I closed my Etsy shop years ago, but today I received a Help Request from a customer whose order was placed in 2013. She requested a refund because she said she had never been able to confirm which address the order should be sent to so she never received her order. Looking at Etsy alone, it did appear as if she had never replied to my message asking which address to use.

At first I thought, 'Well, it's been almost 15 years, I have no idea what happened.'

So I became an archaeologist and started digging through my old records.

Here's what I found:

• Early January 2013: Because she hadn't replied through Etsy, I emailed her to confirm which of her two addresses to ship the order to before sending it.

• She replied confirming the correct address.

• I found the original tracking number, but not through PayPal because they had long since removed the old shipping records. I had to figure out how to get back into my long discarded business email account and start digging through ancient emails instead.

• Six days later in 2013: She emailed me to let me know the order had arrived safely, told me how much she loved it, and even shared photos from the event where she wore it.

• Six days after that: I replied thanking her for letting me know it had arrived safely.

I honestly think she just forgot after all these years. Human memory is weird.

But I never imagined I'd be reconstructing an almost 15 year old Etsy transaction by recovering a long forgotten business email account and digging through ancient emails like I was investigating a cold case. 😂

Last summer I had a custom order for a specific Christmas stocking I sew. She needed certain measurements and fabric and thankfully I was able to accommodate. I figured it was for some Christmas in summer gift exchange or something. I made the stocking, got a sweet 5 star review, then totally forgot about it.

Well. A couple days ago the customer messages me a picture of the stocking. It's hanging up in the International Space Station!!!!! The customer's sister is an astronaut. She bought it months ago so that she could give it to her sister to take to OUTER SPACE.

I am stunned!!! The astronauts released a video and pointed out the stocking. I heard NPR talking about the stocking today! The whole thing is so surreal and the coolest thing ever!!

This is the coolest thing to happen to me ever. It's made my entire holiday and I will never, ever forget it.

Update/Edit: Thank you for all the comments, Reddit awards, and advice. I've read all of the replies and appreciate them so much!! Merry Christmas!

I have loved my Etsy shop and put my heart and soul into building it up starting in 2020. I say it was successful because almost 5 years in and I’m close to 200k in sales total. I have had over 20 bestsellers during that time as well. I have never ran ads, all my sales have been organic. I hand-make home decor items in my home based craft room. Just me, and some help from my husband.

In 2021 I have a single listing go viral and sales started pouring in. I did 20k in sales in just one month because of it. My husband and I worked 12-16 hr days for weeks to keep up. It was exhausting and amazing, we paid off our car loan.

Then after that great success the knock offs started to really ramp up. I continued to create very successful items for my shop, more bestselling designs. And they stole everything. Every design, even the poor selling ones. Every photo I posted to my shop or social media. When I started adding videos to my listings they stole those too. They listed their knock off versions of my items for sale on every discount platform you can think of.

I tried my best to file takedowns for IP infringement. I did hundreds of takedowns. It was too much to keep up with. I’m trying to make crafts, fill orders, work on new designs, editing photos, being a mom. There just wasn’t enough time to keep up with the endless stream of IP thefts.

Then Etsy started shutting down some of my listings because of stolen photos they saw on other platforms. I fought for months to get these listings reinstated, which I finally did.

But after that a shift happened in me. I didn’t want to put my ideas out there anymore to just be snatched up. All my hours of hard work just snatched up with the click of a mouse by some random thief. My heart just wasn’t in it anymore, I felt discouraged, frustrated, defeated, with the thieves and Etsy’s policies both working against me. For months I mulled over in my mind what I wanted to do while still filling orders. The beginning of February this year I finally made my decision. Orders were still pouring in steady every day, but I closed my shop.

I got a new job, and I like it. But my craftroom is still sitting there with all my equipment and supplies. Sorta just frozen in time collecting dust.

Update: I wasn’t expecting so much response to my post, it really brought up a lot of feelings for me and thoughts to reflect on. I have taken the time to read through almost all of the comments. I think my story really struck a chord with many in the Etsy community because so many of us have had a similar experience. It’s really good to read your comments and know that I’m not alone, but also super heartbreaking that so many creators have also been devastated by IP theft.

