Help! Etsy removed one of my listings and my star seller badge

[ShopStitchCraft]

I recently received a notice that two of my listings violated Etsy's seller policy and were removed. The listings were for two similar pouches for organizing craft supplies that is made by a small company in Japan. I had them both listed as a "supply or tool to make things". I have sold these (and similar) products for almost 10 years and there are other sellers on Etsy who also offer this same product, so I believe the listings were unfairly removed. I tried relisting one of the items and received a second notice that I violated the policy multiple times and now my Star Seller badge has been stripped, as well as the future potential to earn this back. I am so upset and frustrated as I have contacted Etsy customer service multiple times and have been told that no one has the ability to reinstate listings and that I should refer to the seller handbook. Does anyone have a contact for customer service that can review this case and help? Thanks!

[PlatypusDream]

Request a callback:

https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?segment=selling&fbclid=IwAR3XJULkao3ZPR8XcOEf2A7143n87Xt...

Etsy just change the creativity standards. What was once allowed now is not.

It doesn't sound like a finished item made by another company would qualify to be sold here, honestly. If it is the Delphonics Inner Carrying Case, it definitely shouldn't be sold here as it can be used as is.

https://www.etsy.com/legal/policy/craft-supplies/239327031264

Examples of items that do not qualify as craft supplies:

• Mass-produced clothing and accessories ready for retail sale
• "Blanks" that are ready to use as is"

Just because others are selling it doesn't mean that those won't be removed as soon as they are sold and relisted by the shop.

Good luck.

[BagmakerSupply]

@ShopStitchCraft: "... and now my Star Seller badge has been stripped ..." What makes you think this as your shop home page still shows your Star and badges?

"... two similar pouches for organizing craft supplies ..." You may need to figure out how to justify to Etsy that these qualify as "supplies" under their definition that "Craft supplies are tools, ingredients, or materials whose primary purpose is for the creation of an item or special occasion." https://www.etsy.com/legal/policy/craft-supplies/239327031264 At first blush, a storage pouch (organizer) would seem to not meet the requirement.

Hopefully someone else who has had experience dealing with a similar issue can help you with suggestions on how to fight it.

[OneEyeCatStudio]

There appears to frequently be no rhyme nor reason to what the Etsy bots do.  A while ago there was a shop who had polishing pads that she was selling as a supply removed. She did finally get them reinstated and Etsy said that they were removed in error.
I remember because I posted in the thread as I buy pads like that to use in the jewelry I make in my other shop.

Here, I found the thread. There might be some information to help you ....

https://community.etsy.com/t5/Managing-Your-Shop/Policy-Violation-a-warning-to-others/td-p/145845403

[ShopStitchCraft]

Thank you so much for sharing that story about another seller who got a listing reinstated...that gives me hope! It's so strange, I tried clicking n the link you sent but was not able to view the thread. Do you have any more info about how she was able to get the listing reinstated? Or her shop name so I could try contacting her directly for advice? Thanks again!

[OneEyeCatStudio]

Hmmm, I don't know why that is. It works for me.

Here's a link to a specific post

https://community.etsy.com/t5/Managing-Your-Shop/Policy-Violation-a-warning-to-others/m-p/145859168/...

[NiceFindsByJas]

Wish you all th ebest to get this sorted. I think lots of people are having to relook at their listings as Etsy have started to ensure peoples products are made by them or hand picked. I think this is a regular check at the moment for everyone. I have no way of knowing how to contact Etsy on this, but there is a technical questions post from Etsy that you could try ..have a look ..if you can find under technical.

[nineteen27]

i am looking at the list of things allowed.

in the craft supplies and tools category.

hat boxes.

caddies and holders.

baskets.

bins.

cases <-- what kind of cases... who knows.

sacks.

totes.

flashlights <--- for when your cat plays with your beads and you need to find them under the couch?

hair extensions.

the list goes on forever.

and i have zero patience.

here is the link:

https://www.etsy.com/help/categories/seller#node-id-562

[AAANativeArts]

When Etsy removes one of your listings, you are not allowed to put it back up without Etsy's permission. That is a serious infraction and they can close your shop for doing it. Be grateful they only took your Star Seller badge.

[PrimFun]

Did you use chat?  I would use email and ask about whether or not this is considered a craft supply.  After all it is not something to make something with such as  needle or pen but then this can be a gray area,

I make totes that are for holding yarn or other craft supplies.   Many of the other sellers are making their totes too though I have run across ones that are not.  

The tote itself can hold tools but cannot be used as a tool and that may be the difference.  The category is present because many are making the totes to hold supplies.  But in your case you are sourcing the bags.

Still I would send an email to clarify the situation.  Chat cannot help in this case. 

[SofiaDesignsBoutique]

I got the similar issue like you. I have sent a request and waited for 2 weeks. But no luck, I got nothing but silence. I just got another message from the Etsy to provide some info about those listings. I sent all the info they need. I hope it will not take too long. I am tired of waiting

[AnnaleasFinest]

@SofiaDesignsBoutique 

at least they ask you to provide evidence.

I provided evidence voluntarily, which clearly shows it follows the guidelines and they ignore it. Stonewall.

[ShopStitchCraft]

I'm so sorry that this happened to you too! Can I ask, how did you send your request? I emailed but received a standard answer about reviewing the Etsy Seller's handbook despite the fact that I said I already reviewed it and did not believe I was in violation of any policies. Thanks!

[FallenAngelBrass]

---

@ShopStitchCraft wrote:

.... and now my Star Seller badge has been stripped

---

Your star seller badge is there. 

[SofiaDesignsBoutique]

@AnnaleasFinest 

It's been 3 days. I have not received any reply now

[SofiaDesignsBoutique]

@ShopStitchCraft 

You can send them another message with the evidence underneath the message they sent you if the request is still there.

[AnnaleasFinest]

@FallenAngelBrass 

now its gone!

[FallenAngelBrass]

@AnnaleasFinest 

I see the star seller badge in @ShopStitchCraft 's shop. 

[AnnaleasFinest]

@FallenAngelBrass 

ooops, I looked in Sofia's shop... : - )

[hopeandjoystudios]

Sacks and totes are under organization supplies? I would internet search the listing photo for that listing and see if it turns up elsewhere. If someone stole your listing photo for Temu/Shein/AliEx OR you used a "catalog" stock photo for it it may be a bot removal because they saw it elsewhere.

[ChantillyAvenue]

Like many things they remove, this doesn't make much sense to me.  Any kind of container to hold tools and supplies should be considered a supply.  I can't even think why a bot would remove it.  If they're cross-checking images in the supply category, there would be a lot of sellers getting screwed.  You can't relist something they've deactivated without their approval.  There are very unpleasant consequences, obviously.  While you still have your star seller badge, you should use your chat button and try to contact them.  You'll get the brush off initially, but keep trying.  Tell them you were sure it was a mistake and that's why you tried relisting.  It may not help, but it's worth a try.