New Shop Suspended

[HeyHiCreativeShop]

Hi all, 

I opened a new shop last week and it was suspended the following day. I didn't receive an email explaining why, but I saw the red banner that says 'your account has been suspended'. When I went through my account I noticed there was a problem verifying my ID. I uploaded a new ID image and a couple of days later it changed to verified, however the suspension hasn't lifted. I submitted a ticket to support but it just gives a standard response with the links to account suspension help page (which I've read and can't see anything that I have violated). Since there is no mention of 'permanent' suspension on my account, I'm reluctant to go through the appeal process... since it says it's only if you're permanently suspended. 

I have another Etsy shop which is also quite new (the one I'm posting here from). I opened the second one to sell to a different audience (printable occasion cards, invitations etc) and was hoping to grow them both at the same time. They have completely different branding, audience and products – one sells to small businesses and the other sells for personal use. There are no duplicates.. although with the newest shop I didn't even get a change to make a product live before it was suspended. 

Any suggestions what to do? Should I go through the permanent suspension appeal link? Or wait it out and see if verifying the ID was the problem and maybe it's a manual thing to lift the temporary suspension? The suspended shop is @ChipperPrints 

Thanks for your help,

[HeyHiCreativeShop]

I clicked the appeal button and got a response saying permanently suspended. I don't get it... It's a brand new shop. Can anyone help?

[MyOverstuffedAttic]

They are still the same types of items though, right?

[HeyHiCreativeShop]

Both are digital products – one shop is business products like guidebook templates, ebook etc. The other was going to be birthday cards, wedding invitations. 

[BrooklynStVintage]

Sorry this has happened to you, here is the link to some info,

https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/115015672628-How-to-Reinstate-Your-Suspended-Account

[OwlAlwaysKnit]

Just a heads up, I don't think you can use 'Airbnb' as it is Trademarked

I found another post about it here

https://community.etsy.com/t5/Shop-Critiques/Please-critique-my-shop/m-p/142362968

[HeyHiCreativeShop]

Oh wow thanks for this. Editing now! 

[Former_Member]

It might be that both your shops were selling digital products.  Etsy might perceive that as the same thing in both shops which you can't do.

[HeyHiCreativeShop]

That's the only thing I can think of.. but they're not selling any of the same products, the second shop didn't even get any products up before it was suspended. I guess all I can do is hope I get a response from the appeal process now. 

[TreeTreasuresCanada]

AirBnB and Wifi are trademarked.  I didn't look any further.  It could be that your other shop was suspended for intellectual property violations and this shop could be next.  Delete your listings and learn about intellectual property.

[TreeTreasuresCanada]

@HeyHiCreativeShop   Also look into the use of Canva.  In their trademark policy it states; "Canva's trademarks cannot be used unless expressly authorized by Canva in writing or as permitted in this Trademark Policy." 

[HeyHiCreativeShop]

Thanks. I've deactivated the listings now to edit them. The other shop didn't have any products up. 

[VINTAGEbytheMAGPIE]

Here are a few potential reasons, 

Etsy have decided that your two digital shops are too similar so have closed one. You dont need two digital shops , just add all files to one shop in relevant sections.

You are using the brand names of CANVA, WIFI and AirB&B , there could be others , you need to read up on IP https://www.etsy.com/legal/ip  

Basic rule of thumb here, you cant make money off any brand owned by another, without the owners permission.... this includes branding, logos names, words and images 

[HeyHiCreativeShop]

Thanks. I haven't had a problem with this shop, although I appreciate the info about Airbnb & the word wifi... have deactivated these listings now to edit before I do have any problems. Thankfully Canva allows the sale of their templates on Etsy as long as the product links directly back to the Canva platform. The shops were separate because one is part of a brand focussed around helping small businesses with their marketing and design. Having wedding invitations in there wouldn't make sense. I think I'll find another way to sell my invitations, birthday cards etc. I appreciate the advice!

[HeyHiCreativeShop]

Hi as an update for anyone who finds themself in the same position, this may help. After 7 weeks Etsy confirmed my shop was suspended in error and has since been reinstated. I filed an appeal after the initial suspension and received an email to say permanently suspended and nothing further can be explained however if I think it has been done in error to reply. I replied to multiple times over the last 7 weeks, and eventually I received a reply to say it had been done in error. If you know you haven't breached any terms etc (in my case it was a brand new shop with no live products) then it's worth responding to the appeal and following up.