Over the course of the last two years or more, they have periodically taken down listings. Like three actually. One was for these stuffed animals. The problem was that this large company apparently owns the rights to all things tag related. Even though I didn't think of these as being taggies, the big company did. I thought that the ribbons at the top were embellishments. But of course, big company won. I was notified that my items were removed and I was not allowed to contact etsy or speak publicly of the matter. That seems super fair. These were my own designs and this company doesn't even (or didn't at the time of removal) make anything similar. I didn't call them tags even. That wasn't the intention. It didn't matter though.
Next were listings that included this fabric. Which yes, is similar to Burberry. But it is not Burberry. I didn't call it Burberry. It was purchased legally- not behind some shady warehouse or out of a car trunk. The first time I listed it, I said it was "similar to Burberry." When etsy removed it, I changed it to read "NOT Burberry." When they removed it again (like a year or two later- this did not happen over a short period of time and it had been re-listed and sold many times in that gap so I thought I had fixed the problem), I took out the word Burberry and also for good measure, check, altogether. I sold it and re-listed it a few more times until it was removed yesterday. All the while, their note says not to contact etsy and not to publicly speak of the matter.
And about a year ago I switched fabrics to this- which looks even less like the Big B Word. I only sold three things in this fabric- bibs, coffee cozies and ice cream cozies.
But I had enough. So after yesterday's removal, I used etsy's search box and simply typed in "Burberry" to find handmade items. I contacted every one of those similar pattern sellers to ask if this had happened to them and what they did about it. One seller said yes it has happened to her a lot and she just re-lists right away and doesn't change a thing. Bold. I wait a week or four and change the whole damn listing. EVERY OTHER SELLER said it had never happened to them. They all also said I should just use the words "similar to Burberry" or "like Burberry" to avoid trouble. Dude, I tried that and ended up removing the "B" word altogether to save grace.
This morning I was informed that my entire site was permanently removed.
I have been a seller for a very long time with etsy. Like before people even knew what etsy was. I have a 100% feedback rating too. They could have said that I need to remove the fabric or the word or all things containing the colors tan and black and red. But they refuse to give specific info. They were supposed to be pro-little crafters. Pro-handmade. Pro-small business. Pro-personal relationships. But instead they fold to big mean companies and give zero helpful information.
If they had said it was xyz specific issue (the actual fabric or the word plaid or the colors, etc) that is causing the problem, I would have gladly removed/fixed it. I thought I had resolved this by omitting the words Burberry and check from anything I ever did. I was not trying to infringe upon them.
The thing that was so awesome for me about etsy was the ease of it all. I didn't have to think about html and layouts. I have tried the "simple" website building things and they were just too complicate and stressful for me. I am not savvy. At all. I loved how it was directly linked to Paypal, brought in traffic (I'd say 99% of my orders were from strangers) without me doing much of anything, and had search engines. I loved the price too. Honestly, it was such a great platform for me. It was a very comfortable little space.
So now I feel like I have been fired. My Bestie is amazing though. She helped me see "the light," that this is just an opportunity to make a change for the better. She sent this quote and I love her so much for knowing exactly what to say when I am in a whiny fog.
"The next time you encounter a difficult obstacle or problem, you should smile and say, 'Here's my chance to grow.' " - Zig Ziglar
I am not yet to the smiling part of this whole thing yet. But I am working on it. And I know enough to ask for help. So I am asking if y'all have any ideas or suggestions as to what I should do next. I don't think that I want to throw in the towel on a business that I have been building for about seven years now. But I don't know which direction to take things either. So if you can think of anything, please don't hesitate to share. And if this has happened to you, how did you handle it?
Note: Just to clarify. When they took down the stuffies, I let it go. When they took down my bib and coffee cozy, I waited a while and then changed the entire listing. As I was never given a reason other than "infringement", I thought I was fixing the problem. And this happened over the course of about two years. So it's not like they took it down and I put it right back up again. I really did think I fixed the problem as about a year passed without an issue.
71 comments:
OH. MY. GOSH. i cannot believe that, and it totally stinks. but yes, i do think its definitely time to move onward and upward! have you looked at http://bigcartel.com/ ? i know a lot of crafters and even etsians are switching over to it, or even having 2 shops. the pricing is different, but the set up seems pretty easy... maybe take a look and see if it might work for you?
