I am a top one percent seller on Etsy. I’ve been targeted for copying where there have literally been HUNDREDS of new sellers copying my listings. Not just my images but my exact tags, titles, descriptions and mockup layouts. When I reach out to the sellers they just adamantly deny they copied me. So I did a reporting sweep and got a bunch of listings successfully removed only to get bombarded by hate email. Etsy needs to do better!!!!
@@aikhanam2 Similar style is not the same a direct copy. So using the same font in the same color scheme and layout but with a different message is a similar style, while it's still a moral grey area, it's still bad, but as it's an "original work" Etsy allows it. Another example is using a similar photo, or the same photo, on different products. Direct copying is outright taking the original listing's mock-ups, description, tags etc and posting them as if they were original posting with no changes whatsoever. Style copying is taking the original's overall design/theme and putting in onto other products or making slight alterations on the same product to make it "original". BOTH suck as an Etsy shop owner... -.-
Sorry to hear this I am new to Etsy and I’m not sure how I want to sell on there as I have unique designs I was going tonight use :( have you reached out to Etsy? Can they do anything about it ? :(
Thank you for your time, Heather. My take on this is when people do business with large marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon KDP, etc., they will be vulnerable to them. No matter how hard and honest they work, these corporations can suspend or shut them down, often for no reason or based on false accusations. Sure, some people are just naive or operate against rules and regulations, but that's not always the case. Solution: 1. Start a business with these corporations with no emotional attachment, knowing you can be suspended or shut down even if you did everything right. 2. Open your own website or blog at the same time and promote yourself via your favourite social media platform, possibly one or two the most.
@@SA-op6fp I like like to meet like minded people. Many people who are new to this have no idea how the corporations work. They provide you with the platform and their own printing facilities that they owe, too, most likely (in this case). They create algorithms that serve them but not necessarily the customers. I for example, never found the product "they" recommended based on their algorithm I may like, but I had to dig and dig for the item I wanted. We have so much energy and money, so it is best to put it into endeavours we can control. Even if we fall or make mistakes, it's not over "shout down, band" or whatever, but you keep working with your clients.
I completely agree! It is true that ou business on a platform abides by the rules of the marketplace and it's always good to have your eggs in multiple baskets- especially if this is your only income stream. Thanks for watching and commenting here! ❤
I love your calm style. I just started watching your videos and see a big difference in my blood pressure. Figuring out what to create for my POD shop is stressful enough. 😂
Thanks for this video. As a new Etsy seller of 1 month I confess I am guilty of copying and the reason is in two different videos, from different channels they told me that was how to get sales 🤦♂️ As a result I thought as long as the saying was not the same, it was ok to have similar font and positioning. I have one listing that I copied the font and sampled their colors. I have now taken that listing down until I change the font and positioning. Thanks again for helping new people to see through the bad “tips”.
Right!? There's a shop i follow because it's in a similar niche as me and I've caught a few of her copycats before and i report them to her. Her designs are extremely unique and beautiful and she has dozens of bestsellers so i understand the appeal but she gets so many copycats that she has a legitimate disclaimer in her shop announcement discouraging copycats and saying she WILL sue them
I recently had a copycat and I believe I lost sales from it but I refuse to look at how many they’ve sold. It was by far my best selling product so far.
Excellent information, I have my shop on vacation mode for a few months because I'm transitioning from a complete handmade shop to a POD shop. But lately, I have seen shops being suspended and I'm very skeptical about reopening my shop and just doing my own website.
So many “teachers” teach to take a best seller & tweak it to make it your own & apply to your niche. I also think Kittl leads to a lot of similar designs when people are barely making any changes etc & that’s on them, not Kittl (which I actually love so much!)
You are so right about copycat culture, I googled a specific design for my product before designing and publishing it myself to see if there was any competition and sure enough there was hardly any. I published my designs then after months passing I googled the same design again to see what popped up out of curiosity and I had seen so many similar designs that I did and some even trying to copy the same layout I did but with different colors, AND all on the same exact product and same mock-up. People are ridiculous honestly
I'm doing research before trying to start my own POD shop on Etsy and your channel has been very informative. Thank you for the videos. Question.....I get the point that you can't order stuff from you own shop on Etsy. What if you want some of your own product to represent or give to friends to rep? Can you order directly from Printify and bypass Etsy?
Obviously I’m new to POD. I just opened my shop 2days ago. I’m doing a mix of POD but will be doing physical products as well. This video is soooo helpful!! Yes I have done one of these things but I never copied anyone’s designs. Thank you!!
Thank you so much for letting us into the Etsy side of your brain. The 'shilling' part was informative with perfect timing. I'm creating a shop, and thought of buying a few of my own items to boast sales right off the bat. I'm going to read the guidelines now!
obviously! #4 is so interesting. (fortunately, I was made aware of this) We always support our families. My first endeavor with Girl Scout cookies, your fam bought boxes. Can you imagine not supporting your little girls (or boys) with their school fundraisers, etc. I understand this is different, but only perhaps it's a "grown-up" version and you're working for your own profit.
