Report Etsy Shop: Your Guide to a Fair Marketplace

how-to-report-an-etsy-shop

Etsy, a vibrant online marketplace for handmade and vintage goods, provides a platform for sellers to showcase their unique creations. To ensure a fair and safe environment, Etsy has implemented robust policies for both sellers and buyers to address various issues, including intellectual property infringement, prohibited items, and harmful content.

By understanding how to report Etsy shop, you can contribute to a safer and more trustworthy community for everyone. This article will guide you through the process of reporting policy violations on Etsy, with a step-by-step guide on how to take appropriate action in time.

Let’s get started with Masstic!

1. In which case can you report an Etsy shop?

 

To keep the Etsy marketplace a safe and trusted place for both buyers and sellers, if you’ve come across an Etsy shop that violates the platform’s policies, you might consider reporting it. Some common causes can be listed as:

    • Selling prohibited items: Etsy has strict policies about which you are not allowed to sell (such as illegal goods, hazardous materials, or counterfeit products), you can report prohibited items immediately.
    • Harassment or offensive behavior: If a seller engages in abusive or offensive behavior towards customers or other sellers, or if their shop contains inappropriate content, it is grounds for reporting.
    • Scams or fraud: If you suspect that a shop is engaging in fraudulent activities, such as selling items that don’t exist or not fulfilling orders, reporting them helps protect the community.
    • Misrepresentation: If a seller is claiming their products are handmade, vintage, or unique, but they are clearly mass-produced or misrepresented in any way, this is a violation of Etsy’s guidelines.
    • Intellectual property infringement: If a shop is using copyrighted images, logos, or designs without permission, they are violating intellectual property rights and should be reported.

As a platform for creativity, Etsy places special emphasis on protecting intellectual property, so intellectual property infringement cases can be solved via a separate reporting process. In the next sections, we’ll take a closer look at how to report an Etsy shop in general and specifically for intellectual property violations.

2. How to report an Etsy shop or an item

Etsy provides tools for you to report the issue in case you run into a concerning item or an entire shop. Here’s how to report a seller on Etsy:

2.1. Report an item

You can report an Etsy item on both the Etsy website and the Etsy app while signing in to your Etsy account.

For website:

report-etsy-item-on-website

 

    • On the listing page for an item, choose Report this item to Etsy.
    • Select a reason from the dropdown and add a note.
    • Choose “Submit report”.

For Etsy app:

    • If you find it in the search results, press and hold the item image, then choose “Report this item” from the menu
    • If you find it on the listing, scroll to the bottom of the listing and select “Report this item”
    • Select a reason from the dropdown and add a note.
    • Choose “Submit report”.

 

2.2. Report Etsy shop

Currently, you can only report an Etsy shop on the Etsy website.

    • Visit the shop you want to report on Etsy.com
    • Click the option “Report this shop to Etsy” on the left side of the shop page.
    • Choose a reason and provide details.
    • Click “Report this shop”.

report-etsy-shop-on-web

 

Remember one thing, Etsy takes reports seriously.

Before submitting a report, be sure that you check Etsy policies thoroughly and have proof that those items or shops genuinely violate policies.

2.3. After you report an item/shop

Once you submit a report, Etsy will receive a notification and review the item or shop in question. Their specialized teams are dedicated to evaluating flagged content within the marketplace. They may reach out to the seller or take other appropriate actions based on their findings.

3. How to report intellectual property infringement on Etsy

3.1. Key factors of intellectual property infringement cases

Intellectual property (IP) is defined as creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, images, and logos. It assures that creators have certain exclusive rights to their work.

etsy-reporting-intellectual-property

 

Etsy can be said to be a venue for artists, designers, and makers. However, someday, you suddenly detect someone copying your creative works and selling them on Etsy. You are very upset, yes, we totally can understand, but we need to have a strategic plan to take proactive steps and protect your rights.

