Handmade to Order Items Deactivated for "not meeting our Creativity Standards for craft supplies"

[VeritasInspired]

A few of my made-to-order handmade listings were recently deactivated by Etsy for "not meeting our creative standards for craft supplies." I’m baffled—these are long-standing, successful listings (3 wall hook listings and 1 dresser knob listing), all clearly categorized as handmade finished products. Each is customized to order based on the buyer's selected color and finish at checkout.

Despite reaching out to Etsy support, I have yet to receive a response. Instead, I received a warning stating that my shop—active since 2012—could be removed for further violations.

How can a handmade finished listing be flagged for not meeting criteria that apply to supplies or tools used to make things? This doesn’t make sense, and it’s not the first time I’ve faced an erroneous removal. It seems to happen every few months.

Is anyone else experiencing similar issues?

[PrettyObsolete]

Yep: 

https://community.etsy.com/t5/Technical-Issues/Listings-Deactivated-for-Craft-Supplies-but-they-are-...

You're not alone, and this is likely only the beginning.

[TheVintagePineapple]

There have been some changes to the Creativity Standards recently.   This OP will explain some things regarding your listings:

Re: Listings Deactivated for Craft Supplies - but ... - Welcome to the Etsy Community

Another one that'll point out other changes to CS:

Solved: CINDY LOU'S POST ON ETSY NEW CREATIVE RULES - Welcome to the Etsy Community

One change to Etsy's policies is that upgrading shipping listings are no longer allowed.  You should deactivate your listing before it's removed.

[VeritasInspired]

I understand upgrading shipping is no-no right now. But I only offer priority processing (meaning I will work after hours or weekends to get your handmade order done sooner but still ship the regular way I always do). Is that disallowed too? My orders take time to make and some buyers don't have 2 weeks to wait for their orders. Anyone knows?

[TheVintagePineapple]

@VeritasInspired After reading as much as I could about what's allowed/not allowed now and the details regarding them, I would think that that listing won't be allowed either.   There's nothing 'physical' about it - nothing added to the item, nothing mailed (digital download, for example), etc.  

While yours is not an upgrade for a faster shipping service, Etsy will probably not allow a listing such as that either.  The image recognition bot will pick up on the Priority box photo, too.  Better safe than sorry and deactivate it until this mess is cleared up (which may never be!).

[VeritasInspired]

It is a well established practice to offer customers an option for faster service if they need/want it and the product/service is not readily available/takes time to make. Gee, I just paid for faster repair of my HVAC and a quicker turn around for my passport renewal. It's a common business practice. I guess the best solution is to deactivate this option and just reactivate when asked by the buyer.

[thatregina · Accepted solution]

Thank you for your report @VeritasInspired. We've forwarded this to the appropriate team for you, so please look out for follow-ups on the ticket you have submitted. I'll close this up with my best wishes, and thank you @PrettyObsolete and @TheVintagePineapple for offering help!