You saved my life with the bella on canvas transparent real life print. I just began making mock ups for my items using that brand so thank God i'm aware of the transparency prior to doing all the mock ups for like 20 listings. I would've had to do all of them over again lol thanks!
Obviously... it's obvious after you said it! 😂 I saw that someone who had multiple shops and had a very small amount due in one of his old inactive shop caused all of his shops to get suspended. Even though they get unsuspended, but I think it is treated as warning/ strike one by Etsy. I've heard of many people not getting clarity on reasons for suspension. What you have mentioned here might be a key point, especially the IP one (for brand new shops). Thanks for this video! 🤩🙏
Thank you so much for all these tips! Listening to the full breakdown and explanation is so valuable! I'm just shocked to see how many people are STILL selling copyrighted designs on Etsy. That's the discouraging part. If people are still selling Disney products for years (even after seeing so many got shut down and some even sued), it's very scary to think what could happen to your own designs (especially if we're just getting started). They would just pass as original designs in the copycat's shop, no one would be able to tell they ripped you off and as you said, you can't really do too much about it if they're putting the designs on different products. 😢
Still with you! Most are basic, but I think like the IP address /shilling info was good to know. I watched a video saying to purchase from another account to get your shop bumped in algo but I knew that just sounded wrong, to begin with. Love your videos! Thank you!!
Haven't watched one of your videos in a few months.. Just an observation but you have a distinct "glow" about you. Congrats no matter what you're up to!❤
Thank you for this video dear Heather! I don’t particularly enjoy direct copying, but I find it helpful to draw inspiration from other descriptions to shape and craft my own. Copying an entire product is something I would never do; in fact, I have a surplus of fresh design ideas that exceed the time I have available to bring them to life. Generating new concepts is far more enjoyable, and my aim is to approach Etsy as an exciting challenge infused with fun. Even if a product does not sell itself, it is an essential part of the learning process. Greetings from Germany
Obviously, very useful content. I watched a video where the shop owner purchased products from two different PODs, so he would know exactly how they printed, how they shipped, etc. Sounded like a good idea. What he didn't say was, don't purchase from your own Etsy shop! I was going to have my husband purchase a couple of things so I could verify the process and shipping. Glad we didn't do it!
OPACITY - That is ridiculous for Etsy to have anyone do! As a former photographer, I can tell ya that unless every single customer and seller has their monitors ALL to the exact same gray scale. Not one person is going to see the same colors on their monitor or phone. There is no way someone can replicate the color that the shirt would be printed as - or even remotely close. I am so sorry that Etsy is making everything so difficult for everyone. I’m glad I closed mine after hearing all these stories that everyone has been sharing lately. Some of the big creators all need to come together and do a huge media press release about all this. It’s the only way anything will change, unfortunately
I got suspended Why? I don't know. I contacted them and two days later I got an email saying I am permanently suspended and that I could not even buy from Etsy. Three months of advertizing, all in, I'm out a couple hundred dollars.The only thing they said is it was to much like another shop. I think it was the mockups. My art on my items is from my original paintings. And things were not my painting If I copied anything I wasn't awear of it.They are an unfeeling, inconsiderate MACHINE. Thinking of the Name Etsy, makes me sick to my stomach. Heather you are great and taught me a lot. Thank you and Bless you
It’s funny you mention logos in the background of your photos. I recently bought some really beautiful mockups but I knew before buying them that I would have to remove the apple logo from all the devices in the photos (I just used Canva to remove them) - I’m very new to digital products and POD but it just seemed common sense to me. Thank you for confirming this is a red flag no go practice.
That IP-address thing around 8:10 cannot be true, or as simple as just a shared IP being the cause of a ban. Many ISP:s / mobile carriers use shared IP addressess between total stranges, especially on mobile devices. So technically someone in the next building could have the same public facing IP (which is what etsy sees) as you.
I write weekly horoscopes. The moment I post them, they appear on dozen other websites. So I stopped but starting again, thinking how to protect my work. Awesome video, very helpful btw. Thank you!
Thank you! Heather😊 I've made it all the way through your video. I've had copycats in the past myself on 3 different occasions. I create my Digital Pattern art Designs from photographs that I take. So I always have proofs to protect my art. Again, Thank you!
THANK YOU! As an Amazon seller...I have had my listings and photos hijacked and stolen. As a photographer and writer I copyright, trademark and try and protect my work. But when Amazon asked for product photos I complied. Lol and competiters actulally took my photos and used them on Amazon, Ebay and other platforms. I know my photos especially my props which many times I made myself ... That aside all these 'gurus' and teachers that encourage copying others...disgust me.. Etsy is supposed to be unique. Instead its become mass production of the same items... When I do see something unique. I buy it because I respect that artist or crafts person.
