Savanna Hoffman
International students often face restrictions on working during their studies, and selling goods online may be considered self-employment or running a business, which could violate the terms of their visa. For example, international students in the US on an F1 visa are not allowed to engage in business, and selling goods on Etsy would likely be considered a violation of their visa terms. Similar restrictions may apply in other countries, and international students considering selling goods online should carefully review the terms of their visa and consult with an immigration attorney if necessary to ensure they are not violating any laws or regulations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can international students sell on Etsy? | Yes, international students can sell on Etsy. However, it is important to note that there may be legal restrictions depending on the type of visa and the country of residence. It is recommended to consult with the international student office at the school for specific information. |
| Selling Requirements | Items sold on Etsy must be made, designed, handpicked, or sourced by the seller. Sellers are required to provide accurate information about how the item was made, by whom, and the shipping location. |
| International Shipping | Etsy encourages sellers to offer international shipping to reach a wider audience. Sellers can set up different listing prices for domestic and international orders, taking into account varying shipping costs. |
| Prohibited Items | Etsy prohibits the sale of certain items, including those that violate intellectual property policies, gift cards, and items involving dropshipping and reselling, except in specific cases. |
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What You'll Learn
International student visa restrictions
International students hoping to sell their creations on Etsy must first ensure they are complying with their visa restrictions. The visa restrictions for international students in the US are quite stringent and are dependent on the type of visa the student holds.
There are two types of student visas: F and M. F-1 students are enrolled in more traditional academic programs, while M-1 students are enrolled in vocational programs. Both types of students must maintain a full course load each term and attend all classes. F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year, but they may accept on-campus employment. After the first year, F-1 students may engage in off-campus employment, including STEM OPT. M-1 students may only engage in practical training after they have completed their studies, and this must be related to their area of study.
Both F and M students must maintain their student status, which means fulfilling the purpose for which the visa was issued and following associated regulations. Students must also maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving it up. F students have 60 days after their program completion date to leave the US, while M students have 30 days.
International students on a student visa in the US should ensure they are complying with these visa restrictions while also adhering to Etsy's seller policies.
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Etsy's seller policy
Etsy is a unique marketplace that connects buyers with independent sellers from around the world. Buyers come to Etsy to purchase items that they may not find anywhere else or to spark their creativity. As such, everything listed for sale on Etsy must be made, designed, handpicked, or sourced by the seller.
- Prohibited Items: Several types of items are prohibited from being sold on Etsy, including alcohol, tobacco, drugs, drug paraphernalia, and medical drugs. Etsy also has a Prohibited Items Policy that sellers must adhere to.
- Creativity Standards: Etsy's Creativity Standards ensure that items sold on the platform align with its brand mission. This includes connecting buyers with unique items made, designed, handpicked, or sourced by creative sellers. Reselling mass-produced items is not allowed, except for specific cases such as craft supplies.
- Intellectual Property: Sellers are responsible for ensuring that their listings do not infringe on someone else's intellectual property rights. If Etsy receives a proper notice of infringement, it will remove the specified material.
- Listing Requirements: All listings must offer an item for sale, including physical, digital, and custom items. Etsy prohibits certain activities, such as creating listings for referral codes, want ads, or crowdfunding without offering a physical or digital item. Dropshipping is also not allowed, except in specific cases outlined by Etsy.
- Photographs and Disclosures: Sellers must use their own photographs or video content, not stock photos or images used by other sellers. If an item is created using artificial intelligence or a production partner, this must be disclosed in the listing.
- Customer Service: Sellers are expected to provide excellent customer service and maintain trust with their buyers. This includes honouring shipping and processing times and complying with all applicable laws and regulations for the products listed.
- Ethical Standards: Etsy has an Ethical Expectations policy for sellers who work with production partners. This outlines the company's commitment to protecting fundamental human rights and encourages sellers to make informed choices when collaborating with businesses that comply with safety, labour, and employment laws.
By following Etsy's seller policy and maintaining transparency, sellers can ensure a positive experience for themselves and their buyers on the platform.
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Shipping internationally
International shipping on Etsy can be a great way to expand your customer reach and grow your business. Etsy currently supports shipping to 83 countries, and you can set up your shop to accommodate international shipping by specifying the countries you want to ship to and setting your shipping rates accordingly.
To begin shipping internationally, you need to first measure and weigh your product to determine the most suitable shipping method and calculate the costs of shipping. You can use Etsy's calculated shipping rates to simplify this process, especially if you are a US-based seller. Etsy's shipping calculator takes tax and other fees into account, helping you plan for future expenses and set competitive prices.
When it comes to customs and duties, it is important to be transparent with your customers about any additional tax and customs fees they may need to pay. Unexpected fees can hurt your reputation as a seller, so ensure these are clear before the sale is made. When you purchase an international shipping label on Etsy, you will need to provide accurate total package weights and customs descriptions for all items in your order. Round package weights up to the nearest whole number and include your full name, shop name, and the full name of the buyer in the recipient details. Tariff numbers are required for packages entering the European Union, and you can look up the relevant tariff codes for your items.
Finally, consider investing in shipping insurance to protect yourself and your customers from potential losses or damages during transit. Shipsurance Parcel Insurance Services is a popular choice among Etsy sellers, offering coverage of up to $5,000. By being proactive about resolving any issues that arise during shipping and providing excellent customer service, you can build trust with your customers and establish a positive reputation for your Etsy business.
