❗❗ETSY SHOP UPDATE!!! ❗❗ After 4 months, Etsy decided to REACTIVATE. MY. ACCOUNT. I still can't believe this lol! Watch my newest video HERE on my Etsy Shop update! th-cam.com/video/dvEWvB_lAfQ/w-d-xo.html
I dumped Etsy after they moved to requiring free shipping (otherwise your listings would be at the bottom of a search). I had items that varied in weight and without knowing where a buyer would be, it was hard to guess what shipping would be to incorporate it into the price. I would have had to take the highest possible shipping cost and add it to the item, which would screw people who lived closer to me and really didn't need to pay that much. And they would be unlikely to buy an overpriced item. Fortunately, I had only been using Etsy for a few months. Thankfully, there are a lot of other platforms out there these days! If I were you, I would NOT use Etsy anymore. What happens if you do have orders pending the next time they decide to ambush you?
@Holly Oehrlein Even without free shipping a shop can do good. The problem is not Etsy but your marketing strategy. If you know how to sell set up price ang appeal customers there is no problem
There is something profoundly unsettling about a giant removing someone’s livelihood in an instant without one communication, without any warning or any chance to rectify a potential breech of rules or policies. The number of Etsy store owners reporting this exact same treatment is staggering. Until platforms start getting sued for the damage and stress they cause business owners they’ll only continue to feel ALL the power disproportionally lies in THEIR favor. The question I ask is WHY would any company do this to anyone without a respectful exchange and reasonable time to address and resolve any issues or misunderstandings. It’s terrifying to think of building a business that connects you to any brand that doesn’t operate with the golden rule as their first priority.
2 years later and this is still happening. Lucky I only had my shop open a few weeks. Products sitting in my drafts that I was getting ready to load all the photos to and next thing I know, suspended. I sell vintage items so I knew it wasn’t a copyright issue. No emails and no warning. Almost 2 weeks later, after filing an appeal for which I had no idea the cause, I get an email apologizing for “any inconvenience” and the suspension was lifted. After that, I knew Etsy was not the right place for me. I’m not willing to put in that much work to lose everything because of a mistake on their part.
I agree with all comments. I was planning to open a Etsy shop..but thinking of my own website, & using social media to drive traffic. All the best everyone.
I cannot even believe the comments in here.. how often this happens to Etsy sellers! Including myself . Good for you for pushing in a different direction! I also learned this and realized I don’t want someone to control my entire business. :)
Thank you for making this video and for your transparency. They lengths Etsy goes to protect its image is unbelievable. They treat sellers terribly and take huge profits off the backs of hardworking small business owners. Many of their practices are unethical and I think a class action lawsuit will be in the works sooner or later against them. They delete all negative reviews that mention them, they don’t allow everyone to response to their posts on Instagram and do not ever respond to help requests sent via twitter. The practices of Etsy are very shady. I was hung up on by a customer service rep too and I do not know any other business that does this. Sellers need to speak up and take their business elsewhere.
This happened to me recently. I updated my card info and didn't know that it meant a 5 day hold or a whole week without pay. So orders got a little backed up, because you know money in = money out and they turned my store off. I was trying to explain the situation to someone who had never used it or sold there before and they were so baffled, which kinda made me laugh because I've had so many issues with them that I'm just going to let the store go and wash my hands of them, but I had the same thought they'll face a lawsuit sooner or later and it'll probably include thousands of sellers. The number one thing that irritates me besides the bizarre financial management stuff is how they embolden customer complaints. It's almost encouraged for customers to get upset over moderate delays and inconveniences, and they want sellers to talk as though they're 'friends' with their customers. I've just never seen anything like it as a seller or a customer.
I have an Etsy, but I can not solely depend on them for this reason. Keep your head up. It was a sign that you were ready to move beyond Etsy. You go girl!
@@AmyMakesThat you are very talented and not at all limited by one platform. There are many other shops and platforms out there to enable you to keep moving forward. I've been doing my own research as I start my business, I wish you the best with your continued hard work and can't wait to see when you get your products back online!
@@AmyMakesThat My account just got shut down and to tell you the truth etsy is a good starting point and a door into moving in working on your own website. Use the time you have now and the power you have of your subscribers to promote your shop! You can do it don't stop keep moving forward girl
Also for all funds that have been left in the balance of your etsy shop etsy will hold for 180 days and that is the most insane bullshit haha... but thats alright just keep trucking
I related to this video so much!!! My Etsy account was suspended too. When it happened my heart and stomach just sank! No notification, no email to explain why it was suspended...nothing. I went through all you went through too. Calling, many emails with no answer from Etsy. Finally I did get an email (after a month) saying it was suspended in error 🤔 and that they reactivated my Etsy shop, but I am so nervous to do anything with it now 😔🤷🏼♀️ Thank you for this video and love your positivity 🥰❤️
I do too! This has just happened to me! I'm so upset...this is so unfair! I feel exactly the same way...I'm sure it's a mistake...this is awful what they do to sellers! I worked so hard...it's devastating:(
Not sure why you popped up on my TH-cam feed, but I’m glad you did! Recently launched my own business and people were asking if I was going to open an Etsy shop. I had my own reasons as to why I wasn’t and your video just solidifies things!! Thank you and may God bless you going forward!!
I just created an Etsy store the other day, but haven’t listed anything yet. After hearing your story I think I’ll look at other avenues. The comments from your viewers have given me a few options to check out. You just randomly showed up in my TH-cam feed this morning. So glad you did!
My mouth actually dropped when the lady just hung up the phone on you. You were even making clear noises that you wanted to say something...that was so cold.
I'm in an Etsy group and a number of people mention that they are hung up on. Etsy clearly tells reps to do this. I've heard all types of reasons for cancellation; logging in from another IP address ( a friend for instance is logging in), trying to order your own stuff, too many refunds and low reviews, and of course, selling stuff that is not handmade or copyrighted stuff.
I couldn't even find their phone number on their site when they suspended my account. They said they sent me an email, but nope, no message. They took my money and I wasted my time and effort. Don't use Etsy they are crooked shits. I had to close my bank account just to make sure their thieving asses didn't get their hands on any more of my money. Fuck Etsy.
Hey Amy, thanks for posting this! 100% relatable. Exact same thing happened to me yesterday as a new seller. I just got my first 3 orders and first 5 star review. My only listing is commissioned art print like how on earth it can be related to copyright violation??? No email no explanation, just found out I couldn't even log in. Went through the exact same process like you including rude "customer service" person hung up on me. I don't even know if I'm going to receive the pending revenue in my account! I can't believe such a huge platform can treat sellers like this.
The problem with Etsy, is that I can file a copywrite against a shop just because I don't like their shop and Etsy will gladly give that shop a strike without question. I know this because it happened to me. Its only a matter of time before I get banned. So I will be making my own website and bring my customers there. That's very ironic how their customer service rep hung up on you, never to be heard from again, yet they expect us as sellers to provide an exceptional customer service experience.
There’s also the issue of scammers on there. Many people reported one store and nothing was ever done about it even though there was proof that she was scamming people and her store went against Etsy’s own terms of use as none of the items were handmade just cheap stuff bought off a shelf and resold. The store told people their lead time was 12 weeks and only accepted paypal. And PayPal’s last chance to file a claim is 12 weeks so they were actually stealing money from people. The other issue is making items unsafe for infant use. they aren’t sold in brick and mortar stores because they’re unsafe yet have been sold by Etsy stores even after the product was found to be a danger to babies. Continuing to allow the sale of such items is just a bad look for their company.
This is not true. I have some trusted sources who have said that while anyone can file a copyright infringement on a product, it will just end up in the cyberspace trash can unless you are the owner of said copyright.
Send them a tweet, companies usually respond faster when you put their business on blast. I'm shock to learn this about Etsy. I shop a lot on Etsy but now I'll go spend my money elsewhere if they don't even look after their sellers.
I've just watched 'Mixed Media Girl' and she's quit Etsy, too. So I'm sharing both their videos as some friends are considering Etsy so they need to see videos like this!!
I spent over a week working on my Etsy store and right after my first sale they suspended my account without warning and I wound up PAYING $40 instead of making a profit because I had to pay for the whole thing, they just stole my money and locked me out. They are scumbags!
It’s sad to hear that is how they deal with shops. I find it beyond frustrating how much drop shipped garbage is on there- it doesn’t feel very handmade anymore.
