A super common question we get is can you send emails to etsy customers.

Download your Etsy customer emails and start doing email marketing.

The short answer, yes.

But sellers need to put it in your shop’s policies that when a customer buys from your shop, they are opting into joining your mailing list.

All the information for this article is sourced from Etsy. Below are links to the respective posts.

Seller Policy

Finally the seller policy. This is where most sellers misinterpret the rules because the legal language is confusing. The most important part though is the section listed below.

It says:

For example, you may receive a buyer’s email address or other information as a result of entering into a transaction with that buyer. This information may only be used for Etsy-related communications or for Etsy-facilitated transactions.

You may not use this information for unsolicited commercial messages or unauthorized transactions. Without the buyer’s consent, and subject to other applicable Etsy policies and laws, you may not add any Etsy member to your email or physical mailing list, use that buyer’s identity for marketing, or obtain or retain any payment information.

Translation: Etsy wants communications with sellers to only be used for sales on Etsy. Etsy doesn’t want you to leave because it makes money from the sales you get on the platform. You can contact sellers with their consent.

Etsy Insights: Extending your reach through email newsletters

This article is from an Etsy Staff Member Sarah who is talking about email marketing.

Specifically she says:

You can ask members to join an offsite mailing list on your public shop page and during the order process. If you do that, just make sure members need to opt in to it and have the ability to opt out of it later. Thanks!

Translation: you can do email marketing to your customers if they opt in, which can be part of your shop policies.

Seller Handbook: A Field Guide to Email Marketing

This article is from the Etsy Staff as well. There’s two important part related to email marketing.

Can you send emails to etsy customers 2

Specifically it says:

People you’re emailing have to have chosen to hear from you, which in the email marketing biz is called “opting in.”

Remember, you should never add customers’ emails to your list without their consent. Not only is it against Etsy’s policies—it’s also illegal in many countries.

Translation: Spam is illegal in many countries and in Etsy’s policies, but you can do email marketing if people opt in. Again, just include “You opt into our email list when you make a purchase” to your shop’s policies.

Seller Handbook: Dos and Don’ts of Communicating With Customers

This article is from the Etsy Staff as well. The important part is screenshotted below.

Can you send emails to etsy customers 3

It says:

Don’t communicate… too much. Sending too many Convos, emails, promotions or reminders might be perceived as a nuisance to your buyer. Be careful to strike a balance when sending messages.

Translation: Don’t spam your users too often. An email a week is fine as long as they can opt out from the list.