First of all, rest assured that Etsy takes intellectual property rights seriously and adheres to its policies in handling infringement notices. Some key factors in the process of handling intellectual property infringement on Etsy you need to keep in mind include:

    • De-activation: Upon receiving a valid infringement notice, Etsy will deactivate the specified content.
    • Legitimate notices: Etsy strictly follows its IP policies and complies with notices from IP owners or their authorized agents.
    • Good faith reporting: Only the IP owner or their authorized agent can file reports, and they must do so in good faith. False claims can lead to severe legal consequences.
    • DMCA counter-notices: Etsy accepts counter-notices for US-based copyright infringement reports only.

(*) Note: Etsy cannot provide legal advice or determine if a shop’s content infringes on intellectual property rights.

But in these bad cases of intellectual property infringement, should reporting to Etsy be the first and only solution?

Not really.

Let’s keep scrolling down and we will tell you in detail what we can do when you suspect another Etsy seller is copying your work.

3.2. What to do if you suspect infringement

If you suspect copyright infringement, first of all, calm down and make sure that you will make smart decisions in a stable condition because if you react in anger, it might lead to other complications and even nothing.

After that, you should collect evidence such as screenshots, links, or purchase receipts, and if appropriate, reach out to the infringer directly to discuss the issue by contacting them on their Etsy shop page.

contact-before-report-etsy-shop

 

If it goes well, you can initiate a respectful dialogue with another Etsy seller and potentially resolve intellectual property disputes amicably.

Here are some email templates for you.

    • Template 1: General Concern

Dear [Seller’s Name],

I am writing to express my concern regarding [specific product or listing]. I believe there may be some similarities between your work and my own, [your product or listing].

As a fellow Etsy seller, I understand that unintentional overlap can occur. I would appreciate it if you could take a moment to review your listing and compare it to my work. I’m open to discussing this matter further and exploring potential solutions that respect both of our intellectual property rights.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Shop Name]

    • Template 2: Trademark Infringement

Dear [Seller’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I’m the creator behind [Your Shop Name]. I’m writing to express a concern regarding your use of the [trademark] on your listing for [specific product or listing]. As the owner of this trademark, I believe there may be a potential trademark infringement.

I’d appreciate it if you could review your listing and consider any potential similarities to my trademark. If you believe there is a genuine concern, I would be happy to discuss potential solutions together.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Shop Name]

    • Template 3: Copyright Infringement

Dear [Seller’s Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I’m the creator behind [Your Shop Name]. I am writing to express my concern regarding [specific product or listing] in your Etsy shop. I believe there may be some potential overlap with my own work, [your product or listing].

I would appreciate it if you could take a moment to review both listings and let me know your thoughts. I believe we can resolve this matter amicably through open communication.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Shop Name]

Note: These templates are examples, so please make the suitable customization to fit your specific situation.

But what happens if your emails get no response? Or even in a worse case, they reply to you with harassment that you cannot accept.

If so, you can look at the next section, where we will show you how to report someone on Etsy with intellectual property infringement.

3.3. How to report intellectual property infringement

Now, if it is not possible for you to communicate effectively with another Etsy, we can use the Etsy Reporting Portal to report this intellectual property infringement case. There are three main steps here.

#1: Register for the Portal

    • Visit Etsy’s Reporting Portal.
    • Sign in with your Etsy account or create a new one.
    • Choose who owns the rights to the property (you or an authorized representative).
    • Provide information about yourself or your company.

register-etsy-reporting-portal

 

#2: Add an Intellectual Property

    • Go to the “Intellectual Properties” tab.
    • Select “Get started” or “Add a property.”
    • Choose the type of property (e.g., copyright, trademark).
    • Add the property owner and upload a letter of authorization if necessary.
    • Provide details about the property, including name, title, and website URL (if applicable).

add-an-intellectual-property

 

#3: Submit a Report

    • Go to the “Reports” tab.
    • Select “Get started” or “Create a report.”
    • Choose the property owner and begin the report.
    • Add a report name and timestamp.
    • Select the intellectual property owner and property.
    • Create & add listings by searching Etsy or uploading listing IDs/URLs.
    • Review and submit the report.

submit-intellectual-property-report

 

(*) Additional notes:

    • The portal is currently in US English only.
    • You must be the owner or authorized representative to submit a report.
    • Etsy will verify uploaded letters of authorization.
    • You can view and edit your property details under the “Intellectual Properties” tab.

