Disqualified from Star Seller Program & Mystery Dice Listing Violation – Need Help!

[ModernArtifice]

Hi Etsy Community,

I’m reaching out because I’ve recently run into a major issue with my shop, Modern Artifice, and I’m hoping to get some advice or feedback from others who might have experienced something similar.

I’ve been selling Mystery Dice for a long time, and it has been my top seller with no complaints from customers. However, Etsy recently removed my listing and issued a final violation under the Creativity Standards and Services policy. As a result, I’ve been disqualified from the Star Seller program, and my customer service badges were also removed.

What’s even more frustrating is that I’ve never had any issues with this listing, and I’ve worked hard to maintain high standards. On top of that, I’ve seen similar listings from other sellers, some even copying my layout and style, which continue to remain active without any penalties.

I did try to appeal the decision, but I was told that I couldn’t appeal it. Despite my efforts, I haven’t been able to get anyone at Etsy to talk to me directly. Every time I send an email to support, I automatically receive a generic response stating that I violated the policies and suggesting that I just try relisting the item. This process has been incredibly frustrating.

As a small business based in Connecticut, this feels like a huge setback, especially since Mystery Dice were the lifeblood of my shop. Has anyone else experienced this level of frustration with Etsy support? How did you manage to get your case reviewed by an actual person or resolve something similar?

I would greatly appreciate any advice or suggestions on how to move forward. If anyone has insights on how I can get in touch with someone who can review this situation, I would be very grateful.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Best,
Modern Artifice

[JJewellerySuppliesUK]

Is it a mystery item in as much as the buyer doesn't know what they will receive?  If so, then mystery items are not allowed on Etsy.  The fact that it has been your bestseller just means Etsy hadn't got round to removing it. 

[DivineCrossings]

Also, did you actually make all of those dice? In all of those different materials? You have them listed as made by you. If they were, an about section with photos detailing how you’re making these items would go a long way toward instilling trust that they are, indeed, handmade as defined by Etsy. If you didn’t make them, then they violate creativity standards since you would appear to be re-selling them. You also mention “our” in your dice product descriptions, yet there are no shop members listed anywhere. BTW, I noticed that you still have an active set of “mystery dice” listed…were those the ones that were deactivated by Etsy? And, lastly, are you printing the t-shirts in-house? I don’t see a production partner on your shop’s homepage, nor on your listings (as would be required in both places)..

[Adorabilities]

I would guess that the problem lies with very similar dice sets being sold elsewhere, so Etsy may doubt that you're handmaking the dice yourself. You say that you received a final warning -- what issues did you have before? Are you selling on Amazon, or wholesale to other dice shops?

[AudaciousAttire]

You should probably contact Temu as I see a lot of your dice on there. 

[JJewellerySuppliesUK]

Don't you need to download the app to view the items on Temu?  

[Adorabilities]

@JJewellerySuppliesUK 
No, just go to their website.

[vintageNCtreasures]

I can view items on Temu and I don't use an app.
I use Edge on W11 on a desktop and type in their URL.

[BagmakerSupply]

@ModernArtifice: Mystery anything are not really compatible with Etsy. It is a violation of creativity standards if your primary image does not comply with Etsy's requirement for 'sellers to use original photos of the actual product buyers will receive' https://www.etsy.com/legal/policy/listing-image-requirements/253962679005 ? [Emphasis added]

[LeParisMetro]

You appear to have a lot of problems in your shop that needed to be fixed before you are closed down for good. The fact that you have been breaking the rules, and possibly the law if you are infringing is in no way a justification for what you have been doing. You are lucky that you have been able to get away with it for so long. You should hope that no one at Etsy looks further at your shop or they will see all the issues there.

You claim that you personally handmake the dice but then in the description you say that they are actually made by ‘talented craftspeople’. Both of those can’t be true. Which is it?  Or are you actually just reselling which is what it looks like you are doing with the way you have your shop set up.

You are also using the dungeon and dragon name in your titles.  Have you checked to make sure that you don’t need licensing to use their IP?

You also still have mystery items in your shop.  It would be a good idea for you to spend some time getting your shop in compliance before you do anything else.