All Etsy Shops Banned

[watnow]

Hey! I am currently talking with Etsy on solving this issue but I feel like I probably have to brace myself for the stealth account life...

Basically, I was selling items they said were "not handmade" like I was just dropshipping everything form China. While it is true, I am actually working with someone from China. I was selling items that involved printing something similar like t-shirt prints. However, they just shut down all of my accounts including my 2 active shops.

I told them I will provide anything they need. I am in contact with my Chinese partner on WhatsApp for the most part. Has anyone ever been in this situation?

Etsy was my main stream of income and it is devastating that it all just got shut down like that. From one moment to another, after reloading the page, the red banner appeared.

[ButterflyStorms]

they didn't give you any warnings? :(

[watnow]

Originally Posted by ButterflyStorms

they didn't give you any warnings? :(

I guess they did in some way. I did create another shop 2-3 weeks ago where I listed the same items as my other shop and that account was suspended about 30 minutes later. It wasn't because of the same items. It was because of the items I listed generally speaking. And in their email about why they closed all my accounts now they said it was because of the same reason they closed my newest account 2-3 weeks ago.

I hope I can solve this problem but I am not sure if they will even listen to me.

[ButterflyStorms]

they won't.
If you do successfully make a new account, you'll have to do all new items.
you might get lucky to sneak in a few of your old items, but mix them in with the new ones.
you'll have to make ALL NEW files too. New preview images, new downloadable files (etc) new description... everything is new.

[watnow]

Originally Posted by ButterflyStorms

they won't.
If you do successfully make a new account, you'll have to do all new items.
you might get lucky to sneak in a few of your old items, but mix them in with the new ones.
you'll have to make ALL NEW files too. New preview images, new downloadable files (etc) new description... everything is new.

Can I set up a virtual machine and use my girlfriends info? We do live together though so we do have the same address. What are my options if I do use her info? I will ask her and I think she would be okay with it. However, what happens when I have to file a tax report? It doesn't matter what account the money goes to, is that right? As long as I say it's the money that I make?

[Duab]

You can use other persons info, but I suggest use new random billing/living address as its not really necessary. You'll be asked to submit her id most probably because of address mismatch, but considering its a real person there's no worry.

You can re-sell your old items, but first you need to warm up the account first. Get some low risk item sales, reviews. Then unload your true inventory with adjusted photos.

If its branded or "inspired" vero items, not something unique, know that your account will go down anyway in the long run, meaning you need proper account infrastructure to keep going and diversifying the risks. Or think about new business model.

[watnow]

Originally Posted by Duab

You can use other persons info, but I suggest use new random billing/living address as its not really necessary. You'll be asked to submit her id most probably because of address mismatch, but considering its a real person there's no worry.

You can re-sell your old items, but first you need to warm up the account first. Get some low risk item sales, reviews. Then unload your true inventory with adjusted photos.

If its branded or "inspired" vero items, not something unique, know that your account will go down anyway in the long run, meaning you need proper account infrastructure to keep going and diversifying the risks. Or think about new business model.

Thank you. Some questions I have:

- Is there any way to avoid submitting the ID?
- When using a bank account, can I use Payoneer so that the money still gets transferred to my own personal bank account?
- Is using a VPN enough? I would buy ExpressVPN for example and then use the software/VPN in a virtual machine
- When using PayPal, is it okay to just add another email address to my PayPal account and make that the primary one?

[Duab]

Originally Posted by watnow

Thank you. Some questions I have:

- Is there any way to avoid submitting the ID?
- When using a bank account, can I use Payoneer so that the money still gets transferred to my own personal bank account?
- Is using a VPN enough? I would buy ExpressVPN for example and then use the software/VPN in a virtual machine
- When using PayPal, is it okay to just add another email address to my PayPal account and make that the primary one?

1. ID is mandatory. Either in the beginning or when you get some sales.
2. Payoneer works with Etsy
3. No, VPN is not the best idea. Especially express VPN
4. It can work. But only countries which do not accept etsy payments can use standalone paypal

[watnow]

Originally Posted by Duab

1. ID is mandatory. Either in the beginning or when you get some sales.
2. Payoneer works with Etsy
3. No, VPN is not the best idea. Especially express VPN
4. It can work. But only countries which do not accept etsy payments can use standalone paypal

How do I tackle the IP address issue?

[ButterflyStorms]

you'll have to make the account at the library, work, or other location

[Duab]

Originally Posted by ButterflyStorms

you'll have to make the account at the library, work, or other location

Well, you can just buy Residential IP plan.

it's never recommended to use public wifi's. You never know who used them before and risk your account.