A couple answers to questions that have been asked a lot. Yes I did put watermarks on all my photos and videos, but it didn’t seem to help. Yes I did consider building my own website, I even registered a domain name and started working on it. But I ended up choosing not to go through with transitioning over. Even though I had many repeat customers and a decent social media following, the move is not an easy one. There is a huge learning curve with SEO and advertising that I just didn’t have the mental energy at the time to jump into. I had all my sales coming organically through Etsy without paying for any advertising, and that’s not something I could easily re-create with my own website, maybe not even at all to the same level. Etsy can be a wonderful platform to sell on and it has a lot of upsides that worked well for me for a long time.

My Etsy shop brought steady income, if not including the one time I went viral, it was equivalent to a decent part time job. And now I have replaced that income with my new job and it’s going well. I think I’m still sad about it though to some extent, because the part of me I left behind. I had put everything of myself and my creativity into building something that was my own. The hardest part about stepping away has been the process to emotionally disconnect from my shop. And I think that’s why I haven’t moved any of my crafting stuff, because in the back of my mind I still want to keep that door cracked open a bit.

That brings me to the last question asked, would you consider in person craft shows. And yes I would and have done one before that went well. It’s not something I’m working on currently, but I haven’t ruled it out for the future.

Ordered an arm cuff bracelet at a price that seemed on the low end to me, but fairly comparable to similar items listed.

The bracelet arrived in one of those cheap plastic packages with a bar code and item description and s random piece of paper that had "Fashion Jewelry" printed on it. Everything about the packaging screams "Amazon" or similar, and idk how to describe it but the bracelet just feels cheap. The wire is thick enough, but feels flimsy and the stone is nowhere near as pictured. It's very clearly not a "gemstone", it looks/feels like a painted rock.

I posted a review that felt accurate. I'm a little disappointed it's not handmade as far as I can tell, but I'm not too upset, because I feel that it's probably worth about what I paid for it, and I chalked it up to a lesson learned. I'll wear it, just probably not for as long as I'd hoped. I'm not looking for a refund or to return it, just wanted to give future prospective buyers a heads up.

I just got a long message from the seller with a sob story, apologizing that the quality of the packaging was not to my standards (no mention of the quality of the item itself), wanting to "make it right" by offering a partial refund, and asking for a revised review, and I'm second-guessing whether my review was too harsh. I'm not angling for a refund or anything, is there a need to even respond to the seller at this point, or should I just respond with silence and let the review stand?

After feeling like AI slop has taken over the app & a lot of people here saying how much Etsy’s gone downhill over the years, it’s good to know that they’re at least aware of what’s bad about the app lmao.

I know it may not mean anything actually going to change, but I am glad they’re aware of their shortcomings and things people don’t like about the app!

About 15 or so years ago I was selling original illustrations and shirts on Etsy. I had a little success but ended up getting a pretty consuming fulltime job and stopped.

Lots of life and time later I now run a business that is providing me some free time and I thought I would try my hand back at selling my art on Etsy.

I logged back onto Etsy and I am in shock. The marketplace is flooded with print on demand, digital downloads, copy cat listings and wall to wall AI. AI which is rarely disclosed by listers, but obviously AI. People have shops with 2000 listings!

I just spent 3 days on illustrating my first design. Hoping to have 50 offerings by Christmas. Not that anyone will see it in all the noise.

Seriously, the influx of AI, repurposed prints purchased or downloaded for free, and people straight up copying others in bulk, seems to have destroyed a lot of markets on the site.

Obviously AI poses many threats to many industries, but one would think a site promoting handmade items would be the low hanging fruit of some AI restrictions and regulations! What a discouraging mess.

Update: thanks so much for all the thoughts. I may just sell through my own website, because it sounds exactly like what I see. And for all the AI apologists, do you want to watch robots play sports too? You are seriously in need to go out and touch grass. We feel, that’s what art is an outlet for. If you think of art as a “side hustle,” then you’re the most replaceable of all.

