Copy cat etsy sellers

[kijsa]

What would your ethical response be to other etsy sellers copying your unique product?
I have been making scripture memory chalkboards with a very distinct design for a couple years now. They have been seeing lots of action on Pinterest and low and behold...up pop some etsy sellers with brand new product designs a little too obviously influenced (down the swoops on their lettering) by my work. While I am all for the general idea of the product, I am disappointed by copycats in this very niche market. The very idea of promoting what this product is used for suggests a general moral compass for business and life.
Do I take this as a compliment? Do I send them a convo? Do I just continue to sand and paint away in my studio?
Has this been an issue for you and how did you handle it?
Blessings,
Kijsa

[Former_Member]

First suggestion that I have (and have been suggested to me when I contacted few of my friends who also own their shops) is to consider adding watermark to your photo.

I also found few past discussions. Here are few links that hopefully you can get some answers, some ranging from reporting the shop to Etsy, some in letting it go. I am sorry you are experiencing this right now. I also noticed you have a section that outline that the item is original and is not to be reproduced as well.

http://www.etsy.com/teams/5002/etsy-success/discuss/11421345/
http://www.etsy.com/teams/5002/etsy-success/discuss/10328819/
http://www.etsy.com/teams/5002/etsy-success/discuss/10270700/
http://www.etsy.com/teams/5002/etsy-success/discuss/9146904/
http://www.etsy.com/teams/5002/etsy-success/discuss/6812184/

(Okay, more than few, hope they help!)

[kijsa]

Marisa,
Thanks so much for your advice! I have already found some great info in those threads you listed- much appreciation!

[Former_Member]

Hi Kijsa
I had this exact same problem last year and was really upset by it, people trying to re-create my designs down to small details, to the point where their listings could have been mistaken for (sorry- but less well made versions of) mine at a glance. The best advice that I was given is to feel bad for them, they are obviously lacking the innovation and creativity that you have. You will always have new ideas and be evolving and they will be stuck in a rut. Plus the copies never live up to the originals.

Evolve and move on, that 's what I did. The anger just spurred me on to make better things.

Sorry this happened to you!

[Former_Member]

I am not sure what you can do, I did not look at your tags but What i found was when I searched verse of the week signs yours did not show up so you may want to adjust your tags so they do, so you are showing up and not your competition only.

I know it is bothersome let the appropriate etsy support know, I would not contact them I really do not see how that will help and it may make it worse if a argument starts about who made what first

Take care and good luck

[Former_Member]

There are always going to be copycats on Etsy.
You could do as some shops that are frequently copied and request that they at least give your an inspired by credit in the listing.
Another thing you could do is sell a tutorial, at least then you would make some money off of training the competition.

[LindaSkujaDesign]

Hi Kijsa!
Actually there is nothing much you can do about it (if you're not thinking about lawsuits), but take it as a compliment instead.

I have 2 shops: in one I sell crochet patterns, in other I sell my crochet designs. I sell my original designs in both of my shops.
I allow to sell items made from my patterns - but there are still people who will come to me and buy the same item directly from me. I still am the winner - I sell patterns, and time after time I sell some of my designs (just as I want it).

Other thing - a fashion designer found me on Etsy saying she likes my designs, and commisioned me to make 5 pieces for her collection that was shown on the runway of NewYork fashion week. Some of these styles were based on my designs... so it again turned out to be a good thing for me - I got to make pieces for NY fashion week (and a lot of press and recognition followed). How cool is that?!

What I could suggest - just take the most advantage for yourself in every oportunity you got. Wheather someone is copying you - just consider them as your fans. Feature them on your blog - tell people that they love your style so much that they are making "modifications" fro myour stuff!

And always remember - radio was invented at the same time in different places of the world. If the idea is haning somewhere out there - it might as well be catched by someone else. So you never know... :)

From my experience - it's a waste of time to worry about it. Just keep doing what you do best!

Good luck and best wishes to you and your shop!

[Former_Member]

It's not just on Etsy. It's everywhere. Ever been to a craft show? There's one I used to go to every year. One year it was all mostly people selling fiber and fluff. There was one table that had those rice warmer bags, and they sold really well. Lo and behold, the next year almost everyone was selling rice warmer bags.

Unless they're actually using your pictures, I don't think there is much you can do to stop them.

I wouldn't stress too much about it. Just keep doing what you're doing. :)

[Former_Member]

Ive had the same experience to, and agree with the comments above - I felt hurt but took it as a sign that the other person lacked creativity.

I love the idea of putting it on facebook / blog next time it happens to turn it around as 'gee, someone really likes my work' - great suggestion Linda

[kijsa]

Thank you all south for your comments and support- I always find the best guidance in this team!
Charley,
Great idea on tags- I had not seen 'sign' come up into search listings, but that was because it wasn't there! I changed some of the tags to see!
You know it happens, but in a creative industry I guess you are still shocked at the fact it happened to you! Knowing that it is a problem for so many is sad and encouraging at the same time!
Linda,
Your suggestion to make it work for me was nothing short of brilliant (now that is an idea that I want to copy :)
Thanks again for great input everyone!

[StudioHen]

It's so disappointing when this happens. I've been into arts & crafts for a LONG time. Early when I first starting showing in craft fairs a lady (another seller) actually came up and purchased one of my creations and told me she just wanted it to take it apart to see how I did it so she could make some too.
I was stunned. I don't think she even had any inkling that what she was doing was wrong. But some people know it is wrong and do it anyway!
Copying is way beyond just being inspired by....
I so understand your position.

Since yours is the original design there is nothing wrong with touting the yours is the ORIGINAL.
Imposters cannot claim that :)