"How-to-make instructions'" Requests

[GracefulRosaries]

I make a rosary bracelet with sliding wood beads so people can count out their prayers. I came up with this bracelet design on my own, and it a good seller. What confuses me is how many people contact me to ask where I get my cord, or ask if I will give them instructions on how to make it.

I also can see that some people are repeatedly searching for the 'how to make" instructions on Google searches. I clearly state that this is my original design and yet one customer came to me 3 or four times with different stories on why she needed my cord supplier.

I am afraid that there are people out there who are bent on taking my design for themselves. I have had shops copy my pieces exactly before and so I make a real effort to try and find parts that are harder to find or a design that is hard to duplicate.

Sometimes I wonder if I should just accept that people will copy my work, and that if it is for themselves (and not to sell) maybe I shouldn't worry about it. I asked a lawyer about patenting designs and he said that I would need to be prepared to take people to court enforce it. I can't afford that ...so there is no point to patents and copyrights. Anyway, I am rather frustrated that people don't respect originality.

Do other shops run into this same problem?

[Former_Member]

This morning I just noticed that my pillows were placed on the "diy" crafts on Pinterest. I know that people probably do it but I just didn't like seeing it. I think when it comes down to it the people that are buying my stuff don't have the desire to make it themselves and the people that want to copy are going to do so anyway and there is no way to stop them. I guess we should take that as a compliment.

[ChrisOsCreations]

why don't you make a tutorial ? and sell the tutorial as well ?

[KaysKollectible]

Have noticed that some folks who sell unique items are beginning to offer diy kits for sale. That may not be the answer you want to hear, but at least you would benefit from additional sales.

Having said all that, I do not have a handcrafted etsy site, rather I offer vintage items. Perhaps I would feel differently...

[HausofAriella]

People are always going to copy you if they want something badly enough, but can't afford to buy it. There's nothing legally you can do about it. It's up to you whether you give out information, though. I don't think that you should give out your supplier's information, personally. I like Kay's suggestion of selling a DIY kit. Otherwise, just politely tell them that it's against store policy to give out that information or something.

[GracefulRosaries]

Thank you for all your thoughts. I go back and forth on the DIY kit, because I hate to send the message ...to go ahead and make it....but then again....at least I am profiting from the making:)

Its really a tough question.

[AnneLondezGlass]

I was going to suggest making a tutorial you can sell too.

[Former_Member]

I love that rosary bracelet! I think it is an innovative and super great idea. Maybe when people convo you for your pattern, you can let them know that it is your original pattern and isn't available anywhere. Then offer them a coupon code for your shop!

Or you can give in an offer the tutorials. But then you are just creating more competition for yourself here on Etsy.