Understanding the Latest Etsy Platform Rules: A Must-Read for Sellers! 📦

If you’re an Etsy seller or considering joining the platform, you’ll want to pay attention to the latest updates from Etsy! 🚀 On July 9, Etsy unveiled a clear and comprehensive explanation of its platform rules, breaking down what items can be sold. These updates are crucial for sellers seeking clarity in their operations and compliance with Etsy’s policies. Here’s a concise overview of the four categories of products you can sell:

1. Made by a Seller

Products in this category must be physical goods, and sellers need to disclose any production partners they work with. Here are the acceptable types:

• Handmade: Items crafted entirely from raw materials by the seller.
• Handmade Modification: Altering purchased products creatively, for example by hand-embroidering a flower on a handbag.
• Handmade Assembly: Items that involve assembling, like stringing beads to make bracelets.
• Using Computer Tools: This includes products made with devices like 3D printers.

2. Designed by a Seller

In this category, sellers can be designers or offer digital products that can be downloaded. This includes:

• Original Digital Designs: Unique products designed by the seller.
• Collaborative Production: Designs made by the seller but produced by a partnered provider.
• AI-Generated Creations: Any products utilizing AI technology must clearly state this in the product description.

3. Handpicked by a Seller

This category introduces novel items, including antiques, and consists of:

• Antique Items: Must be over 20 years old.
• Natural Objects: Examples include rocks, crystals, shells, and fossils.
• Gift Baskets: Must have a specific theme and cannot consist solely of one brand’s products or blind boxes.

4. Sourced by a Seller

This includes craft supplies and party items:

• Craft Supplies: Items that cannot be used without further processing, such as yarn or beads. Note that blank T-shirts or cups cannot be sold as raw materials unless modified.
• Party Supplies: Products intended for decorations and party use.
• Custom Orders: Products like T-shirts or hats that are made to order by partnered producers.

Conclusion

This recent update marks one of the clearest clarifications from Etsy to date! The platform has been criticized for its lack of transparency regarding policies and store suspensions. With these changes, there’s finally improvement and clarity in their rules, though not much has dramatically shifted. It’s highly encouraged for every seller to go back and read through the official guidelines, complete with examples. Trust us; it’s extremely beneficial for your business!

For those looking to dive deeper into these changes, be sure to check out the official Etsy guidelines here. Stay informed and make your Etsy journey a success! 🌟