To see my Grow Your Blog post, click here.
When I originally wanted to offer cloak clasps on Etsy, I contacted them to make sure that I properly set up the listings following their guidelines and I did it exactly the way they recommended. While I have some input in the design selections, I do not actually execute the creation of them. My pewter guy, who wants to remain anonymous, makes the molds, pours the pewter and finishes them off.
It's that desire for anonymity that now makes it necessary for me to take all the pewter (cloak clasps and pendants) out of my Etsy shop. I cannot claim to make something that I do not make myself, and Etsy now has an elaborate form to fill out and a requirement of full disclosure regarding products made by others. That includes outside manufacturing companies or individuals whose products you sell.Their goals are noble and it's not that I disagree with them...
Authorship
A handmade item begins with you. Etsy's not the place to sell new items you had no role in creating. (Is me suggesting designs considered part of the creative process, especially when he often goes off in his own direction, only loosely following my suggestions?)
Responsibility
Shop owners on Etsy are invested and knowledgeable about how their handmade items are made. (I have no real clue how the molds are made or the processes that go into the making of the pewter items.)
Transparency
By being open and honest about how items are made, we create a marketplace built on trust. (How can I be transparent when he wants to remain anonymous?)
Unfortunately, at the end of the day, that means I cannot list the pewter products on Etsy anymore. They have all been removed from my shop and the shop sections deleted. Any reference to the pewter in my public profile has been eradicated. I'm looking into other options, like Ebay, for selling them in future.I understand that Ebay is set up differently than when I first looked at it several years ago, so that may be the direction I have to navigate towards. Another learning curve, just what I need. *smile* Of course, all the cloak clasps and pendants will still be available directly from me at events, where it all began.
Whilst I agree in principle with the etsy changes there's going too be a lot of beautiful stuff disappear like your gorgeous and unusual cloak clasps. Such a shame :-(
ReplyDeleteI looked at all the options, and tried to negotiate with my pewter maker. He won't budge and neither will Etsy.
DeleteWouldn't these fall in the "supplies" category? People do sell supplies not made by them on etsy.
ReplyDeleteThat is what Etsy originally told me to do, yes. But unless you share your source, you can no longer do that. My source wants to remain anonymous.
DeleteI suppose you could sell here on your blog with a PayPal "buy now" button?
ReplyDeleteOr make your own website?
I'm looking at several different options right now. I did not really want to commercialize my blog. I was selling nothing on my website before, not enough exposure. That's why an online service that has an audience seems the best bet.
DeleteThat is too bad! If I was to set up an Etsy store with the new rules would all the pieces I make that are embellished with items I bought not make the grade?
ReplyDelete"If you work with a manufacturer to make any part of your items, you should apply. Pre-made components and materials you did not design do not require approval." I think you would be okay because you are not directly working with the manufacturer, you are buying components to create something new and unique.
DeleteThat is sad! With the new Etsy rules (if I were to sell there) would I be able to with the use of items I purched from others as embellishments etc be able to?
ReplyDeleteI think that you would be okay with that. For clarification on your specific circumstances though, you should contact Etsy directly.
DeleteBonnie, have you looked at Zibbet. I don't know what their rules are re: who made the components to your pieces but it might be worth investigating. That's where I'm opening my shop once I get my pictures taken and posted. They don't charge for each listing , just a one time annual fee. Pretty good deal especially if you want to sell a large number of small items like earrings.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestion, Nan. I will look into that.
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