It was my fault I wasn’t aware of friends and family not being able to support. My roommate bought some product that they liked not using same ip address but same shipping address. Do you think they’ll close me down?
"Obviously" - though not so obvious... LOL! Thank you for sharing, I would have made several mistakes had I not watched your video prior. I feel that I'm preparing myself through my own research (in care of others that have paved the way), before opening my shop(s). I am now one of your subscribers!!! Keep up the great content!
Thank you so much, I wouldn’t know about the IP address issue if it weren’t for you, I thought it would be normal for family members to support me by buying from my store, and when they do there’s a big chance they would be using the same Wifi that I do, lucky I saw your video in time, you saved me from a huge risk😮😅
That IP thing is most likely not that simple. Total strangers can share the same public IP(v4) even if they live in different building/city block etc, especially on mobile connections. Technically there could be a few thousand users using a single public IP at the same time.
Thank you for this informative video! I do browse etsy a lot to see what appeals to me and how it stands out. I am too new to be able to see if listings are successful but take many things as inspiration for my own display or art. In no way am I out to copy anybody but feel it a huge learning opportunity seeing what can be done.
Such wonderful reminders! ❤ A woman in my neighborhood had her Etsy shop permanently closed...and she was banned...because she used the trademarked word "onesie." It was her family's sole source of income. 😢 On another note, I've always wondered how Etsy handles the IP address situation at college dorms, and apartment complexes, with shared wifi... Has anyone run into that issue?
Can you use the tag “comfort colors” or put comfort colors in the title if that is the shirt you are using for pod? Thank you for all of the information!! So so helpful! :)
Obviously, this is a great video 😋💚 thank you for the info. I do think a lot of these are ‘obviously’ no no’s but a few were things I didn’t even think about! 💚
I'm just getting started again on etsy after being suspended for being inactive for too long. Wanna make sure I do this right this time. PS - NIN is awesome and I still listen to them :)
Hi heather, the listings on etsy on a particular products, you can find many of them are in exact syle, wording, just variation of fonts, and little bit of placement. many listings are 'inspired' and are super identical, so I am not sure if it means that etsy is taking them down. Yes, you should be original but many people copy best sellers because it's working.
Thank you for all this information! I had no idea that Etsy didn’t allow you to purchase your own listing. I started selling digital products and I wanted to make sure I made the listings right so I purchased on my shop on a different account I’ve had for a few years. I actually did this twice, but my account didn’t get suspended yet and it’s been probably a week since the second time I’ve bought from my shop. Should I be concerned that my account will still get suspended? 😅
Obviously.... (actually) none of this is obvious to me. I have a pretty healthy case of ADHD. For that reason, NOTHING is obvious to me as I ca n be on another planet in my head at any moment. I really appreciate you breaking it down like this. Karma will get the copycat creators one way or another. Why can't people be kind and thoughtful? The thing I worry about the most is accidentally copying something because (as I said) I am in my own little world. Jaw-dropping. I had NO IDEA you could not use a trademark in the SEO. I guess I have not done that, but it would not have thought about it. Thank you so much!
Hi Heather, I unknowingly had some trademarked items in my shop, and was just notified I'd lose my star seller badge. Would you recommend starting a new shop from scratch? I worked hard to earn that badge, pretty rough to not be given a chance to earn it back despite close to 100 5-star reviews. Keep up the good work!
hey heather, first you have a great content that helped me to understand too much , my two stores has been suspended i don't know why I've been contacting the Etsy staff and suddenly they stopped replying me, i don't know what to do , and I heard that a lot of etsy users abroad the USA are getting suspended ..
Hi Heather. Question. I'd want to open an Etsy shop on the girl trips niche. What are the "safest" t-shirt group mockups that I can get? It seems like the Printify ones don't look that great
From my understanding, you have to edit the graphics in some way or add more elements such as a font or another graphic to in some form claim intellectual property if the licensing of the graphics allow this. Designs sold 'as is' is against the Etsy House Rules. I do not work for Etsy nor CF to confirm but this is what I've found through my own experiences in designing for my own shops.
Obviously lol! Thank you so much for your videos! I ran across your account earlier today and this is my 5th video I’ve watched already. Question, do you feel the POD/Etsy market is becoming over saturated? I am want to take the leap, but I’m soooo nervous.
A question for you.. My 18yo daughter wants to start an Etsy shop and she has 7 months to diligently work on it and then will leave it alone for 18 months to go serve a church mission, then will return and resume working on it afterward. Do you think the 18 mo haitis will ruin her shop or do you think the 7 months of initial strong creation will keep it at least somewhat alive and possibly even earn her a little bit of money to come home to? (I would manage customer service and such while she was gone, there would just be no new listings.)
