Deactivated a My Mystery Box

[AthenasRose]

Hello,

I completely redid my item listing (deleted old and made a new one) to make sure it follows Etsy’s policies exactly. I clearly listed the items included in the mystery box, added pricing details, quantities, and photos of the items, and even used an original image I created with my own added text. My shop name is Athena’s Rose, and everything listed is handcrafted by me.

And again, the listing is deactivated even before it is live!

I don’t understand where I may still be violating any policy. I also notice that many other mystery bags and boxes are currently listed with less detail than I have provided.

Could you please review my listing and advise me specifically what needs to be changed? I’m very frustrated and want to resolve this so I can move forward.

Thank you for your time and support,
Athena

[TheVintagePineapple]

Not sure if the listing would've been removed right away for this reason, but did you make any medical and/or metaphysical claims in that listing?  Was there anything in the title or description that would've caused an automatic flag, such as a prohibited word or country (ivory, amber, Russia, Cuba, etc)? 

Your other mystery box could be a problem sooner or later.  You give a general idea of what 'could' be included, but the rule now is that the buyer should be shown the exact contents and a list of them in the description. 

Fyi -- You have at least two bracelet listings that make those kinds of claims, so did the mystery box contain jewelry that you described as having certain ''qualities'' also have claims?  You should edit those listings and remove any claim you've made, such as ''Brings luck, prosperity, and optimism.'' and ''believed to boost creativity and vitality''.  Those listings could also be deactivated if someone reports them.

Services - Our House Rules | Etsy

Medical Claims - Our House Rules | Etsy

[AthenasRose]

@ThevintagePineapple

No, definitely nothing like that.

[NanaLetha]

Don’t call it a mystery box.

[LastCentury]

Is selling a $9.95 mystery bag worth it? Why does it have to be a mystery?

saying "You Could Get" is not going to cut it here. It needs to say "this is what you will get" and just show everything in the lot.

You just set yourself up for a potential "not as described" case and a potential bad review... bot are dings against your shop.

Obviously you are already having problems with etsy deactivating the listings.

[AthenasRose]

@lastcentury

If you read the description, you’ll see that it lists the possible items included, just like many mystery baskets or bags currently allowed on Etsy.

This listing is different from the one in question, which was specifically meant to be a “mystery box.”

Since I sell only handcrafted jewelry, you can see examples of my work throughout my shop to confirm that the items are original and handmade.

[LastCentury]

@AthenasRose oh I read the listing alright.

That is where I got the "You Could Get" - right from your listing image.

That is the problem. It needs to show & describe exactly what the buyer will get. No 'coulds' about it.

Where in the guide does it say this is allowed? Just because other sellers are doing it just means they have not been caught yet.

"These photos should showcase the actual finished product that you made, designed, handpicked, or sourced. By accurately portraying the condition, quality, and quantity of your items, you help build trust with buyers."

https://www.etsy.com/legal/policy/listing-image-requirements/253962679005

[BagmakerSupply]

@AthenasRose : If you explicitly list all of the actual items in your "mystery box" how is it still a mystery? Just saying 'a bracelet' and not indicating the exact bracelet they will receive appears to be a violation of the rules. And how are you complying with the requirement that "we require sellers to use original photos of the actual product buyers will receive" [emphasis added] ? https://www.etsy.com/legal/policy/listing-image-requirements/253962679005

"I also notice that many other mystery bags and boxes are currently listed with less detail than I have provided." Probably the single worst way to determine what is Etsy-legal is to look at what others are selling. Etsy let a lot of violations slide for a very long time, and now it is clear that Etsy has stepped up enforcement of the rules. Etsy deactivation bots use triggers to find offending listings and some of these other listings may not contain the same triggers that caught you.

[AthenasRose]

@bagmakersupply

I don't explicitly list all of the actual items in the mystery box. I list what you can possibly get when you receive the mystery box, the quantity i.e. 3 to 4 items worth $40 to $50 for $28. 

