Don't do These 5 Things in Your Etsy Shop - EVER - (How I saved my shop!)

[@timguba]

Great video, Shawna. I had a ceramic mug taken down that said "I'm the BOSS. Do as I say, not as I do." and got a complaint filed by Hugo Boss. The item got taken down. I appealed. Crickets. How can a common word not even referencing a corporate entity get trademarked? Oh well, live and learn. Keep up the great work!

[@jasmindawn79]

Hi Shawna ! I am so excited that I found your channel. I have had my Etsy shop for almost 3 years, will be in January. To say that I have been disappointed is an underestimate. I just reached my 1000 sales mark and unfortunately isn't where I'd like to be. I told myself yesterday that I was going to close up my shop, but after watching your videos I am giving myself till December to reach my goal and make my shop a successful shop. It can be so depressing to see shops accelerate all around me as I sit stagnant, I am a stay at home mom and dedicate as much time as possible to my shop but feel like I am moving backwards. Thank you for the motivation to keep going. Let's hope that I can get where I want by December.

[@ArtistCreek]

My issue is there is no rhyme or reason to Etsy actions. Some people can get repeated violations, some other people have ENTIRE shops around DISNEY and get away with it. Yet some poor college girl gets a permanent ban for 2 violations?? Come on. Had that girl been getting 100 sales a day and MAKING THEM MONEY they wouldnt care. I am really disgusted with etsy and their lack of accountability. They KNOW they have MANY shops that infringe yet they omly acknowledge if disney or popsocket or marvel comes calling. Its ridiculous they get away with this. Rules should be applied equally.

[@bethjoyce4666]

Also be aware of the mock-ups you use. I’ve never had any issues, but a few months back a couple of my tees got delisted. Couldn’t figure out why, but shared in the Facebook group I’m in and they told me the hat in the mock-up had an Addidas symbol. The button on the jeans was American Eagle I think. I hadn’t noticed and reworked the mockup to hide them. The actual product for sale had no copyright issues.

[@shawnalynn2083]

Great point Beth! I have heard others say they had this issue as well!

[@Heyitsabelle]

Good point! I did buy a mock up with the girl holding a Starbucks cup recently!!

[@ssfoster95]

I had to remove a listing for a set of my watercolor paint because one color is named Cashmere as Etsy said it could be misleading as it didn’t contain cashmere. I asked for clarification as their prohibited items don’t mention it at all. They basic told me they were not going to discuss the issue further. I mean who in their right mind would a think there is Cashmere wool in watercolor paint. I also chose that name as it is a color name and many house paint companies also use it. But decided to just remove the listing and move it to my shopify store as I didn’t want to rename it and cause confusion for customers.

[@shawnalynn2083]

That is crazy! That had to be frustrating!

[@mayrag6019]

Thank you Shawna, so helpful as usual 😊

[@sandracolloca1251]

Thank you, Shawna. Yes, I get confused by other shops using phrases I would love to use, but it's not worth it. As a teacher, I wanted to use "FRI-YAY", but looked it up, and it's trademarked,so I used something similar. Always learn so much from you :)

[@shawnalynn2083]

Same here! AND I put ten designs together and didn’t check till I went to list them! Big waste of time! I’m glad you got creative!

[@stevensmith4213]

Thanks Shawna. I appreciate that you took time to point out these things that can potentially ruin your business. After I subscribed, KZbin suggested this video. I am so glad they did and am pretty much ready to open the shop.

[@shawnalynn2083]

Whoo hoo Steven! Congrats on starting your journey!

[@katrinalynnmiller]

So thankful you weren’t shut down.

[@shawnalynn2083]

Me too Katrina!

[@jananstunes]

Just Subscribed! This is Awesome

[@jananstunes]

Just watched the Cassiy chat yesterday! Super cool! Your story is so good.

[@MissMolly3377]

Seems like you have learned a lot of things the hard way. 😂 I appreciate that you shared those mistakes with us, I wouldn’t have thought of a few of these, especially the shirt brand.

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there Miss Molly! LOL! You are right! I do often learn things the hard way! Gives me lots of things to chat about with you!

[@PowerofPODwRileigh]

This video was the push I needed to remove a few listings. They helped me start my sales, but they could be a bit infringing. I’ve expanded now enough where I don’t need them, but it still hurts a bit. A lot less than getting my shop shut down though. Thanks Shawna

[@shawnalynn2083]

I could not agree with you more Rileigh! Def stings but you are paving the way for a super bright future and YOU WILL get there!

