Violation

[MeisjeRadijsje]

Today I listed an handmade art doll, made by me, by hand. It's a rainbow lizard baby with a teddy bear. Made from a wire armature with foam and textile. Similar making process and materials to others I've listed. Immediately it was taken down by Etsy for violating policy. I figured it was a technical issue and made a new listing, starting from scratch. Again it was taken down for violating policy. I've read that you're supposed to get an email with the reason, I didn't receive one (I've checked my spam). I also didn't get refunded for the listing so I don't feel like trying again and again. I have no idea what's going on or what I'm doing wrong, the help centre only sends automated replies referring to the emails I didn't receive... Anyone else running into these issues?

[JJewellerySuppliesUK]

Never relist a deactivated listing or you could get closed down - all those takedowns add up. 

You need to reply to the generic email saying you need more help. 

What words did you use to describe the doll and in your title and tags as perhaps you inadvertently used a word that is prohibited?

Your shop says you have no items listed.

[MeisjeRadijsje]

I made a completely new listing and I've read it again and again but I don't see what I've done wrong. I only list a couple of dolls a year, this was my first for 2025.

This rainbow lizard is small (approximately 13 cm in hight) because it's only a baby. It's inseparable from it's teddy bear and blanket, do I guess that's a package deal for you. It didn't finish it's luch yet, so you'll find a sandwich and soda in the bag.

This lizard is crafted on a wire armature, covered with foam and textile, it's eyes are glass. Please note that while the armature is strong, it's not unbreakable, so handle with care. Everything you see is handmade with the exception of it's soda.

All my dolls are handmade. I might create something similar, but never the same, ensuring you have a unique piece in your collection.

Please be aware that due to small parts, this lizard is not intended for children and is best for display and gentle posing. Avoid cleaning. 

I ship my art with a tracking code so you can follow the journey. Keep in mind that once the package is handed over, the delivery time is no longer in my hands. I'll monitor each order and ensure your satisfaction as a customer. Feel free to reach out with any questions or comments.

[audreytherese · Accepted solution]

It's possible the bots thought you were trying to sell a live lizard. If that's the case, it would have been reinstated once reviewed by an actual person. Definitely do not try to list again. There is something flagging your listing and it will continue being removed and too many removals and your shop will be permanently closed. 

[JJewellerySuppliesUK]

I didn't think of that!

[ArtDollsbyJD]

Never relist if Etsy takes down a listing.

You will need to read the information available in the TOUS to see what may be the issue.

Is it a particular lizard that may be an endangered species?

Your email provider may block any email from Etsy if your email provider requires you add them to a list of wanted email providers.

Just an FYI but you will want to add your UK/EU shop policies. 

[MeisjeRadijsje]

I'm sorry but what is TOUS? 

Today I learned to never make a new listing if Etsy takes it down. I was just convinced it was a technical error because I've never had this issue before...

[audreytherese]

Terms of use

Terms of Use - Our House Rules | Etsy

I'm still guessing they thought you were breaking #2

Prohibited Items Policy - Our House Rules | Etsy

I know it's not a specimen or live animal, but the bots are limited in their training and just pick up on certain words. 

[CraftyCornishMaids]

If a listing is taken down by etsy, you appeal the takedown,

NEVER relist,, or list again, etsy specifically says you can't do that, it can get your shop shut

you can't sell baby lizards on etsy, the bot probably just read the words - which is why an appeal is important

[MeisjeRadijsje]

Thank you! That makes sense

[MeisjeRadijsje]

I'm still hoping Etsy will get back to me. Thanks everyone for helping me out!

[TinLizziAntiques]

OP, you have a rainbow lizard listing in your shop. Did you add it back again? Or is this lizard a different one? 

[UppNorthEh]

it looks like etsy reinstated both listings.

[audreytherese]

Yes, looks like it just needed a human to review the removal.

I can't tag in this post, but OP definitely needs to make sure and deactivate the second one (since they are OOAK and they will only have one to ship once sold). 

[MeisjeRadijsje]

It was turned back on, still haven't heard from Etsy so I'm mot sure what's going on

[After9Marbles]

I would guess the word children flagged something. How else can you get across that its not for children. Perhaps a info graphic as one of the photos. It would still be text bots can potentially read but that might be whats triggering it. Etsy is the only one that can for sure tell you. I would wait to see if they respond before relisting. If the shop gets closed its a bigger issue to resolve. 

Your issue is if you make a similiar item which is likely how can you be sure you wont get taken down again? We really need live customer support 24/7 some of us work the majority of the day and tend to our shops during the evenings. 

[MeisjeRadijsje]

Thank you. A real human working at Etsy would come in useful... 

[PinkBirdCottage]

I have heard too many people complain they never got an email from Etsy so I don’t think they are often sent in these cases which make the sellers feel like they are crazy. They also often do not send an email letting you know it’s reinstated. It just appears. Glad you got it back!

[MeisjeRadijsje]

I was couldn't figure out what was happening. It got reinstated and was sold a few minutes later, so yay! But I wasted so much time... 

Someone reached out to me saying the word 'lizard' is probably what triggered the bots, it happened to them as well. It takes down the listing immediately and will then be reviewed by a human. But I didn't receive any notifications.

It wouldn't have been such an issue if I had to those emails they claimed to have send... 

I'm super grateful for the hive mind helping me out!