How to Pause or Close Your Etsy Shop:Complete Guide
Whether you need a temporary break or want to shut down completely, Etsy gives you options. Learn when to use vacation mode, how to deactivate listings, and the proper steps to close your shop — plus what happens to your data, reviews, and funds.
🏪Quick Answer: How to Pause or Close Your Etsy Shop
To pause your Etsy shop: Go to Shop Manager → Settings → Options → Vacation mode → Turn on. Your shop stays open but listings become hidden and no new orders can be placed.
To close your Etsy shop permanently: Go to Shop Manager → Settings → Options → Close Shop (scroll to bottom) → Follow the prompts. This action is irreversible after 30 days.
Vacation Mode:
- • Listings hidden from search
- • No new orders accepted
- • Reviews & data preserved
- • Reopen instantly anytime
Close Shop:
- • All listings removed
- • Shop name locked forever
- • 30-day grace period to reopen
- • Permanent after 30 days
Understanding Your Options
Three ways to step back from your Etsy shop
| Option | What Happens | Can You Reverse It? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vacation Mode | Listings hidden, no new orders, shop visible | Yes, instantly | Temporary breaks (travel, illness, busy season) |
| Deactivate Listings | Individual listings hidden, others remain active | Yes, per listing | Seasonal products, inventory issues |
| Close Shop | Everything removed, account deactivated | Yes (within 30 days) | Permanent exit from Etsy |
Vacation Mode: Pausing Your Shop Temporarily
Keep your shop intact while you take a break
Hides Listings
All active listings hidden from search and shop page
Prevents Orders
Buyers cannot purchase anything while active
Shows Banner
Visitors see a vacation notice on your shop
Preserves Everything
Listings, reviews, favorites, and stats remain intact
How to Turn On Vacation Mode
Log into Your Etsy Account
Access your Etsy account and navigate to Shop Manager.
- • Go to etsy.com and sign in
- • Click on your shop icon to open Shop Manager
Open Settings
Navigate to the Settings section in your Shop Manager.
- • Click "Settings" in the left sidebar
- • Select "Options" from the dropdown
Find Vacation Mode
Locate the Vacation mode section in Options.
- • Scroll to find the "Vacation mode" section
- • Toggle the switch to "On"
Write a Vacation Message
Add an optional message for customers who visit your shop.
- • Include your expected return date
- • Explain you're temporarily away but will return
- • Click "Save" to activate
Deactivating Individual Listings
Pause specific products without affecting your whole shop
Quick Steps to Deactivate Listings:
- Go to Shop Manager → Listings
- Select listings to deactivate (checkbox on left)
- Click More actions → Deactivate
Deactivated listings won't appear in search or your shop. Reactivate anytime without paying a new listing fee (if within the original 4-month window).
Use Deactivation When:
- • You're out of stock on specific items
- • Seasonal products are out of season
- • You want to remove old designs
- • You're updating photos or descriptions
Use Vacation Mode When:
- • You can't fulfill ANY orders
- • You need a complete break
- • You're traveling without shop access
- • You're dealing with personal emergencies
Key Numbers to Remember
Closing Your Etsy Shop Permanently
What you need to know before shutting down
You Will LOSE:
- • Your shop name (cannot be reused by anyone)
- • Active listings (gone permanently)
- • Shop URL and visibility
- • Star Seller status
You Will KEEP:
- • Past reviews/sales history (for 30 days)
- • Your Etsy account (can still buy)
- • Deposit account access
- • Data download access (temporarily)
How to Close Your Etsy Shop
Complete or Cancel All Open Orders
Etsy requires you to handle all pending orders before closing.
- • Fulfill any orders that can be shipped
- • Issue refunds for orders you cannot complete
- • Resolve any open cases or disputes
Wait for Pending Funds to Clear
Ensure all payments have been processed.
- • Check your payment account for pending funds
- • Allow 3+ days for funds to clear
- • Verify your bank account is connected for deposits
Download Your Data
Save important information before closing.
- • Download order history from Settings → Options → Download Data
- • Export financial records from Finances → Payment account → Statements
- • Screenshot important reviews
- • Save listing photos and descriptions locally
Navigate to Close Shop
Find the closure option in your settings.
- • Go to Shop Manager → Settings → Options
- • Scroll to the bottom of the page
- • Click "Close Shop"
Confirm Closure
Complete the closure process.
- • Select your reason for closing
- • Review the information about what will happen
- • Click "Close Shop" to confirm
- • You have 30 days to reopen if you change your mind
What Happens to Your Money?
Understanding payment timelines during closure
| Action | Timing |
|---|---|
| Pending order payments | 3 days after delivery confirmation |
| Refunds to buyers | 3-5 business days |
| Final deposit to your bank | 3-5 business days after closure |
| Outstanding fee collection | Immediately upon closure |
Important: Any outstanding fees are deducted from your pending balance. If the balance doesn't cover fees, Etsy charges your payment method on file.
Alternatives to Closing Your Shop
Consider these options before making a permanent decision
Reduce Inventory
Keep only your best-selling 5-10 listings active
Switch to Digital
Convert to digital downloads that sell automatically
Hire Help
Use a VA or fulfillment service to handle orders
Extended Processing
Set 2-3 week processing times instead of vacation mode
Best Practices for Pausing or Closing
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌Don't Do This
- •Close impulsively — you have 30 days to reopen, then it's permanent
- •Leave orders unfulfilled — damages your reputation and violates Etsy policy
- •Expect to reuse your shop name — it's gone forever after closure
- •Forget about open cases — resolve disputes before closing
- •Use vacation mode for months — hurts your search ranking significantly
- •Skip the data download — you'll lose access to everything
- •Ignore outstanding fees — Etsy will charge your payment method
✅Do This Instead
- •Complete all open orders before pausing or closing
- •Download your data including orders, financials, and listing content
- •Communicate with buyers about your plans
- •Settle outstanding fees before closure
- •Consider alternatives like vacation mode or reduced inventory first
- •Set a return date in your vacation message if pausing temporarily
- •Wait for funds to clear before closing permanently
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about pausing or closing your Etsy shop.
Related Guides
This guide reflects Etsy's policies as of February 2026. Policies may change without notice. Always check Etsy's official help center for current procedures. This is informational only and does not constitute business or legal advice.
Need to Analyze Before Deciding?
Before pausing or closing your shop, use InsightAgent to analyze your performance, identify opportunities, and make an informed decision about your Etsy business.