Creating on Etsy:

Creating on Etsy: History of the Platform and My Journey

Brief History of Etsy

Founding (2005):

Etsy was founded in June 2005 by Rob Kalin, Chris Maguire, and Haim Cohen as a platform for artisans to sell handmade and vintage items, as well as craft supplies. The goal was to create a marketplace that connected sellers with buyers who appreciated unique and creative goods.

Initial Growth (2005-2011):

Etsy quickly gained popularity among crafters and artists, leading to significant growth. The platform became a go-to site for handmade goods, fostering a community of makers and supporting small businesses. In 2008, Etsy launched its first television advertisement, which helped further increase its visibility.

Funding and Expansion (2011-2013):

Etsy raised several rounds of funding during this period, totaling over $60 million, which helped expand its services and enhance the user experience. In 2012, Etsy launched a new feature called Etsy Payments, allowing sellers to accept multiple forms of payment more easily.

Going Public (2015):

Etsy went public on April 16, 2015, with an initial public offering (IPO) at $16 per share. The IPO raised approximately $270 million, giving the company a valuation of around $1.78 billion.

Acquisitions and Growth Initiatives (2016-Present):

Etsy has made several acquisitions to enhance its platform and services, including the purchase of Reverb (a musical instrument marketplace) in 2019 and the acquisition of Depop (a resale app for vintage fashion) in 2021. The company has also focused on improving its marketing and seller support to foster growth.

Recent Developments (2020-Present):

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in online shopping, benefiting Etsy's sales significantly. In 2020, Etsy reported over $10.28 billion in gross merchandise sales. The platform continues to evolve with new features, including enhanced search algorithms and sustainability initiatives.

Net Worth

As of October 2024, Etsy’s market capitalization is approximately $5.82 billion. This figure can fluctuate based on market conditions and the company's financial performance.

Etsy has established itself as a prominent player in the e-commerce landscape, providing a platform for creators to showcase their unique offerings. Its journey reflects the growing demand for handmade, vintage, and personalized goods in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Navigating Challenges in E-Commerce: My Etsy Experience

As a creator and entrepreneur, the journey of launching my own shop on Etsy has been both exhilarating and challenging. I’ve always envisioned using my artistic talents to share unique designs inspired by the world around me, particularly focusing on the empowerment of plus-size women through fashion. However, my recent experience with Etsy has highlighted some significant challenges that many creators face in the online marketplace.

The Launch of My Shop: A Dream in the Making

When I first opened my Etsy shop, DelciaSecretsArt, I was filled with excitement and hope. I had carefully crafted original artwork, including designs featuring popular themes and figures, such as my own inspired creations from being on adult platforms of me in various lingerie designs since that is what I am grant writing for to related to Madam President Kamala Harris American Flag created themed custom gown designs, to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. I spent lots of time and energy and am very proud of my creations. My goal was to create merchandise that resonated with fans. mine and others, while also expressing my artistic vision.

The Setback: Account Suspension

I have had two suspensions since I started my Etsy account. The last suspension they unlisted a picture of my hands, "Fire Start Hand Fetish," due to their "Violated Prohibited Items policy on Adult Nudity and Sexual Content." A dark-skinned plus-size African-American woman with manicured nails for sale in the color of Red Feirri should not have anyone upset. That is called stupidity and please find something else to do with your time productively. Especially when I can go up to the search bar, put in the word nudity, and way more than my manicured hands show up. I had a few pictures of me in original lingerie, but that was still more clothes on than the model who is featured in the drop-down from the site search any day.

Naked: https://www.etsy.com/search?q=naked&ref=search_bar

They created so much artificial man-made concocted hell I went and opened a shop on Amazon Merch on Demand, Redbubble, and TeeSpring.

Here’s a comparison of Etsy, Amazon, Redbubble, and Teespring (now known as Spring) regarding net worth, costs, marketing availability, design uploads, and unique features for sellers.

Etsy

♦ Net Worth: Approximately $5.82 billion (as of October 2024).

♦ Costs: $0.20 per listing, a 6.5% transaction fee, and payment processing fees (around 3% + $0.25 in the U.S.).

♦ Marketing Availability: Offers promotional tools like Etsy Ads and encourages social media marketing.

♦ Design Uploads: Yes, sellers can upload designs for various products, including art prints and apparel.

♦ Unique Features: Focuses on handmade, vintage, and unique goods, fostering a strong community among creators.

Amazon

♦ Net Worth: Approximately $1.980 trillion (as of October 2024).

♦ Costs: Individual sellers pay $0.99 per item sold; professional sellers incur a $39.99 monthly fee and referral fees that vary by category (6% to 45%).

♦ Marketing Availability: Provides tools for Amazon Advertising and benefits from its extensive logistics network.

♦ Design Uploads: Yes, especially through Amazon Merch for apparel.

