How do you respond to fishing requests?

[LamplighterJewelry]

Lately I've received countless emails and messages asking where I buy certain materials and how I make my jewelry so they can make it themselves. I really struggle with responding to these emails - on the one hand I want to be helpful and courteous, but on the other my materials are often what sets me apart from other sellers of similar product, not to mention the time I spend sourcing and testing my materials.

How do you respond to these types of inquiries?

[WhatCandySays]

Since it makes you feel unconfortable,

just ignore it.

[Former_Member]

If you want to respond, I would just tell them that those are trade secrets that you do not feel comfortable sharing.

Don't feel obligated to respond, but if you do, just be courteous and honest.

[JonnaMartinezCrochet]

Yes I agree, ignore it. That's so rude of them to inquire about that.

[Former_Member]

Why not say something along the lines of "" I've spent a number of years researching different companies to find what suits my needs. "

And just leave it at that.

I get many similar questions and I simply point them directly to my shop as I sell many of the supplies that I use.

[PiecesOfMePaperCraft]

I've only had that happen once. A woman came right out and asked me to provide her with the name of the pattern I used for one of my items so she could make some as gifts. The pattern is not a trade secret - I have the source in my listing as part of the terms of usage - so if she really wanted it she would have read all the way to the bottom of the listing. :) I chose to ignore the convo because it irked me.

[Former_Member]

yes, it happens weekly at the markets I sale at. So annoying. I tell them honestly that I buy supplies from "everywhere". That I shop constantly and am always looking for the perfect things.

[Untwistedsister]

If you get a lot of inquiries maybe you could sell a list of sources for a TON of money. That would probably keep them from asking.

[FyreflyHollow]

Emma, what lovely originals you have! Definitely keep it a trade secret! Perhaps you could use it as an opportunity to offer a custom listing to these folks! "If you do not see something specific that you would like, I am happy to do custom requests!..." :)

[LamplighterJewelry]

Thanks for all your feedback:) it's good to be able to reach out and get feedback so quickly.

[IndieJewelryClub]

You can either ignore or maybe if you like writing, you could open a blog to show your work. So then, when they ask about your jewelry you send a link of your blog. The blog will bring traffic to your etsy shop as well.

[kidsstore]

I really like Terri's suggestion. You could tell them that you have had so many requests that you considered being a professional consultant on researching methods and materials to use to create jewelry similar to yours. It has taken you years to obtain the info and learn by trial and error to create the items you now list in your shop. Because of the requests and interest in your jewelry, you are willing to save others the time and work by providing them the info. It will take you about 2 hours to gather the data, type it up, and send it. The fee would be $100, which comes for the 2 hours X $50 per hour (an extremely discounted price for professional consultants). If the person is still interested, just let you know and you will happily set up a special listing for them. Then, as soon as the payment clears, you will forward the info on to them. Be sure to thank them, and let them know that you look forward to hearing back from and working with them.

Usually I am not so sarcastic, but there are days. Honest flattery can be great, but so many people have no understanding at all of what goes into making the items listed on Etsy, whether it's time, money or stress wise.

[CSavelsCollectibles]

I get the same type of emails to my paintings shop. I simply do not respond. Never mind being polite, it's not polite to ask in the first place.

[Mollymoojewels]

Lovely unique jewellery!
I think I would just say that you have spent a lot of time and energy sourcing and designing your pieces and wish them luck with their endeavours. They are just looking for the easy route that has taken you years labouring over a computer. it gets my goat!!!!

[Former_Member]

How about "Sorry trade secrets"

[Plektra]

I would just say sth along the lines...."I don't reveal my sources"
No need to defend yourself, feel bad, be rude. You are a professional running a business. When you go to shops, do you ask this kind of questions? Why should an artist/crafter have to answer these questions?

[Former_Member]

Just ignore them , those people are scammers so let them go with empty hands .

[LamplighterJewelry]

Thanks for all your responses:) I now have the perfect response going forward (for those I choose to respond to).

[MythOfTheWild]

I don't reply to them because they're obviously fishing, and because, more often than not, the message is phrased rudely, too. I'm far more inclined to reply if the person asking is polite or even explains why they want to know, but that doesn't mean I'll tell them. If they're just asking after chains then I'll tell them, but other materials I won't, mostly because the other materials they're after are far more likely to be desired with the intention to copy rather than be original.

I don't mean to be rude by not answering, and I know that some people have their own ideas but need certain materials, but I don't intend to help anyone copy me. You never know with some people, unfortunately.