I got notified that Etsy removed one of my listings because "it didn't follow their policies"

[LucyLockettDesigns]

I'm sick.  I just got notified that Etsy removed one of my listings because "it didn't follow their policies."  This is one of my best selling listings and I've had it in my shop for years.  Why would this happen all of a sudden.  It's for a skirt that I handmake myself.  It is not anyone else's work.  I'm not sure if Etsy thought it was manufactured by someone else or what?  How do I find out what their reasoning is?

This was my  notification at the top of my shop manager listing page (note: I didn't even get an email about it): 

We removed listings from your shop that don't follow our policies

It looks like some of your listings weren't in line with one or more of our policies for selling on Etsy, so they're no longer active. These policies help us keep our marketplace a safe and unique destination for handmade goods, vintage items, and craft supplies.

You can check your email for more info on what can be sold on Etsy. Keep in mind, if you have multiple policy violations, we may need to remove any Star Seller badges you have or suspend your account.

I 

[vintageNCtreasures]

@LucyLockettDesigns 

More than likely Etsy's bots found a picture of the item (or a very similar item) on one of those China websites like Temu, Aliexpress and others or even on Amazon or eBay.

Do you sell on other sites?
If so you might have to use "different" pictures on Etsy.

If the photo was stolen you have to file a DMCA with the other sites to get it removed from that site and send Etsy proof.

Etsy usually won't tell you why an item is removed.

Did the removed listing show a toddler/young child in the photo?

Certain poses are not allowed with babies, children on pictures.

Look at the info under "Posing".
Imagery of Minors - Our House Rules | Etsy

[LucyLockettDesigns]

Thanks for your input.  I do not sell on any other sites.  just etsy.  I do see almost exact skirt as I make on Amazon.    It's a popular style (red & white polka dot fabric that gives it a minnie mouse look).  My skirt has suspender straps.  And  I saw some on Amazon that looked very similar to mine.  Of course cheaply made.  Mine are all handmade by me and high quality.  But frustrating.  

My cover photo for the listing is of a little girl but its very modest.  You can see her knees but I don't feel its suggestive at all.  I wish I could attach listing here to show you, but of course its been removed.

[vintageNCtreasures]

Did you mention Minnie Mouse or Disney on the listing?

I've seen posts where "similar" items on other sites were enough to get a listing removed on Etsy.
The item didn't have to be exactly the same, could be the same fabric and similar items like a pillow or bow made from it.

Did you look at the photo pose requirements?

From the help page:
When featuring minors in imagery, we recommend neutral stances, with the minor facing forward, arms and legs straight, and the camera zoomed out to capture the entire head and body. We do not permit any of the following for minors in form-fitting clothing:

• Photos that are staged in a bath, shower, or on a bed.
• Photos that are cropped closely on private areas.
• Minor posed with their legs spread, such that knees are positioned wider than shoulder width.
• Minor posed with their chest, buttocks, or groin area pushed forward, by bending forward, backward, or otherwise contorting their body.

Young minors (pubescent and pre-pubescent) are subject to stricter guidelines. Specifically, we don't permit photos of young minors photographed from overhead or below chest height, moving a garment up or aside, looking over their shoulder from behind, and so on.

[BagmakerSupply]

@LucyLockettDesigns: Keep in mind that "violated Etsys creativity standards" can encompass much more than just if it is designed and made by you. It can include anything from a forbidden word in your title, description, tags, etc to a violation of what is included in your primary image.

The most common reason, at least anecdotally, seems to be the same images being used on a wholesale site or in another Etsy shop. You may want to do a reverse image search first.

[LucyLockettDesigns]

Thank you for your input.  I did a search on my photo that I use and I don't see that it is being used anywhere.  But I'll keep searching.  I wish I could attach the listing here so you could see the photo, but it's been removed of course. Lol.

[Slofoodgroup]

This issue seems to be happening a lot with Etsy, myself included. Esty provides no support. Haphazard policies that will continue to drive sellers to other platforms. 

[TBQSC]

Your active listing … (I would remove ANY reference of Disney in both title & description)!!

TITLE — Red or Pink Polka Dot Skirt - Toddler - Twirl Skirt - High Waisted - minnie - Birthday Party Skirt - Mouse - magical Trip- Halloween

DESCRIPTION — “This skirt is perfect for your next trip to a certain theme park,”

[CraftyCornishMaids]

@LucyLockettDesigns 

the current takedown for listings seen elsewhere is

you don't follow the creativity standards,

your post says something different

....

apart from that red polka dot skirt currently saying Minnie Mouse,

it also used to say

Disney

this was the heading from a review posted in August

Red or Pink Polka Dot Skirt - Toddler - Twirl Skirt - High Waisted - Minnie - Birthday Party Skirt - Mouse - Disney Trip Inspired- Halloween

you also have 2 other skirts that come up with the search term - Disney
a valentine one, and a safari one

You know what you are doing - don't expect to stay much longer now you are on their radar

[Duckwells]

If the skirt is readily identifiable as, Minnie Mouse, even without the words used, it is copyright infringement.  Etsy seems to be cracking down on infringement using AI.