Kate G
Are You Falling for Fake Handmade Products on Etsy? Here's How to Tell the Real Deal and Support Genuine Artisans!
If you’re shopping on Etsy or another online marketplace, make sure to read the product description carefully. Genuinely handmade products should have detailed descriptions that explain how the item was made, what materials were used, and/or any special care instructions. If the description is vague or doesn’t provide this information, it may be a sign that the product was not truly handmade.
Consistency is the key in most factors of our life - in the search of truly handmade products as well.
It is okay to see a shop that sells ceramic mugs to have a few ceramic bowls as well, or maybe a few small ceramic flower pots. But if a shop is selling a wide range of products in various materials, from embroidered pillows to ceramic bowls and through pet supplies and fancy metal sponge holders and drop earrings(!) You can be sure that it‘s not made or designed by a single person.
Last but not least, while a lot of sales is probably good for the shop, it might be a red flag for the buyer. Please check the total sales of the shop, in relation with the time they have been selling.
Something might look handmade, but how a single creator can sell 2000 items in a X-short-time of something that takes days to make by hand?
One of the hallmarks of handmade products is that they often have imperfections (that make them unique!) Look for some uneven stitching, a possible asymmetrical shape, and other small inconsistencies that indicate the product was crafted by hand rather than by a machine.
If every item in a shop looks identical or if every item looks just perfect, it may be a sign that they are mass-produced - or crafted by a machine.
Before making a purchase, take a few minutes to look at the seller’s profile and read their reviews.
If a seller has little to no information on their profile, no social media presence or many negative reviews, it may be a red flag.
Fun Fact about me: I got a 1-star review! And it made me an Etsy Star Seller ever since.
If you have any questions about the product or the seller’s process, don’t be afraid to ask! Genuine handmade sellers will be happy to answer any questions you have and provide more information about their products.
If a seller is unresponsive or gives vague or evasive answers, it may be a sign that they are not selling genuine handmade products.
Truly Handmade Leather Accessories made with love!