I saw a video on tiktok of a guy drop shipping stuff from Alibaba and selling on Etsy as an “easy way to make money” it truly saddened me that people like him are going to take over Etsy :/
@@angiemarrero6892 this is why I always check for the product outside. I was looking for some rings some months ago. Found interesting ones for $20-40. But multiple sellers were selling. So I searched out of curiosity on AliExpress and found the exact designs for $3-9
Wow I'm so glad I'm seeing this. 👀 I've had my shop on etsy for about 5 months but I'm slowly moving over to shopify because I have seen so many examples of Etsy mistreating their sellers. Im so sorry this happened to you but I'm glad to see you used it to propel you in a new direction.
I got my shop suspended last year on the start of december. just in the middle of the biggest sells time. My shop was 5 years on etsy. After first 3 years i quit my job and was full time seller on etsy. I made really great income. Never broke their rules, good reviews, never had opened case against me... then i went to check my shop and was in same shock as you. My shop deactivated.. i was in real panic, wrote to etsy, called to etsy.. then just got email without any explanation, that the decision to close my shop was final and i cant do anything against it. The frustration and stress was terrible, i did not know what to do. I opened shop on shopify, but was not getting any sells, my christmas totally destroyed, as i was too down for this all.. i was fast learning about how to run shopify store, ads etc.. now is the store 4 months old, i am still learning a lot, but sells are growing, and the feeling that nobody cant destroy my life with one click to make my shop disappear is best.. In january found a job, so now is my shop just like a second income.. but i hope one day i can again have it as my mine job, because i just love it..
Thanks for your video. I just open my Etsy store yesterday but they suspended my account today and not send me email. Can't find anyone to contact on Etsy. No customer service at all. Etsy SUCKS! Thanks your video again, I should own my store instead of control by others. You're truly beautiful. Thanks!
I know the feeling I’ve been on Etsy for 3 years and been making it my full time business and all the sudden bang it was gone! it literally ruined me but I had no choice to focus on a website and build that way but it’s such a heart ache 😣 but never give up and push harder! You will get where you wanna be and believe In your self 😊
@@realwrae7918 they don’t tell you why they shut you down that’s bad thing about it I wouldn’t stick to Etsy I would go else where or have a website just in a case it happens :)
Hello! Etsy just closed mine and I just want to ask if you got your remaining balance transferred to your bank account even when you got deactivated? Thank you!
So glad I found this page. First time viewing and I LOVE IT! Your transparency and especially your desire to teach and not gate keep! I neverrrrr comment on social media but felt the need to encourage you. I love how a situation that could’ve diverted your dreams and purpose was used instead to catapult you toward it. Many blessings in your endeavors! I’ll be here watching and learning 🫶🏼
I'm glad i saw this video, now i am even more diligent to finish up my website instead of relying on etsy. Hope you continue to thrive in your business, all the best Amy!
After a lot of research, I finally ordered my very first Cricut. I’ve been watching A LOT of Cricut and crafting videos, specifically videos that provide insight on how to turn a hobby into a side business. Your videos are by far the most helpful videos I’ve come across. I’m so sorry to hear about your Etsy shop, but I’m so excited for this rebrand. Subscribed and can’t wait for more great content from you!
Yay! Congrats on getting the Cricut 🥰 and thank you for your kind words! Hoping this new chapter will bring bigger & better things for me 💕 good luck to you!!
Girl. This happened to me. My shop of 10+ years was suspended overnight and I had no idea why. No email, no one would tell me anything (just like you). And I can’t open another shop because they have flagged my personal info. So infuriating. I made door signs with non-copyright phrases (checked via several databases). Crazy. I am working up the courage to start a website. I’m so glad you have been rethinking your purpose and rebrand and that this has at least been a productive time! Best wishes to you!
eBay and Etsy are both cutthroat marketplaces where it's common practice for competitors to report you. I'd be looking at sellers who sold very similar items.
thats crazy who has time to troll others. that karma will come back to them. thats a special kind of evil. they need to lose they entire business over this kind of bs. thats so wrong.
Omg! So true. I got shut down because I made an azelaic acid toner, an AHA Peel, and now they are threatening my charcoal peel. Whats our alternative? Shopify?
I really thank you I’ve been going back and forth on making my own website or Etsy and after watching a few videos I’m content on my own website ! Thank you so much Amy! This is definitely your calling !
I just found this video due to the fact Etsy closed my account as well . Let's just say I'm over Etsy I don't recommend anyone use them and I will NEVER support anything with Etsy. And honestly I better get the money from sales or I'm suing them .
I personally think that a class action suit should be filed against Etsy. I don't care if they have it in their terms of service information. They are shutting down people's livelihood without notification or explanation. At least give people a chance to fix the problem. I heard this was happening only to shop owners who were doing well on Etsy but had to temporarily shut their shop down only to find out they were technically out of business. I currently have an Etsy site but I also have my own website so I am not depending on Etsy alone just in case what happened to you happens to me. I don't sell a lot on there anyway but you never know. A lot of employers now have that as part of your accepting a job that they can terminate you without cause or reason. I know mine does. Many of us are on the what do I want to do with my life journey so you are not alone.
After 20+ years as a seller on eBay, they did the same thing to me last month and then provided me with a bogus lie for an excuse as to why they did it. They also provided no proof to their allegations and are extreme cowards who don't give straight up answers, block you from trying to call or email them nor allow you to speak with them personally.
There's no basis to a class action lawsuit since Etsy's terms specifically state that Etsy can deactivate a shop or listing at any time for any reason. Every seller signs this agreement when they open a shop. Etsy has complete control over the visibility of a shop and it's all legal. That's the nature of having access to its 43 million customer base.
I have seen sooo many sellers on Etsy stealing images from websites of professional designers and claiming they are handmaking work that isn't theirs, and yet Etsy hasn't done anything to stop them even when they have reviews stating that those sellers are scam artists..
I had a similar ban with Facebook for my business which killed my business. It took months. But I tweeted and LinkedIn various executives and finally got to someone who was human enough to help.
Facebook is the WORST! Absolutely NO support of any kind. With all the money Zuckerberg is making you would think he could at the very least provide some sort of email support. Horrible way to do business! I think a lot of people must be losing interest. They are actually calling people now and offering to help you get started with FB advertising. I hope it turns out to be too little too late. I would love to see FB become just another has been.
Amy I am so sorry you had to go through all of that with Etsy! I’m glad you came out of it with such a positive attitude! ❤️ I am really enjoying your videos.
Thank you Amy for a great video on your experience with Etsy! I love the “I will not let ANYTHING get in my way” mantra👊 So inspirational to many makers, crafters, and artists. Also love how you piece together the video clips to narrate your message.
I recently came across you videos on TH-cam because I’ve had a cricut machine for a few years and sorry to admit I don’t use it enough….but I’m gonna begin. I’m glad everything is working out for you. Continued success and I will be following your different platforms.😊🤩
Important information to know, thank you!! Whether they reactivated your shop or not, the customer service department is lacking in both communication and tact...Unsettling.
Happy to have found your video. Thanks for sharing your story. This just happened to me last night and I am so upset-it just hurts. I recently launched an Etsy shop. I did my research, no copyrights, all original designs. I was ecstatic to have my 1st sale 2 days ago. It motivated me to upload more designs in the hopes of catching last-minute Christmas sales. I worked all day and into the night and when I went to add the last listing, I got an error. So I refreshed my page and at the top was a notice that my account has been suspended and to check my email for a message. There has been no message, no information, no violation, and there was no notice. I was literally uploading listings one minutes and suspended the next. Within a day my dream from that 1 sale was crushed. How can they do this? And today I was locked out of my account entirely for the 'wrong' password. Odd.
I'm sorry about what you went through. I feel your pain because your story sounds exactly like mine. It's like copy-paste. I wish you much success in what you do and good health.
OMG! When something like this happens, close the bank account linked to the shop, and put the money in a new account. It seems as though someone is going in and just closing accounts. This has happened to more than one person's shop, so I think this should be reported to the BBB. Every shop owner, this happened to, deserves an answer. I buy from shops on Etsy all the time; I want to support the shop owners. Having said that; I don't understand how these shops make any money with all the fees Esty charges.
Agree! I tried opening a shop, saw the fee, calculated my cost and profit and Esty takes all my profit plus a tad of my cost. So am basically not making anything
Thank you Amy for sharing your story about Etsy, and please don't give up on your dreams and goals, you learnt a lot, sometime we don't know, what is bad or good in our life, wish you all the best!