Are you kidding me?? That's ludicrous! Someone owns all rights to ribbons? You can't use red and tan plaid that was around long before Burberry ever even came into existence? I'm fuming on your behalf. Etsy sucks.
OMG, I am totally appalled by this. How can they do that?!? can you set up a new etsy account with new info and sell the same items? I once got blackballed from a salon because I gave a lukewarm (but honest!) review on Yelp and I totally felt wronged when I found out I wasn't allowed to go back.
That's awful. I'm so sorry :( Please keep your business--I want to dress a baby in one of those ruffle butt onesies someday!
This IS your chance!!! You can do your OWN thing without having someone else having "control". I know there are limitless resources on the webs for building your own business!!
I am just sorry I wasn't able to order anything. :o( Please keep me posted because your things are adorable!
xoxo
That really silly! I can only imagine how frustrated you are! I unfortunately don't have any good advice, just lots of sympathy!
That is terrible, how awful! I love so many of the designers on etsy but this type of treatment goes beyond unfair! I have no helpful advice but don't let this get to you!
We are strangers and I've been lurking on your blog for a few weeks now, but I can't not comment on this -- HOW RUDE of Etsy! And asking you not to talk about it? As if. Don't let them discourage you because your items are truly beautiful and full of creativity. I don't have any suggestion as to where to sell them, but where I'm from -- and probably where you live, too -- there is a definite market for handmade things like the items that were in your Etsy store.
Sorry this happened to you!
It sounds like someone has been reporting your listings. Etsy and ebay dont really spend a lot of time monitoring them until someone reports something.
What about a new account on etsy with a new name etc?
Or what about a new website for your shop? Your blog can drive traffic in plus there is facebook etc.
That sounds ridiculous. First of all, to me, it is totally obvious that the "tags" on those first two items are embellishments and are not at all in the spirit of the taggies. Furthermore, should the people who invented the tags that instruct how to care for items sue the taggies people for capitalizing on the fact that babies love to play with tags? Stupid stupid people. Also, that whale is the cutest thing I have ever seen. If and when I ever have a baby, I am coming back here and begging you to make me one. :)
I don't have any advice on what to do next since I stink at computer stuff and don't really know anything about etsy or other sites. But wanted to offer support and wish you luck!
I'm with everyone else here in being shocked that they would do that! Totally unfair, especially when we hear your whole side of the story! Hopefully there's an alternative to Etsy where you can list your things and not get hassled when you're doing absolutely nothing wrong. Or look into offering things for sale here through your website. How funny that they think they have the right and power to ask you to not talk about it. I won't be so dramatic as to say it's the "evil side of Etsy" but it's good to hear these sorts of honest stories since I was thinking of opening a store there myself some day.
Oh honey that is TERRIBLE! I am sooo sorry, and can completely understand how frustrated you are! Good for you for speaking up about it, you were not doing anything wrong as far as I can see, that's just crazy that they are calling you out but none of your other etsy members! I am so angry for you!
That said, this IS truly your chance to move on to bigger and better things. I wish I had a great suggestion for you, but I know how much people admire your work, and I know you will find another platform for your beautiful goodies.
I'm here for you if you need anything sweetie!!! xoxoxo
i can't believe this! im a little bit in shock after reading this! shame on etsy- it's most certainly their loss! there's that lame and sometimes (ok, most times) cliche saying, "everything happens for a reason!" well, my dear.. here's your reason to move onward and upward and onto bigger things. do NOT stop crafting. im in the middle of explaining to my husband how much baby C needs some adorable PPC'd onesies! :)
Forget Etsy.
Just sell through your blog, can't you do that? Isn't that legal? I suspect that Etsy takes a percentage of your profit anyway. Maybe you could have your own website designed anyway.
I buy things on Ebay, but I don't sell because I don't like them taking their cut from my merchandise.
Etsy may have been convenient, but you don't need them. They certainly were nasty about it though. Exactly why I don't use them.