♦ Unique Features: Offers vast customer reach and fulfillment options, making it suitable for a wide range of products.

Redbubble

♦ Net Worth: Estimated at $500 million (2023).

♦ Costs: No upfront costs; Redbubble takes a base price, and sellers set their own margins.

♦ Marketing Availability: Promotes products through the platform and social media; sellers can also use external marketing strategies.

♦ Design Uploads: Yes, for a variety of products like clothing and home decor.

♦ Unique Features: Focuses on original artwork, creating a community-driven environment for artists.

Teespring (Spring)

♦ Net Worth: Estimated at $100 million (2023).

♦ Costs: No upfront costs; sellers can create products for free, and Spring takes a base cost from each sale.

♦ Marketing Availability: Offers social media integration for easy promotion and a storefront feature.

♦ Design Uploads: Yes, for apparel and other merchandise.

♦ Unique Features: Strongly integrates with social media, making it ideal for creators and influencers.

Each platform offers unique opportunities for creators looking to sell their designs and merchandise. Etsy is excellent for handmade and vintage items, while Amazon provides massive reach for various products. Redbubble focuses on artist-driven designs, and Teespring offers easy integration with social media and fundraising capabilities. The choice of platform depends on individual goals, target audience, and the type of products being sold.

Etsy is excellent when it comes to marketing. Twenty cents to post is not too expensive. It does start to add up if you have flame merch and no sales. I had not posted to Etsy in a while. With the upcoming election. I decided to list merch for Kamala Harris. Also with, the Taylor Swift concert coming to Indianapolis, I was inspired to create an original gown, and put is on merchandise to sell.

To my dismay, I received an email from Etsy stating that several of my items had been delisted due to claims of being unauthorized replicas or copies. This was particularly disheartening because I created original artwork without using any logos or protected designs. I took great care to ensure that my designs were unique and reflective of my artistic voice. The message cited a violation of their prohibited items policy, leading to the suspension of my account on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 1:31 p.m. The last closing was Fri, Aug 2, 2024 at 10:18 AM. My shop was at 55 items for the longest.

At one time I had over 300 items, but when they did not sale. I did not renew them. The ones that did sell. They removed for "Violated Prohibited Items policy on Adult Nudity and Sexual Content."

Now, before I post up any items. I check out the site and snoop around to make sure I am in compliance with the environment and community in which I will be marketing and networking as far as community. I just do not blindly operate and post where I don't feel my artwork will not be welcomed or accepted.

There are other celebrities listed on the site. I made sure to review prior. Celebritites I looked up were Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Lizzo, Sexxy Red, and many more.

Taylor Swift: https://www.etsy.com/searchq=taylor+swift&ref=search_bar

Beyonce: https://www.etsy.com/search?q=Beyonce&ref=search_bar

Lizzo: https://www.etsy.com/search?q=lizzo&ref=search_bar

Sexyy Red: https://www.etsy.com/search?q=sexyy+red&ref=search_bar

Seeking Clarity and Justice

As I navigated the aftermath of this suspension, I couldn’t help but feel pissed. It seemed unjust that my original creations were being treated as counterfeits, especially when I observed numerous other sellers on the platform featuring similar merchandise without repercussions. This led me to question the fairness and consistency of Etsy's enforcement policies.

In my appeal, I emphasized that my designs were inspired by my passion and creativity, and I asked for a review of my account's history and the specific items in question. I argued that my artwork should not only be allowed but celebrated as part of the diverse tapestry of fan merchandise.

A Call for Equity in E-Commerce

This experience has opened my eyes to the broader issues of discrimination and representation in the fashion industry, particularly for plus-size African American women. I have encountered barriers not only in e-commerce platforms but also in the traditional fashion world. It’s disheartening to see how systemic inequalities can stifle creativity and limit opportunities for diverse artists.

My experience raises an important question: why do some sellers appear to operate with impunity while others face strict scrutiny? The inconsistencies in enforcement create a challenging environment for creators striving to establish their brands.

Moving Forward with Resilience

As I await Etsy's response to my appeal, I am determined to continue pursuing my passion for fashion and art. I have aspirations to create exquisite gowns that celebrate diversity and inclusivity. The journey of entrepreneurship is not easy, but I believe that sharing my story will empower others facing similar struggles.

If granted access back to my Etsy shop, I am committed to showcasing my original designs and advocating for fairness and transparency within the platform. This experience has solidified my belief that creativity should never be stifled and that every artist deserves a platform to share their unique voice.

Conclusion

While the challenges I faced with Etsy have been frustrating, they have only strengthened my resolve to create and inspire. I am passionate about crafting fashion that celebrates diversity and empowers individuals to embrace their uniqueness. As I continue to navigate the complexities of the e-commerce landscape, I remain hopeful that my story will resonate with others and contribute to a more inclusive future in the arts.

Delcia Secrets Art:

https://www.redbubble.com/people/denelsia/shop?asc=u