1st and foremost thank you for being so forthcoming. I'm a beginner and still learning how to run my non-profit business sucessully and I will do as you say and find out the details prior to starting up my non profit. My heart ❤ just aches for you because I see that you have such a desire to share and to grow to become your dream I understand that and I feel yo so deeply. I'm also very impressed with the way you're handling it and the gratitude you've found through it and the fresh start that you're finding that's gonna only set you free to be that unique artist that you wanna be. My prayers are with you and I'm glad I stumbled across this episode thank you for being transparent too.. I've learned from what you shared again so that I can be diligent in learning and not just assuming and following. .I really hope this comment finds you in a great positive attitude and I thank you. I have subscribed and liked this video But more importantly I will be sharing it.God speed to your New You! Hugs to you.
Thank you for sharing your experience... And all the others in the comment section too! I'm going through this right now and it just slays you when you've spent so much time and effort building that Etsy shop up to the point that it's successful and then they just rip it all away from you in an instant. I'm still deciding which path I'm going to take from here but I'm happy to see and hear you and others overcoming this and moving forward with your businesses. Gives me the strength I need to not just walk away.
Etsy is KNOWN for being horrible when it comes to shutting down shops without warning and without explanation. It's honestly shocking how bad their customer service can be on this issue when this is literally how many people get income to SURVIVE. But I suppose they don't care much cause they'll just get new sellers anyways :/ I hope they do get better on this.
I tried to open an Etsy seller account last week. With in an hour of me opening the account it was suspended. I was trying to open a print on demand page with my original art. There were no emails explaining why it was suspended. I reached out to Etsy via email asking why this had happened. They responded after the third email with a “your account is closed. Don’t open another.” At this point, I still have no reason to why it happened, but I know that I will not support Etsy in any form…or purchase from their platform.
Your raw moment made me cry. For real, was humbling to known people have bumps making sure they take the right path, as well as know there a path that will be everything you could wish for
Wonder if there is a global class action against Etsy's "ghosting" of their sellers,sounds like a lot experiencing similar inexplicable cancellations... & It's a bit shady that Etsy still debits the credit cards of the cancelled sellers accounts --seems to be predatory business practice
They suspended my account as soon as I made a sale. I couldn't cancel it and they charged me for the whole thing and I got no money they took it all. They are crooks! Hope they die of cancer!
They have funding set asides for that. Cost of doing business and making it corporate to make even more money. Class actions are literally a complaint box now. And the courts have a streamlined process to deal with the few that don't accept out of court settlements. So the company can move forward with making money by stepping on others.
So glad that I went with shopify when starting my business. It's more work but I love having 100% control over my shop. Good luck in your future ventures!
Be careful with Shopify. I just closed my account because they stopped me from cashing in my payments until my account was verified. Before that was even settled, they stopped my website from accepting payments too. No explanation for either.
Shopify is still a third party platform with their own policies. I've known people whose accounts have been suspended as well. I've been on Shopify with no issues though!
You're such an inspiration! Continue to do you! You're so pretty!! I'm new and late into this cricut game and I'm so glad I ran into your channel!!💃💃💃🤩
hello, I'm having this problem too. Is there any way to access your sales history? I have a lot of products to ship and cannot access my account in any way due to the permenant suspension :(
Squares website is free to create and open ..you can also get an upgraded site for a small fee. I love it!! Thanks for sharing I will not go on Etsy no matter what! Its not your own business its theirs...everyone doesn’t realize this! They employ us to create for them and charge us astronomical fees then dictate whatever they want to happen in the shop! Hell no! Your better life off without them! Tfs! Hugs -christine
What concerns me about sites like Squarespace is that you have to charge, then pay, what you’ve collected in sales tax...to each state you sell to. Opening myself up to that type of liability is not attractive to me but could be worth it to others...but imagine having to file a tax return to potentially 50 different states? Nope, no, no thanks. Amazon, Etsy and eBay do that on your behalf, which makes paying their fees worth it. Then consider the amount of visitors they get daily on their sites. Really worth it. And if you’re edging up close to breaking IP laws, the IP owner can sue you AND the site host, hence the heavy handedness of Etsy’s actions. I know, it doesn’t feel fair, but it is what it is.
@Beauteous Sounds That's not how sales tax works. Different strokes for different folks, but I've switched to e-commerce over 2 years ago and only use eBay, ect as advertising/Marketing tools. I would never go back to solely eBay. I've had no problems on e-commerce and make more money this way.
Congratulations on your rebrand! I just discovered you today. After watching a few videos, you’ve inspired me to start my own business. I’d love to make t-shirts and signs. Can you please share some advice on how you started your home based business? What do I need to know and do? What kind of paperwork and tax stuff do I need to know?
You are amazing, inspiring, and I so appreciate your passion and help. Your videos have helped me sooo much. I am just starting out. Still, not keen on everything I want to do but you simply inspire me. Thank you kindly.
I think you're so nice! Very happy I stumbled upon this video :) thank you for sharing and I wish you all the best! Subscribed your channel btw 😊 Have a great day!
Good for you! I don’t follow you, you came up in my feed but I’m glad you didn’t give up, figured it out and continue on...that is the spirit of a true entrepreneur. I wish you much success and to anyone else listening..never build your HOME on another (wo)mans land. Lesson I learned too long ago. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I just opened my Etsy last week. Started adding my products today and in a matter of TWO hours of adding some of my products I was suspended!!! No email. No reason AT ALL. I emailed them but after watching this and reading comments I think walking away now is in my best interest! Thankfully I have a website and do well with in person sales so this won’t hurt my biz. SO SORRY THIS HAPPENED TO YOU!
Just saw this video today 1/6/2022 and I'm starting an etsy store and this video is such a great lesson to understand that you don't put all your eggs in one basket. All I can say is thank you for doing this video. You rock and I'm going to follow you on all your social and on your blog. You're so strong!!!!
My account was randomly deactivated this week without any sort of communication! It happened to me like it happened to you...went to sign in and BAM - error that it was deactivated. I've sent several emails and nothing. I called today and received the "escalating this...you should receive any email...no expected amount of time to receive said email...". After seeing this, I'm not holding my breath that they'll get back to me at all. Hope you find success with your other avenues!
The zero response/explaining why our social media, selling web sites, gaming, etc., as to why we are suspended or deactivated, is almost ALL big companies unfortunately.
I also had an Etsy shop that was deactivated too. I felt like my dream of being a business owner was crushed. I am so happy that I sold my popular item before they deactivated my shop. I’m still shocked after a month. I just don’t know how to pick myself up and move forward. Thank you for sharing your story. Congrats on your shop being reactivated.
I think your amazing such an inspiration. You handled that like a champ! Sometimes when something bad happens it turns out for the good. Keep up the good job!
Oh my gosh, that was just a terrible experience with Etsy!! I felt your pain and frustration, especially when that lady hang up on you. I am really thinking on going with Shopify now but I realized that when I ordered my business cards, I did put my Etsy shop there and there's like 250 I ordered so I guess I'll just sell on Etsy until I finish those business cards then open my own shop right after (hopefully they won't shut my store before that happens lol). I pray for your success in this new journey of yours Amy!
I’m watching this 10 months after it’s posted and my account just got suspended with no notice like you…so I’m working on my own website now. Screw Etsy. The fact that they can deactivate you and keep your money is absolute bullshit so we pivot…on to bigger and better things. Watching all of your videos and pretending we are going through this together. Thanks for being an advocate and sharing!
I’m sorry. I’ve been thinking about joining Etsy. I believe you just changed my mind. Thank you for this video. In some round about way this will help you 🌈
Ugh same thing happened to me. I didn’t sell very often a few sales a month but had excellent reviews. My shop was shut down due to copyright which was crazy because I was basically decorating phone holders which hundreds of sellers are still selling…I never claimed a brand or even copied a design. It was nuts, I reached out a few times and the last email was basically get a lawyer not our problem. I even said I wouldn’t sell the same items and still they wouldn’t budge. They said I can’t even purchase on Etsy and if I make another account they will find me and shut it down. INSANE. I hope there will be a better platform for handmade goods in the future. It’s a shame because there are so many great sellers/products on Etsy.
Thank You for this video, I have an Etsy shop myself. You're definitely an example to not place all eggs in one basket. I saw the title to the update to this video, I hope things got better for you.
This happened to me as well! I made about 70 sales and was feeling good about the direction I was going with my Etsy Shop, but then they closed my shop with no explanation. They did reopen my shop after a few months, but it ruined my traction and motivation with Etsy. I decided not to go back.