I am brand new to Etsy. I was messing around with something I did not intend to hit purchase, but it did not even let me go through. It just sent me an alert that popped up and said whoa you cannot purchase from your own store. Something pretty similar to that so I could even go past that thankfully so
Hi Heather! Great video. Can you make it so the videos can be saved. I like to review thoughtful videos a second, or even third time. Thanks for all you do!
I was permanently shot down within a few days of opening the store. I did none of the thigs you mentioned plus nothing else I can think of, yet they did shut me down. I still wander way?!
Obviously, Heather would never be a copycat and steal my designs, as I would never do that to her, either. Actually, it gives me some great ideas for designs! I'm going to do a design with the phrase, "Copycats Not Allowed Per Heather" or "Copy Me at Your Own Risk".
@heatherstudio What about creating products through the purchase of digital download design bundles? It looks like there are a ton of stores using similar designs - are the products created in jeopardy of being flagged?
Obviously...that is so awful. I am new and learning but would not think of doing that to copy others' hard work. What about using the tools in the POD design modules? That is not an issue is it? Or, what about using Canva templates? Ugh. Thanks for this info.
I'd really like to know how digital product sellers that offer items that are to be used with specific software are supposed to get traffic without mentioning that specific software in their SEO/title/description/tags, etc. People sell shopify and wordpress templates. Others sell products for Excel or Google Sheets. And planners for Goodnotes, Notability, the list goes on.
Thank you so much for this video content Heather! I am considering opening up my own digital print eventually POD shop. My first niche was going to be for K-Pop fans as I am a huge K-pop fan also. Many digital graphic design creators, etc. mention the K-Pop group's name as part of the listing so that the SEO and Etsy search results reflect their work relevantly. Would this also be something not recommended as a brand tag/use? For example, if I am drawing my own graphic but it is inspired by a BTS song/theme is this a don't?
Question on the Trademark point. I am working on a store at the moment, my first store with unique/bespoke hand made character designs. I am looking to build a brand around these designs. Should i from the outset pay for a Trademark on all my designs?
Obviously- question: as a seller of vintage jewelry, it is important to show and mention maker’s marks in photos and images. Does this equate to infringement?
I am a top one percent seller on Etsy. I’ve been targeted for copying where there have literally been HUNDREDS of new sellers copying my listings. Not just my images but my exact tags, titles, descriptions and mockup layouts. When I reach out to the sellers they just adamantly deny they copied me. So I did a reporting sweep and got a bunch of listings successfully removed only to get bombarded by hate email. Etsy needs to do better!!!!
what do you mean by copying? I have created listings, in the similar style using different images, I sell invites
@@aikhanam2 Similar style is not the same a direct copy. So using the same font in the same color scheme and layout but with a different message is a similar style, while it's still a moral grey area, it's still bad, but as it's an "original work" Etsy allows it. Another example is using a similar photo, or the same photo, on different products. Direct copying is outright taking the original listing's mock-ups, description, tags etc and posting them as if they were original posting with no changes whatsoever. Style copying is taking the original's overall design/theme and putting in onto other products or making slight alterations on the same product to make it "original". BOTH suck as an Etsy shop owner... -.-
Hate email? From whom? Scummy thieves? They're not worth your time.
@@DowntheRabbitHoleCraftzim thinking etsey might be harming it self. Play it forwards and pretty soon there will be no items made by human hands.
Sorry to hear this I am new to Etsy and I’m not sure how I want to sell on there as I have unique designs I was going tonight use :( have you reached out to Etsy? Can they do anything about it ? :(
Thank you for your time, Heather.
My take on this is when people do business with large marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon KDP, etc., they will be vulnerable to them. No matter how hard and honest they work, these corporations can suspend or shut them down, often for no reason or based on false accusations. Sure, some people are just naive or operate against rules and regulations, but that's not always the case.
Solution: 1. Start a business with these corporations with no emotional attachment, knowing you can be suspended or shut down even if you did everything right.
2. Open your own website or blog at the same time and promote yourself via your favourite social media platform, possibly one or two the most.
Obviously
@@SA-op6fp I like like to meet like minded people. Many people who are new to this have no idea how the corporations work. They provide you with the platform and their own printing facilities that they owe, too, most likely (in this case). They create algorithms that serve them but not necessarily the customers. I for example, never found the product "they" recommended based on their algorithm I may like, but I had to dig and dig for the item I wanted.
We have so much energy and money, so it is best to put it into endeavours we can control. Even if we fall or make mistakes, it's not over "shout down, band" or whatever, but you keep working with your clients.
I completely agree! It is true that ou business on a platform abides by the rules of the marketplace and it's always good to have your eggs in multiple baskets- especially if this is your only income stream. Thanks for watching and commenting here! ❤
I love your calm style. I just started watching your videos and see a big difference in my blood pressure. Figuring out what to create for my POD shop is stressful enough. 😂
Haha! Thank you so much for the compliment and for watching and happy it's helping the blood pressure! ❤
Thanks for this video. As a new Etsy seller of 1 month I confess I am guilty of copying and the reason is in two different videos, from different channels they told me that was how to get sales 🤦♂️ As a result I thought as long as the saying was not the same, it was ok to have similar font and positioning. I have one listing that I copied the font and sampled their colors. I have now taken that listing down until I change the font and positioning. Thanks again for helping new people to see through the bad “tips”.
