arise. Challenges like having your account flagged or banned can be destabilizing. It usually results from a potential violation of their policies.
It may be stressful, but you must stay calm and proactive. It is not the end of your Etsy business. You can have it back and some of the steps to take include:
1) Recognize Warning Signs or Temporary Suspension
Do you know when and why your account has been flagged? It is the first step in resolving any issues regarding the suspension. Ideally, you may be notified via email or messages in your dashboard. The details of their concerns will be stated in the notification.
It can be poor customer service, policy violation, or listing concerns. Temporary suspension shows that Etsy is looking into issues relating to the account. If it is flagged for IP infringement, the item may be removed while you are investigated. The typical warning signs include:
- Receiving an email from Etsy saying that your account is flagged.
- A notification from your shop manager indicates a policy violation.
- Sudden changes in functionality, like the inability to add new listings.
At this stage, it is crucial to read the communications from Etsy carefully. Understand the exact reason why your account is flagged. Take the next step from your findings.
2) Immediate Actions to Address Flagged Issues
Once you notice that your account is flagged, another step is to take action. Immediate action is essential to show that you are committed to compliance. The faster you act, the higher your chances of returning your account.
Your action starts with analyzing their concerns in Etsy’s notification. Cross-reference it to the seller's policies to know where you are faulted. Review your messages to see if the concerns are about a customer dispute. Other things to do after this include:
- Removing the listing if a specific product is an issue.
- Reach out to the affected buyer if the issue is an unresolved dispute.
- Review and update your shop policies to show commitment.
- Avoid having additional violations during and after resolving the issue
3) Contact Etsy Support for Clarification or Appeals
If you have addressed the issue, your account should be free from restrictions. However, if the account still faces limitations, you may need to contact Etsy’s support team. It has a formal process for clarifying misunderstandings. Same with appealing decisions, and it includes:
- Compile all the relevant documentation that supports your case.
- Reach out to them through their help center or email.
- Be patient with your submission and follow up within a reasonable timeframe
- If Etsy decides to suspend or ban your account, you can appeal.
Final Thoughts!
You only avoid getting banned on Etsy with transparency and commitment to its rules. As a seller, you must provide accurate descriptions and respect intellectual property rights.
Ensure that you offer exceptional customer service and comply with the payment policies. Etsy remains a good marketplace for your creative skills! Contact us to get more information about Etsy.