[@sonz4205]

Thank you Shawna and Tucker! Love listening to you, you bring so much value to us etsy sellers ❤

[@shawnalynn2083]

I am so glad you enjoyed this one!

[@BfreeInvestments]

Thanks Shawna! Excellent advice and tips. I appreciate you looking out for us 😊

[@shawnalynn2083]

I am so glad you enjoyed this one! Thanks for taking a second to say hello!

[@trevors7905]

Companies / people that have trademarked words, colors, items they create MUST protect the trademark or they lose it. They have no choice but to go after anyone and everyone using their trademarked goods. It becomes a full time job to seek out those infringing. Eventually the person infringing will get caught.

[@shawnalynn2083]

Thanks Trevor! It really is just a matter of time!

[@Heyitsabelle]

Is there an app or extension that can detect trademarks within your Etsy store for previous listings or as new trademarks become active?

[@meghanfain4037]

I have a 2.5 mo old shop and feeling so discouraged. I have now over 100 listings, mostly embroidered sweatshirts. I feel like I have really good mock-ups, listing info images, and seo, they are a little more generic but still in demand. Only 11 sales, 10 people I know personally, and 1 from ads. None organic. I do have many fall listings so I know it hasn’t picked up yet, but I feel so defeated. I have put so many late night hours into this 🥺

[@sbryant6797]

I feel you. I have sold 14 and had a shop open since April. I keep thinking the same thing “October will be different”. Sigh

[@ArtistCreek]

Yup. Opened in June. 3 sales. I paid for ads for a month. Not one sale. Total waste. I'm feeling like Etsy is just too oversaturated.

[@shawnalynn2083]

I encourage you to keep going! You are just getting started! Keep striving toward this dream and don't let yourself second guess until AT LEAST a few months from now! Give your self a chance to get a little better at this, get more listings up, and get seen! Did you niche your Fall stuff down? Happy Fall Ya''ll won't cut it! At least it didn't for me my first year. I am wishing you so much success!

[@shawnalynn2083]

I am rooting for you! Keep learning and applying what you are learning. You will get better and better at figuring out what people want to buy!

[@shawnalynn2083]

It isn't! But it is going to take believing that to your very core to get yourself through to the other side of this! I am so sorry you are feeling frustrated! You may want to try ads again after you have been at this for a few more months and have the design research part down pat. That will help your listings convert better.

[@ValyourGalPal]

Thank you Shawna! Really inspiring and you give so much detail to help. I just opened my Etsy shop two weeks ago and just had a question about using a 3rd party to help fill the POD item. For example, if I use printify, I need to buy them as a production partner, correct? Thank you so much!!!

[@sbryant6797]

I got flagged for a “vw” van on a shirt. I had it on two shirts. Etsy deleted one and I modified my design on the other. Did not know pictures were trademarked as well. Which makes sense, but it didn’t cross my mind. And I am the girl that checks for trademark infringements. Sigh. Haven’t sold the shirt, but at least I can keep it listed.

[@shawnalynn2083]

Bummer! Yes! Even just the Jeep grill is trademarked! I got gotten for that one too! I steer clear of pretty much anything branded like that now. Better safe than sorry! We live and we learn!

[@nw8204]

Shawna I wonder if you've ever experienced a phrase or anything being trademarked after an item has started selling well or even becoming a bestseller for you? Also, have you ever trademarked something yourself to be protected from losing a bestseller? I ask because i listed a group of items with a certain phrase a few weeks ago and just last week it was registered so I had to take all those listings down! Aggravating to say the least, especially when it's a common phrase 😫

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there! I have never trademarked a phrase myself. In order for that to be worth it to me I think my whole business would have to be built around that phrase! I have had stuff pop up and get trademarked after I had it in my shop. For sure frustrating! It stinks that just happen to you! Especially sense it is a common phrase!

[@StarAlchemy]

It’s the Tucker clips for me.🐾💛✨🥰 #teamtucker #moretuckerfootage

[@shawnalynn2083]

LOL! I can make that happen! Thanks for enjoying my little guy!

