Etsy Privacy Settings Guide

Discover how to manage your Etsy privacy with our step-by-step guide on updating account settings, keeping favorites private, and controlling email notifications.

Etsy recognizes that privacy is a cornerstone of a successful online business. Etsy sellers like you may prefer to keep certain elements of their Etsy journey under wraps. That’s why it’s essential to tailor your account’s privacy settings to match your comfort level and business needs.

How to Manage Your Recently Viewed Items on Etsy

While browsing on Etsy, the platform keeps track of the items you’ve looked at for convenience. However, only you can see this history. If ever you decide that you’d like a clean slate, here’s how to clear your “Recently Viewed” items:

  1. Log in to your account at Etsy.co
  2. Navigate to Your Account, typically found at the top right corner.
  3. From there, select Account Settings.
  4. Proceed by clicking on Privacy.
  5. Conclude by hitting Clear recently viewed listings.
Etsy’s Account Settings

Setting the Stage: Public vs. Private Favorites

On Etsy, you have the agency to decide if others can peek into your favorites list. Here are the implications:

  • Private Favorites: If you prefer discretion, setting favorites to private ensures they remain unseen in followers’ feeds.

Making Your Favorite Lists Private on Etsy

To cloak your list of favored items from prying eyes, follow these simple steps:

  1. Access Etsy.com and sign in.
  2. Click on the Favorites icon—a heart symbol often found at the top of the page.
  3. Select a list such as Items I Love or any custom list you’ve curated.
  4. In the upper right section (near your cart), click Edit then tick Only I can see this list.
Make Your Favorited Items or Shops Private on Your Etsy Profile Page

Keeping Your Favorite Shops Under Wraps

If shielding your preferred shops is what you’re after, here’s how:

  1. Venture over to your Favorites page once more.
  2. Direct yourself to the Shops tab.
  3. On the right side, hit Edit, then select Only I can see my favorite shops.

How to Block Unwanted Followers on Etsy

There might be occasions when you need to prevent certain users from seeing your activity in their feeds for privacy or personal reasons. Here’s what to do:

  • Blocking a Member: Head over to the member’s profile page and look for the Block option, usually found towards the bottom left corner. Rest assured, Etsy values discretion and does not alert members when they are blocked.
  • Unblocking a Member: If you decide to remove the block, simply visit their profile again and select Unblock. Remember that they will need to re-follow you to see your updates in their feed once more.
Block Unwanted Etsy Member on their Profile Page

Customizing Your Email Notifications

Etsy keeps you informed with notifications about new followers by default, but it’s easy to adjust these settings if you prefer fewer emails:

  1. Sign in to Etsy.com.
  2. Choose Your Account from the top right menu.
  3. Click on Account Settings.
  4. Select Emails from the options provided.
  5. Simply uncheck any types of emails that no longer serve you.
  6. Don’t forget to save your preferences by clicking Save Settings.
Etsy’s Account Settings

Enhancing Your Etsy Shop’s Privacy and Trustworthiness

1. Prioritize Personal Privacy as an Etsy Seller

When you’re selling on platforms like Etsy, safeguarding your personal details is not just a recommendation but a necessity. This means keeping sensitive information such as your full name, home address, and personal phone number confidential. Establish a business-only email address and consider obtaining a separate phone line or using a call forwarding service for customer inquiries. Instead of revealing your full name within your shop or profile, opt for initials or create a brand-specific moniker.

2. Transparency: The Cornerstone of Customer Relationships

While privacy is paramount, so too is transparency with those who support your business—your customers. It’s crucial to inform buyers about the nature of the data you collect (names, addresses, payment details) and its usage clearly within your shop policies. Furthermore, openly disclose any involvement with third-party services like shipping couriers or payment gateways that may handle their data in fulfilling orders.

3. Vigilant Maintenance of Privacy Settings and Policies

The digital marketplace is ever-evolving; hence why it’s imperative to conduct frequent audits of your Etsy account’s privacy settings alongside Alura’s toolset to ensure they reflect current standards and practices. Review adjustments made by third-party services paired with your shop to confirm continued compliance with Etsy’s privacy guidelines.

With each sale review what customer data was collected—retaining only what’s necessary—and affirm that it’s stored securely reflects responsible data management practices vital for maintaining consumer confidence.

Conclusion:

In an increasingly connected world where personal and professional boundaries often blur, maintaining privacy as an online seller is not just a recommendation—it’s a cornerstone of your business’s integrity and success. Through the implementation of best practices for privacy on platforms like Etsy, sellers can foster a secure environment that upholds the sanctity of personal information and trade secrets while nurturing trust with customers.

FAQ

How to Adjust Your Etsy Privacy Settings – Complete Guide
Can I keep my Etsy favorites private from followers?
Yes, you can choose to make your favorited items and shops private on Etsy. This means that even if users follow you, they won't see your favorites in their feed, allowing you to browse and favorite discreetly.
How do I stop receiving emails every time someone follows my Etsy shop?
You can customize your email notification preferences in your account settings on Etsy. By deselecting the option for new follower notifications, you'll no longer receive an email each time someone follows your shop.
Will a member know if I block them on Etsy?
No, when you block a member on Etsy, the platform does not notify them. Blocking prevents them from seeing any of your future actions in their feed but does so discreetly without alerting the blocked user.
Is it possible to unblock someone on Etsy and how does it affect following status?
Yes, you can unblock someone by visiting their profile page again and clicking 'Unblock'. Once unblocked, they will need to follow you again in order to see updates from you in their feed.
Does clearing my recently viewed listings affect my privacy settings on Etsy?
Clearing your recently viewed listings is a privacy action that removes traces of those views from being visible in your account history. This action is only related to what's visible when accessing your own account history; other privacy settings remain unchanged unless manually adjusted by you.