14 day hold on funds even though more than 180 days have passed since first sale.

[#1]

Hi all,
I am aware this is not a way to contact Etsy support, but after browsing the forum, I noticed other sellers got this issue resolved after posting here. I moved countries and had to open a new shop and knew there would be a 14 day hold on my funds from new sales for 90 days. However, 90 days after my first sale (December 21st), the 14-day hold was still in effect. I read it could last up to 180 days. It has been over 180 days, and the 14-day hold is still in effect. I tried contacting support, but the "specialist team"  told me there is no way to lift this hold and thanked me for the “feedback”.

There are no other holds or payment reserves on my account.

Can any of the sellers that have had this happen to them advise me how they got this resolved?

Thanks in advance!

[InkSplashDesign1]

@IlluminatiFlamingo While your perspective has merit, rather than dismissing my valid concerns, why not see if these are the reasons why you still have a hold? If I can identify these issues, then Etsy and its customers can too. Etsy support isn't infallible; there have been instances where incorrect information was shared with sellers. Your defensive stance seems unnecessary. Although this discussion revolves around payment holds, keep in mind that these issues can drive customers away. If you aim to grow from a new seller to a seasoned one and remain on Etsy long-term, being open to constructive criticism is essential. I've found success through feedback from a stranger who manages three stores and coaches new sellers. I stumbled upon her TikTok, and months later, I became a star seller and launched a new store on a different platform. I'm not trying to nitpick; my points are legitimate and supported by Etsy's policies. You might not fully understand what's causing your hold, but increasing transparency in your store for both Etsy and your customers could help resolve it. You won't be able to thrive on Etsy if you're only focused on your approach. You cannot grow as a seller unless you can put yourself in customers' shoes, and Etsy will always side with the customers on issues like this. We can debate it till you're blue in the face, but these issues will continue until you address them. Not with me, but by making your store more trustworthy.

[IlluminatiFlamingo]

@InkSplashDesign1 

Retention has absolutely nothing to do with the judgment you have made about my products. No one asked for your opinion on my products. Thank you for your input.

Moreover, I cannot take your criticisms into account if you constantly lie and give the impression that you don’t know what you’re talking about. Everything you have said about my shop is untrue; the shipping is completely transparent, as is the product information. You also claim that I don’t specify the cost of my shipping, when it clearly states that shipping is free—how am I supposed to take you seriously? I would appreciate it if you no longer contacted me, please. I don’t need anyone passing judgment on my products, especially a judgment that I consider unfounded. Until next time.

[WhiBeArtsBG]

@InkSplashDesign1 I am also a star seller. I have no cases opened against me, no chargebacks or complaints, and my lowest rating is a 3-star review, which is bound to happen. I do not use AI, so the use of it is not linked to this problem.

While this shop is relatively new, I have been selling on Etsy since 2016. I previously lived in and sold from Belgium and Spain, where @IlluminatiFlamingo is located. I did not have the hold for longer than 90 days in either of those countries.

While I now sell digital and physical items, I didn't start offering physical items until more than 180 days after my first sale, so that is not the cause either.

We are being told the hold is permanent because of regulations that do not seem to exist, which is the issue. Whether or not our shops might confuse customers has nothing to do with the 14-day hold still being in place.

[IlluminatiFlamingo]

THANKS

[cindylouwho2]

@WhiBeArtsBG I remember discussing your shop before. The IP issues might have triggered a longer hold period for you, even though you have now cleaned them up. 

I really would push on the "regulations" angle, though, because Support are often wrong. 

[GreenDragonsCloset]

I am also still in the 14 day hold. My first sale was April 16th, so coming up 4 months. All 5 star reviews and star seller. It seems like Etsy is deciding to do it willynilly, the same with me not having Paypal as a payment option, which @WhiBeArtsBG and @IlluminatiFlamingo also don`t have. 

[CryzalisMasksUK]

I am not going to keep repeating myself, there is no specific regulation for EEA members with a 14-day hold on funds.

There is a reason why your holds are not being released, whether technical or legal.

When you sin up to Etsy, you agree to online selling rules, policies and the law of your country, in which case is the EU.

It is illegal to sell online for EU sellers, without showing your seller details details, which must include your name, address & contact details. You must also register and purchase the packaging licences for each EU member state you dispatch to. You must also be GPSR compliant. 

In addition, all your policies have to be in place to be compliant with EU law.

Privacy policy, must include your name, address and contact details.

Terms & Conditions and Right of Withdrawal, must also include your details.

When it comes to the 90 days or 180 days hold, this can be extended without warning if rules of law or Etsy's own policies are not followed. (or shops or put on forced vacation or closed)

For shops, that have got everything in place and remain on a hold after the mentioned period. Contact your small business commissioner. 

It is extremely difficult to get any of the outside sources to assist, if you do not have everything in place legally.

[IlluminatiFlamingo]

Great news!

After raising my concern about the permanent 14-day hold, I was contacted directly by EPIL management regarding my ticket. They acknowledged there was indeed an error.

A few hours later, I checked my account and saw that the 14-day reserve had finally been removed — now my funds are available in just 1 day!

Never give up!

For those who have this problem, feel free to message me privately and I’ll be happy to help.

[cindylouwho2]

@IlluminatiFlamingo fantastic! It's annoying that we have to be persistent about this, but I am glad it worked for you.