It seems so rude to copy. Here I am trying to find something original, then to think some thief will just steal it? That stinks!
Right!? There's a shop i follow because it's in a similar niche as me and I've caught a few of her copycats before and i report them to her. Her designs are extremely unique and beautiful and she has dozens of bestsellers so i understand the appeal but she gets so many copycats that she has a legitimate disclaimer in her shop announcement discouraging copycats and saying she WILL sue them
@@KateTheMamasame I seen some of another shops work on Amazon, thieves are everywhere unfortunately
I recently had a copycat and I believe I lost sales from it but I refuse to look at how many they’ve sold. It was by far my best selling product so far.
Same exact situation . But it's OK. A particular idea may have been stolen . But I feel blessed because I have so many ideas .
Everything is stolen basically. If you come up with something that's actually original... You usually end up a billionaire. Everyone else is copying.
Excellent information, I have my shop on vacation mode for a few months because I'm transitioning from a complete handmade shop to a POD shop. But lately, I have seen shops being suspended and I'm very skeptical about reopening my shop and just doing my own website.
So many “teachers” teach to take a best seller & tweak it to make it your own & apply to your niche. I also think Kittl leads to a lot of similar designs when people are barely making any changes etc & that’s on them, not Kittl (which I actually love so much!)
I so agree ..I said the same about the teachers..
It's sad that people can't come up with their own ideas..
Obviously, I'm still listening and paying attention! I love your channel... and comping up to one year as an Etsy seller and loving every minute!
Haha you are a true POD friend in the comments!❤ Thanks for watching the video and supporting my content!
You are so right about copycat culture, I googled a specific design for my product before designing and publishing it myself to see if there was any competition and sure enough there was hardly any. I published my designs then after months passing I googled the same design again to see what popped up out of curiosity and I had seen so many similar designs that I did and some even trying to copy the same layout I did but with different colors, AND all on the same exact product and same mock-up. People are ridiculous honestly
ridik n desperate theives hopefullly they get caught
How do we effectively gatekeep
I love how you talk clear 😍 thank you for your channel. Subscribed 👌
Thanks for watching and subscribing! ❤
I'm doing research before trying to start my own POD shop on Etsy and your channel has been very informative. Thank you for the videos.
Question.....I get the point that you can't order stuff from you own shop on Etsy. What if you want some of your own product to represent or give to friends to rep? Can you order directly from Printify and bypass Etsy?
Obviously I’m new to POD. I just opened my shop 2days ago. I’m doing a mix of POD but will be doing physical products as well. This video is soooo helpful!! Yes I have done one of these things but I never copied anyone’s designs. Thank you!!
Thank you so much for letting us into the Etsy side of your brain.
The 'shilling' part was informative with perfect timing.
I'm creating a shop, and thought of buying a few of my own items to boast sales right off the bat.
I'm going to read the guidelines now!
Glad to hear this video caught you at the right time and thanks for watching!❤
Yes! I love on the same property as my family so I will tell them to definitely not buy my stuff, it's not helpful.
obviously! #4 is so interesting. (fortunately, I was made aware of this) We always support our families. My first endeavor with Girl Scout cookies, your fam bought boxes. Can you imagine not supporting your little girls (or boys) with their school fundraisers, etc. I understand this is different, but only perhaps it's a "grown-up" version and you're working for your own profit.
You saved my life with the bella on canvas transparent real life print. I just began making mock ups for my items using that brand so thank God i'm aware of the transparency prior to doing all the mock ups for like 20 listings. I would've had to do all of them over again lol thanks!
Obviously... it's obvious after you said it! 😂
I saw that someone who had multiple shops and had a very small amount due in one of his old inactive shop caused all of his shops to get suspended. Even though they get unsuspended, but I think it is treated as warning/ strike one by Etsy.
I've heard of many people not getting clarity on reasons for suspension. What you have mentioned here might be a key point, especially the IP one (for brand new shops). Thanks for this video! 🤩🙏
You are a true POD friend in the comments!❤ Thanks for watching the video through and agreed, the IP tracking is a surprising one!
Obviously... Your videos and coaching are great. Thank you...
Thank you so much for all these tips! Listening to the full breakdown and explanation is so valuable! I'm just shocked to see how many people are STILL selling copyrighted designs on Etsy. That's the discouraging part. If people are still selling Disney products for years (even after seeing so many got shut down and some even sued), it's very scary to think what could happen to your own designs (especially if we're just getting started). They would just pass as original designs in the copycat's shop, no one would be able to tell they ripped you off and as you said, you can't really do too much about it if they're putting the designs on different products. 😢
Still with you! Most are basic, but I think like the IP address /shilling info was good to know. I watched a video saying to purchase from another account to get your shop bumped in algo but I knew that just sounded wrong, to begin with. Love your videos! Thank you!!