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Tax obligations
If you're an international student selling on Etsy, you may be subject to certain tax obligations. These obligations can vary depending on your country and the location of your buyers. Here are some key points to consider:
Determining Business Status
Firstly, it's important to determine whether your Etsy shop is classified as a hobby or a business. If you're selling on Etsy without expecting a profit and your income is less than your expenses, your shop may be considered a hobby. However, if you dedicate regular time to your shop, and your primary purpose is income or profit, it qualifies as a business. This distinction is crucial because it will impact your tax liabilities.
Sales Tax and VAT
Depending on your location and the countries you sell to, you may be required to charge and collect sales tax or Value Added Tax (VAT) on the items you sell. Sales tax laws vary by jurisdiction, so it's important to research the specific laws in your area. In some cases, Etsy will collect and remit these taxes on your behalf, but this can differ from country to country. For example, Etsy collects VAT on orders shipped to Norway, but does not collect VAT on transactions within Norway or the UK.
Self-Employment Taxes
If you're an international student selling on Etsy, you may be subject to self-employment taxes. These taxes are based on the net income from your sales, which is your total earnings minus allowable business expenses. It's important to keep accurate records of your expenses, as certain costs associated with running your Etsy shop, such as phone, computer, and internet expenses, may be tax-deductible.
Customs Duties and Fees
When selling internationally, your buyers may be charged customs duties and fees imposed by their country. While these charges are typically the responsibility of the buyer, as a seller, you are responsible for complying with the regulations of the destination country. This includes providing accurate information on customs forms and being aware of any additional taxes payable on import.
Consulting with Tax Professionals
Given the complexity of tax laws and the potential variation across jurisdictions, it is always recommended to consult with a local tax professional or your local tax authority website to ensure you understand your specific tax obligations as an international student selling on Etsy.
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Prohibited items
Etsy has a zero-tolerance policy for prohibited items, and sellers who violate this policy may face account suspension or termination. The prohibited items on Etsy are as follows:
Items that Promote Violence or Hatred
Etsy prohibits items that promote, support, or glorify hatred, violence, or harm towards oneself or others. This includes items that glorify human suffering or tragedies, exploit natural disasters, encourage violence against individuals or groups, or promote self-harm and harmful misinformation.
Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs, and Drug Paraphernalia
Etsy prohibits the sale of alcohol, tobacco products, drugs, and drug paraphernalia. This includes items such as bongs, bubblers, vaporizers, and their components. However, there are some exceptions, such as beer brewing kits, baked goods containing alcohol, hookahs, tobacco pipes, and empty alcohol bottles or items made from them.
Live Animals and Certain Animal Products
Etsy prohibits the sale of live animals and certain animal products. This includes items made from cat and dog parts or pelts, as defined by US Federal Law. Ivory or bones from ivory-producing animals, such as tusks, elk ivory, fossilized ivory, and woolly mammoth ivory, are also prohibited.
Human Remains and Body Parts
Human remains and products or parts from the human body are prohibited on Etsy. However, there are exceptions for teeth, nails, hair, and non-consumable items made with breast milk.
Items that Infringe on Privacy and Security
Etsy prohibits the sale of items that infringe on someone's privacy, such as concealed cameras or tracking devices, and lockpicking devices.
Falsified Qualifications and Medical Status
Items that can be used for falsified qualifications, such as rideshare company decals, diplomas, professional licenses, bank statements, and pay stubs, are prohibited. Additionally, items meant to fraudulently deceive others about one's medical status, including fraudulent test results or items designating a non-service animal as a service animal, are also prohibited.
International Trade Restrictions
When selling internationally, it is the seller's responsibility to comply with the laws and regulations of the destination country, in addition to their local laws. This includes complying with economic sanctions and trade restrictions implemented by organizations like OFAC. Sellers are generally prohibited from transacting with designated people, places, or items that originate from certain places, such as Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Russia, and Belarus.
Intellectual Property Violations
Etsy prohibits the sale of items that violate intellectual property policies, including items that infringe on copyrights, trademarks, or patents.
Mature and Explicit Content
While Etsy allows the sale of some mature content, it prohibits explicit content such as pornography, illegal or exploitative items, and used intimate items. Mature content must be properly listed and tagged, and sellers must understand Etsy's listing tools to ensure their products are listed correctly.
Other Restricted Items
Other prohibited items on Etsy include hazardous materials, recalled items, items that pose a serious health risk, weapons (including imitation firearms), and unauthorized or counterfeit goods.
It is important for sellers to carefully review Etsy's Prohibited Items Policy and terms of use to ensure compliance and maintain a safe and welcoming marketplace for all users.
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Frequently asked questions
International students cannot sell their products on Etsy if they are on an F1 student visa as they are not allowed to engage in business. This would be a violation of their visa and could get them into trouble if caught.
If caught, an international student with an F1 visa selling products on Etsy may be put into removal proceedings.
Yes, international students with an F1 visa can sell products on eBay. However, they need to pay taxes on their income, and they may need to register as self-employed.
No, it is a violation of the terms of an F1 visa for international students to sell their products on Depop.
No, international students on a non-work visa cannot sell products on Etsy. This includes visas such as H4.