[@karakowalski5414]

Thank you for the video Shawna! I recently started using the Everbee trademark monitor and the word Squad is now trademarked for clothing. Does this mean you can't have the word squad anywhere in your title or tags even if it's part of a short or longtailed keyword? I couldn't believe how many words got alerted in my listings through Everbee, most of them not trademarked for clothing but I found a few that were. Thank you again!

[@Om-gg5tk]

Thanks for this video, Shawna.I started a brand new store on Etsy recently and have a $25 per day budget. Ads running since 1 week but no sales, lots of views though. I have 200 listings on my store, no reviews currently. How do I get sales on this store? I would appreciate your response, thanks!

[@kristinc8384]

Hi Shawna. I know that onesie is trademarked by Gerber but since there is a Gerber onsie on Printify can I not use that word if I sell it? Why would that not be safe? Thanks.

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there Kristin! I would imagine if you are selling the actual Gerber Onsie that it would be OK. I know people have wondered about Comfort Colors for this reason as well. It would make sense that we can include words of the brands we are selling! I have heard a number of people speak on the topic of Onsie though so I might only put that in my drop down menu just to stay on the safer side!

[@kristinc8384]

@@shawnalynn2083Thanks so much!

[@dialiciouss]

Hey Shawna, I just wanted to ask you if having certain quotes or sentences from movies would be an infringement? Like if you didn't use the movie or show imagery, just a popular quote? Thank you so much for helping out! Again your videos are amazing. Besitos!

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there! Thanks so much for watching and reaching out! These would actually be protected under copyright.

[@dialiciouss]

@@shawnalynn2083 Wow, thank you so much for clearing this up! It defiently is somthing to think about! 💖

[@babywipes2416]

So if a tag like "mom to be" is trademarked for basic character mark (4) for tshirts, can i not use it in the tags for a tshirt? Just confirming.. also my everbee alerts says that simple words like vibes, garden, mom, is trademarked... its sooo much to go over

[@babywipes2416]

update : The word "retro" is trademarked for apparel! so many etsy shops use this word, but its actually not allowed right...?

[@babywipes2416]

Update 2: "Wildflower" is also TM for shirts :( Thats such a basic/normal word.. how is that possible :O

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there! I pulled "Mom to Be" out of all my tags and titles when I became aware of this trademark. I know it is a bummer but there are plenty of other phrases you can use to get found! I just looked into retro... it has been filed but not granted yet. Trademark serial numbers are assigned when applications are filed, while trademark registration numbers are assigned when applications are granted. Hopefully that one does not get granted! Geez Louise!

[@babywipes2416]

@@shawnalynn2083 oh okay, i didnt know about the granting/serial number part. I thought since they were "live" it was trademarked and granted. Thanks!

[@janine11112]

I typed in the word Realtor on TESS and nothing came up (with or without clothing). Am I missing something?

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there Janine! This one is on my radar because I know people who had items taken down. Check out USPTO.gov. It is the 105th record. Hope this helps!

[@janine11112]

@@shawnalynn2083 thank you! I didn’t realize there were more pages of results!

[@thesoutherncamellia7411]

They won’t even let you purchase on the platform if banned.

[@shawnalynn2083]

This is true! It is important we are careful! I love both selling and buying on the Etsy platform!

[@trioorti]

Seems like the big stores are exempt from this with all the Disney, Taylor swift, Marvel, etc. >_

[@shawnalynn2083]

I have seen big stores get shut down! It still is a risk they are taking if they don't have the rights to sell it. But it is crazy that some get away with it for so long!

[@CrazyDEntertainment]

So you looked like poison ivy in a her garden. Simply spectacular video teacher.

[@shawnalynn2083]

Thank you Crazy D! Glad you liked this one!

[@bestketoshorts6195]

'realtor' as a trademark word is kinda like trademarking 'house' like wtf...

[@bestketoshorts6195]

I guess I better copyright boho and retro before someone else does right? lol

[@design.likeaboss]

I find this video amusing. Sellers are selling Barbie and making THOUSANDS, Nike and making THOUSANDS, Disney and making THOUSANDS. It's a joke. Etsy is making THOUSANDS off sellers.

[@shawnalynn2083]

I know it is frustrating and while Etsy reserves the right to deactivate listings, they are not always policing this. This responsibility is usually left up to the companies such as Disney, Nike, and Barbie to report the infringing items. It is there responsibility to protect their own brands.

[@75kym]

Because the shops making big bucks can afford to fight them in court. That’s why they only go after the smaller ones in sweeps.