Obviously....I'm still here for your transparency. Get it queen.
Your videos are absolutely the best. So incredibly helpful! Thank you very much!
You r so nice. I’ve been selling on Etsy 10 yrs. My shop is dying 😢
Haven't watched one of your videos in a few months.. Just an observation but you have a distinct "glow" about you. Congrats no matter what you're up to!❤
Thank you for this video dear Heather! I don’t particularly enjoy direct copying, but I find it helpful to draw inspiration from other descriptions to shape and craft my own. Copying an entire product is something I would never do; in fact, I have a surplus of fresh design ideas that exceed the time I have available to bring them to life. Generating new concepts is far more enjoyable, and my aim is to approach Etsy as an exciting challenge infused with fun. Even if a product does not sell itself, it is an essential part of the learning process. Greetings from Germany
Obviously, very useful content. I watched a video where the shop owner purchased products from two different PODs, so he would know exactly how they printed, how they shipped, etc. Sounded like a good idea. What he didn't say was, don't purchase from your own Etsy shop! I was going to have my husband purchase a couple of things so I could verify the process and shipping. Glad we didn't do it!
OPACITY - That is ridiculous for Etsy to have anyone do! As a former photographer, I can tell ya that unless every single customer and seller has their monitors ALL to the exact same gray scale. Not one person is going to see the same colors on their monitor or phone. There is no way someone can replicate the color that the shirt would be printed as - or even remotely close. I am so sorry that Etsy is making everything so difficult for everyone. I’m glad I closed mine after hearing all these stories that everyone has been sharing lately. Some of the big creators all need to come together and do a huge media press release about all this. It’s the only way anything will change, unfortunately
I got suspended Why? I don't know. I contacted them and two days later I got an email saying I am permanently suspended and that I could not even buy from Etsy. Three months of advertizing, all in, I'm out a couple hundred dollars.The only thing they said is it was to much like another shop. I think it was the mockups. My art on my items is from my original paintings. And things were not my painting If I copied anything I wasn't awear of it.They are an unfeeling, inconsiderate MACHINE. Thinking of the Name Etsy, makes me sick to my stomach. Heather you are great and taught me a lot. Thank you and Bless you
It’s funny you mention logos in the background of your photos. I recently bought some really beautiful mockups but I knew before buying them that I would have to remove the apple logo from all the devices in the photos (I just used Canva to remove them) - I’m very new to digital products and POD but it just seemed common sense to me.
Thank you for confirming this is a red flag no go practice.
Obviously....these things are really not entirely obvious. This is an excellent tune-up video. Thanks so much ❤
Obviously... we need more videos from you! You rock!
That IP-address thing around 8:10 cannot be true, or as simple as just a shared IP being the cause of a ban. Many ISP:s / mobile carriers use shared IP addressess between total stranges, especially on mobile devices. So technically someone in the next building could have the same public facing IP (which is what etsy sees) as you.
I write weekly horoscopes. The moment I post them, they appear on dozen other websites. So I stopped but starting again, thinking how to protect my work. Awesome video, very helpful btw. Thank you!
Great information that I I have not heard anywhere else! Thank you!
Thank you! Heather😊
I've made it all the way through your video.
I've had copycats in the past myself on 3 different occasions.
I create my Digital Pattern art Designs from photographs that I take. So I always have proofs to protect my art.
Again, Thank you!
Obviously I’m still here and learning a lot. Thanks for this.
Obviously me wanting to set up an Etsy shop is much more complicated than I thought it was going be 😢😭😭
THANK YOU! As an Amazon seller...I have had my listings and photos hijacked and stolen.
As a photographer and writer I copyright, trademark and try and protect my work.
But when Amazon asked for product photos I complied.
Lol and competiters actulally took my photos and used them on Amazon, Ebay and other platforms.
I know my photos especially my props which many times I made myself ...
That aside all these 'gurus' and teachers that encourage copying others...disgust me..
Etsy is supposed to be unique. Instead its become mass production of the same items...
When I do see something unique.
I buy it because I respect that artist or crafts person.
Exactly! Just do your own! Who knows- mayne that your idea will be better than the best sellers !
It was my fault I wasn’t aware of friends and family not being able to support. My roommate bought some product that they liked not using same ip address but same shipping address. Do you think they’ll close me down?
"Obviously" - though not so obvious... LOL! Thank you for sharing, I would have made several mistakes had I not watched your video prior. I feel that I'm preparing myself through my own research (in care of others that have paved the way), before opening my shop(s). I am now one of your subscribers!!! Keep up the great content!