And my photos are mine. The item that I wanted to post is still deactivated, so you can't see what I am talking about unless you "are" an Etsy coordinator, etc.. 

And this: "I also notice that many other mystery bags and boxes are currently listed with less detail than I have provided." was used to figure out what I did wrong as I tried to correct it by deleting the original deactivated item and making changes per the policy. Name was updated ,description updated etc: 

Each Gift Box Includes:

• 2–3 handmade jewelry pieces (examples: gemstone earrings, clay bead bracelet, boho-style necklace)

• A small bonus charm or accessory

• Packaged in a gift-ready box with tissue wrap

I know it's hard to understand what I am talking about when you can't view the deactivated item.

[BagmakerSupply]

@AthenasRose : "I don't explicitly list all of the actual items in the mystery box." Then you have yourself provided at least one reason why your listing was deactivated. 

As a number of people have tried to point out to you, when you read Etsy's rules you will see that you cannot just say the buyer is going to get a bracelet, you need to show and detail the exact bracelet the buyer will receive.

You cannot just say '2–3 handmade jewelry pieces' you need to list the exact pieces that will be included. 

No one at Etsy is going to contact you and walk you through correcting your listing(s). Even in the 'good old days' Etsy expected sellers to read and follow the rules and did not provide individual advice.

[TBQSC]

@AthenasRose -- 

Etsy Creativity Standards Policy 

About 1/2 down that ^^^ page is "Handpicked by a Seller; Gift Baskets" ...  it specifically mentions the required specifics for "Mystery Boxes".

Google Search "Etsy Mystery Box Policy" ... the AI Overview has very detailed info.

[AthenasRose]

@TBQSC

I did and it said it had to have a specified theme etc.. it couldn't just be mystery boxes etc.. That is why when I tried to redo the item (deleting the first one and creating a new one with the specified corrections read in the policies) and it still was rejected. That is why I am asking an Etsy person to look at the item and explain what is wrong. I know they have changed standards on items, forums, etc.. I would like a clear and concise explanation so this does not happen again moving forward. 

[CraftyCornishMaids]

@AthenasRose 

You can NOT have mystery boxes on etsy

and you can NOT have mockups of the first photo

The blue one in your shop, violates both policies.

....

You can have gift boxes, but the gift box must state exactly what is in it, and the first picture has to be the exact picture of what you are selling

[AthenasRose]

@CraftyCornishMaids

I'm not sure what you mean that you can't have Mystery boxes on etsy. Mystery bags, grab bags, mystery boxes etc.. are all trhough Etsy.

And My Back-To-School mystery bag is an actual bag with labels on it as a picture etc.. 

Noot sure what youare referring to.

[PrairiePrimitives]

@AthenasRose As @BagmakerSupply told you (above), don't assume something is Etsy-legal just because other sellers are doing it. 

Etsy removes listings (AND shops) which aren't following their rules Every. Single. Day. They obviously haven't found those shops yet, but they seem to be onto your shop. 

If you value your ability to sell on Etsy, it's best to play by their rules. 

[SeasideRoseCreations]

From the handbook:

Gift baskets: An assortment of different types of items that the seller personally selected and creatively packaged to create a new, unique set. Gift baskets must have a clear theme that ties together a variety of different types of items that were individually selected by the seller. Generic concepts such as “candy,” “clothes,” or “mystery box” (boxes with unknown contents or containing a single type of item in bulk) do not qualify as gift basket themes. Sellers must list every item contained in a curated gift basket or box in the listing description.

[GlassyFields]

Sounds like you're basing what's allowed on listings you see on Etsy. Etsy isn't always fast or consistent when removing listings that violate it's policies so using listings you see as an example of what's allowed is a very risky practice. Follow Etsy's rules, not the many examples of listings that violate it's rules.

