Anyone else getting lots of requests for free merchandise?

[Former_Member]

I was just wondering if anyone else has received convos asking them to send their merchandise (for free) in exchange for photos or promotion on a blog/website?

Is this legal?

I have politely responded to each of the many requests I've had in the last couple weeks with a "thank you but no".

I work too hard to make my items...I can't just give them away for promotion that may or may not benefit me.

What does everyone else think about this??

[Former_Member]

I did a few giveaways but stopped because they just didn't do anything for me. No extra traffic to my shop, no sales. I agree with you--my profit margin is too small to support this right now. I think I will politely say no next time.

[Former_Member]

It's crazy how many of these requests I've gotten in the last week or two! Some of them sound legit, some sound very much like scams. I'd rather play it safe and just politely decline all of them. One of them asked me to send some necklaces, which are my most expensive and most time-consuming product! No can do!!

Many of these requests have asked for "sponsorship", where you send them products and they feature you on their site (or at least this is how I understand it).

I know there's a trend right now to do "sample boxes" and such, where you send products which are then put with other people's products and given away, and you apparently get your name out there that way. Something about the whole thing just doesn't feel right, no matter how good it sounds.

I'll just offer my products for SALE only. I feel that if someone really loves my products, they will respect that I'm trying to make a living through SELLING those products!! :)

[Former_Member]

I have gotten these same requests. Am very sure they are a scam. I just ignore them.
I notice they always want you to give them the most expensive item in your shop. And they will gladly pay the postage to send them your item.

DO NOT DEAL WITH THESE PEOPLE. THEY ARE SCAMMERS

[Former_Member]

Thanks! That's kind of what I was thinking but I wanted to give the benefit of the doubt. But I still didn't fall for it!!

My question now is...
How is this legal and can't Etsy do something about it? Not only is it irritating to get these messages constantly, but for those who actually send out their merchandise, it is detrimental to their business!

There should at least be a SPAM folder or some way of reporting these messages!

And on that note, it seems like these "sample" boxes would be illegal too. They say that your name is attached to your merchandise, but it seems to me like someone passing off other people's goods as their own or for their own profit/benefit. Maybe I'm wrong on this...could someone please shed some light on the topic?

[Former_Member]

Do these people have bios/shops here on Etsy? If so, you may want to report them. I believe you can go to their bio & there should be a 'report to etsy' link on there some place (though i could be mistaken). If that doesn't work, perhaps contact the Etsy admins with the names of the people who are emailing these requests to you.

[Former_Member]

Good idea. I'm usually not a confrontational person, so I hope it can be done anonymously! (Even though I've made myself known now!! :) )

[Former_Member]

I looked and none of these people have any info on their profiles...they're just blank. And it doesn't appear that there's anywhere to report the person or the convo.

One of these conversations involved an "adoption fund" for a child in Eastern Europe and tried to appeal to me through pity. They asked for donations for an auction.

I guess some people will try anything for free merchandise, but I really wish they'd stop! I ignore them now, but I don't want others to fall into the trap!!

I want an admin to let me know if anything can be done about these scammers/spammers?!?

[Former_Member]

I've gotten quite a few of these. Most are to the effect of "I will feature you on my blog if you send me something for free." I have ignored every single one and one of the blog owners ended up making a purchase. . .

[nbtd1]

I think you're right. These are con artists. The two times I've been featured on blogs/other websites there has never been a request for samples or payment of any kind. If they have an etsy name you can report them to the Etsy admin. Click on help and keep browsing the topics until you find the one that lets you send them an email.

I've also been approached by people who claimed they were retailers and wanted to carry my items. They asked about wholesale prices. Since I'm already selling so low I wasn't willing to give a significant discount so the inquiry stopped there.

[Natalya1905]

I receive such offers almost daily. Sadly, they come from very new blogs with a dozen of followers. Who would refuse such an offer from Oprah? :)

Other gorgeous examples that made me smile were "It's my Birthday in a week, and I love *this* item. Would you be willing to send it to me as a gift?" or "If I send you some yarn, will you knit me a pullover for free? If I send you yarn, it won't cost you anything!"

Just take it easy and don't waste your time. :)

[Former_Member]

HA!! Natalya, I've never heard those ones! Hilarious!