3.4. How to see the status of your report

Clicking the submit button does not mean that it is done. After reporting, you can view the status of your report on the Etsy Reporting Portal:

    • Go to the “Reports” tab.
    • Look at the “Status” column.
    • Click “View report” to see the submission and any updates.

view-etsy-report-status

 

Once Etsy reviews your report, you’ll find more information about the outcome, including any removed listings. According to Etsy’s Intellectual Property Policy, if your report complies with their guidelines, they will remove the reported content and contact the affected members.

4. How to handle infringement notices on Etsy?

In the previous parts, we put you in the role of a buyer or a seller who is in challenges with an Etsy shop and wants to report it. But what to do if you receive an IP infringement notice? In these cases, you need to take immediate action, and there are some suggestions from us:

    • Direct communication: Reach out to the complainant to discuss the claim and seek a resolution.
    • Avoid relisting: Do not repost the infringing content until the matter is resolved.
    • Submit counter-notice: If you believe the notice is in error, you can file a DMCA counter-notice.

A DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) counter-notice is a legal document that you can submit to Etsy if you believe your content was mistakenly removed due to a copyright infringement claim. It’s a way to dispute the original claim and potentially have your content restored.

If you are searching for a way to submit a DMCA counter-notice, here it is:

    • Unique URL: Etsy will send you an email with a unique URL to access the counter notice form.
    • Complete the Form: Fill out the form with the required information.
    • Alternative methods: If you cannot use the form, refer to Etsy’s DMCA counter-notice requirements for other contact options.

 

After submitting, there is still a huge workload to do. To be more specific:

    • Notification to parties: Etsy will send a copy of the counter-notice to both you and the original complainant.
    • Court order: The original complainant may seek a court order to prevent you from reactivating the material.
    • Reactivation: If no court order is filed within 10 business days, your content may be reactivated.

However, please be aware that a DMCA counter-notice can be a helpful solution, but it does not guarantee that everything will be fine. In necessary cases, you should proceed with caution and consult with legal professionals.

Also, it is highly recommended to contact the original complainant directly to discuss the matter if possible.

5. Best practices for reporting Etsy shops

When reporting an Etsy shop, it’s important to be aware of common violations and follow best practices to ensure your report is effective and handled appropriately.

    • Prevent unnecessary clutter: Don’t flag a single violation multiple times or discuss an item you have flagged in any of Etsy’s community spaces
    • Provide detailed information: Be specific about the violation, including the shop’s name, items involved, and evidence.
    • Be respectful: Avoid personal attacks and maintain a respectful tone in your report.
    • Contact the rights holder: If the violation involves copyright or trademark infringement, reach out to the rights holder and inform them of the issue. They may also be able to take legal action.

6. Conclusion

To sum up, we believe that it is not easy to come to the last decision of reporting an Etsy shop or an item. To maintain a fair and safe marketplace on Etsy, we hope that this article brings you a helpful guide on how to report Etsy shop and how to deal with an infringement notice as well. When all is said and done, by following all Etsy policies strictly (especially Intellectual Property), you and your online business can unlock long-term success!

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Masstic channel to keep updated about Etsy and the newest eCommerce trends & insights!

7. FAQs

How to report a shop on Etsy mobile?

Be aware that you cannot report a shop on Etsy app, then there are the steps for you to follow when reporting a shop on Etsy mobile:

– Visit the shop you want to report on Etsy.com on your mobile browser.
– Click the option “Report this shop to Etsy” on the left side of the shop page.
– Choose a reason and provide details.
– Click “Report this shop”.

Is my personal information protected when I report Etsy shop?

Yes, Etsy confirms that reporting items or shops is a confidential process. The reported member won’t know who reported them.

Will reporting an issue affect my standing in the community spaces of Etsy?

Reporting an issue on Etsy generally does not directly affect your standing in the community spaces. Etsy’s community spaces are designed to foster a positive and supportive environment for all sellers. Although reporting an issue may involve interactions with other sellers or Etsy staff, it is not a problem if you don’t include personal attacks to maintain a respectful attitude. 

What happens after I submit a report to Etsy?

Etsy will review your report and conduct an investigation into the alleged violation. If the violation is confirmed, Etsy may contact the seller to address the issue and request that they take corrective action.

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