[AthenasRose]

@GlassyFields

I know, that is why I also went to the policies to correct it. But the new listing was deactivated as well. Hence why I would like an Etsy coorinator, person whomever to review it and explain.

[AthenasRose]

After my item was deactivated the first time, I carefully re-read Etsy’s policies and also reviewed other active listings for similar mystery items to make sure I understood what was allowed. I then revised my listing by making corrections, adding details, and ensuring it fully complied with the rules.

However, despite these changes, my item was deactivated again. At this point, I’m asking for an Etsy representative to please review my listing directly and explain to me specifically what is wrong. Without clear guidance, I’m unable to resolve the issue, even though I am making every effort to follow Etsy’s policies.

[dorothydomingo]

You might wait forever for "an Etsy representative" to review a problematic listing. You're more likely to get an AI bot deactivating it with one more strike against your shop. 

You're getting lots of good advice here from other sellers who are trying to make you understand that just because you see listings that break rules all over the site, it doesn't make them Etsy legal.

You can easily resolve the issue by taking these sellers' advice. Or you can keep relisting problematic listings and get your shop shut down. Is that one listing so critical?

[AthenasRose]

I’m hoping it won’t take too long to hear back from a representative, @dorthydomingo, though I realize it may. As I mentioned above, what I really need is a clear explanation so this doesn’t happen again. I’ve already tried to list the item twice, and I wouldn’t attempt a third time without proper guidance.

@lastcentury, I don’t think my question came across clearly. The item in question isn’t visible because it was deactivated by Etsy, which is exactly why I’m seeking clarification. Without being able to show the original listing, I understand it may be difficult for others to fully see the issue.

And yes, perhaps you’re correct about my Back-to-School listing — it may not have been flagged yet, or it may not violate Etsy policies at all.

As I’ve said, I reviewed Etsy’s policies carefully before creating the second listing. Etsy’s own email and policies mention that deactivated listings won’t simply be reactivated anymore, which is why I’m reaching out. I also agree that, before I had a clearer understanding, I probably shouldn’t have attempted to relist.  

[TBQSC]

@AthenasRose — once Etsy deactivates a listing, it is never a good idea to relist it UNTIL you have their permission to do so &/or you have dealt with the issue that caused it to happen in the first place.  It is quite possible your mystery box listing is just not legal to list on Etsy in any form —no matter if others are selling the same thing — maybe you’re still using a prohibited word or have IP infringing issues or you’re not correctly describing or photographing the contents correctly or maybe Etsy chose to change the rules and not allow mystery listings at all anymore!  They have been banned in the past!  

[AthenasRose]

@bagmakersupply,  the line you quoted, “I don’t explicitly list all of the actual items in the mystery box”, was part of a response, and perhaps it wasn’t worded as clearly as it could have been in explaining what I did and did not list or include in the description.

As I’ve stated before, after my first mystery box listing was deactivated, I received an email from Etsy with a link to the policies. I read those policies carefully, made corrections, and created a new listing that I believed was in compliance. So yes, I did follow the policies, corrected what I had before, and still the listing was deactivated. There must be something I do not fully understand that’s specific to that listing.

For reference, this is only part of the description: “2–3 handmade jewelry pieces.” An Etsy representative could review the full listing, though I realize no one here can since it was deactivated.

I’ve been on Etsy for years and know how they operate — I’ve even had representatives reach out to me in the past regarding customer questions. So they have reached out to sellers.

I also understand that without seeing the actual listing, it’s hard for others in this forum to identify the issue, and that’s okay. I know you’re all trying to help with the limited information available.

This item wasn’t critical, it was simply something fun I wanted to add to my shop for customers as a go-to item.

My Back-to-School bags, on the other hand, have been very successful both online and in person (I even have someone ordering one now).

So while this isn’t a priority, I wanted to share the experience here in case others had insight or ran into something similar. I already have a ticket in with support and will wait for their guidance. Thank you all for taking the time to respond.