NEW Etsy UPDATE: Watch This Before Using Mockups

Summary

The video discusses Etsy's updated image policy, clarifying the use of mockups in product listings, particularly for print-on-demand and personalized items. It explains that for items made with a production partner, mockups can be used as long as they represent the finished product accurately. For personalized items, Etsy allows mockups in supporting images but insists that the main image must showcase a finished, customized product without placeholder text. The video also tackles common confusion around these guidelines, providing examples of acceptable and unacceptable mockups, while assuring sellers that they don’t need to photograph every item themselves.

Takeaways

• 😀 Etsy clarified its image policy regarding mockups, stating that sellers can use third-party mockups for print-on-demand products as long as they accurately represent the finished product.
• 😀 Etsy's policy now emphasizes using original photos as the default, where sellers should showcase the actual, finished product they made, designed, or sourced.
• 😀 For print-on-demand products, Etsy allows mockups, but they should represent the final product and not include placeholder text such as 'your text here'.
• 😀 For personalized or customized items, Etsy requires the first image to show a finished, customized product, prohibiting the use of blank products or placeholder mockups.
• 😀 Personalized products like mugs must feature a real, finished item in the first image to help buyers visualize what they'll receive, and mockups can only be used as supporting images.
• 😀 Etsy's policy is intended to prevent confusion by ensuring customers can clearly see the actual product they'll be receiving, even if it's personalized.
• 😀 Sellers can use mockups for custom items, as long as they represent a finished product and not a blank item or a placeholder image.
• 😀 Etsy has clarified that using buyer review photos as listing images is permissible, as long as the buyer gives explicit permission.
• 😀 Etsy's updated image policy aims to create a consistent and understandable guideline for sellers, especially when dealing with production partners and personalized items.
• 😀 Etsy's interpretation of 'finished product' means any mockups used should display the actual product the buyer will receive, with customizations already applied, not placeholder text or generic images.

Q & A

What is Etsy's stance on using third-party mockups for product listings?

Etsy now allows the use of third-party mockups for print-on-demand products, as long as the mockups accurately represent the finished product. They must not contain placeholder text like 'Your Name Here'.

How has Etsy's policy on image use evolved with the recent update?

Etsy's updated image policy clarifies that sellers can use third-party mockups for items from production partners, as long as these mockups depict the final product. The policy aims to prevent the use of generic or placeholder mockups that do not represent the actual product.

What does Etsy require for personalized or customized items in product listings?

For personalized items, the first image must show a finished, customized product. It cannot be a blank item or a mockup with placeholder text. Additional mockups showing customization can be used as supporting images.

Can I use a mockup that says 'Your Text Here' for a custom item listing?

No, Etsy does not allow mockups with placeholder text such as 'Your Text Here' as the main image. The primary image must show the final product with the customization already applied.

Are placeholders allowed in supporting images for customized products?

Yes, placeholders can be used in supporting images as long as the main image features the finished, customized product. Etsy allows mockups in secondary images to illustrate the customization options.

What does Etsy mean by 'finished product' in the context of product listings?

The 'finished product' refers to the item as it will be received by the buyer, including any customization or final design. It must be shown clearly in the first image to avoid confusion.

What is Etsy's position on using buyer review photos for product listings?

Etsy permits the use of buyer review photos in product listings, provided the seller has obtained permission from the buyer to use their photo.

Do I need to photograph every product myself for my Etsy listings?

No, Etsy does not require sellers to photograph every product themselves. Sellers can use mockups, but the key is to ensure that the mockup accurately represents the finished product, especially for customized items.

How does Etsy differentiate between print-on-demand items and custom items in its image policy?

Etsy distinguishes between print-on-demand items and custom items by stating that for print-on-demand products, sellers can use mockups as long as they represent the final design. For custom items, the first image must show the actual customized product, not a blank or placeholder mockup.

Can I use a stock image for a print-on-demand product listing?

Yes, stock images can be used for print-on-demand products, as long as they showcase the actual finished product with the design that the buyer will receive.