That is the most ridiculous thing ever. They deleted your account for some silly, nonspecific reason? I don't have any advice but want to tell you how sorry I am. I loved your things, especially your bags. Chin up and please keep us posted on what you decide to do. xo xo
can't remember how I got here.. but I've been hanging out reading your blog and lots of your blog posts, I love it! Etsy, smesty. You are unique and talented and you will be rewarded. I'm following you and I know I will be thoroughly entertained
I am shocked! I opened up a facebook page to sell things!!!
That is just bizarre. I am so sorry and hope everything all works!
:( that sux! you could try ebay? Im not sure. I know I want to order some coffee and ice cream coozies from you! good luck with everything
That is craaaaaazy! Wow - I would be fuming! I am so amazed that they wold treat you like that and then expect you not to talk about it? So not cool!
I agree with the other commenters, maybe yo can try Big Cartel, it seems like there are a lot of people going that route lately.
So sorry to hear about this!
xoxo
Jen
That is so lame.... I think you should make a new seller name/account and relist. Then maybe build a website and link to your Etsy store. There you can sell the stuffed animals and the "burberry".
Hmmm ... sounds to me like someone has been lurking your site and reported you more than once for some reason or other. I agree with the others, open a new Etsy site. I can't remember the name off hand but I do believe there is another small business/craft site out there. Who knows, it might even be better than Etsy.
Jo
So sorry that happened! They are ridiculous. Whatever, just trying to find excuses to be rude.
I do not understand why you were the only victim here when others have similar listings! Terrible! I am so sorry!
I'm so sorry, that TOTALLY stinks. I had a similiar exp with ebay a few years back. It really does sound like you were "reported" either by the big companies or another user. As kooky as all this sounds, I think I am most disturbed by the "don't discuss this" - this is America Etsy and we are free to discuss whatever we want!
Really sorry to hear about this. I have loved using etsy and would have thought they would have been kinder to their target sellers. I can understand etsy trying to protect themselves from copyright infringement but they should not be so insensitive and heavy handed about it. Please let us all know when and where you reopen your store!
Okay - when the going gets tough, the tough start an email campaign!
I for one, appreciate every single click you have generously sent my way and for the lovely interview and gracious mention of The Aristobrats on PPC!
When my book sold out on the first day...where were you, Croc? Right there for me.
I will Twit, Tweet, Facebook, Blink, Blank, email, and stomp my way into Etsy's front door. It's people like you that make destinations like Etsy great. I'm no Stephenie Meyer and you're no Burberry - doesn't mean we aren't great and we can't be a force to contend with!
See you on the airwaves, sister!
Hang in there, get angry, pour a martini (ice chips, extra olives, not too exceedingly dry, which is passe).
xx
Jennifer Solow, author of The Aristobrats and enormous fan of the Preppy Pink Crocodile!
Oh I am so mad reading this! I thought the whole position of etsy was to help promote small handmade businesses? I have been a seller and am a buyer because of that notion. I think you have been way to nice. If it were me, I'd be a squeaky wheel and demand an explanation. Write every person you can, report to the BBB, or State Attorney General's Office - you can do it all on-line now. I am furious. Please keep us posted. Good Luck! Don't let this deter you, you are so talented and creative. xo
I have recently started an Etsy account (I know... i'm always behind the curve!) but now am re-thinking my decision. This is simply awful! I agree with the poster who suggested an email campaign or perhaps it is worth it to just find another venue all together. Good luck and we're all behind you!
Goodness that's horrible!! If you need any help researching build your own store options, please let me know. I'm setting one up for a client so I've looked at a bunch of options. Hang in there sister!
Loyally,
Kirstin
That's awful! I'm soooooo sorry I would be soooo frustrated too. I've been screwed over by etsy a few times as a buyer and that's putting it nicely. I hate this happened to you, but like your friend says... think of it as a new opportunity. When when door closes another opens!!!!
Have you checked out ArtFire? http://www.artfire.com/ (I came here via Jennifer Solow's link on Facebook.) Good luck! :)
Etsy sucks! I'm so sorry to read about your experience with them...you are a talented artisan and I'm sure you will find a new and better venue for your work!
Keep smiling!
your Bestie is right. onward and upward, right? i'm not very familiar with Etsy (my Croc Monsieur purchase from you was my first at Etsy) but i'm sure there are plenty of sites that will prove successful for your business. i had a wonderful experience shopping your site and i'm truly sad that this happened to you. take care.
