I Can't Turn Off Vacation Mode??

[FwoggieStickers]

Hello, I just sold my product for the first time on my Etsy shop about a month ago, but I've been stuck on vacation mode ever since then. I've looked up multiple ways to fix it but I just cannot find out how. I don't have any overdue payments that I have to pay either. All of my credit card and ss# information is correct and up to date, and yet my shop is still stuck in vacation mode. Does anyone know how I can fix this or at least know a way to contact Etsy? I've been looking for an online chat or some way to contact them directly but I can't seem to find one. Thank you.

[NanaLetha]

Etsy probably asked for a copy of your ID.

[FwoggieStickers]

sorry, I should have been more clear, I have a clear photo of my id, I have my ss#, and there isn't a certain balance that needs to be paid. I've gone over everything the page below said and I'm still unable to turn off vacation mode.

https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/115015672628-How-to-Appeal-a-Suspended-Account?segment=selli...

[TheVintagePineapple]

Were your handmade ''A Hat in Time'' inspired stickers removed before your shop was put on vacation?  By any chance, did you receive an infringement notice?

[FwoggieStickers]

The product wasn't removed, they just aren't visible on Etsy anymore for some reason. My entire shop says that I am on vacation and I just don't know how to turn it off. I also don't see an infringement notice of any kind in my email.

[BetseysBeauties · Accepted solution]

Look for an email from Etsy (check spam). It seems that Etsy is doing this to new sellers after their first sale, and it usually is a request to resubmit your ID and/or your banking information. 

If you find the email, follow instructions. 

If you do not find an email, open ONE "help" ticket, and continue responding to that ticket (it can take a few days). If you open a ticket and get no resolution, click the "I still need help" tab (I think it's at the very bottom).

Sorry this happened and I hope it get resolved quickly.

[FwoggieStickers]

Thank you so much, I actually had an email that I got from Etsy that landed in spam for some reason. I probably wouldn’t have checked if it weren't for this comment. I accidentally added two of the same file instead of 2 different ones in one of the taxpayer settings. My account seems to be back to normal now

[nineteen27]

"Notice: // These are unofficial fanmade stickers, all of the art featured was made by me //"

https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/fan-art-and-fair-use-one-truth-and-five/39402098770

[FwoggieStickers]

I see, but I've also seen tons of stuff like that on Etsy before. You can look up anything video game or show related and you can find stuff like that. I've also seen other stickers of the same game being sold (not mine, I designed all of mine) that don't seem to have the same problem. The stickers may be inspired by the game but nothing is directly traced off of, only referenced.

[PlatypusDream]

@FwoggieStickers 

Just because you saw a lot of other people breaking the law on Etsy, doesn't mean it's okay.

It is illegal to sell items using other people's intellectual property.  You can't use "inspired by" - it doesn't protect you from being sued.

Your item can be removed, triggering a payment reserve or permanent shop closure.

https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/the-ultimate-guide-to-intellectual/22398703823

[FwoggieStickers]

I see, thank you for explaining to me, I'll try to see if I can contact etsy about that

[howtobooksandmore]

Etsy will probably never answer an email like that.  They have an IP policy and they expect sellers to know it, follow it and the IP laws.  This information is easily found in the Seller Handbook and TOUs of Etsy so they will not explain it to you personally.  The fact that you drew rather than trace the images doesn't mean it isn't infringing.  You can draw Mickey Mouse yourself and still infringe on Disney's IP.

[howtobooksandmore]

Just because you gave Etsy that information once, doesn't mean they don't want you to give it to them again.  This happens a lot with new shops.  After the first sale, they want to double check ID's, bank accounts and other things.  Your account isn't suspended so that link is useless to you.  It is only in vacation mode.  You should have an email from Etsy explaining exactly what they want to see.

[TheVintagePineapple]

@FwoggieStickers Now that your shop is back open, you should remove the infringing stickers.  If you wind up getting a notification from the IP owners and they are removed by Etsy (or if Etsy itself deems them counterfeit and removed), the situations PlatypusDream mentioned above are very possible.