SPECIAL PREVIEW!

MAY 8, 2008

This page is a special sneak peek preview of our newly revised site policies. We're posting this in advance to get our community's feedback. Please read this Storque article, Policy Sneak Peek: Upcoming Updates to Etsy's Site Rules, for more information about how you can help us. 

Since we're revising the FAQs and other Help documents to complement these revised DOs & DON'Ts, some of the links on this page may not work properly. Don't worry! Everything will be accurate when the final document is launched.

THESE POLICIES ARE NOT YET IN EFFECT; check the existing DOs & DON'Ts for the current policies. 

Thank you!

The DOs & DON'Ts of Etsy

Membership | Conversations | Transactions | Selling | Flagging | Community

Etsy is a marketplace for buying and selling all things handmade. Our mission is to enable people to make a living making things and to reconnect makers with buyers. Our vision is to build a new economy and present a better choice: Buy, Sell, and Live Handmade.

Please read this page with care, as it explains the dos and don'ts, the ins and outs, the ups and downs (and everything in between) of being a member of the Etsy community. These policies only apply to Etsy.com; alas, we do not control the universe, or even the rest of the Internet. If you still have questions after reading these policies, please check out our Help section or feel free to contact us.

Membership

More Help: Registration Help Guide | General FAQ | Selling FAQ | Buying FAQ

We expect all members of Etsy to treat each other with respect and kindness (including Etsy's staff). Remember that behind every username is a real person with feelings. Your username on Etsy is your identity. You are responsible for your conduct and all content submitted under your username on Etsy.

• By joining Etsy, all members agree to abide by the policies outlined here and in the Terms of Use.
• You must be at least 18 years of age to hold an account on Etsy. If you are under 18, you must have the permission and supervision of a parent or legal guardian who is at least 18 years of age; that adult is responsible for the account.
• You may not use profane or racist language or images in your username, avatar and/or public profile.
• You may not transfer ownership or sell your Etsy account to another party.
• Usernames cannot be changed except in the event of documented legal action (such as trademark infringement) at Etsy's discretion. Choose your username carefully.
• An Etsy account cannot be used for the sole purpose of redirecting traffic to another web location, even if it is another Etsy account. Please contact Support to have your account closed if you are no longer using it.
• Keep your account information updated and accurate. Your account must have a valid email address at all times. Etsy will use the email address on file in your account information to contact you when necessary.
• Etsy encourages all members to resolve their own disputes. As a venue, Etsy cannot mediate disputes between members or other parties.

Breaking any of Etsy's policies may result in suspension of account privileges and/or account termination. This includes all of your accounts by virtue of association. In other words, Etsy reserves the right to suspend the use of the site for a person and all username(s) he/she operates under.

Multiple accounts held by one person

Having more than one account ("multiple accounts" or "alternate accounts") is not something Etsy encourages, as it has the potential to cause confusion. Keep in mind that accounts cannot be merged in any way, so if you change your mind later, you will not be able to transfer information (such as listings, feedback, hearts or purchase history) from one account to another.

• All of your usernames must be clearly disclosed in the public profile for each account. A statement such as, "I am also on Etsy under these usernames..." would be acceptable. This includes all buying and selling accounts, as well as any collective accounts in which you are involved.
• You may not use an alternate account to purchase items from yourself. This is called "shilling."
• Etsy will not issue refunds for accidental activity stemming from multiple account ownership, like listing items in the wrong shop.
• You may not list the same unique item in more than one shop on Etsy.

Multiple people using a single account (collective shops)

An account that involves more than one person is called a collective. There are two scenarios in which multiple people who know each other may use a single Etsy account.

Artisans combine their skills to make and list products in an Etsy shop. For example:

• One artist screen prints fabric, then another artist sews clothing from the fabric. The finished product is listed in a collective Etsy shop.
• A person helps a friend or family member make, list or ship an item. The item is listed in their collective Etsy shop.

Multiple artisans who know each other use a single Etsy account to post their own separate work in one shared shop. For example:

• Two jewelers share a collective Etsy shop but create and list their own jewelry items in the same shop.
• Two friends, a painter and a furniture maker, share a collective Etsy shop to sell their work together.

If your shop is a collective, you must comply with all of Etsy's policies, including these additional policies specifically for collectives:

• A collective may not be an entity that represents multiple artists by contract (e.g., gallery, a consignment shop, or an art agency/dealer). 
• The public profile page for the account must fully disclose accurate information about each person, their role in the shop and the relationships between the members of the collective. Etsy may ask for additional information and may require the shop comply with additional requirements.
• The individual who registers the account is responsible for all activities of the account, the bill and any transaction reports. This includes participation in community features of the site.
• All standard listing policies apply to collective Etsy shops. All handmade goods must be created by members of the collective. Please refer to the Selling section below for Etsy's listing policies.

