Etsy Sellers on Strike Over Rising Fees... It's a Mess

Etsy sellers went on a week-long strike from April 11 to 18 following the e-commerce company’s decision to increase transaction fees from 5 percent to 6.5 percent.

In a petition addressed to Etsy CEO Josh Silverman, Etsy seller Kristi Cassidy and fellow petitioners demanded the cancellation of the fee increase, among other calls for resolution.

The increased fees followed Etsy’s profitable turnout in the fourth quarter of 2021, largely due to the holiday season.

The transaction fee covers the percentage taken from the seller’s income whenever their products sell. Etsy earns from this percentage.

In their 2021 report, Silverman explained that the new fee will support Etsy’s investment in “key areas like marketing”, wishing to replicate their latest lucrative performance.

Cassidy and fellow petitioners reminded Silverman for Etsy’s primary purpose in “keeping commerce human.” The company provides a business platform for handmade items and small business products.

In May, the petition reached 85,500 signatures.