What are the Rules of the Etsy Platform?
Before you start selling on any e-commerce platform, you must learn its rules. Starting without reading or understanding these guidelines can lead to numerous problems. Etsy is no exception.
Etsy’s rules are critical; failure to follow them can cause issues during account setup or result in your shop being closed before you even make a sale. Even if everything is going well, a violation can lead to suspension or penalties.
What Can You Sell on Etsy?
Etsy is a unique marketplace for:
Handmade items (made or designed by you).
Digital products.
Vintage items (must be at least 20 years old).
Craft Supplies (tools or materials used to create something new).
Etsy focuses on unique items buyers can’t find elsewhere, with a recent heavy emphasis on gifting.
Core Etsy Rules
Dropshipping is Prohibited: You cannot list an item from a platform like AliExpress and ship it directly to the customer when a sale occurs. However, working with a production partner (where they manufacture your design and ship it) is allowed.
No Branded Items: Selling counterfeit or unauthorized branded products (like Nike or Adidas) is strictly forbidden.
No Reselling in Handmade: You cannot buy a finished handmade item and resell it as your own. Handmade items must be made or designed by you.
Transparency: You must accurately identify everyone involved in making an item in your “About” section. If you use a production partner, you must disclose this in your listings.
Vintage Criteria: Vintage items must be at least 20 years old.
Original Content: You must use your own photos or videos. Using stock photos or images from other sellers/sites is prohibited.
Direct Resolution: You should resolve disputes directly with the buyer. If a solution cannot be reached, Etsy may step in.
Order Completion: If you cannot fulfill an order, you must notify the buyer and cancel the transaction.
Communication Policies (Messages)
Messages cannot be used for:
Unsolicited advertising, promotions, or spam.
Harassing or discriminating against another member.
Contacting someone after they have asked you not to.
Interfering with another member’s business.
Avoiding Etsy’s Payment System: Sharing personal contact info (phone, email, social media) or external URLs to move a transaction off-platform is forbidden.
Prohibited Actions
Lying to customers or providing false information (e.g., listing a silver necklace as gold).
Buying from a competitor solely to leave a negative review.
Click Fraud: Maliciously clicking a competitor’s ads to drain their budget.
Price Fixing: Coordinating pricing with other sellers.
Review Solicitation: Demanding positive reviews from customers.
Reasons for Account Suspension
Dropshipping or copyright infringement.
Spamming or bribing customers.
Using someone else’s payment information.
Mismatch between shop owner info and bank/card details.
Using a VPN: This creates suspicious activity due to inconsistent login locations.
Poor service (shipping delays, high error rates).
Selling the exact same items across multiple shops.
Important FAQs
Can I open multiple shops? Yes, but they must sell different items.
Can my second shop be US-based? Yes, you can open a second shop using a US company.
Whose name should be on the account? All information (bank, ID, etc.) must match the shop owner’s name.
Can I get my money if I’m suspended? Typically, you can receive your remaining funds after 180 days.
What if my account is closed? Do not try to open a new shop with the same photos, devices, or Wi-Fi. It is better to appeal the suspension.
Appeal Tip: If you believe the suspension was a mistake, email support@etsy.com or integrity@etsy.com with a polite message:
“I don’t understand why my account has been suspended. I think there must be a fault with the suspension. Can you activate my account again please. Thanks.”
Etsy Contact Info:
Email: support@etsy.com / legal@etsy.com
Phone: 1-844-659-3879