Etsy used to be a platform that truly supported small businesses, but sadly, that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. Over the years, their focus has shifted from helping sellers thrive to prioritizing profit and maintaining a buyer-friendly reputation—often at the expense of the hardworking sellers who make the platform what it is. As a seller, I’ve experienced firsthand how Etsy disregards its own sellers’ policies. Even when I provided extensive evidence to support my case, they ignored it entirely and sided with a buyer who clearly violated my shop’s terms. This left me feeling disrespected, unsupported, and questioning whether Etsy cares about the small businesses that pay their fees and keep their marketplace running. Etsy’s refusal to enforce sellers' policies or even take the time to thoroughly review evidence sets a troubling precedent. It sends a message that buyers can abuse the system, insult sellers, and tarnish their reputations without consequences. It’s disheartening to see a platform that once championed small businesses turn into a profit-driven corporation, disconnected from the needs of its sellers. If you’re a seller considering Etsy, I urge you to think twice. Build your own website or look for other platforms that respect and support small businesses. Etsy is no longer the safe, seller-friendly marketplace it claims to be.