Thank you for this. I was just contemplating if I should go on Etsy. Just by them hanging up the Phone like that I decided not to. Hope you are well and doing great! Sorry this happened to you.
One of my shops got shut down roughly 2 weeks after opening. I was very fortunate to use the chat and inquire about it and then they re-instated the account. Keep in mind though that they never actually told me they did, I just could log on a few days later when checking. I had a similar issue on my first account where nothing was showing in search results, but once they fixed it.... never an issue again. I hear horror stories and I know I need to capture all of the customers, but I am very happy that thus far, everything has been working out. I guess the reason why I'm saying all of this is for people in a similar situation. Just know that it is not set in stone if you get suspended or have an issue, it's more of a roll of the dice....but either way, always try
Thank you, you answered my questions. I just started my shop and one t-shirt listed. Next thing you know, my account was suspended on the same day I listed and no reason. Though they say to check my all messages, no messaged what so ever from them. But before all this, they were giving me a hard starting the shop. Now this!!! I gave up, and by listening to you, I don't want to do my business with them. They seems to be unprofessional and unorganized.
I bet you 100% that you guys won't get as much sales using Shopify as on Etsy. You need to drive traffic to your site which would cost you tons of money on advertising, you would be lucky to break even. While on other hand, Etsy does all this job for you. I am surprise that no one has ever mentioned this biggest risk to people who wants to switch to Shopify right away.
@@erikawatson9507 That may or may not be true, with how much etsy buries shops to keep them from getting as successful as their favorites you may not make all that much. The only way to really get seen on etsy these days is through paid advertising and even that doesn't really help all that much, especially if it's one of etsy's "luxurious" off site ads that they take a huge 15% chunk out of your sale for and if you get to where you can't afford to pay for advertising, you get buried again. Just making 5 sales on shopify which is your own website is way more beneficial to you than making 15 sales on etsy because you're getting your own fully owned business started. You don't own your business on etsy, etsy does.
I have experienced unjust things with employers. While this kind of unjust stuff isn't professional and they don't care about people, unfortunately it's how some people are in this world with no end in site. I understand why you needed to say your disclaimer. I won't support Etsy.
I am feeling every emotion in your clip🙄 It took a lot of work to silence my imposter syndrome and start a shop. I put up a dummy listing just to get started. I was following along with a "how to set up your etsy and printify". I created my Etsy, and as I was creating my printify account, Etsy suspended my account. I have people ready to buy and support. I'm trying to stay positive and research other avenues. Thank you for sharing
Thank you for posting this sad news. However, for those of us considering joining Etsy, this was extremely important information!! I am research which group to join. Thank you so very much for telling your experience and journey to help others!!!
Wow! You are so terrific and so resilient. And How wonderful your kindness and desire to help others succeed! What are doing currently? Thanks for sharing great knowledge and tips. I have yet to start anything, But I am learning watching your videos etc.Thank you!
I’m happy you landed on your feet. I was on the verge of selling digital products on Etsy but I changed my mind after seeing other videos like yours who had the same thing happen to them. I absolutely will not support Etsy in any way 😡
Wow!!! Thank you sooo much for sharing this journey! Do you just have just as much success with your own brand and website now? I was about to get an account with Etsy today and did not after seeing your video thank you!!
Even more success! Turns out that the biggest challenge/downfall of my career ended up being the biggest blessing. My social media, business & income grew!
Everything happens for a reason, and you have learned that at a young age, You will succeed and on your own platform. I lost my job due to covid, I am a talented seamstress and was about to open an ESTY shop, but after watching your video, I don't think its where I want to be, Thank you for your truthfulness and honesty,.:0
Thank you so much for sharing. With this usccessful business some of them are terrible for customer services. They get too cocky. No matter how big you can always come crashing down. So happy and glad you found your way. When one door closes another opens.
Thank you so much for this video. I am in the process of starting a small business and Etsy was one of the first sites I was going to post. But if they can do what they did to you and others, knowing how much harder some of us have to work to make that extra income specially since the pandemic, I absolutely don’t want to deal with that type of non professionalism. Thank God you are being blessed in other ways .. new subscribers here 😀
last week they deactivated my account and emailed them but their reply is very rude..I will copy to you what did they said: After a comprehensive review of your account, Etsy has determined it violates our Terms of Service or House Rules. As a result, Etsy has permanently closed your account. Please do not open any additional accounts for buying or selling, as they will be closed without notice. This decision is final and we will not respond to any further outreach about your account. This email constitutes our final communication on this matter. Regards, Etsy Trust and Safety
NOT BEING RUDE: but I've never understood why people use Etsy (Ravelry, Crafts, etc) to begin with. Purchasing a domain name and certificate is $10- MAX- for up to 3 years. My husband designs websites and hosts them on a private server, so I do understand that's an advantage others don't have. But whatever is being paid for that cannot equal the amount you end up shelling out to Etsy to host your page and the added percentage they take from your sales. Am I wrong? Please educate.
this is quite scary, i've been working very hard on my account, and it hasn't really taken off but I'm planning on some giveaways, etc. and feel like it will happen ........ thanks for the info, will focus on getting some other things besides just Etsy as my selling platform
I had 16000 sales with 5000+ five star reviews. They shut me down with zero reason or any info as to why. Forget trying to contact them, I’m pretty sure no one actually works for this company. It’s all just automated responses. Idk how a company can stay in business when they ban every seller
❗❗ETSY SHOP UPDATE!!! ❗❗
After 4 months, Etsy decided to REACTIVATE. MY. ACCOUNT. I still can't believe this lol! Watch my newest video HERE on my Etsy Shop update!
th-cam.com/video/dvEWvB_lAfQ/w-d-xo.html
That’s awesome good luck
With your store!!
Good luck in your future endeavours, Amy!! x
Don't use Etsy they are shitheads.
I dumped Etsy after they moved to requiring free shipping (otherwise your listings would be at the bottom of a search). I had items that varied in weight and without knowing where a buyer would be, it was hard to guess what shipping would be to incorporate it into the price. I would have had to take the highest possible shipping cost and add it to the item, which would screw people who lived closer to me and really didn't need to pay that much. And they would be unlikely to buy an overpriced item. Fortunately, I had only been using Etsy for a few months. Thankfully, there are a lot of other platforms out there these days! If I were you, I would NOT use Etsy anymore. What happens if you do have orders pending the next time they decide to ambush you?
@Holly Oehrlein Even without free shipping a shop can do good. The problem is not Etsy but your marketing strategy. If you know how to sell set up price ang appeal customers there is no problem
Etsy needs a competitor. The best way to make a company improve is stiff competition.
cant agree more
In europe they had. Now not anymore. I'm so furious about this still and hope that any alternative might show up
Amazon Handmade 😊
@@hanumamaofficial Yes! Amazon is the perfect company to take them on!
There is something profoundly unsettling about a giant removing someone’s livelihood in an instant without one communication, without any warning or any chance to rectify a potential breech of rules or policies. The number of Etsy store owners reporting this exact same treatment is staggering. Until platforms start getting sued for the damage and stress they cause business owners they’ll only continue to feel ALL the power disproportionally lies in THEIR favor. The question I ask is WHY would any company do this to anyone without a respectful exchange and reasonable time to address and resolve any issues or misunderstandings. It’s terrifying to think of building a business that connects you to any brand that doesn’t operate with the golden rule as their first priority.
It just happened to me, its shocking. I've lost my 120k income in one morning. No reason and communication
2 years later and this is still happening. Lucky I only had my shop open a few weeks. Products sitting in my drafts that I was getting ready to load all the photos to and next thing I know, suspended. I sell vintage items so I knew it wasn’t a copyright issue. No emails and no warning. Almost 2 weeks later, after filing an appeal for which I had no idea the cause, I get an email apologizing for “any inconvenience” and the suspension was lifted. After that, I knew Etsy was not the right place for me. I’m not willing to put in that much work to lose everything because of a mistake on their part.
I agree with all comments. I was planning to open a Etsy shop..but thinking of my own website, & using social media to drive traffic. All the best everyone.
I cannot even believe the comments in here.. how often this happens to Etsy sellers! Including myself . Good for you for pushing in a different direction! I also learned this and realized I don’t want someone to control my entire business. :)
Thank you for making this video and for your transparency. They lengths Etsy goes to protect its image is unbelievable. They treat sellers terribly and take huge profits off the backs of hardworking small business owners. Many of their practices are unethical and I think a class action lawsuit will be in the works sooner or later against them.