What jerks! I am so sorry this happened to you! I adore all your crafts and wish I were as talented/creative as you are.
Horribly unfair! So sorry. I'm certain you feel like the rug was just yanked from under your feet!!
OMG, I don't even know what to say. I love love love your Etsy site, & I have bragged about my adorable scrappy Lilly wreath to everybody & was so proud to send my Lilly baby gifts to friends, & I am just so mad at my beloved Etsy for being so mean to my beloved Preppy Pink Crocodile!!! I don't even have a bit of advice for you, honey, but my goodness, I do have love for ya, so let me know if&when you make a big move to someplace nicer. Sending you lots of happy thoughts!
I agree with the people that say someone might have reported you. Probably the big company themselves. I bought a collar for my kitten at petsmart that was tan and red plaid and said "burberry plaid" on the tag. Ugh. I used to see this girl who listed herself as a fashion merchanising student selling target dollar spot bags as her own. She was on there forever! If she can pass under the radar I am clueless why they would target you. Onward now!
I suggest you do it like Hems and Hers (if you don't know if then you will love it when you, I promise) and start a blog shop. Or maybe add a page to your current blog. Caroline (founder/owner) started by selling on a blogspot address with a google check out. If you need any know how I'm sure she would be willing to drop you a few hints. She is great!
http://hemsandhers.blogspot.com/
http://hemsandhers.com/
Wow! That is so horrible. I am so sorry that happened to you. I loved all of your coffee and and ice cream cozies. Sending you a big hug now. I'm here to send an angry email, just a click away if you would like me to.
Told ya you should post! See all the love you're getting?! I agree with the others - several have mentioned www.bigcartel.com. And e-commerce has become so common place that there are lots of do-it-yourself web page builders that allow you to sell stuff and are very user friendly. There are many, many avenues you can take. Just spend some time doing a little research and find the best fit for you! And of course, I'm always glad to help. Love you, girl! Hang in there!
And I just did a virtual bitch slap to etsy.
Hi!First of all I am really sorry.I can imagine how you feel.
Talking about tags...It's happened on Ebay before-not to me (I were making Froggie blankets with grass made of ribbons), but I was warned by another seller, friend of mine, that lots of listings with tags were removed. Looks like Taggie blankie bought aaaaall rights on ribbons use:))) so I gave up on tags.You are talented and smart-you wouldn't believe how hard will push from now on:)because of this. just set up a new account(I know it's hard to lose all those feedbacks), change your fabric-whatever-and make your beauties with some unexpected accents. May another'd try to copy you:))))then you'll report them:))if you wish:))
Another thing...there are Artfire.com site to sell handmade. Listings are free until you deside to actively promote your stuff. I know that people switch a lot. And some VERY successfil sellers (more that 4000 sales) just tired to pay fees on Etsy so they set up Facebook shops.
Anyway, wishing you the best.
Regards, Tanya
I love your stuffies! I hope you create some sort of store so that I can buy one. Please post on your blog if you do!!
Hi, I posted from Buford Betty. Yes this was wrong and ridiculous. I've read through all the suggestions. If you have a ton of followers you could have an extra link on this blog to sell things. I've seen quite a few bloggers doing this, they just use their paypal accounts. Then there is the open a blog that is specifically a store and have a link from this one. With both of these and with any other idea to re-open the fastest way I can think of to get the word out is to do a little give away and get people looking.
There's EBay, there's other sites out there. The FB idea was interesting, I don't know how the logistics of that would work.
Good luck and best wishes!!
I came over from BB's blog. My husband is a lawyer and actually works with copyright infringement all the time so I had him read your post. Here's what he said:
"I think that she shouldn't sell things that infringe on other people's copyright. That fabric is very similar to Burberry.
I also think that she should familiarize herself with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act procedure that probably got her listing taken down in the first place. Etsy is trying not to get itself sued. She can dispute the take down and Etsy will put her listing back up."
I'm not sure if this is something you want to pursue, but I just thought I'd let you know. So sorry this happened to you!
oh my goodness!!!! That is awful!!!! I'm so sorry that has happened to you!!!!! =(
Gosh, it sounds like they have become way too big for their boots! That is shocking feedback and customer service.
