Thousands of Etsy sellers are choosing to close their virtual storefront down for a week.In response to yet another transaction fee hike to almost 7%, Etsy sellers have declared that enough is enough. 

As a response to the rate hike, sellers have decided to launch a grassroots campaign aimed at having their voices heard. One of those sellers is vintage dealer is Angelica Villagran who runs @alohapinatavintage. She says that, “I am 100% ready to jump ship permanently.” Villagran says that transaction fees plus a new “star seller program” are making her life hell. ” You pretty much need to work 7 days a week to be a star seller and it required you to respond to customers within a short timeframe. ship quickly, and have stellar reviews… if I take a day off of my messages I get dinged.” 

Organizers say that nearly 10,000 virtual storeowners have agreed to shut down their storefronts and it is growing everyday. The fee increase, the new “star seller” program, increased charges for off side ads, and poor customer service are the biggest driving forces for this movement off of Etsy.

Etsy defended the rate increase by saying, “Our sellers’ success is a top priority for Etsy. We are always receptive to seller feedback and, in fact, the new fee structure will enable us to increase our investments in areas outlined in the petition, including marketing, customer support, and removing listings that don’t meet our policies.” 

Do you think that Etsy will continue to be a viable option for resellers or are poorly managed business decisions like their rate fee increase  indicative of a move away from the platform? 

For more information about the Etsy strike click here. To sign the petition click here.