Etsy Dropshipping WITHOUT Suspension.. Is it Possible? (2025)

Summary

This video discusses the reality of dropshipping on Etsy, revealing that success is not as simple as uploading a product and waiting for sales. It covers how Etsy detects dropshipping, including through image searches, customer complaints, and delivery times. The video also presents legitimate alternatives to dropshipping, such as branded dropshipping, working with other Etsy stores to market their products, print-on-demand, and third-party logistics. The creator shares insights on building a legitimate business and offers coaching for those looking to succeed on Etsy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Drop shipping on Etsy is not as simple as uploading a product and waiting for sales to roll in. It requires more effort and strategy.
• 😀 Etsy can easily identify drop shippers through image searches, as they use the same supplier photos available on platforms like AliExpress.
• 😀 Customer complaints about delayed shipping or foreign packaging are red flags that Etsy uses to identify drop shippers.
• 😀 Long delivery times are a common issue in drop shipping and often lead to negative reviews and Etsy suspensions.
• 😀 If Etsy suspends your shop, you may be able to appeal by providing proof that you have a hand in making or designing the products you sell.
• 😀 Branded drop shipping is a legitimate way to sell products on Etsy. It involves customizing products with your own design, in collaboration with the supplier.
• 😀 You can partner with other Etsy sellers to sell their products by improving their marketing, while they keep the original price and you keep the profit margin.
• 😀 Print on demand is another legitimate way to sell on Etsy. You design the products, and the supplier prints and ships them on demand.
• 😀 Third-party logistics (3PL) allows you to create products in bulk, store them in a warehouse, and ship them quickly, helping you build a real brand on Etsy.
• 😀 Unique print-on-demand products, such as custom jewelry or metal signs, can offer higher profits and a more distinctive niche on Etsy.
• 😀 Creativity and branding are crucial for building a successful Etsy business, even if you’re not manufacturing the products yourself.

Q & A

What is the main issue with the advice given for Etsy drop shipping?

The main issue is that many people are told to simply carry out niche research, find a winning product, upload it to Etsy, and wait for sales. This is an oversimplified view, as Etsy actively identifies drop shipping practices and there are various challenges involved in this model.

How does Etsy detect drop shipping on its platform?

Etsy can detect drop shipping by using image searches. If the images of products listed match those from other websites, such as AliExpress or Alibaba, Etsy can easily identify that the product is being drop shipped.

What is the problem with customer complaints in relation to Etsy drop shipping?

Customer complaints arise when buyers expect a product to come from a local source, like the USA or UK, but instead receive packages with Chinese writing or branding from the supplier. This miscommunication can result in complaints, which Etsy monitors to detect drop shipping.

How do delivery times affect Etsy drop shipping?

Etsy shoppers expect fast delivery, but in drop shipping, products often take 7-9 business days or longer to arrive. This delay, combined with poor product packaging or foreign labeling, can result in customer dissatisfaction and contribute to complaints.

What role do customer complaints play in Etsy suspensions?

Customer complaints about poor packaging, long shipping times, and unprofessional product delivery can serve as red flags to Etsy. If complaints accumulate, Etsy may suspend the shop, though it is possible to appeal a suspension with evidence proving the legitimacy of the business.

What is branded drop shipping, and how does it work on Etsy?

Branded drop shipping involves working directly with a supplier to add a custom design or branding to a product before it is sold. This allows you to sell a product that is not manufactured by you, as long as you can prove you played a role in designing or modifying the product.

How can an Etsy seller work with other Etsy shops to sell their products?

An Etsy seller can collaborate with another Etsy store by offering to market their products more effectively. The original shop keeps the full sale price, but the seller brings in additional traffic and sells the products at a higher price, keeping the profit margin.

What is print on demand drop shipping, and how does it differ from standard drop shipping?

Print on demand drop shipping is a business model where you create your own designs and have them printed on products (like t-shirts) by a third-party supplier. Unlike standard drop shipping, where you sell pre-made products, print on demand allows you to sell custom-designed items.

How can a seller move from drop shipping to third-party logistics (3PL)?

A seller can move to third-party logistics (3PL) by buying products in bulk from a manufacturer and sending them to a 3PL warehouse. The 3PL stores the products, handles packaging, and ships directly to customers. This model allows the seller to have more control over the product and offer faster shipping.

What are some unique print on demand products that could be sold on Etsy?

Unique print on demand products include custom metal signs or jewelry, which offer higher profit margins and stand out from the more common print on demand products like clothing. These bespoke items appeal to customers looking for something more personalized or niche.