I find this so incredibly appalling! As a lawyer, I am sensitive to copyright/trademark issues, but this seems totally ridiculous! Especially, the taggie issue! Um no, I respectfully disagree with the contention that one company ones all rights to anything with a folded ribbon attached to it. Give me a break! I occasionally peruse Etsy, and am surprised by the number of shops that are blatantly infringing on Disney copyrights and trademarks, and have wondered how the sellers are getting away with it, but these examples from you do not even represent a blatant infringement, IMO. So sorry!
I've seen other similar stuffies like yours on there. I think if they shut one down they should shut them all down. I don't agree that they should shut anyone down at all, but if they are they need to be consistent about it.
Makes me sad. I love etsy and hate that they treat sellers this way.
First of all, I have never heard of these so-called "tagged" stuffed animals. Really, a company has this copyrited? I love the whale - I would buy it in a heartbeat. Do you have a way to set up your own small retail site rather than go thru etsy? I would bet that many bloggers out there would post your a link to your site. You could grow your business organically - you may be surprised at how well you could do!
GRRRR...what a headache! So sorry you're having to deal with all of this. I didn't realize etsy was anal.
Oh boy Miss PPC, this one is really troubling, in part because it just seems so capricious and unfair. It isn't like you were trying to knowingly do something wrong, to the contrary, you tried to be a good citizen and play by the rules. Ouch.
It is troubling to the point of me rethinking the whole etsy situation, not to penalize anyone we shop with, but I loathe doing anything that condones or supports this sort of thing, particularly the "do not discuss it" mandates... where does that come from?
I need to stop typing, I am becoming much too irritated, really angry.
I am so very sad for you, even though I know you will overcome this and use it to launch something even better. The Big Cartel program has worked well for a number of friends, and it is supposed to be very easy. I also know some people have had success with Yahoo stores, it is hypothetically easy as well.
Big hugs at you KK,
tp
omg. this is so horrifying to me!! I am a newer Etsy seller and this really has me rethinking things. In the few months I've been set up, I've had way more people wanting to buy from my FB page (that doesn't have a purchasing option yet) than from Etsy. For that reason alone, I've considered switching formats. I can handle them wanting to take your shop down, but I think it should have been a discussion. They should have given you a warning so you could remove the item(s) in violation.
Just found your blog as of ten minutes ago, but the title of the post alone sucked me in. Once I read the story, I was mad for you. I've been highly irritated lately by my own, and others, battles with so called Big entities that try to take advantage of people by assuming that their word will be taken as law since they are larger than just one person. As the many comments on this post should show you AND them, behind this particular one person, there are many, many irritated people. If I were in your position, I'd fight. Demand a reason, at the same time you look for other options. It's probable that once they realize you're not going to back down, they'll restore your account. How sweet would it be to say "Thank you, Etsy, but I'm going this route instead...now buzz off!"??? I've shared your plight with others, and wish you well in whatever you decide!
KK, I am so sorry. This is so, well it's just stupid of Etsy. To not even give you a chance or to talk with you is poor business practices.
Thinking of you and I hope you got your B&N gift card. I mailed it Monday :)
xoxo
Boooo!!! So sorry to hear it! I still have some luggage tags & a pocket insert for my canvas bag that you made me for a swap or giveaway a few years ago....they are still in fab shape! Have you thought about starting your own site to sell your things? I'm sure lots of bloggers who read you/ like your stuff would happily put links & promote your new site!
So sorry to hear about Etsy. I had a similar experience with Ebay. They accused me of some copy write infringement of which I had no idea of what they were talking about. I only sell things from my closet and they made me feel like some criminal.
It took a bit of time, but I finally figured out that I used some verbage from a website about a pre-owned item I was selling.
I agree with Suburban Princess that someone must of reported you for something. Otherwise, I don't think they pay much attention.
I find it amusing that someone that is truly honest gets policed, while all these counterfeiters are selling copy cat items like crazy and never get taken down.
So sorry to read of this unfortunate situation. Please seek another venue and let us all know where we may find your adorable creations.
Onward and upward PPC!!
I would almost guarantee that someone is reporting you. Those taggie people have been reporting sellers for YEARS.
I would bet that the same thing is going on with the "b" fabric. They probably have someone who routinely scans ebay and etsy to file complaints.
