Seeking Help: Shop Forced Into Vacation Mode | Dec 13, 2024

[SonnenFelsCrystal]

Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out because I’m in a really difficult situation and I’m hoping someone here might be able to offer guidance. My shop was suddenly forced into vacation mode without any warning or prior notice. I’ve poured so much into this business—investing thousands of dollars into equipment, devices, and materials—and now I’m completely at a loss.

One thing I can think related is that I reached out to customer service earlier today because I was trying to create a label to Canada for the first time using etsy service caused by the Canada Post strike. While doing that(trying to compare the price difference..), I accidentally set the shipping country from US to Canada and couldn’t figure out how to reverse it. I don’t know if this has anything to do with what’s happened, but I’m feeling lost and confused without any explanation.

I’ve always worked hard to respond to customers quickly, ship orders on time, and fully commit the Etsy’s creation rule, so this has been a devastating blow. Canada Post strike made my first hardship, but I tried my best to overcome by finding some economy solutions finally. For the new situation, without notice, I totally feel at a loss and desperate.. 

This shop means everything to me. I’ve built it from the ground up with so much love and care. Has anyone else been in this situation before? If so, how did you resolve it? Any advice or tips would mean the world to me right now.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this!!

[NanaLetha]

Check your email 

[SonnenFelsCrystal]

Hi Nana, Thank you so much for your rapid reply—I really appreciate it. I haven’t received any email yet, and the forced vacation mode occurred about 4 hours ago. Would you mind checking the email address via private message or other method..? I use my registered company’s domain as my email address, and I have checked my spam box.

[Natalya1905]

One of the titles in your reviews: "Premium Crystal for Healing". Another one: "High Quality Crystals for Healing"

Did you make any medical / healing claims? They are not allowed on Etsy. 

Edited to add: maybe something helpful here? https://www.etsy.com/legal/policy/medical-claims/239976157654 

[SonnenFelsCrystal]

Thank you for pointing that out. The product is actually intended for massage healing, not the medication healing. I’m not sure if the word 'healing' is not allowed, but as I reviewed the prohibited items policy under '1. Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs, Drug Paraphernalia, and Medical Drugs and Devices, and Items making Medical Claims, part 5. Medical drugs and regulated medical devices,' I understand that these items are not permitted but not quite similar to mines. However, our product is solely for topical therapy—similar to combs, facial massagers, or fascia tools— to help soothe body pain. I also added a very significant notice that people should not use our products to insert into their bodies corresponding to the 'Adult Toys and Sexual Clothing and Accessories' rule.

If this is an issue, I’m more than willing to adjust our product description. I fully respect the community and love to be here. My intention is simply to sell unique crystal products for spiritual healing and to share the natural magic they offer.

[TinLizziAntiques]

OP, remove any references to healing, whether medical or spiritual. Etsy rules won't allow any descriptions, titles, tags or photographs that imply a medical or spiritual outcome from the purchase of merchandise. 

[SonnenFelsCrystal]

I think if this was a problem, delisting would be a more proper solution.

[SecretShopInDungeon · Accepted solution]

Subject: Request for Assistance: Store Placed in Vacation Mode

my store has been unexpectedly placed in Vacation Mode without prior communication or a clear explanation. The message on my dashboard states:

"Your shop will stay in Vacation Mode while we review your info. This means you won't be able to receive new orders until we finish verifying your info (which usually takes up to 48 hours after you uploaded your document). No need to do anything else right now—we'll reach out if we need more details from you."

Additionally, my payment account shows the following notification:

"Your funds are in a temporary hold until we verify your seller info."

I have not updated any information recently, and there have been no known issues with my account. All my payment methods, including credit cards, are up to date.

Could you kindly provide further clarification regarding this situation and let me know if there is anything I need to do to expedite the resolution? I greatly appreciate your support in resolving this matter promptly, as it directly affects my ability to serve customers.

Thank you for your time and assistance. Please let me know if you require any additional details.

Best regards,

[SonnenFelsCrystal]

I still haven’t had the same luck as other shops in lifting the vacation mode and reopening. Perhaps it’s because we’re a new and small shop. Could you help escalate our situation? I did not receive any email or other official communication. @ModKenneth 

[SonnenFelsCrystal]

I was lucky that the shop ban was lifted automatically and silently, just as it came. I truly hope other sellers can resolve this situation soon as well! The past 4 days have been a bitter and dark time.

[hopeandjoystudios]

Are you personally making your "massagers" and plugs..otherwise that may be a continuing issue.

[LaRenaissanceGirl]

Does anybody else think it's weird that many (not all, but many) experienced the forced vacation/holiday mode on FRIDAY THE 13?!

For the record, I'm not superstitious. But I am wondering if this was a prank from a disgruntled employee. 

Is there a pattern to which shops were put on vacation mode? Is it limited to a certain region? Is it about documentation that needs updating? Certain types of shops? Or is it a just random glitch? Seems so strange

[hopeandjoystudios]

I think it seems to be far flung and as AI it is possibly keyword driven besides photos on ALi/Temu driven. I have seen legit sellers caught up. I think generally those who know they are breaking the rules don't come to the forums to complain when they get suspended. There is a lot of noise on SM/ Threads about it. I generally don't take time to track down what they were selling but there are those that DO and comment on their "woe is me" posts that they were a reseller. I truly feel for those erroneously caught up in this..especially at what is most sellers peak sales period. Especially that disputing it seems super hard to do. Personally I don't think Etsy really cares if they close legit sellers in their process..which is sad. On the other hand, actual resellers are going which is great.

[hopeandjoystudios]

Also there is the whole " update your ID" thing happening at the same time which adds another layer of suddenly a bunch of sellers needing verification which by sheer numbers is apparently taking longer than stated.

[TrinketDrawersUK]

The forum was completely flooded  yesterday with many dating from the 12th and further back. 

[GlassyFields]

Just now, I was able to see items in your store.

Just guessing, but I suspect contacting Etsy help puts your store under the radar. Hence the 'reviewing information' message. If the store is scrupulously in adherence with Etsy policies, probably nothing happens. But with a store with lots of 'healing' references ... might cause a 'review' by Etsy. Looks like your store passed the Etsy 'review' so good for you. I took a look at your items and although I didn't see any blatant medical claims, I couldn't help but wonder if some of the statements, e.g. 'healing', 'energy', 'calming' were ok with Etsy. I guess they are since they're still there - but you might want to consider avoiding these claims and see if that makes it possible to avoid forced vacation mode.