Account Suspension Guide

Why Is My Etsy AccountSuspended?

Etsy accounts get suspended for policy violations, intellectual property issues, or payment problems. Understanding the reason is the first step to getting your shop reinstated and back to selling.

Policy ViolationsIP InfringementPayment IssuesMultiple AccountsSeller ConductAppeal Available
See Common ReasonsHow to Appeal

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The Quick Answer

⚠️

Etsy Suspends Accounts for Policy Violations

Check your email for the specific reason—Etsy always notifies sellers why their account was suspended.

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Check Email

Etsy sends an email explaining the suspension reason

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Review Policies

Understand which policy was violated

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Appeal Available

Most suspensions can be appealed with proper steps

Common Reasons for Etsy Suspension

Understanding why your account was suspended is the first step to getting it reinstated

©️High Risk

Intellectual Property Violations

Using trademarked names, copyrighted images, or selling counterfeit goods.

Examples:

  • Disney character art without license
  • Nike logo on products
  • Copied product photos from other sellers

Prevention:

Only use original content you created or have explicit permission to use.

🚫High Risk

Prohibited Items

Selling items that violate Etsy's prohibited items policy.

Examples:

  • Weapons or weapon parts
  • Drug paraphernalia
  • Hazardous materials
  • Recalled products

Prevention:

Review Etsy's prohibited items list before creating listings.

👥Medium Risk

Multiple Account Violation

Operating multiple Etsy accounts without proper disclosure.

Examples:

  • Separate shops for same products
  • Family members sharing devices
  • Undisclosed business partner accounts

Prevention:

Disclose all connected accounts in your shop settings.

💳Medium Risk

Payment Issues

Failed payments, unpaid fees, or high chargeback rates.

Examples:

  • Overdue Etsy bill
  • Failed payment method
  • Too many buyer disputes
  • Fraudulent chargebacks

Prevention:

Keep payment info current and resolve disputes promptly.

⭐Medium Risk

Review Manipulation

Attempting to artificially influence reviews or ratings.

Examples:

  • Offering incentives for reviews
  • Purchasing fake reviews
  • Review extortion
  • Friends posting reviews

Prevention:

Let reviews happen naturally—never incentivize them.

⚠️Variable Risk

Seller Conduct Violations

Harassment, late shipping, or poor customer service patterns.

Examples:

  • Threatening messages to buyers
  • Consistent late shipments
  • Refusal to issue refunds
  • Misrepresenting products

Prevention:

Communicate professionally and ship orders on time.

How to Appeal Your Etsy Suspension

Follow these steps to write a successful appeal and get your shop reinstated

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Step 1

Understand the Violation

Read the suspension email carefully. Identify exactly which policy was violated and what specific listing or action triggered it.

Tips:

  • Check your email spam folder
  • Review Etsy's policy pages
  • Note the specific policy reference number
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Step 2

Fix the Problem

Before appealing, take action to resolve the issue. Remove infringing listings, update problematic content, or pay outstanding bills.

Tips:

  • Remove all potentially violating listings
  • Update product descriptions
  • Pay any outstanding Etsy fees
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Step 3

Gather Documentation

Collect evidence that supports your case. This might include supplier invoices, licensing agreements, or proof of authenticity.

Tips:

  • Invoices showing legitimate sourcing
  • Licensing or permission letters
  • Photos proving product authenticity
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Step 4

Write Your Appeal

Draft a professional, honest appeal. Acknowledge the issue, explain context, detail your corrective actions, and commit to compliance.

Tips:

  • Be concise—aim for 200-400 words
  • Don't blame Etsy or customers
  • Show you understand the policy
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Step 5

Submit and Follow Up

Submit your appeal through Etsy's official channels. Wait patiently for a response (1-5 business days). Follow up politely if needed.

Tips:

  • Use the appeal link in your suspension email
  • Keep a copy of your appeal
  • Wait at least 5 days before following up

Sample Appeal Letter Template

Subject: Appeal for Shop Reinstatement - [Your Shop Name]

Dear Etsy Trust & Safety Team,

I am writing to appeal the suspension of my shop [Shop Name]. I understand that my account was suspended due to [specific policy violation].

I want to acknowledge that [explain your understanding of the issue]. I have taken the following corrective actions:

  • [Action 1 - e.g., Removed all listings containing X]
  • [Action 2 - e.g., Updated payment information]
  • [Action 3 - e.g., Reviewed Etsy's policies thoroughly]

I am committed to following all Etsy policies going forward and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to continue selling on the platform.

Please let me know if you need any additional information.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Shop Name]

How to Prevent Future Suspensions

✅ Do's

  • Use only your own photos and descriptions
  • Ship orders on time with tracking
  • Respond to messages within 24 hours
  • Keep payment information current
  • Read policy updates from Etsy
  • Handle disputes professionally
  • Provide accurate product descriptions
  • Disclose any connected accounts

❌ Don'ts

  • Don't use trademarked names without permission
  • Don't copy photos from other sellers
  • Don't offer incentives for reviews
  • Don't create multiple undisclosed accounts
  • Don't sell prohibited items
  • Don't ignore customer complaints
  • Don't manipulate search rankings
  • Don't misrepresent product origins

What Happens to Your Money?

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180-Day Hold Period

Etsy typically holds funds for 180 days after suspension to cover potential refunds, chargebacks, and disputes. After this period, you can usually withdraw remaining funds.

