Deactivated listings

[JoyandChaos]

Hi, I have had three listings deactivated by Etsy in the last couple of days. 
After reaching out to ask why, I received two completely different answers from two different people. 
1. The product was not made by me. Not true. I designed and make all of my items. They said they found it on alibaba. Possibly true since I have found dozens of my photos stolen and resold. 
2. My product makes medical claims. Maybe the word recovery? The title describes the label/bag that we sell “recovery kit label”

Has anyone had this happen recently? Even though I am getting two different answers, I am guessing it could be the word recovery. 
Any help would really be appreciated 

[HouseofWhisperingFir]

I think you have pretty well answered your own questions...................

If your items and/or photos have been stolen, report them.

[LastCentury]

gosh, I'm having deja vu

another seller selling very similar items was also having issues with items like hangover kits & medical related items.

I'm also surprised your SH!T items are still active since those go against etsy mature listing policies with visible profanity in the images.

Maybe time to read what is allowable to sell here.

https://www.etsy.com/legal/policy/listing-mature-content-correctly/242665462117?ref=list

or read through the forums... it seemed a few weeks ago

[TheVintagePineapple]

@LastCentury  Are you thinking of this one?

Items were delisted - Welcome to the Etsy Community

[JoyandChaos]

Thank you for the feedback. 

[LastCentury]

@TheVintagePineapple yep. that's the one. And yes, they still have visible brand names in their hangover kits as well as SH!T items... good luck to them.

[SugarTaffySoap]

@JoyandChaos   I looked at one of your other recovery kits and all I can say is you're not mentioning any medical claims but the search engine may have taken some word or words that you used in your deactivated listing in a different context or made a mistake.  Are there other words you think it could be?

Here's what is prohibited.

• Prohibited Items Policy:

  Etsy has a strict policy against selling items that are medical drugs, medical devices, or that make medical claims, including those related to treating, preventing, mitigating, curing, or diagnosing a disease or medical condition. 

  This policy is in place due to potential legal restrictions, the fact that these items are considered controlled substances in some cases, and the general spirit of Etsy as a marketplace for handmade, vintage, and craft supplies. 

  This includes items like recovery bags that claim to help with a specific medical condition or injury. 

[JoyandChaos]

I think this could be an algorithm moment that I am caught up in. I'm hoping they will email back to clarify which of the two answers I was given are actually the reason. 

I have no idea what to "fix"

[PlatypusDream]

Etsy's algorithm is obviously lumping the listings for actual "recovery" and "hangover" kits with just the labels and bags, there are bound to be listings that are allowed caught up in the prohibited item takedowns.

[VintageRescueSquad]

For the stolen photos on Alibaba, you have to file a DCMA takedown notice with any site that is hosting them. Keep a copy of it to prove to etsy you are protecting your IP. That is the only way to get reinstated.

For medical claims, listen to what the others are saying and review the policies.

[JoyandChaos]

Yes. I have done that. It's sadly hard to keep up with it! I'd say at least half of my listings are copied and COUNTLESS other sellers that I see. What a world! 

I feel frustrated that knowing this, Etsy does't give us an opportunity first before taking it down

[PlatypusDream]

You should redo your “recovery kit” photos so they don’t include brand name medical drugs for two reasons.

Etsy has image recognition bots that can be programmed to look for prohibited items. You don’t want to give Etsy reason to take down any more listings.
Companies do look for their products being used without licensing. For example, Chanel was issuing take downs to sellers using their boxes and perfumes in listing photos.

Other sellers have been selling “hangover kits” that look identical to your photos, except filled with actual drugs. This is prohibited by Etsy. Because your photos look identical, you may have been caught up in the sweep.

[JoyandChaos]

That is a good point. 

I'm stunned that people are getting away with putting non handmade items in their bags and other gift boxes etc

Thank you for the feedback!

[GlassyFields]

Wow. Congratulations on your super successful shop.

Good suggestions in already offered. 

[JoyandChaos]

Same to you! Your items are beautiful!