supplies listings being removed for violating handmade policy

[CollectingWarehouse1]

We are a new seller, just setting up shop.  We've had several listings immediately removed for violating the "Handmade Policy".  But we haven't listed any of them as handmade, only as Supplies.  All of the items that were removed are acrylic display bases.

I opened a case yesterday when the first one happened, but was sent an automatic reply stating that there is nothing to be done about it.

Would anyone know why a Supplies item would be removed under the Handmade Policy?

[audreytherese]

Just a guess, but it sounds like you are listing something that can be used 'as is'. In order to be considered a supply, it can't be used in its current state. Yes, your items may be for displays, but if they can be used as they are to display, then they're not actually a supply. A supply would be selling the material to make the display stands. 

[audreytherese]

Looking at your shop most of your items don't qualify to be sold as supplies. They are finished products that are meant to be used as they are. This is why Etsy is removing them. I would spend some time learning more about this, or else you're probably going to have more listings removed and possibly your shop shut down. 

[Marmalady]

On Etsy a "Supply" is something that is used to make another item.
It cannot be able to be used as-is.

Maybe they do not consider that acrylic display bases fit into the definition of "used in making another item"

[hopeandjoystudios · Accepted solution]

Are you by any chance starting the listing as a supply then choosing one of the handmade item categories ETSY suggests? If  the suggestion does not start with Craft supplies and tools but for ex, Home and Living, that is a HANDMADE  category. I  do not know why Etsy does this (Well I do $$$$$$$$$ by confusing listers into listing in a handmade category instead of saying That is not allowed here) but if you start it as a supply but then pick a handmade category it may see it as listed as handmade even if only behind the scenes. I only looked at 2 listings and they seemed to be listed as a supply as there was no handmade or vintage designation (Supplies have none).  I tried fake listing a "plate rack". It only supplied handmade suggestions with the new lister and I saw no way to add your own categories. When I entered just "rack" then a supply category for racks was suggested. Not sure how you had them listed but that is my guess. It is probably all bot driven now.

SIDE NOTE Not to disparage "charm on a chain" sellers, but how is the bot supposed to differentiate between a commercial charm put on a commercial chain that they have allowed as handmade but 1000's of sellers may be selling the same item from a "reseller" item? Is it all photo bot driven?? Or if sellers are using the same purchased graphics on their items?? Which is legal if you are applying them yourself.

[CollectingWarehouse1]

Oh, this is very interesting!  Thank you for explaining this possibility.

[CrochetedGarb]

Hello and thank you for this posting and your example.  I just watched a YouTube video about some changes in Etsy monitoring sellers.

I might fall into the charm on a chain category, but I make stitch markers by ordering the parts then deciding on the sizes of the jump rings, types of hooks, etc. I put the pieces together.

I have read through the Etsy policies more than once to make sure I was compliant in doing this.

I also make crocheted items, but not the yarn.

I realize in the future and maybe even now there are bots that determine what is going to be considered handmade.

Can you offer suggestions about how I can stay compliant?  I am buying satin cord or other fibers and weaving keychains.  I am hoping that this is acceptable, too because I purchase the rings to hold the keys and add beads or charms.

I appreciate any help you can give.

[hopeandjoystudios]

@CrochetedGarbthat sounds fine. If you are making the items the supplies to make it don't have to be handmade by you. You'd only have a problem if there was another issue like infringement or it was somehow otherwise prohibited.

[PWOriginals]

Etsy allows "craft" supplies/tools, defined here:

https://www.etsy.com/legal/policy/craft-supplies/239327031264 unless they are handmade:

[CollectingWarehouse1]

Thank you for the link.

[CrochetedGarb]

PWOriginals:

This is even more helpful. The link you supplied helped a whole lot, and I feel more comfortable now.

[Adorabilities]

@CrochetedGarb 
Supplies can be handmade as well, which is how I think your stitch markers would be listed. You still choose "supply" but also "I made it."

[hopeandjoystudios]

There is an actual category list somewhere but I  am not sure how to find it. They HAVE removed categories/items from the supply list lately.

[Adorabilities]

@hopeandjoystudios 

Is it this?
https://www.etsy.com/help/categories/seller

[hopeandjoystudios]

Yes that's it! How do you get there? They allowed a BUNCH of stuff under baking supplies in 2022 that no longer has a category.  But what about those that legit listed it then but now the category is gone? As long as it keeps renewing they would never know...until  Etsy suddenly removes it.  That's shady that they don't at least announce things subtracted from the categories.  If you Google you can see additions they made in 2022 2023 that are apparently no longer allowed?

[Adorabilities]

@hopeandjoystudios 

I have no idea how to get to that list through the Etsy help pages -- I found it by googling. 

And yes, I feel like anything we've legally listed could be removed at any time. Either because we used a forbidden word on a secret list, Etsy suspects the item isn't handmade, we've listed in the wrong category, we've listed in a category that's been removed, etc. etc.

[AutumnHollowStudio]

Everything I checked in your shop can be found on amazon. Same photos. Etsy is for handmade (by you), craft supplies, and vintage items.

[CollectingWarehouse1]

Yes, we also sell our products on Amazon.  Because they are displays, bags and stands, I believe they are considered supplies on Etsy.  But as you can see, I'm still learning here. 

[CollectingWarehouse1]

Thank you kindly for your replies.  I understand what you are saying.  While many of our customers do use these bases as mounts for their artwork, they could also use it on its own.  So maybe that is the problem.

[MagpieMadnessJewelry]

One of my original necklace was removed 21 days ago and I am still waiting for it to be reinstated ! 

[CollectingWarehouse1]

I hope they fix it!

[MagpieMadnessJewelry]

Finally.....months later the necklace was reinstated but I lost the sales momentum and barely sell any anymore:(

[CrochetedGarb]

Thank you for starting this thread, or topic.  I hope that you can get it all worked out.

[nineteen27]

display cases and cabinets.

are still allowed under the craft supply category.

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

craft supplies and tools >  storage and organization > display cases and cabinets.

[CollectingWarehouse1]

Thank you for your help.