Is Etsy Safe

27 mars 2024

This image represents an article about how safe Etsy is.
This image represents an article about how safe Etsy is.

Introduction (

Etsy is generally seen as a safe platform for buyers and Etsy sellers. However, like any online marketplace, there are risks to consider. In this article, we will explore why Etsy remains a safe platform for buying and selling online. Additionally, we will highlight areas where caution is necessary and how to avoid Etsy scammers.

Is Etsy Safe?

For the buyers Etsy offers:

  1. Etsy's secure payment system: Etsy platform offers secure payment methods like credit cards, PayPal, and more to protect your financial details and your Etsy account. Plus, Etsy payments are smooth and easy.

  2. Protect Buyers: You can get a refund from the Etsy seller or return your product with Etsy's policies if your order doesn't meet expectations (depending on the shop policy).

  3. Reviews Matter: Share your thoughts on sellers and products to help others make informed choices.

  4. Customer Help: Contact Etsy's customer support for assistance with any concerns.

If you're an Etsy seller, Etsy offers:

  1. Etsy's secure platform: Etsy payments ensures secure transactions to minimize fraud risks.

  2. Seller Safeguards: Etsy's policies support sellers in disputes or issues with buyers.

  3. Follow the Rules: Strict Etsy's terms of service, covering authenticity, copyright, and customer interactions.

  4. Seller Assistance: Get help from Etsy through resources and guidance on using the platform.

But you need to be careful for certain points to avoid being scammed on Etsy…

Avoid Etsy scams

So Etsy is mainly safe for shopping online and also for selling, but you'll need to be careful.
If you’re a buyer:

  • Do your due diligence for the product you’re buying; many sellers on Etsy sell trademarked or stolen products. For example, if you purchase a product that has been made by another seller and you use this product to create yours, you can face copyright infringement if you don’t adhere to the rules of the initial seller. So try to avoid as much as possible these fake sellers.

  • If you’re a buyer, be aware that some physical products are just dropshipped from China, which you can find for 75% cheaper on Alibaba. So, be careful. If you noticed that you just bought a dropshipped item from an Etsy seller, you can open a case and ask for a refund. These Etsy sellers prefer to issue refunds instead of taking the risk of being banned.


If you’re a seller:

  • Be aware that Etsy almost always takes the buyer’s side in a dispute, which can lead to people claiming they never received your product and asking for a refund, even if they have received the product. This is common Etsy scams that occurs on many online marketplaces, but unfortunately happens too often on Etsy.

  • Etsy's messaging system: As an Etsy seller, you may receive messages from Etsy scammers telling you that your account is suspended or that you have received an order but Etsy can't process the payment, and they may ask you to click on a link. These are all Etsy scams. Etsy will never ask you for any personal information.
    Additionally, now on the left tab, there's a section called "From Etsy". If the message you receive is not in this section, it's likely an Etsy scam. Be cautious. If you receive a message from them in your Etsy account, just click on "spam". This way, the message received from this potential Etsy scammer won't affect your score for your Etsy star seller badge.

Is Etsy Legit and Safe?

In conclusion, the Etsy platform is generally safe for buying or selling, but you need to be aware of the points I mentioned above. If you take precautions by avoiding fake Etsy shops if your a buyer, you should avoid being scammed on Etsy. If you're an Etsy seller, whether you're selling vintage items, digital downloads, or POD products, write a clear Etsy shop policy, always check the shipping address and be careful with anyone messaging you. By doing that you also should avoid being scammed on Etsy and have a good experience on the platform.

Thank you for taking the time to read my content! If you enjoyed it and don't want to miss any posts about the Etsy platform, feel free to follow me on Youtube or X.