Why I Do Not Sell on Etsy Anymore

I spent three years pouring my creativity into my Etsy shops, but despite some successes, I ultimately made the difficult decision to step away. This is the story of how my journey on Etsy began, evolved, and why it finally came to an end. For anyone considering a similar path—or wondering why Etsy sellers sometimes walk away—my experience may provide insights into the realities of this popular platform.

My Etsy Beginnings: From Lockdown Hobby to Full-Time Effort

In 2021, like many of us, I found myself with more time on my hands. The world was in the middle of a lockdown, and I felt a sudden urge to create something new. So, I launched my first Etsy shop as a bit of a passion project. I had always admired hand-painted accessories, and I thought, why not give it a try? I focused on creating unique, hand-painted leather bags, each one crafted with care and attention to detail.

At first, it was just for fun. I enjoyed painting on leather and watching my skills evolve. Each bag was a unique canvas, and I felt connected to every piece I made. Little did I know, this “just for fun” project would soon become something much bigger.

Expanding to Artwork: The Launch of My Second Shop

After a year of running my first shop, I decided to open a second Etsy shop. This time, I partnered with a Russian friend and professional painter to sell paintings and other art pieces. We started small, uploading a few of our works, optimistic but realistic about the time it would take to gain traction. According to Etsy’s own statistics, new shops typically require three to six months of consistent effort before making their first sale.

But just as we were beginning to find our footing, everything changed. In the wake of global political tensions, Etsy implemented a sudden and sweeping decision to “shadow-ban” Russian sellers. Overnight, our shop’s visibility dropped to zero. For countless Russian artists and artisans who relied on Etsy as their primary income, this decision was devastating. Many had built their business on the platform over years of hard work, only to be cut off without warning. Though I was still in control of the shop, my friend could no longer participate, and I was left to manage two stores on my own.

Balancing Demand with Creativity: The Challenges of Etsy’s Algorithm

Back in my main shop, my painted bags were finally starting to gain traction. Just five weeks after launching, I made my first sale—a hand-painted leather bag featuring a charming rabbit from Alice in Wonderland. The excitement of that first sale was unforgettable, and I was motivated to keep going. However, Etsy’s algorithm quickly became a double-edged sword.

Etsy favors items that have a track record of selling, which meant that as soon as one of my designs sold, Etsy would push similar listings. This sounds great in theory, but in practice, it led to repetitive requests. When I sold one Alice in Wonderland-inspired bag, customers began asking for more of the same. After I painted one with Frida Kahlo, it was clear I would need to replicate that design several more times. Instead of feeling like an artist, I felt like a worker in a factory line, churning out the same designs to appease an algorithm.

Over time, this repetition began to drain my creativity. While I love bringing characters and themes to life, I also crave the freedom to explore new ideas. Yet, if I stopped producing variations of my bestsellers, my visibility—and sales—would likely diminish. This led to a growing sense of frustration, as I found myself caught between creating what I loved and what Etsy’s system would actually promote.

Facing Legal Grey Areas: Licensing Issues and Risks

Another issue I faced on Etsy was a gray area around licensed characters. Technically, Etsy prohibits sellers from using copyrighted characters or popular movie icons without permission. However, a quick search on the platform reveals that many sellers, like myself, work around these rules by creating “fan art” or pieces inspired by popular icons without directly naming them in titles or descriptions.

In the end, I did push the boundaries a bit, as many others do on Etsy. I would tag my bags with general themes rather than specific character names. But I always drew the line at imitation or blatant reproductions. My pieces were original interpretations, not replicas of existing artworks, and I felt justified in my approach. Still, there was always a risk that one day, Etsy might take issue with this and suspend my listings.

The Etsy Community: Navigating a Competitive Marketplace

Etsy is often promoted as a friendly, supportive community for creative sellers, but the reality can be quite different. Over time, I noticed that competition within the platform was fierce, and well-established sellers sometimes banded together to protect their territory. The platform has its fair share of “top” sellers who hold significant influence and seem to operate by different rules. This often left smaller shops feeling sidelined, especially when new shops like mine would begin to grow in popularity.

While I tried not to let this influence me, the competitive nature of Etsy became increasingly clear. For those who have the resources and time to navigate its complexities, Etsy may be a great fit. But for artists like myself, who are simply looking for a place to share and sell unique, handmade pieces, the platform’s internal dynamics can be a bit discouraging.

The Decision to Leave Etsy Behind

Ultimately, my decision to stop selling on Etsy came down to a mix of personal values and practical considerations. I realized that I had started my journey to express my creativity, but the demands of Etsy’s algorithms were making me feel more like a production worker than an artist. The repetitive requests, the constant need to “feed” the algorithm, and the ever-present risks of policy violations or account restrictions left me feeling drained.

Etsy will always hold a special place in my heart as the platform that helped me take my first steps as an online seller. It allowed me to share my work with a global audience, and for that, I am grateful. But for now, I am exploring other avenues that feel more aligned with my values as an artist. Perhaps there will be a day when I return to Etsy, but until then, I am content to leave this chapter behind.

Why I Do Not Sell on Etsy Anymore?

In summary, the decision to stop selling on Etsy wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. For anyone considering the platform, there are both positives and challenges to keep in mind. Etsy has a massive user base, and it can be a great starting point for new artists and creators. But if you’re seeking an outlet that allows for creative freedom without the pressure to conform to algorithms, other platforms might be a better fit.

Today, my focus is on creating meaningful work that I’m proud of and sharing it with people who appreciate the unique, individual aspects of each piece. Leaving Etsy has allowed me to reconnect with my art in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling, and I look forward to the new possibilities that lie ahead.

FAQs

While Etsy technically prohibits using copyrighted characters without permission, many sellers find ways to work within a “fan art” framework, though this always carries a risk.

Why did Etsy shadow-ban Russian sellers?

Etsy implemented policies impacting Russian sellers due to global political tensions. Unfortunately, this decision left many sellers, including collaborative projects, struggling with sudden visibility issues.

How does Etsy’s algorithm affect new shops?

Etsy’s algorithm often favors listings with a track record of sales, which can make it difficult for new shops to gain visibility without constant updates and popular product lines.

For those considering Etsy or just curious about its dynamics, I hope this story offers some insights into both the rewards and realities of selling on the platform.

Sincerely,

Sasha Savona