I just got an email as an Etsy seller that the company is restricting AI use and adding a report feature for buyers to flag AI generated listings and misleading AI imagery usage. They are also requiring all listing s to have at least one unedited photo against a real background. As a long-time shopper in the past, I am so excited for this; it's been allowed go on too long.

Hi, I love Etsy , and Etsy sellers. And I frequently buy from them.

But today I bought few Postcards from an Etsy seller and she has made the order information public.!!!!!!!

She posted a picture of her desktop screen, with my address, full name and other order info that Etsy sellers get when you place an order to her 802 followers. And her profile is public!!!!!!!!!

I am so disappointed, I bought from her because she just had 4 sales! And now this!!!!!!!!!!

I have contacted her, she has not replied.

This is so ridiculous!!!

I don't know what to say anymore.

Should I report her to Etsy? And cancel my order? And leave a review too? I don't want to be a Karen, but I think she is a Karen here!!!!

Edit: I reported it to Instagram, and they have only removed it for me. Others can still see it.

Another Edit: I saw her previous story and she had made another address public like this (with a link to customer's Instagram profile).

3rd Edit: I just posted a new update as I have just contacted Etsy. Update

UPDATE:

Thank you everyone for your comments, messages, and general good vibes. Seriously. I cannot believe it. I had just had enough and posted here an on a whim. I read a lot but never really post, so THANK YOU.

A good friend of mine from undergrad helped me draft a letter which we sent via email and post to several people at Etsy, in which we (again!) explained what had occurred, printed and enclosed all messages, photos, and other evidence, and I am toying with sending them a freaking product example.

I really have no desire to continue selling on Etsy after this, but if I can get these two shops taken down for actual IP infringement and maybe get Etsy to take a long, hard look at their policies, it will be worth the effort.

I was not a big money maker in the sense that I was not racking in thousands upon thousands a year, but it shouldn't matter.

I'll keep you all posted. In the meantime, you have given me so much encouragement, so THANK YOU!!

(Original Post below)
_________

This is mostly a rant/vent. I don't think there is anything more I can do at this point. I'm just equal parts pissed and heartbroken and know that there are folks on here who probably understand.

About 2 months ago, my Etsy shop/account that I have had since 2009 was suspended without warning for an IP infringement. I was very confused and thought that it had to be a mistake. I make hand-wood-burned wedding guestbooks/plaques and have always used my own illustrations. Most of my items are made-to-order and I have a few in my shop that I have literally been making for people all 11 years of business.

I wrote Etsy, explained my confusion, they told me it was an IP infringement (great, you already said that) and that I had zero grounds for appeal. I asked them for evidence. They responded that per their policies, they did not have to give me evidence and that they take IP matters very seriously

While I racked my brain trying to figure out what was going on, a former customer sent me a link from AliExpress and asked if I was selling my designs to be manufactured now.

Those jerks stole my photos, watermark and all, and started selling "my product" (Lord knows what it looks like... I'm curious but also terrified.) I sent the link the Etsy and got the same email back. Nothing we can do. Don't even try.

The same customer then sent me a link to 2 Etsy shops who were apparently offering "my product" -again, with the watermark. I reached out to the shop and asked them kindly to please take their listing down. They responded that the design was theirs and that I was the one infringing.

I asked to see their materials, their workspace, etc. Nothing. Just a "that is proprietary information, so no."

I wrote Etsy. This time, a friend helped me make a video. I held my driver's license up to my face to show it was me. I showed the 2 orders I was finishing. I showed them how I sketch my designs in procreate, then print them, then transfer them. I showed them my materials, my invoices from where I get my wood cut locally, my various wood-burners, a box of thank you cards from brides and moms, often with photos of the books being used on the wedding day.

Etsy responded by asking me not to contact them again.

All I can gather is that one of these two shops reported the IP. Or the AliExpress seller did. I don't know.

Y'all, I'm just wrecked. I have my own website now and this is only a part-time hobby, so I am very, very thankful that this wasn't my full-time gig, but Etsy, what happened to you?

