Star Seller Badge Removed After “Final Violation” — No Explanation or Resolution

[MediThings]

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping someone here can help or relate to what I’m going through.

About 10 months ago, one of my listings was removed without any clear explanation, and shortly after, all of my Star Seller badges were taken away due to a “final violation warning.” I was never told specifically what I violated or why the listing was removed. I’ve reached out to Etsy support multiple times — including chat — and each time I’ve been told they can’t help or give me more information.

I take my shop very seriously and work hard to maintain excellent customer service, on-time shipping, and high review scores. It’s incredibly frustrating to be penalized without transparency, especially when I’m doing everything I can to follow the rules.

What’s most discouraging is that it’s been almost a year, and I still haven’t had my badges reinstated — despite maintaining strong shop performance. I’m just looking for answers at this point. How can a seller improve or fix an issue if they’re not even told what the issue was?

Has anyone experienced something similar or successfully resolved this? Any advice would be so appreciated. I just want to continue growing my shop and feel like I'm being treated fairly.

Thank you so much in advance,

Kat

[TheVintagePineapple]

What was the listing that was removed and what kind of explanation did you send you?

Your items are obviously related to the medical field, so could they have been mistaken for using medical terms? 

There are rules regarding using 4 letter words in the thumbnail photos.  You're supposed to blur out or cover part of the word, like sh*t.  Profanity is considered ''mature content''.

Listing Mature Content Correctly - Our House Rules | Etsy

[MediThings]

The pin they flagged was two feet shaped like a heart with no writing on it. They flagged such a benign design. I don't get it. 

[TheVintagePineapple]

@MediThings Listings are also removed because of what's written in the title and/or description, not necessarily because of the photos.

Have you checked using an image search to see if someone else stole your design?

[riverofbeautydesigns]

How frustrating. What's worse is that the Final Violation language makes it sound like closing your shop could be the next step. I can only suggest my standard advice for desperate sellers - it's something I've done myself with quick results, though not with Etsy:  write to the CEO Josh Silverman at Etsy HQ in Brooklyn. Just say what you said in this post. ITA that punishing people for mystery violations is outrageous. Good luck. 

[MediThings]

Yes- that is what I am worried about. I can't reach anyone at Esty that can help me. I really feel like I am in the dark and want to avoid further punishments without proper notice. I will contact the CEO, thank you!

[TBQSC]

Was it this pin or a different pin?   https://www.etsy.com/listing/659596155/foot-heart-pin-podiatry-medical-doctor?ga_search_query=feet&r...

[PristinityJewelry]

Yeah, the four letter words gotta go.  Pronto.  You've sorta called yourself out by posting in these seller forums.

Etsy's sandbox, their rules.