I'm happy this video found you and thanks for the feedback and watching! ❤
Thank you so much, I wouldn’t know about the IP address issue if it weren’t for you, I thought it would be normal for family members to support me by buying from my store, and when they do there’s a big chance they would be using the same Wifi that I do, lucky I saw your video in time, you saved me from a huge risk😮😅
That IP thing is most likely not that simple. Total strangers can share the same public IP(v4) even if they live in different building/city block etc, especially on mobile connections. Technically there could be a few thousand users using a single public IP at the same time.
@@TrespasI was thinking the same thing!
Thank you for this informative video! I do browse etsy a lot to see what appeals to me and how it stands out. I am too new to be able to see if listings are successful but take many things as inspiration for my own display or art. In no way am I out to copy anybody but feel it a huge learning opportunity seeing what can be done.
Thank you Heather. Your videos are great and helpful.
Such wonderful reminders! ❤ A woman in my neighborhood had her Etsy shop permanently closed...and she was banned...because she used the trademarked word "onesie." It was her family's sole source of income. 😢
On another note, I've always wondered how Etsy handles the IP address situation at college dorms, and apartment complexes, with shared wifi... Has anyone run into that issue?
Can you use the tag “comfort colors” or put comfort colors in the title if that is the shirt you are using for pod? Thank you for all of the information!! So so helpful! :)
Obviously This is my first visit here. Thanks for all the info.
Obviously! Great info. I'm thinking about starting an Etsy shop and your videos are so helpful
Yay! Happy I inspired you to perhaps start and sending you the best wishes on your future business!❤
Don't you will invest your time and effort and they will suspend you and ruin your business. For no reason.
so appreciate her taking the time to make these helpful vids
Obviously, this is a great video 😋💚 thank you for the info. I do think a lot of these are ‘obviously’ no no’s but a few were things I didn’t even think about! 💚
"Obviously" you're amazing, and thank you so much for this wisdom!
I'm just getting started again on etsy after being suspended for being inactive for too long. Wanna make sure I do this right this time. PS - NIN is awesome and I still listen to them :)
Hi heather, the listings on etsy on a particular products, you can find many of them are in exact syle, wording, just variation of fonts, and little bit of placement. many listings are 'inspired' and are super identical, so I am not sure if it means that etsy is taking them down. Yes, you should be original but many people copy best sellers because it's working.
My brain went immediately to NIN when you said that. Thank you for this info!
Thank you for all this information! I had no idea that Etsy didn’t allow you to purchase your own listing. I started selling digital products and I wanted to make sure I made the listings right so I purchased on my shop on a different account I’ve had for a few years. I actually did this twice, but my account didn’t get suspended yet and it’s been probably a week since the second time I’ve bought from my shop. Should I be concerned that my account will still get suspended? 😅
Obviously.... (actually) none of this is obvious to me. I have a pretty healthy case of ADHD. For that reason, NOTHING is obvious to me as I ca
n be on another planet in my head at any moment. I really appreciate you breaking it down like this. Karma will get the copycat creators one way or another. Why can't people be kind and thoughtful? The thing I worry about the most is accidentally copying something because (as I said) I am in my own little world. Jaw-dropping. I had NO IDEA you could not use a trademark in the SEO. I guess I have not done that, but it would not have thought about it. Thank you so much!
Can you say comfort colors in your listing
Hi Heather, I unknowingly had some trademarked items in my shop, and was just notified I'd lose my star seller badge. Would you recommend starting a new shop from scratch? I worked hard to earn that badge, pretty rough to not be given a chance to earn it back despite close to 100 5-star reviews. Keep up the good work!
hey heather, first you have a great content that helped me to understand too much , my two stores has been suspended i don't know why I've been contacting the Etsy staff and suddenly they stopped replying me, i don't know what to do , and I heard that a lot of etsy users abroad the USA are getting suspended ..
Hi Heather. Question. I'd want to open an Etsy shop on the girl trips niche.
What are the "safest" t-shirt group mockups that I can get? It seems like the Printify ones don't look that great
Really like your presentations-so clear, so straightforward!
I started my store 2 weeks ago, I went in and bought a shirt to test. Now what should I do, should I tell on myself?
How does Etsy handle people using the same Creative Fabrica graphics?
From my understanding, you have to edit the graphics in some way or add more elements such as a font or another graphic to in some form claim intellectual property if the licensing of the graphics allow this. Designs sold 'as is' is against the Etsy House Rules. I do not work for Etsy nor CF to confirm but this is what I've found through my own experiences in designing for my own shops.
Obviously, always with you Heather. Great Videos and Advise!
I’d love to hear your take on the opinion that the POD market is over saturated. Thanks!
Obviously lol! Thank you so much for your videos! I ran across your account earlier today and this is my 5th video I’ve watched already. Question, do you feel the POD/Etsy market is becoming over saturated? I am want to take the leap, but I’m soooo nervous.