I've been around since the days of Michelle's How Tuesdays and when they were encouraging us to use recycled materials to package our products in quirky ways.

I miss that handmade, homespun marketplace feel. It is clearly not that anymore. I just feel so sad and betrayed. It's like losing a friend who has changed to the point of being unrecognizable.

I know I can sue, but at this point, it's just not worth it. It would cost more money in legal fees than what it would be worth, and besides, I just don't think I can trust Etsy anymore.

Sorry for the rant. I just needed somewhere to put this.

Ordered a birthday present for my husband yesterday. Got an email today from the seller asking me to call - which i found suspicious but figured there was nor harm in hearing them out. Called and the owner told me she was driving and she'd call back in an hour. She just called back and told me because I found her product through an ad and bought it in under 30 days Etsy would be taking a cut (which I'm aware of) and that because of that she's canceling my order because she can't afford it but I can buy it off her website if I want. What the hell? Is this a common practice now?

I have a weird little complaint.

So I have a bit of church trauma (ex-baptist/Pentecostal/non-denominational) and have been working through some issues regarding that lately.

Can some sellers please consider NOT adding religious writings and scripture to their shipping materials for irrelevant products?

For example: I ordered my husband some awesome pokemon themed gifts off a great seller. When it arrived, the packaging included 2 cards (one with the sellers info and a discount code, the other being a business card). Both had scripture written all over it regarding conversion. I found that so inappropriate and distasteful that it dissuaded me from leaving the seller a positive review for an otherwise great product.

Another example: I ordered myself a handmade mini coin purse in blue plaid with a custom ribbon attached from a different seller. Great price, great shipping time, great product. But again, another LARGE card with scripture written all over it about conversion and God's love.

Now I would understand if I was buying some religious products or purchasing from a shop that mostly sold religious stuff. But there was nothing from either sellers shop that indicated this (if they did, I would've respectfully not purchased from them).

I think it's great that some people find a lot of peace through religion, but it's pretty rude to shove that in someone's face without their consent. Needless to say, I won't be leaving any positive reviews or shopping with these sellers again in the future (regardless of how great the products were).

I'm looking for calendars by original artists, and in my search this one was repeatedly suggested. As someone who is very familiar with AI image generation tools, I recognized similar styles in this product and many of the shop's other products. I don't want to assume people are using AI if they're not. If they are, and still making dope stuff, I also want to know. Adding a label to indicate that it was created in part, by AI, would help clarify. I also don't want to diminish the value of a work that is generated through the collaboration of the artist and AI, it just would be good to know.

I'm very frustrated. I ordered a dress from a seller on Etsy that had a size chart with the dress measurements, so I picked a size based on that chart. I have a dramatic hourglass figure, so I usually order clothes based on my widest measurements and then get them taken in, rather than relying on standard sizing. After ordering, the seller asked me for my height and weight to gauge if I'd picked the right size. I shared my measurements with the seller and let them know that I compared them to the size chart in the listing to pick the closest fit. I don't even own a scale right now, so I'm not even sure how much I weigh, but I don't think that matters as much as measurements for clothing since people carry weight differently. They asked again for my weight and waist measurement (which I already shared, and I know is a bad gauge for clothing for me as the dress corresponding to my waist size wouldn't fit my bust or hips), stating that the dress was "best suited for petite asian women" (???). This went back and forth for a few days, until I ended up asking to just get my order refunded because they would not ship the dress in the size I ordered. Since my order was refunded, there was no way for me to post a review on their shop, but the whole experience left a really bad taste in my mouth. Is there any way to warn other buyers of an ignorant and rude seller?

Today, I noticed that a buyer left me a two-star review. In the review, they explained that they received everything they wanted, including the specific requests they asked me to do. Because of that, I was confused about the two-star rating, so I reached out and politely asked if there was anything wrong with their order.
They told me that they gave me two stars because my shop already had a five-star rating and they “wanted to humble me.” To me, that basically means the low rating had nothing to do with their actual order or experience, but was purposely meant to bring down my shop’s rating.
It honestly sucks because I work really hard on every order and always try to make sure my customers are happy, especially when they have specific requests. I reported the review to Etsy and made sure to screenshot the buyer’s message admitting why they gave me the low rating. I’m just not sure if Etsy will accept my report and remove the review, but I really hope they do.