Etsy & Ebay are funny about putting "like" or "not like" then a trademarked name. Same is true for "coordinates with" such and such...
Typically they don't remove the listing, someone files a complaint. Once that happens they have to respond. Most often it's either a competitor or the company who owns the trademark. They probably don't give you details because they aren't even sure why it's a problem since they didn't file the complaint. I think they just side with the person filing the complaint and let you dispute it if you think there's a valid reason to do so.
Sorry this happened to you!
Hi there, I don't follow your blog, but a friend of mine and my boyfriend were some of the ones you contacted about Burberry like items, so I was aware of the issue (we removed the tag on my bf's item with the passingly similar, but extremely different fabric, just to be on the safe side).
I hope you get an answer from Etsy because this sort of treatment is absolute crap. They'll sit there and let obvious resellers go unpunished and then shut down a shop like yours? Give me a break.
We've already considered moving to http://www.BigCartel.com and have friends who are leaving Etsy because of similar treatment, either setting up shop at BigCartel or on their own sites. I've set up our own website and it was really easy via http://www.webbly.com
Good luck and don't let Etsy walk all over you.
Sorry to hear this has happened to you. Doesn't sound fair if you are being singled out and they are not treating sellers the same across the board. Your BFF is wise and i love that quote. Just remember that when one door closes another opens. I say try selling through a Facebook page & here on your blog. I have seen many sellers flourish that used to depend on eBay and/or Etsy. This may be a blessing in disguise.
PS~ I admire you for standing up for yourself! I would not keep quiet either. Kudos to you to warn others who may end up victims too.
Did Scott tell you he called Burberry? Yeah. You know he loves a good fight! Or to raise hell. Either or. All I know is they confirmed it was not *them* who filed a complaint.
xoxo
That just SUCKS!! You make totally cute stuff!! I'd buy from you! :)
That is un-stinkin-believable.... I am so sorry that happened. If I had read your post earlier I would never have highlighted an etsy shop on my Friday Finds feature. Try to locate another avenue similar to etsy and keep going. You make incredible things...
And since when can anyone tell a crafter they can't use ribbons in a certain manner?
Hey there PPK!!
What a crappy experience.
I have an idea: I am in need of some..ok maybe lots of sewing and have a husband that can help you set up/design a site. He has done 5 other sites besides my blog and our website.
We could work it out in trade..
Whaddaya think?? Now you'll have a reason to come to VT and visit me!!
You can email, not sure if you still have my address:[email protected]
I was on Etsy for like a minute. Didn't like it....
although I love shopping there.
NOT. COOL.
I think you probably introduced me to Etsy and all their great little crafters. Well, I am just puzzled over why they would do this...you are too sweet to deal with these meanies.
WAIT, you are gone? I have purchased several things from you over the years(including the "big B" bib and burp coth) and have LOVED everything I received. Your things are always the HIT of the baby showers I attend. Would you please send me an email saying where I can order things in the future? THANK YOU!
[email protected]
Hi, I just came across this post and I had a similar experience with the "tag" blankies. My items were removed and I had no idea why. I was recently selling my stuff at a craft show and talking to a girl who sells on Etsy. She said that as long as the tags aren't loops they are not an infringement. Just an FYI in case you want to sell your little plushies. What did you decide to do with your shop?
This is crazy and alarming! I can't believe that the Taggies company (I am going to assume that's the large company) has rights to anything with grossgrain, or any other ribbon on the edging. That's completely INSANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi. I've been selling on ebay and etsy for years and I have to agree with the majority here that someone was reporting you b/c they certainly don't have the staff to take down every listing that violates infringement policy.
I do have to say tho - you WERE warned. And by putting NOT Burberry in the title, that is still pretty deceptive since ebay won't allow that either since if someone searched Burberry, your listed (that is NOT Burberry) will come up.
I agree that etsy and ebay are covering their butts. Unfair, maybe and definitely not right that etsy just took you down completely. I mean, take down the listings that are in violation...and leave it at that !
I am so disappointed and so surprised. I have been a BIG ETSY fan and supporter. I buy a lot there and I too thought is was all that you thought it was. So sad. I hope this leads you to bigger and better things.
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