Deactivated Listings by error

[#1]

I recently had 6 random listings deactivated by Etsy, with no explanation other than the broad "policy violation" email. This has happened a few times in the past, but they still had their callback option available then and I was always able to get the issue resolved quickly and with an apology. Now it's happened again and none of my listings violate any policy (I've had the same listings up since 20212). I replied to the notification email 2x, and also through the help forms on Etsy. No response. This infuriates me! I have 185 listings and these 6 were common sellers. No idea why they were singled out when all the other listings are similar. If they're holding us sellers to a high standard then I think Etsy shouldn't receive its message response badge this month! GRRRR

[BagmakerSupply]

@Brendasnursery: As mentioned before Etsy is cracking down on what they feel inappropriate. Copyright and trademark infringements is a large factor, but it also seems that the bots are looking for trigger words with no consideration for context. Just as an example that may or may not apply to you, if you say an item is ivory colored the listing may get flagged because ivory is not allowed to be sold on Etsy. Since Etsy is now also factoring descriptions in search, they along with titles, tags, and materials (and possibly even alt tags if you are using them) are all probably being checked. And the bots are also "reading" images.

Without getting into a discussion of what is fair or right, the fact that you have been selling something for years only means that the bots have been updated. If there are other shops selling similar items it only means that they have not been caught yet. The bots seem to check when a listing is created, renewed and / or edited.

[GoHighRecords]

This just happened to me last night for 3 completely random vinyl records.  Last year around this time they randomly deactivated 5 items.  No explanation whatsoever either time.  The working theory is that they have "bots" that randomly do sweeps on the site for counterfeit merchandise... clearly these bots are dumb, and Etsy won't take responsibility for their flaws.

[BluKatDesign]

Etsy is saying my deactivated listing  I made is commercially available!!! I would love to see where???? I did a reverse search and found nothing! I could not even find or buy the buttons I used if I wanted to make more! It is a one-of-a-kind piece like all of my other vintage button pendants! It breaks my heart when Etsy attacks me but allows all of the mass resellers to continue selling! I take pride in the fact all my items are handmade by me and they are super unique and can't be found anywhere else!

[LonesomeDragon]

Also our best selling item was deactivated (as they said, by violating an Etsy policy), although we are selling on Etsy since years.

We were really shocked and desperate about this. Yvonne, my partner, had tears in her eyes because we put so much work, sweat and blood into our small business.

After we complained, we got a message saying that the decision is final. But thanks to this forum, we knew that this might not really be final in all cases, so we did not give up.

Then we carefully prepared the proof that we are the sole inventors, designers and manufacturers of our swings (fortunately we also have the international design patent and our registered brand).

And shortly after, we got a friendly answer from an Etsy team member, that they do apologize and our listing is now activated again.

Conclusion: currently there are so many mass produced items listed on Etsy that are also available for example on Aliexpress, which is really annoying and puts the whole Etsy idea down. Also at least here in Europe, we recently had a bad press about exactly this.

Now it seems that Etsy is trying desperately to filter out all these items, but due to the high number of items, it is clear that this can only be done by robots. And they can for sure not be accurate.

But I think the Etsy management is very clever, they even risk to lose some money on the short run in order to keep the Etsy marketplace clean and a special place on the long run. And this is very special. Do you know many companies where these days the management thinks or even cares about a long future? Well, Etsy is doing, and we really appreciate it.

Now back to the topic; I think it's clear for Etsy as well, that the robots might be a bit to harsh. But if you really fulfill the Etsy requirements, please prepare the proofs carefully and send it to Etsy, even after a "final decision". If you really qualify, the will re-activate your deactivated listings quickly.

Although all this was really really very scary for us, finally we are really happy that Etsy walks the extra mile to keep this marketplace something special.

Cheer up, all of you who are not just reselling anything but put lifeblood into your work, don't panic if your listing is deactivated, just breath and proof that you are the designer and manufacturer of your item. Soon you will be back. Good luck!