ETSY.com Fraudulant Business Practices at ETSY.COM THE WORLD IS WATCHING YOU ETSY! Internet, Internet

After a year and a half as a loyal seller on Etsy, my shop was suspended without cause, without
warning and without any explanation what so ever. I was banned from emailing other shop owners, I was banned from forums and all of my products and my store front were removed from viewing on Etsy.

Alarmed, as I was, I tried to get answers right away. There was no notification of suspension and I was in good standing with Etsy (meaning I pay my bills, follow all the rules, and actively promote the site and the shop owners). I make and sell hand crafted baby clothes and I make everything I sell. So needless to say, I was shocked!

It was only after 24 hours that I finally was told that I was being accused of having association with two other shops that were in violation of Etsy policies. Actually, I was told I was linked to these accounts. I was given no further information other than the names of the two shops. With this information, I went about investigating their claims and how in the world I could have been linked to two completely unrelated shops.

I found out that the other shops operated out of Singapore, one sold cuff links, the other cell phone cases. Both had listed owners as two separate people, who opened their shops different years and both had different contact information. I found absolutely no connection to my shop in any of the information I was able to glean from my investigation.

I submitted my findings to Etsy, and shortly thereafter a nonchalant apology was offered for a mistake on their end. I was no longer considered to be associated with these other shops. Now, instead, I get the accusation that I did not make at least one of the items in my shop. I am then ordered to document the process I use to create said product from beginning to end, describing in detail how I make the item, then to make the item from start to finish, photographing the entire process and submitting this to Etsy.

This is all being demanded without compensation for my time, my supplies, loss of business, or the loss of traffic to my shop and fees paid to Etsy to host my store front. This is all being demanded despite not having been given warning of any review to allow me to comply without closure of my shop. This being demanded without any presentation of evidence or reasons to believe my items are not hand made. Furthermore, I have never had any complaints filed against me.

So, whats a girl to do? I filed complaints all over the web! You name it, I likely went their to file a complaint. According to Etsys own policy, they state: Members who do not comply with Etsys policies may be subject for review, which can result in suspension of account privileges and/or termination. Anyone reading this would believe that there is a REVIEW process, in which CAN result in suspension, we assume if the shop fails to provide evidence of the authenticity of their products.

However, there was NO review period for me. My shop was shut down without any notice, without any justification, without any submission of evidence against me, and without explanation for 24 hours (and turns out that explanation was a load of bologna). Furthermore, I have NEVER violated any of Etsys policies and would have gladly proven so had they handled this professionally.

Long story short (oops too late for that), I REFUSED to comply with Etsys demands. What they are doing is just plain wrong! Etsys no good deeds have been reported all over the web! Etsy, meanwhile caved under my wrath of venom and reopened my shop about 48 hours after they closed it..yes, without my compliance to their demands!

Sohere we are today. Brand spanking new website that looks fabulous! Freedom from Etsy! And one shop owner who stood up for what was right and told Etsy to shove it where the sun dont shine.  

If you think you "know" Etsy, and doubt this will ever happen to you, think again! Unless you are one of their treasured money making shop owners, you are disposable. Don't believe it? Do a web search for Etsy Complaints and do some more reading. Etsy has taken a lot of good people's money and without legal action will never compensate anyone and will only continue to behave in such a criminal way.