They delete all negative reviews that mention them, they don’t allow everyone to response to their posts on Instagram and do not ever respond to help requests sent via twitter. The practices of Etsy are very shady. I was hung up on by a customer service rep too and I do not know any other business that does this. Sellers need to speak up and take their business elsewhere.
This happened to me recently. I updated my card info and didn't know that it meant a 5 day hold or a whole week without pay. So orders got a little backed up, because you know money in = money out and they turned my store off. I was trying to explain the situation to someone who had never used it or sold there before and they were so baffled, which kinda made me laugh because I've had so many issues with them that I'm just going to let the store go and wash my hands of them, but I had the same thought they'll face a lawsuit sooner or later and it'll probably include thousands of sellers. The number one thing that irritates me besides the bizarre financial management stuff is how they embolden customer complaints. It's almost encouraged for customers to get upset over moderate delays and inconveniences, and they want sellers to talk as though they're 'friends' with their customers. I've just never seen anything like it as a seller or a customer.
I have an Etsy, but I can not solely depend on them for this reason. Keep your head up. It was a sign that you were ready to move beyond Etsy. You go girl!
Thank you!! It definitely was a sign and I’m glad it happened now rather than later down the road!!
@@AmyMakesThat you are very talented and not at all limited by one platform. There are many other shops and platforms out there to enable you to keep moving forward. I've been doing my own research as I start my business, I wish you the best with your continued hard work and can't wait to see when you get your products back online!
@@AmyMakesThat My account just got shut down and to tell you the truth etsy is a good starting point and a door into moving in working on your own website. Use the time you have now and the power you have of your subscribers to promote your shop! You can do it don't stop keep moving forward girl
Also for all funds that have been left in the balance of your etsy shop etsy will hold for 180 days and that is the most insane bullshit haha... but thats alright just keep trucking
@@808monsta96816 Bloody hell!!!!
(In response to how long they keep your money).
I related to this video so much!!! My Etsy account was suspended too. When it happened my heart and stomach just sank! No notification, no email to explain why it was suspended...nothing. I went through all you went through too. Calling, many emails with no answer from Etsy. Finally I did get an email (after a month) saying it was suspended in error 🤔 and that they reactivated my Etsy shop, but I am so nervous to do anything with it now 😔🤷🏼♀️ Thank you for this video and love your positivity 🥰❤️
I do too! This has just happened to me! I'm so upset...this is so unfair! I feel exactly the same way...I'm sure it's a mistake...this is awful what they do to sellers! I worked so hard...it's devastating:(
@@stephanieghorayeb2772 Damned! Have you recovered your etsy customers emails?
Im experiencing the same thing rn and I have no idea why, it's so frustrating!! :(((
@@stephanieghorayeb2772 same here :*(((
Oh my god after seeing all these comments shud i really get to etsy ?
Not sure why you popped up on my TH-cam feed, but I’m glad you did! Recently launched my own business and people were asking if I was going to open an Etsy shop. I had my own reasons as to why I wasn’t and your video just solidifies things!! Thank you and may God bless you going forward!!
I just created an Etsy store the other day, but haven’t listed anything yet. After hearing your story I think I’ll look at other avenues. The comments from your viewers have given me a few options to check out. You just randomly showed up in my TH-cam feed this morning. So glad you did!
so glad I did too! I'm happy that this video can show new and existing Etsy shop owners how Etsy treats their sellers.
I created a store and they suspended my account before I even posted a listing.
@GamesLounge I'm going through this right now too. But that made me laugh.
My mouth actually dropped when the lady just hung up the phone on you. You were even making clear noises that you wanted to say something...that was so cold.
Right? I was seriously in shock that she did that!
I'm in an Etsy group and a number of people mention that they are hung up on. Etsy clearly tells reps to do this. I've heard all types of reasons for cancellation; logging in from another IP address ( a friend for instance is logging in), trying to order your own stuff, too many refunds and low reviews, and of course, selling stuff that is not handmade or copyrighted stuff.
I couldn't even find their phone number on their site when they suspended my account. They said they sent me an email, but nope, no message. They took my money and I wasted my time and effort. Don't use Etsy they are crooked shits. I had to close my bank account just to make sure their thieving asses didn't get their hands on any more of my money. Fuck Etsy.
Hey Amy, thanks for posting this! 100% relatable. Exact same thing happened to me yesterday as a new seller. I just got my first 3 orders and first 5 star review. My only listing is commissioned art print like how on earth it can be related to copyright violation??? No email no explanation, just found out I couldn't even log in. Went through the exact same process like you including rude "customer service" person hung up on me. I don't even know if I'm going to receive the pending revenue in my account! I can't believe such a huge platform can treat sellers like this.
My Dear-- You will be beyond successful- You have the passion and you are NOT a quitter that is 50% of the journey!!
Thank you for the kind words 💕I'm a fighter & won't ever give up on my dreams!!
The problem with Etsy, is that I can file a copywrite against a shop just because I don't like their shop and Etsy will gladly give that shop a strike without question. I know this because it happened to me. Its only a matter of time before I get banned. So I will be making my own website and bring my customers there. That's very ironic how their customer service rep hung up on you, never to be heard from again, yet they expect us as sellers to provide an exceptional customer service experience.
There’s also the issue of scammers on there. Many people reported one store and nothing was ever done about it even though there was proof that she was scamming people and her store went against Etsy’s own terms of use as none of the items were handmade just cheap stuff bought off a shelf and resold. The store told people their lead time was 12 weeks and only accepted paypal. And PayPal’s last chance to file a claim is 12 weeks so they were actually stealing money from people.
The other issue is making items unsafe for infant use. they aren’t sold in brick and mortar stores because they’re unsafe yet have been sold by Etsy stores even after the product was found to be a danger to babies. Continuing to allow the sale of such items is just a bad look for their company.
This is not true. I have some trusted sources who have said that while anyone can file a copyright infringement on a product, it will just end up in the cyberspace trash can unless you are the owner of said copyright.
Same thing happens on TH-cam.
Send them a tweet, companies usually respond faster when you put their business on blast. I'm shock to learn this about Etsy. I shop a lot on Etsy but now I'll go spend my money elsewhere if they don't even look after their sellers.
I've just watched 'Mixed Media Girl' and she's quit Etsy, too. So I'm sharing both their videos as some friends are considering Etsy so they need to see videos like this!!
I spent over a week working on my Etsy store and right after my first sale they suspended my account without warning and I wound up PAYING $40 instead of making a profit because I had to pay for the whole thing, they just stole my money and locked me out. They are scumbags!
@@undeadpresident omg the same exact thing happened to me with no notice. I ended up doing shopify which is harder but atleast I have control over it
Boycotting Etsy doesn't really hurt EtsyCorp, it hurts the sellers on Etsy.
@@gracebabyco Hi - did you ever find out why it happened? I am considering starting a handmade store. Pretty scary stuff!
It’s sad to hear that is how they deal with shops. I find it beyond frustrating how much drop shipped garbage is on there- it doesn’t feel very handmade anymore.
It doesn't have to be handmade anymore. That's stated on the site and was put in place 1 or 2 years ago.
I saw a video on tiktok of a guy drop shipping stuff from Alibaba and selling on Etsy as an “easy way to make money” it truly saddened me that people like him are going to take over Etsy :/
@@angiemarrero6892
Oh god, it's turning into Wish!! 🤬🤬
@@angiemarrero6892 this is why I always check for the product outside. I was looking for some rings some months ago. Found interesting ones for $20-40. But multiple sellers were selling. So I searched out of curiosity on AliExpress and found the exact designs for $3-9
@@websurfer4672 yeah bc aliexpress steals everything
I’m so sorry that you had to go through this. I’m so happy that you didn’t give up. You go girl!!! More power to you. Be blessed.
Thank you! I’ll never give up on my dream ❣️
Wow I'm so glad I'm seeing this. 👀 I've had my shop on etsy for about 5 months but I'm slowly moving over to shopify because I have seen so many examples of Etsy mistreating their sellers. Im so sorry this happened to you but I'm glad to see you used it to propel you in a new direction.
