Sunday, May 06, 2012

Really ETSY???

I received an email from Etsy and really found it to be a bit strange. I have decided to send it to my attorney as I'm a bit confused as to why Etsy needs a picture of me and anyone who works for me? Really Etsy?? Has anyone else received anything like this?

Hello, This is Katie from Etsy's Marketplace Integrity Team.
We're glad to see your shop on Etsy! Etsy is a venue for independent artists to sell their own handmade items. We take the integrity of our marketplace very seriously and work hard to ensure that all items qualify to be sold here. We are reaching out to you in order to better understand your shop and how your items are made. Any shop that is unable or unwilling to provide a response may be subject to suspension.

Please answer the questions that follow. This information is for internal use only, we value your privacy and will never share your responses. Please keep in mind that this inquiry is used to verify that your items are handmade. Incomplete, incorrect or false information may result in your selling rights being revoked.
This inquiry has 3 parts: Step 1- Information about your shop Step 2- Information about your Handmade Process Step 3- Specific Item inquiry
Step 1 - About your shop:
1. How many people are involved in your shop?
2. Write out the name of each person and their role in the shop. This includes making things, creating listings, running the shop, and shipping items.
3. Where are you located?
4. Where are the items shipped from?
5. Who takes the photographs for the listings?
6. Do you have any other Etsy accounts? If yes, what are the usernames?
+ Please upload pictures of yourself and members of your shop.

Step 2 - About the Handmade Process:
7. How are your items made? Please be as specific as possible.
8. Are the items made from scratch, or do you alter/assemble them?
9. How long does it take to make your item?
10. What materials are used?
11. Where do you purchase the materials?
12. What tools or equipment do you use?
13. Do you receive any production assistance, or do you outsource any of the production?
14. Are your items made to order or ready to ship?

+ Upload Pictures of work space
+ Upload Pictures of raw materials
+ Upload Proof of purchase for materials (receipts or links)
+ Upload pictures of equipment/tools
+ Made to order items - show pattern and materials

Step 3 - Specific Item Inquiry
http://www.etsy.com/listing/92863136/bridget-and-co-bubblegum-ruffley
15. In detail, please outline the steps used to make this item. Include as much information as possible.
+ Upload pictures of the raw materials used
+ Upload step by step photographs of your handmade process
+ Upload picture of finished product
In all of the photographs, please include a piece of paper showing your username and the date. This will show us that the photographs are current and taken by you.
Thank you for helping us maintain Etsy's integrity as a site for handmade goods. Please get back to us within 5 days. We look forward to hearing from you! Best, Katie Etsy Marketplace Integrity http://www.etsy.com/policy/dosdonts

2 comments:

Heartmade Creations said...

When I first started reading, I was like "ok, sounds weird, but not too weird I guess". Then I kept reading and ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!??? That is NOT normal. 0_0

Kristi with a K said...

I'll ask my sewing group.... many of them have stores? That seems weird to me too?!?! I was going to open up on there?? Hmmm.... Maybe it's time you move to bigcartel!