Advocating for our sellers

Etsy fosters an emerging type of creative entrepreneur: Etsy sellers pursue their passions, work for themselves and define success on their own terms. Many of their businesses are small, but together they offer the promise of a more values-led, people-centered approach to life, business and the broader economy.

This year, Etsy advocated on many levels of government for policy reforms that make it easier to start and grow a creative business. We fought (and won!) the fight for a free and open Internet, testified before Congress about the nuanced challenges our sellers face as a business of one and brought a human story to international shipping and trade negotiations. Etsy sellers were able to share their experiences with high-level cabinet secretaries, senators, mayors and lawmakers throughout the US, EU, and Canada, truly reimagining what it means to craft thoughtful policy.

2015 policy and advocacy wins

Economic security

• Etsy joined labour groups and thought-leaders in an open letter that calls for a portable benefits system that would work for the self-employed.
• Etsy seller Jen Pepper, owner of PepperSprouts and The Chatty Press based in Massachusetts, testified before the US House Small Business Committee to celebrate National Entrepreneurs’ Day. Jen’s testimony focused on the struggles of being a business of one, and called on policymakers to focus on new solutions that benefit the self-employed.

International shipping

• President Obama nominated Etsy CEO Chad Dickerson to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations (ACTPN).
• Etsy hosted US Department of Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker and seven Etsy shop owners from the New York City area to discuss international shipping challenges such as unexpected import fees, lost packages and other issues that sellers encounter on a regular basis. Read more here.

Micro-business growth and development

• Etsy seller Eva-Dewi Pangestian Harahap, who is based in Germany and owns Nauli, was featured in the 'Global From the Get-Go' report, published by the Global Innovation Forum. She spoke on a panel with a member of the European Parliament about micro-entrepreneurship in the global marketplace.

Net neutrality

• The FCC voted to protect the Open Internet Order under the strongest authority possible. Chad spoke before the FCC and had an opportunity to sit with Chairman Wheeler as the Chairman read handwritten thank you notes from Etsy sellers for protecting the open internet. Read more about how Etsy sellers made all the difference in this fight in Chad’s Medium post.

Tax and regulatory compliance

• Etsy seller Cassie Gray, owner of ShopClementine based in Massachusetts, testified before the US House Small Business Committee about how current internet sales tax proposals would hurt her business by adding onerous administrative burdens.
• Etsy hosted a roundtable discussion of policymakers from the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and Etsy sellers in London. Etsy shop owners described challenges they encounter (such as access to paid leave, shipping goods across borders and difficulties with taxes) while discussing ways Britain can create a more flexible and supportive environment for creative entrepreneurs.

Local government engagement

• In cities in the US and Canada, Etsy hosted roundtable discussions with sellers and local government representatives to unearth opportunities for local leaders foster greater entrepreneurship in their communities. In 2016, Etsy plans to work closely with Etsy sellers, Etsy manufacturers and local leaders in 10-20 cities to help them transform their hometowns into 'Maker Cities'.

To learn more about Etsy’s policy and advocacy work, visit etsy.com/advocacy.