For Etsy sellers, dealing with a listing removal can be stressful, especially if it’s due to counterfeit accusations. Even if you are selling original products, Etsy may remove your listing if they suspect counterfeit items based on similar products found online. Whether you’ve already faced this issue or suspect counterfeit products could be lurking, it’s important to take action before your store is at risk.
What Happens When Etsy Flags Your Listing
When Etsy flags your listing, it’s often due to automated processes or reports that suspect the item is counterfeit. If this happens, it’s important to stay calm and carefully review the notification Etsy sends you. This email will explain why your listing was removed, and you’ll need to read it thoroughly to understand the reason behind the action.
How to Dispute the Removal
If you believe your product was wrongfully flagged, you can dispute Etsy’s decision. To do this, you’ll need to gather evidence proving that your product is original. This might include photos of the product, any available copyright information, trademarks, or design registration documents. Additionally, you can create a short video showing yourself making the product, with your face visible in the video to verify its authenticity.
Once you’ve collected the necessary evidence, reach out to Etsy’s support team by email at disputeresolution@etsy.com to formally dispute the listing removal. In your email, clearly state your shop information, explain what happened, and request that Etsy reinstate your listing. You can use the following template to structure your email:
Subject: Dispute of Incorrect Listing Removal – [Your Shop Name]
Name: [Your personal name]
Shop Name: [Your Etsy shop name]
Email: [Your email associated with the account]
Telephone Number: [Your phone number]
Nature of Dispute: Etsy removed my listing incorrectly.
Explanation of What Happened:
[Provide a brief explanation of what occurred. For example, you might say that your product was wrongly flagged as counterfeit, but it is your original creation.]
Resolution:
I would like Etsy to review my listing and reinstate it. I believe it was removed by mistake, and I have included evidence to show that my product is original and does not infringe on any intellectual property rights.
Evidence Included:
Copyright or trademark information (if applicable)
Photos of the product
A short video showing me creating the product (with my face visible)
Make sure to attach all relevant evidence when sending this email. The clearer and more detailed your communication, the more likely Etsy will be able to quickly reinstate your listing.
Don’t Wait—Counterfeit Listings Can Cost You
Even if you haven’t had a listing removed, it’s important to stay vigilant. Counterfeits or look-alike items can still pose a threat to your business, and waiting until Etsy takes action can harm your reputation and sales. If Etsy suspects counterfeits in your store, they could disable your account without warning, and recovering from that situation can be difficult.
To protect your store, regularly check your listings and see if your products are being copied or misrepresented by others. Running a search online can help you ensure that no one is selling knock-offs of your work. Using IP tools, like those offered by www.ipmoat.ai, can also help you detect counterfeit versions of your products across various platforms, safeguarding your brand.
Need Help? Contact IP Moat
If you’re unsure whether your products are being counterfeited or if you need assistance navigating a dispute with Etsy, IP Moat is here to help. We specialize in intellectual property protection, helping sellers like you identify and remove counterfeit listings before they cause long-term damage. For help with disputes, counterfeit detection, or advice on how to protect your shop, reach out to us at hello@ipmoat.ai.
Final Word: Protect Your Store Before It’s Too Late
It’s important to be proactive before your store faces major issues. Take the time to check for and remove counterfeit items that may be affecting your listings. If you’re unsure where to start or need expert advice, contact IP Moat at www.ipmoat.ai. Taking action now can save your store from potential harm down the road.