A question for you.. My 18yo daughter wants to start an Etsy shop and she has 7 months to diligently work on it and then will leave it alone for 18 months to go serve a church mission, then will return and resume working on it afterward.
Do you think the 18 mo haitis will ruin her shop or do you think the 7 months of initial strong creation will keep it at least somewhat alive and possibly even earn her a little bit of money to come home to?
(I would manage customer service and such while she was gone, there would just be no new listings.)
I made it to #3. I am a new shop owner and YAY, one of my products has made 50 sales!
I am brand new to Etsy. I was messing around with something I did not intend to hit purchase, but it did not even let me go through. It just sent me an alert that popped up and said whoa you cannot purchase from your own store. Something pretty similar to that so I could even go past that thankfully so
Obviously, this has been an interesting insight into Etsy considering the recent controversy.
Hi Heather! Great video. Can you make it so the videos can be saved. I like to review thoughtful videos a second, or even third time. Thanks for all you do!
There is a save button below the description. But you can also look through your TH-cam history, and it will be there as well.
hi heather! OBVIOUSLY i am still here (at #3) and i am waiting for #2 & #1
I was permanently shot down within a few days of opening the store. I did none of the thigs you mentioned plus nothing else I can think of, yet they did shut me down. I still wander way?!
Obviously, you are awesome and have some great info. Thanks for this video!
Thanks for watching! ❤️
Thanks a lot for this video. My shop got suspended last week on point 4m obviously. At least now I totally understand 🙏
Obviously, Heather is my Etsy guru
Thanks for watching!❤
I tried to test my shipping and added something to my cart and Etsy said I couldn’t buy my own product. Am I going to get shut down now?
Obviously, Heather would never be a copycat and steal my designs, as I would never do that to her, either. Actually, it gives me some great ideas for designs! I'm going to do a design with the phrase, "Copycats Not Allowed Per Heather" or "Copy Me at Your Own Risk".
Obviously....I'm still watching and loving it! 🤣😂😁
Haha thanks for still watching! ❤
woah thanks Kid... good information - especially for the Print to Garment, Good to Know - thanks for the Keymap of curves and cliffs-- thank You...!!!
What if you want to buy the product you made? What do you do?
Obviously you are awesome 😊 thank you for the info. It gets a bit overwhelming as a newby!
Regarding what you mentioned about the opacity of the artwork on the product - does printify automatically make this change on their default mockups?
Would also love to know if this is the case
Thanks for the post. I've been working really hard on my store. I possibly would've made a purchase on my store if I didnt see this. Thanks again.
I'm just starting my Etsy. How can i be your student? I want to learn more from you.
I’m only on the first point, but already this is such an informative and helpful video with great tips! Thank you so much for sharing
Happy to hear I could provide some value and thanks for watching!❤
very informative... thanks you so much for sharing your experiences.
Obviously! Great stuff. I'm curious how to protect IP (Intellectual Property) on Etsy.
Thanks for some great information. Looking to start a store. Gathering info.
@heatherstudio What about creating products through the purchase of digital download design bundles? It looks like there are a ton of stores using similar designs - are the products created in jeopardy of being flagged?
I so need help! I'm failing to get any sales 😢 how do we find your etsy shop??
How do you copy SEO and tags from a listing??
Obviously...that is so awful. I am new and learning but would not think of doing that to copy others' hard work. What about using the tools in the POD design modules? That is not an issue is it? Or, what about using Canva templates? Ugh. Thanks for this info.
but if someone copies your design/product they will never get the same high quality that you created when they print out the final product right?
I'd really like to know how digital product sellers that offer items that are to be used with specific software are supposed to get traffic without mentioning that specific software in their SEO/title/description/tags, etc. People sell shopify and wordpress templates. Others sell products for Excel or Google Sheets. And planners for Goodnotes, Notability, the list goes on.
Do you offer services to audit a shop? I’m having a terrible time getting organic sales. Been up for about 3 months…0 organic sales 😭
Thank you so much for this video content Heather! I am considering opening up my own digital print eventually POD shop. My first niche was going to be for K-Pop fans as I am a huge K-pop fan also. Many digital graphic design creators, etc. mention the K-Pop group's name as part of the listing so that the SEO and Etsy search results reflect their work relevantly. Would this also be something not recommended as a brand tag/use? For example, if I am drawing my own graphic but it is inspired by a BTS song/theme is this a don't?
For the IP address…would that be the address the store was created on or any that you are on and sign into your shop?
Question on the Trademark point.
I am working on a store at the moment, my first store with unique/bespoke hand made character designs.
I am looking to build a brand around these designs. Should i from the outset pay for a Trademark on all my designs?
Obviously- question: as a seller of vintage jewelry, it is important to show and mention maker’s marks in photos and images. Does this equate to infringement?
Well, I made it to #3. :-) Good video and very basic, common-sense type things everyone should follow. Thanks!