Reserve glitch?

[PallAtelier]

I just noticed the small "Order in reserve" label on my last orders. I contacted chat support to learn this:

"As I can see that reserve place on your shop on Dec 10, 2024

I’ve taken a look at your account, and see that although your shop has been open for a while, it had been a few years since you had made a sale.
Due to this long period of inactivity in your shop and the recent change in sales, a reserve was placed on your account to ensure that you're able to fulfill these orders and provide a great experience for your buyers."

I have low but constant (no spike) sales/views. So there was no "OFF" period to trigger the reserve. Also, I have not received an email from Etsy regarding this "reserve" mode activated on my account. I feel I am out of options and have put my shop on vacation. Any suggestions?

[JJewellerySuppliesUK]

You have had an explanation as to why so it doesn't sound like a glitch. 

So long as you post your items with a tracking number then your funds should be released. 

Here's the article:  What is a Payment Account Reserve? – Etsy

[PallAtelier]

The explanation from Etsy support was not correct. I did not have sales after a long period of inactivity. 

[PrairiePrimitives]

@PallAtelier Is this about THIS shop? This shop has had consistent reviews (thus sales) going back for months. 

[PallAtelier]

yes. About that single shop I have, with constant activity. Their response for the reserve was "inactivity" for years?! 

[PrairiePrimitives]

@PallAtelier Did you tell this to the chat support person? Or did they end the chat abruptly?

[PallAtelier]

The support guy basicly excused himself with a canned reply, assuring me he will forward my case. I have my doubts. 

[NancyQstudio]

I'm sorry this happened to you.  The support group is a contracted group of folks. They can assist with minor problems.  But they do not have the authority or knowledge to deal with bigger issues. They can't help with reserves.  And its not uncommon for them to give out incorrect information.  This is due to a lack of training and poor Etsy procedures they are following (given).  

Etsy shops are being placed on reserves for all kinds of reasons these days.  And there hasn't been Etsy support available for these issues.  Sometimes the reasons will be out of a seller's control or just ridiculous.  This is why it's so important not to link a shop with Square for in-person sales or count on Etsy as a single revenue stream.  Here is the article about Etsy Reserves: 

https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360058722214-What-is-a-Payment-Account-Reserve?segment=selli...

[PallAtelier]

Thanks. I have found a lot of stuff about reserves on reddit threads. It seems to be a common practice lately, but I find it weird they consider we should run our business with half profit for several months. What's next, standing on our toes while crafting?