Publication date: July 23, 2024
Reading time: 4 minutes
Known for its unique, handmade, and vintage items, Etsy’s latest effort to enhance the shopping experience, support its seller community, and increase overall transparency is the introduction of a new seller classification. This feature provides more detailed information about the origins of items listed on the platform. Here’s what Etsy sellers and buyers need to know about this new classification and how it benefits their Etsy experience.
What is the New Classification?
The new seller classification is an addition to the item listing details. Divided into four categories, the classification provides buyers with a clearer understanding of the item’s origins that they are purchasing. The four categories are:
- Made by a seller: Physical items crafted, altered, or assembled by a seller, by hand or using tools they own (e.g., a 3D printer or Cricut machine)
- Designed by a seller: Original designs by a seller (or seller-prompted AI art) offered as a digital download or produced/printed by a third-party
- Sourced by a seller: Items that enable buyer creativity, such as craft supplies, party decorations, and items buyers can personalize and print on demand
- Handpicked by a seller: Vintage items, items from nature, and certain collections of items selected/curated by a seller
(Etsy Staff. “How Etsy Is Protecting Creativity and Self-Expression.” Etsy Seller Handbook, 9 July 2024. Accessed 23 July 2024).
Etsy assigns each listed product in your Etsy shop one of these four categories automatically based upon the information you enter for the item. The more information you complete on the item listing, the more likely for correct categorization.
Why Did Etsy Introduce This Feature?
Etsy’s commitment to authenticity is a significant driver behind the new seller classification. By offering more detailed insights into the seller’s process, Etsy aims to:
- Increase Transparency: Buyers can make more informed purchasing decisions by understanding how an item was made or acquired.
- Support Sellers: By being categorized as “Made by Seller,” artisans and creators showcase their skills and the effort involved in their craft, potentially justifying higher price points.
- Enhance Trust: Greater transparency builds trust between buyers and sellers, fostering a more reliable marketplace.
How Does This Benefit Sellers?
Several advantages for Etsy sellers exist with the new seller classification categories, especially the “Made by Seller” category such as:
- Showcase Craftsmanship: Artisans highlight the unique aspects of their production process, distinguishing their items from mass-produced products.
- Justify Pricing: Detailed descriptions of the time, effort, and materials involved help to justify higher price points.
- Enhance Credibility: Transparency about the production process builds trust with buyers, leading to increased sales and repeat customers.
How Does This Benefit Buyers?
For Etsy buyers, the new classification enhances the shopping experience by allowing them to:
- Make Informed Decisions: Buyers can make more informed choices by understanding the origins and craftsmanship of the items they purchase.
- Support Artisans: By knowing how items are made, buyers know that they are supporting artisans whose values and techniques align with their own.
- Discover Unique Products: Detailed production descriptions help buyers find unique, high-quality items that stand out from generic alternatives.
What is the Benefit Overall?
Etsy’s new seller classification is a game-changer for both sellers and buyers. By promoting transparency and providing detailed insights into the products for sale, this feature enhances trust and supports the artisan community. Whether you’re an Etsy seller looking to showcase your craftsmanship or a buyer seeking unique, well-made products, the new categories assigned to every item is a valuable addition to the Etsy marketplace. Embrace this new feature to enhance your Etsy experience and support the thriving community of creators and shoppers.
To read more about this new addition to Etsy product listings, check out the article in Etsy’s Seller’s Handbook. Both eRank’s own Starla Moore and Pam Duthie have created videos explaining this new feature that can be viewed on Starla’s YouTube Channel or Pam’s YouTube Channel.