HELP! Shop suspended and can't reach support.

[AHBusinessPrintables]

I had to log into this forum from my buyer account because I couldn't even log into the forum from my suspended shop lubbockthreads. 

I started opening that shop a couple of years ago and then had some things come up and never finished opening it. Last week, I finally decided it was time to give this shop a go, so I logged in and have a red banner that says my shop was permanently banned and I'm unable to appeal. I also checked that inbox (I only opened that email specifically for that etsy shop) and there is no suspension email in there to respond to. 

I tried reaching out to support through an email I found online, but got an instant message that said it's an unmonitered email. I don't know what to do. I assume I got banned because I never finished opening that shop? I would really like to talk to someone in support to see if I can get my case reviewed, but I have not been successful with anything I've tried.

Any help is appreciated!

[audreytherese]

Last year Etsy announced they were going to start closing accounts that hadn't been logged into within the past 4 years. Here's the announcement that contained that information. 

Etsy Updates: 3 things to know for April 2024 - Welcome to the Etsy Community

• In April, we’ll start notifying shops that have been inactive for four or more years that their shops could be closed

We have teams working year-round to prevent fraud and keep your shops and account details secure. To help us better protect users’ info, we’ll start reaching out to shops that have been inactive for four or more years. 

Sellers whose shops are considered inactive will get a heads up via email 90 days before their shops will be closed. They’ll also get multiple reminders before any changes are made to their account. If they want to keep their shop open for business, all they need to do is log in to their account within 90 days of receiving the initial notice.

Shops still inactive after the 90 day notice period will be closed permanently, but the account can still be used to make purchases on Etsy. If you decide you want to start selling on Etsy again, you’ll need to open a new account for your shop (and choose a new shop name!) and add your payment details again.

[AHBusinessPrintables]

Thanks so much for the reply. I actually apparently got shut down in November 2023, and my message says I'm permanently banned and also unable to shop or sell on Etsy again. I don't mind opening another shop or selling under the account I'm currently logged into, but I'm concerned it will get shut down as well.

[audreytherese]

Ok, when you said it had been a couple years I wasn't sure, this was the first thing that came to mind. I do believe that if you are shut down you must try to appeal within a certain time period (I think 6 months, not positive), after that it is final. 

Inactive shops seem to be a prime target for hackers to take over and use to spam other users, it's possible that's what happened to your account. Especially since 2023 was when the major spam messaging started on this platform. Your account may have gotten hacked and been used to spam other accounts, leading to the closure. Again, just a theory.  

It is correct that if you attempt to open a new shop after being shut down, they will close that as well, as they have banned you and the personal information that you used to sign up with. 

I have no idea if it's possible to get in touch with support and see if there is any chance you can get them to investigate and consider letting you open a new account.