Items listed as “sourced by” when it should be “designed by”

[#1]

With the new changes Etsy just announced, I was checking my items and nearly all now state that they are “sourced by” which I believe is incorrect and gives an inaccurate statement to any potential customer. 

My shop can be found here: https://theperkypencil.etsy.com and I make mainly stickers and stationery. I hand draw/design everything but then have them printed by professional manufacturers who send them back to me as a completed product. 

Shouldn’t these items be classified as “designed by” instead of “sourced by?” 

I did notice that when the category of my items are switched from “stickers, labels and tags” to “laptop decals” they show up correctly as “designed by” but I really don’t want to go through and change everything plus that is a less accurate category description. 

Am I wrong to believe that my items should be classified as “designed by” and is it worth contacting Etsy support?

Thank you for any suggestions you may have!

[artbyjocelyn]

In some of the Supplies categories, Sourced By is the default because reselling is allowed in those categories and seller does not need to be the designer or maker, ie: Party and Paper Supplies cat.

[DigTheDesign]

But what if a supplies manufacturer wants to sell on Etsy? Is there nothing they can do to get into the made by category as they should be?

[artbyjocelyn]

It seems to depend on the sub category, and possibly if a Production Partner is attached it seems. 

My hand made clay beads are in Supplies, Craft Supplies and show as Handmade fine.

EDIT: It is because I have selected for Who Made it: I Did for my handmade beads, but for my calendar I have Made by Another Company or Person (I am the photographer but my calendars are printed, assembled and shipped by a print provider.

A maker who lists as I Did for the who made it question, it will show that the craft supply they make is Handmade in their listing page, in Supplies categories.

Big huge confusing mess for certain types of items and categories.

[zeynNY]

Once I reached out about the issue they provided a link to a survey that only takes about 5 minutes to complete. Please fill it out when you have a moment
Survey: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7878278/Etsy-Feedback-8733265084

[ArtofTessaMaurer]

I'm having the same issue, but it's ONLY with stickers. So I think you're right about the category being the issue. All of my other items are correct. Hopefully it's just a glitch that they'll fix. Not sure why being in that category would default you to "source by." Makes no sense. Personally just going to leave it alone for now.

[PenAndPosy]

My items have also been categorized as 'Sourced by', when they really should be 'Designed by'.  Every single item lists the Production Partner.   I find it offensive to suggest I source my products, as if the artwork is not my own.  After doing the survey I do not feel like this specific issue is being addressed.  After a chat with Etsy support, I was not reassured in the least.  Also - my note cards should not be considered "Party decor for gatherings and celebrations" - but I'm not going to change anything at this point.  I'll try to be patient, but I'm pretty annoyed by this rollout.

[NeilBarrPhotography]

I can't fathom why (as it seems to have been that way for quite a while, but was less obvious to the customers), they have lumped stickers, greeting cards and wall calendars into a category called "Paper & Party Supplies".

Even if they just showed the sub-category(s), that would be a step better.

Have you tried changing your Core Details to "I made it"? That sorted my calendars, which also have a production partner.

[digitaldoodlebug]

@PenAndPosy 

Are you able to change the category? It could be it fell in the wrong category and you didn't realize. If it's under craft supplies or party supplies it will get sourced by, or if it's POD. 

[artbyjocelyn]

With my calendars too, in the Category for wall calendars in Supplies Paper and Party, unless I select I Made It to start, which isn't correct when my photo calendars are printed for me. It is because I don't have to actually be the actual photographer to sell in that category. I'd prefer it to say Designed By, however, since yes, I did.

[PenAndPosy]

I categorize my items under "Paper & Party Supplies/PaperStationery/Note Cards", because they are note cards.  When I add a new listing, I answer the question - Who Made It?  (the options are "I did", "a member of my shop", "another company or person"). If I could get back to this question, I would change it to "I did" and include a Production Partner, to see if it changes the item to "Designed by" or "Made by" - however, I don't know how to get back to this question on existing listings.

[BagmakerSupply]

@PenAndPosy: Using a browser at least, we see those questions in the 'Core details' section.

[PenAndPosy]

Success and thank you!  They are showing up now as "Designed" with a production partner.  Much relief and many thanks!

[BellesHearts]

I'm having issues with Etsy categorizing my 'made by' to 'designed by': some wood slices (that I cut from branches of trees in my garden) hand drawn, hand burned, hand painted images - yet etsy say they're designed by me rather than made by me - its awful and I can't change it