A customer bought a digital item from me. She lied about it not working. She just didn't know how to use the item. She wanted me to make the graphic for her use, which means my time is not being paid for, because she refuses to LEARN how to use the files

I clearly listed in my item description that to customize the graphic to your liking you need a graphics software like Photopea

And I clearly have it stated in my shop policies that digital items do not get refunds

and ETSY refunded them

why even have shop policies at all?

Update: Opened a support chat. They said that it was against their training/policies to issue a refund and close a recently opened case without letting the seller respond to the case; that sellers have 24 hours to respond. They closed the case 5 minutes after it opened and refunded.

So not only did ETSY support violate their own procedures for refunds, they also don't really care what your shop policies state.

Update 2: about appealing.. in the same chat support in update 1 I asked specifically about appealing this cases refund. They said that once a case is closed, the decision is final and can't be appealed

Also I've been selling Digital designs on Etsy for 3 years. This was the FIRST time in the over 8,000 sales I've had on Etsy with a customer complaint and refund request. Yes first time. I've never had to do a refund or had a customer initiate a refund request till now.

This is the message I got from a seller that I purchased a $200 item from.

“Good morning, I just returned from the shipping center to send your item and am writing to inform you that, unfortunately, due to recent customs restrictions related to the tariff policy imposed by the United States, we are currently unable to ship packages to the USA.

The only available alternative would be shipping with FedEx, but unfortunately the costs are extremely high and disproportionate to the value of the order. I've attached a photo of the current prices to give you an idea of ​​the situation. I fully understand how frustrating this news is, and I am sincerely sorry for the inconvenience. Unfortunately, this is a situation beyond our control. I kindly invite you to request a refund directly through the Etsy app. I remain available for any questions or clarifications”.

Etsy told me via AI chatbot that I wasn’t eligible for a refund since import fees were my responsibility. I’m requesting a chargeback and never using this app again.

UPDATE: I was able to escalate my problem to a real person and got the money back on my card via Apple Pay in literally 2 minutes. Thanks anyone for the suggestions. I won’t be ordering anything else from Europe for a very long time.

I have been in an all morning argument about this and I am just about at my wit's end with it.

I had a buyer purchase from my store and then message asking if they could also place a custom order. We got the details sorted, I created and sent them a custom listing to purchase. It was never purchased.

I sent them a message the day that their original order was meant to ship saying that I delayed it so I could ship it with their custom order once it was placed and paid for. I waited a week...it was never purchased.

I told them their original order was ready and I could ship it in advanced, if they needed me to, just let me know. Custom listing was n e v e r purchased.

I went ahead and sent their original order and lo and behold, they are here today angry that they received their original order and not their custom one.

I explained how the custom one was never purchased. They have sent me Etsy messages, they have sent me emails, they are asking me to call them to "discuss this matter". I explained to them I cannot contact them off of the Etsy platform (I say this because obviously they are difficult and I want Etsy to monitor this situation). I also explained to them that I cannot charge their account, and that Etsy does not allow sellers to process orders that have literally not be placed nor paid for.

They told me "it can be sent to us in the same way as the first order". I bet it could, how about you PAY FOR IT first!

Honestly, at this point, I'm thinking of pulling the custom listing and telling them it's best we don't pursue business together anymore (it's only a $10 order anyways). I have a feeling if I proceed it will only be more grief and end in a bad review anyways :(

I’m a buyer not a seller. I’ve been using Etsy for years as a go to for gifts, often getting things custom made. Covid happened and I went to Etsy to buy masks so I could support small businesses. All is good. Then for some self care I find a cute little shop and stock up on nail wraps (which completely destroyed my nails.) I later got a Facebook ad for a company selling the exact same wraps, so I message the Etsy seller asking if she’s associated with them. She says they use the same manufacturer who “helps with her designs.” I then find the same wraps on ali express.