I got my shop suspended last year on the start of december. just in the middle of the biggest sells time. My shop was 5 years on etsy. After first 3 years i quit my job and was full time seller on etsy. I made really great income. Never broke their rules, good reviews, never had opened case against me... then i went to check my shop and was in same shock as you. My shop deactivated.. i was in real panic, wrote to etsy, called to etsy.. then just got email without any explanation, that the decision to close my shop was final and i cant do anything against it. The frustration and stress was terrible, i did not know what to do. I opened shop on shopify, but was not getting any sells, my christmas totally destroyed, as i was too down for this all.. i was fast learning about how to run shopify store, ads etc.. now is the store 4 months old, i am still learning a lot, but sells are growing, and the feeling that nobody cant destroy my life with one click to make my shop disappear is best.. In january found a job, so now is my shop just like a second income.. but i hope one day i can again have it as my mine job, because i just love it..
You were to successful
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your video. I just open my Etsy store yesterday but they suspended my account today and not send me email. Can't find anyone to contact on Etsy. No customer service at all. Etsy SUCKS! Thanks your video again, I should own my store instead of control by others. You're truly beautiful. Thanks!
I know the feeling I’ve been on Etsy for 3 years and been making it my full time business and all the sudden bang it was gone! it literally ruined me but I had no choice to focus on a website and build that way but it’s such a heart ache 😣 but never give up and push harder! You will get where you wanna be and believe In your self 😊
If you don't mind me asking, what happened? I just opened my shop for my jewelry. They shut you down for being successful?
@@realwrae7918 they don’t tell you why they shut you down that’s bad thing about it I wouldn’t stick to Etsy I would go else where or have a website just in a case it happens :)
Hello! Etsy just closed mine and I just want to ask if you got your remaining balance transferred to your bank account even when you got deactivated? Thank you!
What website did you use ? I want to start with Etsy but I am studying which website to launch a blog and small e-commerce...
So glad I found this page. First time viewing and I LOVE IT! Your transparency and especially your desire to teach and not gate keep! I neverrrrr comment on social media but felt the need to encourage you. I love how a situation that could’ve diverted your dreams and purpose was used instead to catapult you toward it. Many blessings in your endeavors! I’ll be here watching and learning 🫶🏼
I'm glad i saw this video, now i am even more diligent to finish up my website instead of relying on etsy. Hope you continue to thrive in your business, all the best Amy!
After a lot of research, I finally ordered my very first Cricut. I’ve been watching A LOT of Cricut and crafting videos, specifically videos that provide insight on how to turn a hobby into a side business. Your videos are by far the most helpful videos I’ve come across. I’m so sorry to hear about your Etsy shop, but I’m so excited for this rebrand. Subscribed and can’t wait for more great content from you!
Yay! Congrats on getting the Cricut 🥰 and thank you for your kind words! Hoping this new chapter will bring bigger & better things for me 💕 good luck to you!!
Girl. This happened to me. My shop of 10+ years was suspended overnight and I had no idea why. No email, no one would tell me anything (just like you). And I can’t open another shop because they have flagged my personal info. So infuriating. I made door signs with non-copyright phrases (checked via several databases). Crazy. I am working up the courage to start a website. I’m so glad you have been rethinking your purpose and rebrand and that this has at least been a productive time! Best wishes to you!
same thing happened to me yesterday.... at lease we know it's not our fault...
eBay and Etsy are both cutthroat marketplaces where it's common practice for competitors to report you. I'd be looking at sellers who sold very similar items.
Totally agree
Yes, it’s true.
thats crazy who has time to troll others. that karma will come back to them. thats a special kind of evil. they need to lose they entire business over this kind of bs. thats so wrong.
Omg! So true. I got shut down because I made an azelaic acid toner, an AHA Peel, and now they are threatening my charcoal peel. Whats our alternative? Shopify?
@@kimconley1767 at this point yes unfortunately
I really thank you I’ve been going back and forth on making my own website or Etsy and after watching a few videos I’m content on my own website ! Thank you so much Amy! This is definitely your calling !
Just make sure you get your ducks in a row. Tax ID, business License, ect, but it's the right choice
I just found this video due to the fact Etsy closed my account as well . Let's just say I'm over Etsy I don't recommend anyone use them and I will NEVER support anything with Etsy. And honestly I better get the money from sales or I'm suing them .
Were you selling items that infringed on the property rights of others??
That crazy because Shopify just did this to me
I personally think that a class action suit should be filed against Etsy. I don't care if they have it in their terms of service information. They are shutting down people's livelihood without notification or explanation. At least give people a chance to fix the problem. I heard this was happening only to shop owners who were doing well on Etsy but had to temporarily shut their shop down only to find out they were technically out of business. I currently have an Etsy site but I also have my own website so I am not depending on Etsy alone just in case what happened to you happens to me. I don't sell a lot on there anyway but you never know. A lot of employers now have that as part of your accepting a job that they can terminate you without cause or reason. I know mine does. Many of us are on the what do I want to do with my life journey so you are not alone.
After 20+ years as a seller on eBay, they did the same thing to me last month and then provided me with a bogus lie for an excuse as to why they did it. They also provided no proof to their allegations and are extreme cowards who don't give straight up answers, block you from trying to call or email them nor allow you to speak with them personally.
There's no basis to a class action lawsuit since Etsy's terms specifically state that Etsy can deactivate a shop or listing at any time for any reason. Every seller signs this agreement when they open a shop. Etsy has complete control over the visibility of a shop and it's all legal. That's the nature of having access to its 43 million customer base.
@@FallenAngelBrass Do they have also the right to keep your money when they terminate your account ?
I have seen sooo many sellers on Etsy stealing images from websites of professional designers and claiming they are handmaking work that isn't theirs, and yet Etsy hasn't done anything to stop them even when they have reviews stating that those sellers are scam artists..
I got suspended and don't know why.
I was buying gold and silver.
They screwed their sellers AND themselves.
I'm not playing their childish nonsense.
I had a similar ban with Facebook for my business which killed my business. It took months. But I tweeted and LinkedIn various executives and finally got to someone who was human enough to help.
Facebook is the WORST! Absolutely NO support of any kind. With all the money Zuckerberg is making you would think he could at the very least provide some sort of email support. Horrible way to do business! I think a lot of people must be losing interest. They are actually calling people now and offering to help you get started with FB advertising. I hope it turns out to be too little too late. I would love to see FB become just another has been.
Amy I am so sorry you had to go through all of that with Etsy! I’m glad you came out of it with such a positive attitude! ❤️ I am really enjoying your videos.
I was actually planning on making an etsy next moth or this month so I’m glad i found this video! Thank you for sharing
Thank you Amy for a great video on your experience with Etsy! I love the “I will not let ANYTHING get in my way” mantra👊 So inspirational to many makers, crafters, and artists. Also love how you piece together the video clips to narrate your message.
thank you so so much!!
Thank you, Amy. You are awesome and so glad that you did not give up. You keep moving forward and don't give up on you dreams.
I recently came across you videos on TH-cam because I’ve had a cricut machine for a few years and sorry to admit I don’t use it enough….but I’m gonna begin. I’m glad everything is working out for you. Continued success and I will be following your different platforms.😊🤩
thank you for your support!!! so happy to have you here
Important information to know, thank you!! Whether they reactivated your shop or not, the customer service department is lacking in both communication and tact...Unsettling.
It's because they don't speak English.
Happy to have found your video. Thanks for sharing your story. This just happened to me last night and I am so upset-it just hurts. I recently launched an Etsy shop. I did my research, no copyrights, all original designs. I was ecstatic to have my 1st sale 2 days ago. It motivated me to upload more designs in the hopes of catching last-minute Christmas sales. I worked all day and into the night and when I went to add the last listing, I got an error. So I refreshed my page and at the top was a notice that my account has been suspended and to check my email for a message. There has been no message, no information, no violation, and there was no notice. I was literally uploading listings one minutes and suspended the next. Within a day my dream from that 1 sale was crushed. How can they do this? And today I was locked out of my account entirely for the 'wrong' password. Odd.
I'm sorry about what you went through. I feel your pain because your story sounds exactly like mine. It's like copy-paste. I wish you much success in what you do and good health.
Grateful for you sharing this, I would never imagine Etsy was like this much less be doing this to other people. Unforgivable.
OMG! When something like this happens, close the bank account linked to the shop, and put the money in a new account. It seems as though someone is going in and just closing accounts. This has happened to more than one person's shop, so I think this should be reported to the BBB. Every shop owner, this happened to, deserves an answer.
I buy from shops on Etsy all the time; I want to support the shop owners. Having said that; I don't
understand how these shops make any money with all the fees Esty charges.
