New shop copied my description - help?

[Former_Member]

I make first birthday posters. There are a few shops that do the same out there, but everyone is slightly different and unique, which makes it OK to have multiple shops doing the same thing.
I check out my competition every once and a while, to make sure my prices are doing OK and keeping competitive. I ran across a new shop the other day, selling the same birthday poster I do. The problem is, she copied my listing description almost to the T!

Here is my description, on my Etsy listing:
"Perfect accessory for a first, second, or even third birthday party! This can be customized for any occasion really. Can be used in photo shoots, at birthday parties, baby room decoration, or anything else you can think of. This is meant to look like it was hand drawn on a chalkboard, without all the smudging that would occur!

Each sign will be unique, with different designs, font arrangements and colors. Proof will be emailed to you before the final is emailed/mailed to you. "

And here is hers:
"This Favorite Things Poster is the perfect accessory for your child's first, second, or even third birthday party! It can be customized for any occasion. It can be used in photo shoots, at birthday parties, baby room decoration, or anything else you can think of. It will be great looking back each year to see how your child has grown & changed!

This is meant to look like it was hand drawn on a chalkboard, without all the smudging that would occur!

Each sign will be unique, with different designs, font arrangements and colors. Proof will be emailed to you before the final is emailed/mailed to you."

It bothers me! Etsy is a community, and we all support each other, whether it be your competition or another random shop that doesn't even relate. While there may be a few shops out there that do the same thing as I do, we are all unique and I try not to step on their toes and "steal" their business. I want them to do well also!

What would you do in this situation? It really kinda bothers me!
Thanks!

[sunshineandvodka]

I would call her/him out on it. It's not right. Nothing might come of it but at least you stood up and took action.

[Former_Member]

I would politely write to the shop owner and tell her that It takes time and energy to write description and It would look better if she used her own ideas and imagination. If that person feels guilty he/she would make changes in their description. If it doesnt work, I would think that person is shameless and move on with my work.

[GigisHandcrafts]

I would steal back from her, the sentence, " It will be great looking back each year to see how your child has grown & changed!" because it is a great selling point! ha ha ha KIDDING

Seriously, when you think about it, how much does the description really affect your sales statistics? Not to diminish your point, but I think the item title, tags and photos play the biggest roles in being found, influencing potential buyers and driving sales either positively or negatively so I'd focus my energy there and move on. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

(And no, I'm not the one who copied her! LOL)

[OneFairfaxRoad]

Amy, I had a similar experience involving an unusual vintage item's description and tags. I sent a polite note that I work very hard to write my descriptions and would appreciate it if she would develop her own. The other seller responded very politely that she was a new seller and since my item had sold did not realize there was a problem. She expressed appreciation for the tone of my note and she then changed her descriptions.

[heartsabustin]

You can either contact her, which can go well, or not. OR you can report her to Etsy for copyright infringement. Once you have published your description, it is technically copyrighted to you, from what I understand. Etsy SHOULD help you with this.

[MythOfTheWild]

At least they took the time to modify it slightly.

You should contact her and tell her that she cannot use your descriptions, though she's likely to tell you that they're not 'the same'. Alternatively, as Erin said, contact Etsy support for copyright infringement. Just because it's not the item she's copied, doesn't mean she can get away with it.

I can't fathom why people can't write their own descriptions.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for all the help and insight! As an update, I DID convo her. She came back with something like, I'm new here and was using your descriptions for inspiration and I didn't know the listing was live yet.

She changed it almost immediately.