If any of Etsy's policies are violated by a member of a collective, all accounts registered to members of the collective are subject to suspension of privileges and/or account termination. Etsy will not mediate disputes between individuals within a collective.

Conversations

More Help: General FAQ 

Conversations (also called "Convos") are your way to communicate privately with other Etsy members. Think of it like email just for Etsy. Conversations are primarily intended for communicating about transactions. Members may also use Conversations to build friendly relationships with one another, seek advice or discuss Team activities. Please use common sense when giving out personal information to others via Conversations.

• You may not use Conversations to send unsolicited advertising or "spam." (If someone hearts your shop/item, that is not an invitation to send a Conversation to that person.)
• You may not use Conversations harass or abuse another member. (If someone explicitly tells you not to contact them, you must not contact them again.)

Etsy's spambot may automatically disable you from sending new messages if you are suspected of sending spam. You must contact Support to have your ability to send Conversations reinstated. Misuse of Conversations may result in suspension of account privileges and/or termination of your Etsy account(s).

Transactions

Etsy's role is to connect the buyer and the seller; we are a venue, not a retailer. This means when you place an order on Etsy, you are entering into a direct transaction and personal relationship with an individual seller (facilitated by Etsy).

Communication is the key to a smooth transaction, and we encourage buyers and sellers to use Conversations to work out any details or problems that may arise.

Additionally, sellers may post important information in their shop announcement, shop policy page, public profile or listing description to better inform buyers. Sellers will generally have individual policies for shipping, returns/exchanges and refunds posted on their shop policy pages.

Outlined below are the site-wide policies for transactions.

Buying an item

More Help: Buying an Item Help Guide | Buying FAQ 

Etsy is a marketplace where you can buy handmade goods, vintage finds and crafting supplies. Below are the site policies for the buyer in a transaction:

• When you purchase an item on Etsy, you agree to pay the seller for the item. Do not purchase items for which you do not intend to pay.
• The buyer must send payment directly to the seller (not to Etsy).
• It is the buyer's responsibility to pay the seller. If you choose to pay via PayPal, please send payment right away. If you are paying by check or money order (or other mailed payment), send a Conversation or email to the seller to make arrangements for payment.

Alchemy

More Help: How Alchemy Works Help Guide | General FAQ 

Alchemy is a space on Etsy where a member can post a request for a custom handmade item and sellers submit bids to create the item. It's a great way to transform your creative ideas into tangible objects! All the standard policies for Etsy transactions apply to Alchemy, plus a few special policies as noted below. You can also request custom items directly from a specific seller on Etsy.

• Alchemy is for requesting custom handmade items only. Do not use Alchemy to request commercial supplies, vintage items, services, item trades or free items (such as charitable donations).
• An Alchemy transaction is a sales agreement; you must follow through on the terms of the agreement just like any other Etsy transaction.
• Once a transaction has been initiated via Alchemy, you must complete the sale on Etsy. Moving the transaction off-Etsy is considered fee avoidance.
• Alchemy is not a classified ad space. Do not create requests for items or services unrelated to Etsy (e.g., employment opportunities, room rentals, free puppies, personals).
• Don't use Alchemy to request pornography, illegal items or anything that would otherwise violate Etsy's policies.
• Alchemy requests are subject to Etsy's Copyright and Intellectual Property Policy regarding any intellectual property disputes.
• You must obtain permission from Etsy prior to creating items that use Etsy's marks (name, logo, etc). Please refer to the Etsy Trademark Permissions Program for more information.

If an Alchemy request is in violation of site policy, we may ask you to modify the request or we may delete it entirely. Transaction disputes stemming from Alchemy (i.e., canceled sales, non-payment, non-delivery, feedback issues) will be handled as regular Etsy transactions.

Problems with a transaction

More Help: Transaction Report | Buying FAQ | Selling FAQ 

We hope that your shopping experience on Etsy is smooth and hassle-free. Any time there is a possible issue with a transaction, Etsy encourages the buyer and seller to communicate with each other about the problem via Conversations. Since the transaction is between buyer and seller, it is best for the two parties to work it out together.