Agree! I tried opening a shop, saw the fee, calculated my cost and profit and Esty takes all my profit plus a tad of my cost. So am basically not making anything
Thank you Amy for sharing your story about Etsy, and please don't give up on your dreams and goals, you learnt a lot, sometime we don't know, what is bad or good in our life, wish you all the best!
Thank you so much for your kind words! Hoping this is just a hiccup in the road and something better is in plan for me 😊
So glad I’m seeing this as I was planning on opening an Etsy account next month.
1st and foremost thank you for being so forthcoming. I'm a beginner and still learning how to run my non-profit business sucessully and I will do as you say and find out the details prior to starting up my non profit.
My heart ❤ just aches for you because I see that you have such a desire to share and to grow to become your dream
I understand that and I feel yo so deeply. I'm also very impressed with the way you're handling it and the gratitude you've found through it and the fresh start that you're finding that's gonna only set you free to be that unique artist that you wanna be. My prayers are with you and I'm glad I stumbled across this episode thank you for being transparent too.. I've learned from what you shared again so that I can be diligent in learning and not just assuming and following.
.I really hope this comment finds you in a great positive attitude and I thank you. I have subscribed and liked this video But more importantly I will be sharing it.God speed to your New You! Hugs to you.
Thank you for sharing your experience... And all the others in the comment section too! I'm going through this right now and it just slays you when you've spent so much time and effort building that Etsy shop up to the point that it's successful and then they just rip it all away from you in an instant. I'm still deciding which path I'm going to take from here but I'm happy to see and hear you and others overcoming this and moving forward with your businesses. Gives me the strength I need to not just walk away.
Etsy is KNOWN for being horrible when it comes to shutting down shops without warning and without explanation. It's honestly shocking how bad their customer service can be on this issue when this is literally how many people get income to SURVIVE. But I suppose they don't care much cause they'll just get new sellers anyways :/ I hope they do get better on this.
Thank you. Your message helped to make my mind up . No more dealings with Etsy . You are doing great. Good luck to you in your business.
I tried to open an Etsy seller account last week. With in an hour of me opening the account it was suspended. I was trying to open a print on demand page with my original art. There were no emails explaining why it was suspended. I reached out to Etsy via email asking why this had happened. They responded after the third email with a “your account is closed. Don’t open another.” At this point, I still have no reason to why it happened, but I know that I will not support Etsy in any form…or purchase from their platform.
Your raw moment made me cry. For real, was humbling to known people have bumps making sure they take the right path, as well as know there a path that will be everything you could wish for
Wonder if there is a global class action against Etsy's "ghosting" of their sellers,sounds like a lot experiencing similar inexplicable cancellations...
& It's a bit shady that Etsy still debits the credit cards of the cancelled sellers accounts --seems to be predatory business practice
Seller could do chargebacks going back 6 months. I am sure they would be willing to talk to you then. ;)
Ghosting.. yes.. that’s what it is
They suspended my account as soon as I made a sale. I couldn't cancel it and they charged me for the whole thing and I got no money they took it all. They are crooks! Hope they die of cancer!
They have funding set asides for that. Cost of doing business and making it corporate to make even more money. Class actions are literally a complaint box now. And the courts have a streamlined process to deal with the few that don't accept out of court settlements. So the company can move forward with making money by stepping on others.
F etsy
So glad that I went with shopify when starting my business. It's more work but I love having 100% control over my shop. Good luck in your future ventures!
1000% agree on getting your own website now! And thank you! Good luck to you too 🖤
Be careful with Shopify. I just closed my account because they stopped me from cashing in my payments until my account was verified. Before that was even settled, they stopped my website from accepting payments too. No explanation for either.
Shopify is still a third party platform with their own policies. I've known people whose accounts have been suspended as well. I've been on Shopify with no issues though!
Hmm...Shopify can close your shop when they want it's the same thing
You're such an inspiration! Continue to do you! You're so pretty!! I'm new and late into this cricut game and I'm so glad I ran into your channel!!💃💃💃🤩
hello, I'm having this problem too. Is there any way to access your sales history? I have a lot of products to ship and cannot access my account in any way due to the permenant suspension :(
Squares website is free to create and open ..you can also get an upgraded site for a small fee. I love it!! Thanks for sharing I will not go on Etsy no matter what! Its not your own business its theirs...everyone doesn’t realize this! They employ us to create for them and charge us astronomical fees then dictate whatever they want to happen in the shop! Hell no! Your better life off without them! Tfs! Hugs -christine
Exactly! It’s not your website under Etsy & it’s important to have your own so nothing like this can happen! Thank you ♥️
Thank you for the information! You're awesome!
What concerns me about sites like Squarespace is that you have to charge, then pay, what you’ve collected in sales tax...to each state you sell to. Opening myself up to that type of liability is not attractive to me but could be worth it to others...but imagine having to file a tax return to potentially 50 different states? Nope, no, no thanks. Amazon, Etsy and eBay do that on your behalf, which makes paying their fees worth it. Then consider the amount of visitors they get daily on their sites. Really worth it. And if you’re edging up close to breaking IP laws, the IP owner can sue you AND the site host, hence the heavy handedness of Etsy’s actions. I know, it doesn’t feel fair, but it is what it is.
@Beauteous Sounds That's not how sales tax works. Different strokes for different folks, but I've switched to e-commerce over 2 years ago and only use eBay, ect as advertising/Marketing tools. I would never go back to solely eBay. I've had no problems on e-commerce and make more money this way.
Congratulations on your rebrand! I just discovered you today. After watching a few videos, you’ve inspired me to start my own business. I’d love to make t-shirts and signs. Can you please share some advice on how you started your home based business? What do I need to know and do? What kind of paperwork and tax stuff do I need to know?
You are amazing, inspiring, and I so appreciate your passion and help. Your videos have helped me sooo much. I am just starting out. Still, not keen on everything I want to do but you simply inspire me. Thank you kindly.
🥹🥹 thank you for watching & supporting
I think you're so nice! Very happy I stumbled upon this video :) thank you for sharing and I wish you all the best! Subscribed your channel btw 😊 Have a great day!
Girl your cute and working really hard! Love your positivity, continue to shine!
Aw thank you!! I just want to be an inspiration to people 💕
Keep going! You are in a better place now because you didn’t quit! Best of luck to you in whatever you do!
Good for you! I don’t follow you, you came up in my feed but I’m glad you didn’t give up, figured it out and continue on...that is the spirit of a true entrepreneur. I wish you much success and to anyone else listening..never build your HOME on another (wo)mans land. Lesson I learned too long ago. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Definitely a person that learns from others so thank you so much for sharing!!
So sorry this happened!! Good luck to you! Ill be supporting you!!
thank you 💕
So what was the fine print that you kept saying that you missed? I'm confused. 🤔
I just opened my Etsy last week. Started adding my products today and in a matter of TWO hours of adding some of my products I was suspended!!! No email. No reason AT ALL. I emailed them but after watching this and reading comments I think walking away now is in my best interest! Thankfully I have a website and do well with in person sales so this won’t hurt my biz.
SO SORRY THIS HAPPENED TO YOU!
I appreciate you recording the call and your raw emotions!!! This was me!!!!!!!!!!
Just saw this video today 1/6/2022 and I'm starting an etsy store and this video is such a great lesson to understand that you don't put all your eggs in one basket. All I can say is thank you for doing this video. You rock and I'm going to follow you on all your social and on your blog. You're so strong!!!!
My account was randomly deactivated this week without any sort of communication! It happened to me like it happened to you...went to sign in and BAM - error that it was deactivated. I've sent several emails and nothing. I called today and received the "escalating this...you should receive any email...no expected amount of time to receive said email...". After seeing this, I'm not holding my breath that they'll get back to me at all. Hope you find success with your other avenues!
The zero response/explaining why our social media, selling web sites, gaming, etc., as to why we are suspended or deactivated, is almost ALL big companies unfortunately.
I also had an Etsy shop that was deactivated too. I felt like my dream of being a business owner was crushed. I am so happy that I sold my popular item before they deactivated my shop. I’m still shocked after a month. I just don’t know how to pick myself up and move forward. Thank you for sharing your story. Congrats on your shop being reactivated.
I think your amazing such an inspiration. You handled that like a champ! Sometimes when something bad happens it turns out for the good. Keep up the good job!
Thank you for your kind words 😭 I just want to be an inspiration for y’all!