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Contact Support

For specific questions about your funds, contact Etsy Support directly. Each case is different, and they can provide timeline and requirements for fund release.

⚠️ Important Notes About Funds

  • Outstanding Etsy fees will be deducted from your balance
  • Pending orders may need to be fulfilled or refunded
  • Fraud-related suspensions may result in permanent fund withholding
  • Keep records of all transactions for your reference

Appeal Timeline

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Day 1

Receive suspension notice

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Days 1-3

Prepare your appeal

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Days 3-7

Wait for review

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Day 7+

Decision received

Response times vary. Some appeals are resolved in 24 hours, while complex cases may take 2-3 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Etsy account suspensions.

Etsy accounts can be suspended for various policy violations including: selling prohibited items, intellectual property infringement (using trademarked names, copyrighted images, or counterfeit goods), operating multiple accounts without disclosure, payment processing issues, high dispute rates, manipulating reviews, or violating seller conduct policies. Etsy sends an email explaining the specific reason for suspension.
Check the email from Etsy—they typically send a notification explaining the reason for suspension. Look in your Etsy account under Shop Manager > Settings > Legal & Compliance. The suspension notice will reference which policy was violated (e.g., Prohibited Items Policy, Intellectual Property Policy, or Seller Conduct Policy). If unclear, contact Etsy Support for clarification.
Yes, you can appeal an Etsy suspension. Log into your account and look for the appeal option in your account status page, or respond to the suspension email. Write a clear, professional appeal explaining: (1) your understanding of the issue, (2) any misunderstanding or context, (3) steps you've taken to fix the problem, and (4) your commitment to following Etsy policies going forward. Appeals are typically reviewed within 1-5 business days.
Etsy suspensions can be temporary (a few days to weeks) or permanent, depending on the severity and nature of the violation. First-time minor violations often result in temporary suspensions with reinstatement after corrective action. Serious violations like selling counterfeit goods, repeated policy violations, or fraudulent activity can result in permanent bans. Some suspensions are lifted immediately after a successful appeal.
When your account is suspended, Etsy typically holds your funds for 180 days to cover potential chargebacks, refunds, or disputes. After this holding period—and if there are no outstanding issues—you can usually withdraw your balance. If your suspension is for fraud or serious violations, Etsy may permanently withhold funds. Contact Etsy Support to understand your specific situation and timeline.
Technically, creating a new account to evade a suspension is against Etsy's Terms of Service and can result in that account being immediately suspended too. Etsy tracks users through various methods (IP address, payment info, device fingerprints, shipping addresses). The best approach is to appeal your original suspension. If truly banned permanently, you may need to explore alternative platforms like Shopify, Big Cartel, or your own website.
The top reasons include: (1) Intellectual property violations—using trademarked names, copyrighted images, or selling counterfeit items, (2) Selling prohibited items—weapons, drugs, hazardous materials, recalled products, (3) Operating multiple accounts without disclosure, (4) Payment issues—failed payments, high chargeback rates, (5) Manipulation—fake reviews, shill bidding, circumventing fees, (6) Poor seller conduct—harassment, fraud, shipping violations.
To avoid suspension: (1) Read and follow all Etsy policies regularly, (2) Only use your own original photos and descriptions, (3) Avoid using trademarked names without permission, (4) Ship orders promptly and provide tracking, (5) Respond to customer messages quickly, (6) Handle disputes professionally, (7) Keep payment information current, (8) Never create multiple accounts without disclosing them, (9) Don't ask customers for reviews in exchange for incentives.
No, Etsy does not suspend accounts simply for having low sales or being inactive. However, if you don't pay your Etsy bill (listing fees, transaction fees, advertising fees), your account can be suspended for non-payment. Having an inactive shop with unpaid fees is a common reason for suspension. Keep your billing information current and pay any outstanding balance.
A reserve is different from a suspension. When Etsy places a reserve on your account, you can still sell, but Etsy holds a percentage of your funds for a period of time (typically 45-90 days) as protection against potential refunds or chargebacks. Reserves are common for new sellers, sellers with high sales volume spikes, or those with elevated dispute rates. You can still operate your shop normally during a reserve.
Digital products themselves aren't a suspension risk, but you can be suspended for: (1) Selling digital files that infringe copyrights (fan art of copyrighted characters, pirated content), (2) Selling PLR (Private Label Rights) content you don't have rights to resell, (3) Misrepresenting digital products (instant download items that aren't actually delivered digitally), (4) Selling prohibited digital items (hacking tools, stolen data). Always ensure you have full rights to sell any digital content.
An effective appeal letter includes: (1) Acknowledge the issue—show you understand what went wrong, (2) Explain context—provide any relevant facts (without making excuses), (3) Detail corrective actions—what specific steps you've taken to fix the problem, (4) Make commitments—promise to follow policies going forward, (5) Be professional—avoid anger or blame, be polite and concise. Include your shop name, the violation in question, and any supporting documentation.

Related Guides for Etsy Sellers

Copyright & Trademarks

Avoid IP violations and legal issues.

Who Can Sell on Etsy?

Eligibility requirements and guidelines.

Etsy Expense Items

Understanding fees and deductions.

Tracking Competitors

Competitive analysis guide.

This guide provides general information about Etsy account suspensions. For official policy information, always refer to Etsy's Help Center. Each suspension case is unique—contact Etsy Support for specific guidance about your situation.

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