There are a few reasons a transaction may be reported to Etsy:

• If payment is not sent within a reasonable amount of time and the buyer has not responded to the seller's attempts at communication, then the seller may cancel the transaction (i.e., cancellation for non-payment, reported by the seller).
• If the seller cannot authenticate the buyer's identity, then the seller may cancel the transaction (i.e., suspected fraud, reported by the seller).
• If the buyer does not receive the item in a timely manner and the seller has not responded to the buyer's attempts at communication, then the buyer may file a report about the transaction (i.e., non-delivery, reported by the buyer).
  

Defaulting on transactions may result in suspension of account privileges and/or termination. Be sure to stay in contact with Support if you have an open transaction report.

Feedback

More Help: Feedback Help Guide | General FAQ | Selling FAQ

Feedback is a way to establish a reputation of trust for both buyers and sellers. For every transaction, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to submit a positive, neutral or negative rating and write an optional comment.

Consistency, fairness and honesty are critical to the integrity of the feedback system. Members are encouraged to use the feedback system. Feedback directly affects a member's reputation as a buyer or seller, so please take it seriously.

The Kiss and Make-Up feature allows buyers and sellers to change negative or neutral feedback if both parties agree. This is useful if a situation is remedied after feedback has been left by one or both sides of a transaction. If you have a change of heart, please offer to Kiss and Make-Up. You can use Kiss and Make-Up at any time after feedback has been left (if the transaction has not been canceled).

Members have 30 days from the date they receive feedback to have Etsy review it for removal. At Etsy's discretion, feedback may be removed or altered in the following circumstances:

• Private information was published
• Abuse or harassment of a member
• Use of profane or racist language or images
• Spam or advertising
• Shilling (fraudulent inflation of feedback rating by use of an alternate account)
• Feedback comments on a different member's transaction
• Obvious misuse of the feedback system (e.g., buyer leaves negative feedback immediately after purchase and is unresponsive to communication)

Members with low feedback ratings will be subject to review and account privileges may be suspended and/or terminated.

Selling

More Help: Setting Up Your Shop Help Guide | Listing an Item Help Guide | Selling FAQ 

Etsy provides a marketplace for crafters, artists and collectors to sell their handmade creations, vintage goods and crafting supplies. Most shops belong to individuals, but a small group can run an Etsy shop as a collective (see Membership for more information).

Shop set-up

We encourage all sellers to provide information about your craft or experience in your public profile. Shoppers will likely be interested in this info, as they are often here specifically to buy handmade items directly from the creator. We encourage all sellers to explain your individual shop's policies on your Shop Policies page, but this may also be included in your item listings, shop announcement and/or public profile.

Please keep the following things in mind as you set up your shop and create listings:

• An individual shop's policies must not contradict Etsy's site-wide policies. Etsy reserves the right to ask sellers to modify unreasonable policies at Etsy's discretion.
• You may not post links/URLs to other venues where you have the same items for sale that are listed in your Etsy shop. This may include your personal website if there are items for sale.
• Do not make illegal use of photographs or written text, as this is in violation of Etsy's Terms of Use. Contact the owner and ask permission.
• Use of profane and/or racist language or images in the public areas of your Etsy shop is not permitted. This includes your username, public profile, item titles, tags, avatar, banner, announcement and/or shop sections.
• You must pay your Etsy bill on time to avoid penalties which include suspension of listing privileges and/or account termination. Learn more about billing in the How Billing Works guide.
• You may not use the public areas of your account to demonstrate or discuss disputes with others.
• Each unique item must have its own listing. You should not edit a listing's information to change it to an entirely different item. This is considered fee avoidance and can also cause problems for Etsy's information database.

What can be sold

This section outlines the items that can be listed for sale on Etsy.

Handmade by you

• All items must be handmade by the individual(s) running the Etsy shop.
• On Etsy, the term "handmade" can additionally be interpreted as "hand-assembled" or "hand-altered".

Commercial crafting supplies

• These are not items handmade by you.
• This section is for items that can be used to make other items you might find for sale on Etsy (such as yarn, beads, instructional books, patterns, tools, etc.).
• These listings must be placed in the Supplies category, and tagged as commercial. (Categories such as Books and Zines are for handmade items only.)

Vintage goods

• The Vintage category is for things that are at least 20 years old.
• These listings must be placed in the Vintage category.

Listing an item

All listings on Etsy must be for a tangible object (note: a digital file is considered a tangible object). The item description should be clear, accurate and detailed. Some items require special attention to comply with Etsy's policies, such as mature content and gift certificates.

Listings that do not comply with Etsy's policies may be flagged for review. See Flagging below for more details.