Oh my gosh, that was just a terrible experience with Etsy!! I felt your pain and frustration, especially when that lady hang up on you. I am really thinking on going with Shopify now but I realized that when I ordered my business cards, I did put my Etsy shop there and there's like 250 I ordered so I guess I'll just sell on Etsy until I finish those business cards then open my own shop right after (hopefully they won't shut my store before that happens lol). I pray for your success in this new journey of yours Amy!
I’m watching this 10 months after it’s posted and my account just got suspended with no notice like you…so I’m working on my own website now. Screw Etsy. The fact that they can deactivate you and keep your money is absolute bullshit so we pivot…on to bigger and better things. Watching all of your videos and pretending we are going through this together. Thanks for being an advocate and sharing!
Let me summarize this video. Amy made lemonade from lemons. Well done Amy! Your video was well worth watching regarding Etsy.
well said 😍thank you so much!!
I’m sorry. I’ve been thinking about joining Etsy. I believe you just changed my mind. Thank you for this video. In some round about way this will help you 🌈
What an amazing attitude. Best of luck to you!!!
Ugh same thing happened to me. I didn’t sell very often a few sales a month but had excellent reviews. My shop was shut down due to copyright which was crazy because I was basically decorating phone holders which hundreds of sellers are still selling…I never claimed a brand or even copied a design. It was nuts, I reached out a few times and the last email was basically get a lawyer not our problem. I even said I wouldn’t sell the same items and still they wouldn’t budge. They said I can’t even purchase on Etsy and if I make another account they will find me and shut it down. INSANE. I hope there will be a better platform for handmade goods in the future. It’s a shame because there are so many great sellers/products on Etsy.
I learned to keep listening to my instincts; it's always been off about etsy. That is horrible customer service. Looking forward to learning more!
Thank You for this video, I have an Etsy shop myself. You're definitely an example to not place all eggs in one basket. I saw the title to the update to this video, I hope things got better for you.
This happened to me as well! I made about 70 sales and was feeling good about the direction I was going with my Etsy Shop, but then they closed my shop with no explanation. They did reopen my shop after a few months, but it ruined my traction and motivation with Etsy. I decided not to go back.
How did you get the account back?
Wow. I’m speechless. Love how you handled this! Very inspiring!
Thank you so much 💕😭
Thank you for this. I was just contemplating if I should go on Etsy. Just by them hanging up the Phone like that I decided not to.
Hope you are well and doing great! Sorry this happened to you.
One of my shops got shut down roughly 2 weeks after opening. I was very fortunate to use the chat and inquire about it and then they re-instated the account. Keep in mind though that they never actually told me they did, I just could log on a few days later when checking. I had a similar issue on my first account where nothing was showing in search results, but once they fixed it.... never an issue again. I hear horror stories and I know I need to capture all of the customers, but I am very happy that thus far, everything has been working out. I guess the reason why I'm saying all of this is for people in a similar situation. Just know that it is not set in stone if you get suspended or have an issue, it's more of a roll of the dice....but either way, always try
Thank you, you answered my questions. I just started my shop and one t-shirt listed. Next thing you know, my account was suspended on the same day I listed and no reason. Though they say to check my all messages, no messaged what so ever from them. But before all this, they were giving me a hard starting the shop. Now this!!! I gave up, and by listening to you, I don't want to do my business with them. They seems to be unprofessional and unorganized.
Hi Amy, this helped me make my choice of platform. I was debating on whether to use Etsy or Shopify. Definitely not going to use Etsy now. Thank you.
Shopify.
Shopify is great you just have to drive your own traffic to it verses etsy
I bet you 100% that you guys won't get as much sales using Shopify as on Etsy. You need to drive traffic to your site which would cost you tons of money on advertising, you would be lucky to break even. While on other hand, Etsy does all this job for you. I am surprise that no one has ever mentioned this biggest risk to people who wants to switch to Shopify right away.
@@erikawatson9507 That may or may not be true, with how much etsy buries shops to keep them from getting as successful as their favorites you may not make all that much. The only way to really get seen on etsy these days is through paid advertising and even that doesn't really help all that much, especially if it's one of etsy's "luxurious" off site ads that they take a huge 15% chunk out of your sale for and if you get to where you can't afford to pay for advertising, you get buried again. Just making 5 sales on shopify which is your own website is way more beneficial to you than making 15 sales on etsy because you're getting your own fully owned business started. You don't own your business on etsy, etsy does.
I am glad you posted. Hopefully it will save others from falling victim to these money grabbers.
I have experienced unjust things with employers. While this kind of unjust stuff isn't professional and they don't care about people, unfortunately it's how some people are in this world with no end in site. I understand why you needed to say your disclaimer. I won't support Etsy.
I am feeling every emotion in your clip🙄 It took a lot of work to silence my imposter syndrome and start a shop. I put up a dummy listing just to get started. I was following along with a "how to set up your etsy and printify". I created my Etsy, and as I was creating my printify account, Etsy suspended my account. I have people ready to buy and support. I'm trying to stay positive and research other avenues. Thank you for sharing
Thank you for posting this sad news. However, for those of us considering joining Etsy, this was extremely important information!! I am research which group to join. Thank you so very much for telling your experience and journey to help others!!!
Wow! You are so terrific and so resilient. And How wonderful your kindness and desire to help others succeed! What are doing currently? Thanks for sharing great knowledge and tips. I have yet to start anything, But I am learning watching your videos etc.Thank you!
Hmmm I hear a lot of bad things about Etsy. Guess that is a sign for me to stay away from that place.
I’m happy you landed on your feet. I was on the verge of selling digital products on Etsy but I changed my mind after seeing other videos like yours who had the same thing happen to them. I absolutely will not support Etsy in any way 😡
This is so scary. They could at least give you a day or two to resolve whatever the issue is before shutting you down for good. This is ridiculous!!
my point exactly!!
It's as if they thought she was a conservative or something.
@@Dosbomber why do political positions always have to be brought up? Cripes....
Wow!!! Thank you sooo much for sharing this journey! Do you just have just as much success with your own brand and website now? I was about to get an account with Etsy today and did not after seeing your video thank you!!
Even more success! Turns out that the biggest challenge/downfall of my career ended up being the biggest blessing. My social media, business & income grew!
@@AmyMakesThat what do you think of the Etsy bank plaid thing?
Everything happens for a reason, and you have learned that at a young age, You will succeed and on your own platform. I lost my job due to covid, I am a talented seamstress and was about to open an ESTY shop, but after watching your video, I don't think its where I want to be, Thank you for your truthfulness and honesty,.:0
thank you for your kind words! I'm so sorry about your job -- your passions will lead you to where you truly are meant to be! good luck to you
Thank you so much for sharing. With this usccessful business some of them are terrible for customer services. They get too cocky. No matter how big you can always come crashing down. So happy and glad you found your way. When one door closes another opens.
Thank you so much for this video. I am in the process of starting a small business and Etsy was one of the first sites I was going to post. But if they can do what they did to you and others, knowing how much harder some of us have to work to make that extra income specially since the pandemic, I absolutely don’t want to deal with that type of non professionalism. Thank God you are being blessed in other ways .. new subscribers here 😀
last week they deactivated my account and emailed them but their reply is very rude..I will copy to you what did they said: After a comprehensive review of your account, Etsy has determined it violates our Terms of Service or House Rules. As a result, Etsy has permanently closed your account.
Please do not open any additional accounts for buying or selling, as they will be closed without notice.
This decision is final and we will not respond to any further outreach about your account. This email constitutes our final communication on this matter.
Regards,
Etsy Trust and Safety
the design I uploaded before the deactivation i made it from scratch so people don't waste your efforts or time with this shitty etsy
NOT BEING RUDE: but I've never understood why people use Etsy (Ravelry, Crafts, etc) to begin with. Purchasing a domain name and certificate is $10- MAX- for up to 3 years. My husband designs websites and hosts them on a private server, so I do understand that's an advantage others don't have. But whatever is being paid for that cannot equal the amount you end up shelling out to Etsy to host your page and the added percentage they take from your sales. Am I wrong? Please educate.
this is quite scary, i've been working very hard on my account, and it hasn't really taken off but I'm planning on some giveaways, etc. and feel like it will happen ........ thanks for the info, will focus on getting some other things besides just Etsy as my selling platform
I had 16000 sales with 5000+ five star reviews. They shut me down with zero reason or any info as to why. Forget trying to contact them, I’m pretty sure no one actually works for this company. It’s all just automated responses. Idk how a company can stay in business when they ban every seller