My birthday was filled with 90 Day Fiancé goods from Etsy, and while some of the items were sent out for screen printing, that’s a-ok because the sellers actually designed them.

Then today I got a new “scrunchie band” for my fitbit which I ordered from amazon. It’s cute but cheaply made so I go to Etsy to see if anyone is selling handmade versions. The exact same mass manufactured ones are on Etsy.....for 2.5x what I paid on amazon.

Now every time I look on Etsy I’m weeding through the listings to avoid blank white backgrounds and comic sans fonts in the item listings in hopes that I will buy from an authentic person. I’m annoyed about it as a buyer, but I’m certain that it’s so much more frustrating for the sellers who are making and selling quality goods only to have their sales lost to these sham shops.

My rant is over. Keep up the good work, artisans. And to those of you who are sewing masks for hours on end everyday, thanks for your hard work and for making something yucky more tolerable with fun fabric choices.

Edit: I’m sorry I made everyone question their background choices! I was referring to the perfectly white backgrounds with no dimension to the product.

Wtf is this response?

I'm sick of seeing "How to make money on Etsy with Al and Canva presets 🤑 " videos, encouraging non-creators to make "fast money" and deceive buyers. These people are lowering the value of the platform, polluting and burying craftsmanship and artistry. They can sell on any other platform. Why can't Etsy remain a marketplace for human talent? There's no platform out there for artists, why can't we have just 1 marketplace? Why must everything become cheap fast kitsch? I hope they have fun making money, that's all they'll ever make.

Hey everyone — my name is Rob Price and I'm a reporter for Business Insider. I recently wrote an investigation about rule-breaking content like elephant ivory and weapons on Etsy, and since then I've seen claims that some non-rule-breaking shops are being unexpectedly banned.

If you've been banned from the marketplace and you don't know why, I'd like to hear from you. (Unless you were selling mass-produced items, trademarked, non-vintage, or other rule-breaking products.) My email is [email protected] — please send over some info on what happened and I'll get back to you with more questions.

Here's my last story on Etsy:

https://www.businessinsider.com/etsy-sells-ivory-weapons-poisonous-plants-mass-produced-products-2021-4

And there's more information about me here, and examples of my previous stories:

https://www.businessinsider.com/author/rob-price

(And mods, apologies if this sort of post isn't allowed. Happy to provide verification if necessary.)

Hello!

I had an order get lost in the post. I sent a replacement but before receiving it, the buyer left 11 one star reviews. They had ordered 11 items and left 1 star for each.

The replacement has since arrived and the buyer won’t respond to me.

Now Etsy has reduced my visibility for having more than 10 bad reviews. But I don’t really see how this is fair, how one persons purchase can reduce my shops visibility. Especially since they’ve now arrived and they’ve got a full refund from Etsy anyway.

The reviews don’t violate Etsy’s policies either so I can’t remove them. Even though they stated it didn’t arrive due to postage

I bought some earrings a couple weeks ago they finally came and I notice they have a different shop name from the one ordered. I look on line which leads me to find out that this is a temu brand!! I looked at the reviews for the earring and it seems like the seller is switching the little card the earrings come on to one with their shop name. I believe they forgot to change the card on mine. What should i do to get my money back?

I was in need of some product mock-up images for a project, purchased a digital file from a seller. When I started to work with the image I then realised that it was AI generated!

I was so frustrated at myself for not noticing before buying, and the fact it’s AI isn’t listed anywhere. I was shocked that their reviews were overwhelmingly positive.

Now I have checked the shop again after less than a month and they have thousands of sales still with very little complaints!!

After a little bit more digging I managed to find a seller who was a legit photographer and had the beautiful mock-ups I needed.

I’m so sorry to all of you sellers who are fighting against this slop

Edit: Sorry if I caused something I was just disappointed that I didn’t support a legitimate seller and their talents

I also think it’s interesting to add how this shop has almost 400 listings, and the listings of the few negative reviews they’ve had has been removed

My main issue is that the use of AI was not disclosed and the seller is actively hiding it. If it was disclosed I would have made the decision to not purchase