Describe your items accurately

Accurate titles, tags, photos and descriptions are a critical to selling on Etsy. Tags are very important, as Etsy's search system relies on tags to find your items for shoppers. Check out the Listing an Item help guide for more info on how to list and tag your items. Keep these policies in mind as you describe your items:

• Listing descriptions and photos must clearly describe the item for sale so buyers know what is included in the purchase.
• Only use accurate and relevant tags.
• The shipping price should be reasonable for the item.

Reselling

• You may not list handmade items that you (or a member of your collective) did not make. This is considered reselling and is not permitted.
• Gift baskets which are a collection of non-handmade items are not allowed.

Listings must be available for purchase

• Each listing must be an item available for purchase.
• You may not create a listing for an item that is not for sale or sold out.
• A listing may not be created simply to share photographs or other information with the community.
• A listing may not be created solely as an advertisement. This includes notices of sales or promotions in your shop. Such information can be included in your profile, avatar, shop announcement and/or item descriptions.
• "Custom order" listings must be listed for purchase with a set price. Details about the customization can be discussed via Conversation.
• A listing should not be created with an unrealistic price in order to keep it from selling. You may price an item how you choose, but please be reasonable.
• A listing must not be conditional upon the purchase of another listing in your shop (i.e., saying "this item may only be purchased along with another item in my shop" is not allowed). This includes listings for item upgrades, shipping upgrades and "free with purchase" offers.

Free with purchase

• A free with purchase item may not be listed as a separate listing conditional upon the purchase of another item in your shop. (See Listings must be available for purchase above for further explanation of conditional listings.)
• Information about free with purchase items must go in the item description.
• Anything that comes free with purchase must not be featured in the first photograph of the listing.
• The title and tags should not mention or describe the free with purchase item.
• The price should only reflect the listed item.

Gift certificates

• Because gift certificates are governed by local law, it is the seller's responsibility to determine if they are in compliance. If you list a gift certificate on Etsy, you are responsible for this compliance.
• You must include this sentence in the item listing: "This Gift Certificate is valid only in my Etsy shop and is only redeemable here."

Services

• Services are not allowed to be listed unless they provide a tangible, physical item.
• Graphic design services and digital pattern distribution are allowed. The digital file (.pdf, .jpg, .doc, and so on) in these cases is considered the physical item. 
• With prior written permission, you can list Services such as workshops, classes and subscriptions on Etsy. Contact Support for approval before listing these.

Production assistance

• It is best if a seller can create their items entirely with their own hands. However, Etsy acknowledges that this is prohibitive for certain intermediary tasks in some crafts. Some acceptable examples include: printing for your digital artwork, metal casting from your original mold, and kiln firing for your handcrafted ceramic work.
• The item's description must disclose the use of a third-party vendor (providing a name is not necessary, but is encouraged).
• You may not have a third-party vendor fulfill your orders to your Etsy customers on your behalf (e.g., no drop-shipping).
• If a physical handicap or other limitation prevents you from fulfilling your orders you may have someone help you. (Please also see the policies for collective shops under Membership for an alternative solution.)
• Items are subject to staff review on a case-by-case basis. If the staff determines that the vendor's involvement comprises a majority share of the item's creation, it will be deemed "not handmade by you" and removed from Etsy.

Mature content

• Mature content is defined as: sexual activity or content, profane language or graphic violence.
• Items containing mature content must be tagged "mature".
• The first thumbnail image should be kept appropriate for general audiences; additional images in the listing may show the item in its entirety.
• Artful representation of the nude human figure is allowed. The context of the nudity determines if it is a mature content item.
• Items are subject to review on a case-by-case basis. If Etsy evaluates the content to be mature, you will be asked to edit the listing to comply with these policies or remove the listing entirely.

Mature content listings will remain in all public searches by default; users can restrict results by using the exclusionary search term "NOT mature" ("opt-out" search status).

Prohibited items

Some items are inappropriate for Etsy's marketplace, even though they could possibly be handmade or vintage.

You may not list the following types of items on Etsy:

• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Drugs
• Firearms and/or weapons
• Recalled items
• Real estate
• Motor vehicles (automobiles, motorcycles, boats, etc.)

Additionally, a seller may not list any item that violates the seller's local laws, including shipping restrictions, per Etsy's Terms of Use.

Flagging

More Help: General FAQ 

Flagging is like Etsy's neighborhood watch. It's your way to alert the Etsy of potential problems. Use the Report this item to Etsy link on any item page or email Etsy's flagging contact. This is a confidential process. The member whose listing is reported will not know who flagged it. Additionally, Etsy's investigation will be handled privately; you will not receive a personal response to your flagging message.

