New Etsy Policy on Guns

[UniqueWood220]

I just received a message from Etsy containing 

"As of May 25, 2021, we will no longer accommodate any gun parts or accessories that attach to a firearm. We take protecting our marketplace very seriously and work hard to balance the enforcement of our policies with the unique variety of handmade items our sellers contribute to the marketplace." 

I'm currently selling wooden grips for guns under the category that Etsy setup for them.  Does Etsy now consider them forbidden under this new rule.  If so,  I need to quickly find another place to list my items.   

[CLNleathercraft]

I dont know.   I also sell decorative  rifle slings, are they forbidden now too?   What’s the world coming to?

[JDTotesnDolls]

Good question and only one that Etsy can answer.  If it is considered a gun part then it will probably be removed.

[PrairieCrocusStudio]

...we will no longer accommodate any gun parts or accessories that attach to a firearm.

[FenderGemsNCrystals]

Quickly download your listings as they will disappear.  

[BarronDesignStudio]

Go directly to the source and ask them. 

[AnniebelloPaper]

As they have given a date (May 25th), it's likely all those types of listings would be deactivated after that date. I'd be looking for another platform for those items.

[JDTotesnDolls]

Most likely so unless these parts can be demonstrated for cosplay or fantasy firearms that are non operable.  

You can contact Etsy for further information and to ask if specifically what you make fits their definition of gun parts.

Most likely the email was sent to those whose listings have keywords that the computer is looking for.

You may want to line up a new platform for them just in case.

[Marmalady]

Etsy have been changing a few rules on what is or isn't allowed  on the site recently

IF your items are now in the prohibited list, then they will be removed when the new rules come into force, so if you want to continue selling them you will have to find another venue

[ColoredInStone]

It appears to me that Etsy wants to take the word “gun” off its website. 

[shwp1]

Etsy has been cleaning shop so to speak in the past 5-6 weeks. Numerous shops that offered items that were infringing on trademarks, commercially / mass produced items, and drug paraphernalia / herbs for smoking,etc.

Unfortunately you will not be able to appeal after the fact (May 25), as it will be Etsy's new gun policy.

It really is best to begin exporting any info/photos you wish to save now. I'd also let any regular customers know you will be relocating your items/shop.

ps ... you have some really nice grip designs! I hope you are able to continue your success on another venue.

[MothersCharms]

I received this email this morning as well. We sell charms for jewelry. I did email Etsy with my concerns regarding the updated policies so I will see if we receive a response. 

[ColoredInStone]

Yes, because you sell gun charms. Etsy may decide they want the word “gun” off of their website, entirely. If I were you, I’d get rid of those listings, as Etsy may close your entire shop. 

[vintageNCtreasures]

I wonder if Etsy will add gun holsters to that list?

It wouldn't surprise me if they did.
But yet, Etsy is flooded with Kit Kat's, brand name candy, Dorito's, swimming pools, reselling of all kinds of items that are not Esty legal.

The few shops I looked at selling pistol grips were handmade by the sellers but yet Etsy seems to not care about all these new items being sold that the seller had no part in making or designing  

Right now I would assume holsters are still ok since these are not gun parts and don't attach to a gun.

[SmudgePlant]

I believe there is a Kitty Kat rifle so maybe Kit Kats will get caught up in the sweep too.

(Trying to find the silver lining.)

[OzarkMountainLeather]

After speaking to Etsy they said they will still, at this time, sell holsters because they do not attach to the firearm.  He told me it was my responsibility to remove my listings by the 25th of May. 

[AllsFairyVintage]

It sucks to have something you have worked hard to build up pulled out from under you. It’s a stark reminder that Etsy can be unpredictable. I would definitely contact Etsy now with your thoughts and concerns and meanwhile be building up your own website or a shop on an alternate site. Experienced sellers in this forum are always cautioning people to have at least a backup plan or to diversify across many platforms. I always think this is great advice but I never do it because the whole idea makes me tired, but then things like this come up and I’m reminded that Etsy can change policy at any time and I could wake up and find I’m the one who’s out now. If you do have to take your products off Etsy I wish you success elsewhere. This has reminded me to review my options and work on my backups. 

[dayspringcollectible]

 It’s a stark reminder that Etsy can be unpredictable.

What it is a stark reminder of is the vagaries of politics.  Etsy has long taken the stand that it will cave to political correctness in many ways, and allow itself to be manipulated by certain minority factions.  This is just another example, and shouldn't be surprising.

[ColoredInStone]

Or Etsy is creating the customer base it wants....as it’s the “youthful” buyer who is now Etsys’ core demographic and is currently, the largest spending group. It’s business.

[OneEyeCatStudio]

" ... and allow itself to be manipulated by certain minority factions."

you mean "deep state", right?

[ColoredInStone]

And it's no secret that the majority of Etsy's buyers are women...(I believe over 80%)...and are those same women who are deathly afraid of sending their kids to school in fear of gun violence. 

The youthful female adult is Etsy's prime customer. 

[ColoredInStone]

And yes, those concerned about not having protection will find ways to protect themselves, however, it's the majority that Etsy will listen to. 

[anythinggoeshere]

My guess that on May 25 any listing with the word gun it will get picked up and deleted by AI.

A heads up to glue gun sellers!

[ColoredInStone]

Agreed. I believe they want the word gun off it’s site. 

[Former_Member]

What about the colour 'gun metal' (grey) for, well... just about anything really. ?