Etsy copycat problem

pothos · #1 10-08-2018

Has anyone here have experiences with copycats?
They copied my product design and description. They re-take photos and sell the same thing for less money.

Some people say to find a lawyer in California to send etsy a letter.
Some people say etsy won't do anything.
Some people say they can always re-open stealth shops in the future.
If you have real experiences before and you know how to deal with this, please share. Thanks.

ISeeYou · #2 10-08-2018

been there, dealt with it before. its inevidable. hiring a lawyer and stuff will be more expensive than ignoring it. (unless of course your income from etsy is super high)

usually back in days when someone copied my stuff i just message them and ask them to change it or remove it otherwise they will be reported. And it worked pretty much all the time. but it depends on seller of course

**SaiJin** · #3 10-08-2018

No experience on etsy, but on eBay that's a nono and you can actually report them for stealing your stuff.

HAHlala · #4 10-08-2018

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaiJin

No experience on etsy, but on eBay that's a nono and you can actually report them for stealing your stuff.

You can report the shop on etsy - click on the shop and there is a report button and select the issue and let etsy know.

pothos · #5 10-09-2018

Thanks for your replies.
Yes I can report them.
I heard that the listing will be removed for only 10 days and the store is still fine.

ISeeYou · #6 10-15-2018

Quote:

Originally Posted by pothos

Thanks for your replies.
Yes I can report them.
I heard that the listing will be removed for only 10 days and the store is still fine.

not for long. if they start to repeatedly stealing your stuff and you report them every time they steal it, eventually the shop will be closed due to etsy rules (correct me if i'm wrong guys)

woky · #7 10-15-2018

Quote:

Originally Posted by ISeeYou

not for long. if they start to repeatedly stealing your stuff and you report them every time they steal it, eventually the shop will be closed due to etsy rules (correct me if i'm wrong guys)

They close your shop for copyright infringement(stealing) after 2/3 Strikes.

DAILYHUNDRED · #8 10-17-2018

Quote:

Originally Posted by woky

They close your shop for copyright infringement(stealing) after 2/3 Strikes.

Depends on your shop age and sales history. I've had shops that are over year old and plus 10,000 sales that have gotten 5+ strikes and still up. You'll know when you get your last strike Etsy will let you know in an email.