• Flagging should be used to report any item listing, shop or Alchemy request that violates any of Etsy's policies.
• Do not flag a single violation multiple times.
• Since flagging is a private matter, members should not discuss flags in any of Etsy's community spaces or in Conversations.

In most cases, Etsy will work with a user privately to remedy the problem. If a seller does not respond to Etsy's communication or requests in a timely manner, the item may be removed and the shop's selling privileges may be suspended and/or terminated. In some extreme cases, listings will be removed immediately. Abuse of the flagging system by means of raising repeated, unjustified flags may result in the suspension and/or termination of your account.

Community

More Help: General FAQ 

The community is the heart of Etsy. If you are a member of Etsy, you are part of our community. Etsy has established multiple ways for members to interact with one another on the site, such as the Forums, chat rooms, Virtual Labs and Teams. Please remember that these are public spaces, so use common sense when sharing personal information.

The staff's role in the community is to maintain the health, helpfulness and success of community. We have policies and expectations for members' participation in the community spaces. Etsy's role is to facilitate open discussion and support our community through constructive communication.

Forums, Chat Rooms and Virtual Labs

The Forums, chat rooms and Virtual Labs are the primary venues for community interaction on Etsy. These areas have different features, but serve the same purpose.

• Above all, treat one another with respect. There is a real person behind each username.
• Keep your posts on-topic and in the appropriate section of the forums.
• Harassing, insulting or abusing other members is unacceptable.
• Discussing a specific member, shop or item (either by name or with identifiable hints) in a negative way is not allowed. This is referred to as "calling out."
• Do not use the community spaces to facilitate or arrange any sort of auction or transaction.
• Specific transactions and/or feedback should not be discussed in public community spaces. Instead, contact Support privately if you need help with a transaction.
• You may not use an undisclosed alternate account (also called a "sock puppet") in community spaces.
• Do not publicly post any kind of private information, such as: email, Conversations, letters, phone numbers, addresses, full names or business transactions.
• Solicitation for donations or other fund-raising is not allowed in community spaces.
• Promotion or advertisement from representatives or affiliates of outside services, websites or other products is not allowed.

Forum threads in the wrong section will be moved, without notice, to the appropriate place. Etsy reserves the right to close any thread for any reason. In rare circumstances, Etsy may delete information from the forums. Violating community policies may result in suspension of community privileges and/or account termination.

Teams

More Help: Teams | Selling FAQ 

Etsy Teams are intended to facilitate relationships between members in order to promote the handmade lifestyle, network, promote their shops and their Teams, meet people with similar interests or skills, and accomplish the goals set forth by their Teams. Etsy is interested in providing resources as a jumping off point for Teams to come up with creative ways to network and promote. We want to allow Teams to work autonomously, to find the ways of working that best suit their specific Team.

• All Teams must abide by general Etsy site policies and Etsy's Terms of Use.
• Etsy is not responsible for membership policies or other actions of Teams.
• Etsy is not involved in Team finances and/or membership dues.
• Etsy reserves the right to refuse links on any profile page or Etsy Teams page for any reason.
• Etsy will not mediate disputes between Team members or between teams and outside parties.
• Teams are responsible for their own actions, events, contests or promotions, both online and offline. Please use common sense when giving out personal information and meeting people online or offline.
• Third-party forums (such as Yahoo or Google groups) or other independent Team sites (such as blogs, Team websites) will not be monitored by Etsy's staff.
• Teams who wish to open a shared shop account must comply with the policies for collective shops (see the Membership section above).

The Storque

The Storque is Etsy's superblog, geared towards Etsy members and readers interested in the handmade lifestyle. Etsy announcements and site news are also published in the Storque. The Storque is written by Etsy staff, special guests and members of the Etsy community.

Commenting

Readers and authors look forward to reading the comments on articles. Please contact the Storque team if you have concerns about an article or comment that you wish to discuss privately.

• Commenters must not post rude, inappropriate, offensive or abusive comments. Constructive criticism is fine; being mean is not cool.

Etsy reserves the right to remove Storque comments. Posting inappropriate comments may result in suspension of privileges and/or account termination.

Reposting content

The Storque is published, in part, under a Creative Commons license which allows you to repost articles with a few provisions:

• Give credit where credit is due! Always cite the author(s) of the article.
• Link back to the original Storque article; each page has a unique URL.
• While Etsy has permission to use content that our members post on Etsy.com, our members do retain intellectual property rights for their work. Please respect the artist's rights if you are contacted by an individual about use of their copyrighted material.

Etsy reserves the right to alter these policies at any time.