Holds on Funds

[BestFamilyShirtt]

Hello everyone,

I’ve been selling on Etsy for a long time, and over the past 9 months, my shop has occasionally been placed in vacation mode without clear explanation. More recently, for the past one and a half months, the funds in my account have been placed on hold. Etsy initially stated that the hold would be lifted within 48 hours, but it’s now been well over six weeks with no resolution.

Despite submitting multiple help requests and being told that my issue is under review, nothing has changed. I’ve also been unable to reach Etsy Support via live chat, which has made the situation even more frustrating.

As all sellers know, consistent cash flow is critical to running a small business. Without access to my own earnings, it has become incredibly difficult—if not impossible—for me to continue operating.

I’m posting here in hopes that someone from Etsy can take immediate action, or that another seller who has experienced something similar might be able to offer guidance or support.

Thank you for your time. I’m just trying to keep my business going, and I truly need help.

Best regards,
[BestFamilyShirtt, Jennifer]

[MarletteLLC]

Are you an authorized seller of Disney products? If not, you are infringing on their IP, and that's likely the reason. If so, you need to prove it. 

[NanaLetha]

Jurassic Park and Disney items will get your shop shut down permanently and you could also be sued!

[LeParisMetro]

Maybe it happened because you appear to be selling illegal counterfeits.  Make sure to put information on your licensing agreements with the IP holders in each of your listings.  That way Etsy knows that you are not breaking the law in your shop.

[BootifulLabels]

There isn't much on the first page of your shop (I did not look past the first page) that won't get you in trouble with the IP owners (unless you have licensing arrangements for all of them, unlikely at best).  Disney, Universities, "Eras" etc (Tay tay is notorious for going after unauthorised users).  If you have licensing, provide Etsy with copies of the agreements.  If not, you might want to remove the unauthorised usage or a forced vacation or delayed payment could turn into a total shut down.  Etsy has recently added a slew of brand names and catch phrases  to its Prohibited Item policy and is actively removing these items as it comes across them instead of having to wait for an Intellectual Property takedown order (they don't disclose exactly which ones, so if it isn't your own original idea it is fair game).  That way they can reduce the amount of IP infringement on the site and limit/avoid their legal responsibility.  If the extent of the issue in your shop is sufficient, Etsy will place your shop in vacation mode, or even close you down.

[CoquetteBath]

well, you have 12 clearly infringing items on the first page alone.

regardless of how many sales you've had, if you are breaking the rules...you are. Also, if you are, you're building up a major case of karma...

[mommawhazelsquilts]

That one little word is probably the culprit.  It is a synonym with TS.  

[GlitteramaCrafts]

Disney are not nice to deal with, especially when you are selling illegal counterfeits.

The previous take-downs by Etsy are warning shots! Take them seriously.  They'll only give you so long to clean up your shop.