How to Recover a Dead Etsy Listing
Revive dead Etsy listings with smart SEO, renewal timing, fresh photos and keywords that boost traffic, restore visibility and get your shop selling again.
I run an Etsy shop where everything is handmade, and I use my own original photos. One of my long-running best-selling listings was recently deactivated with a notice suggesting it might be mass-produced, even though it isn’t.
I’m not sure what Etsy typically needs to review in cases like this. Has anyone successfully had a listing reinstated after a mistaken policy flag, and what information should I provide to improve my chances?
Hi! Yes—people do get listings reinstated when Etsy flags them as “mass-produced,” but the appeal usually succeeds only when you give Etsy very clear, “process-level” proof that you made/designed it (not just pretty finished photos).
If your listing was removed under Etsy’s Creativity Standards, go to Shop Manager → Policy violations and open that listing. If you see View & appeal, submit the appeal there (it’s per-listing). In the appeal, Etsy typically wants to see how the item is made, step by step, plus who is involved in production.
What to include to improve your chances
A few common mistakes that weaken appeals
Quick “alignment” check before you submit
After you submit, Etsy typically emails a final decision after review. If you don’t see an appeal option for that listing, it usually means appeals aren’t available for that specific removal type in your account yet—then your best move is contacting Etsy Support and providing the same “process proof” in your message.
If you tell me what you sell and how it’s made (e.g., sewn goods, jewelry, printmaking, laser cut, 3D printed, etc.), I can suggest the most convincing 6–10 process shots/videos to upload for your specific production method.
Related questions
I sell made-to-order handmade items on Etsy and want to know if leaving a listing sold out for several days hurts search ranking, and what’s a better way to slow orders.
I’m seeing Etsy listing renewal fees charged after an item sells before the 4-month term ends. Is this normal for auto-renew, and should I use manual renew?
I sell digital templates on Etsy and want to switch a best-selling holiday digital download listing to a new season. Should I update it or create a new listing?
I run an Etsy shop and want to match listings to Etsy’s 2026 Color of the Year, but announcement photos vary. Is there an official hex code?
I started my Etsy shop in early September and have about nine listings. My conversion rate is 1.4%—is that normal for a new shop, and how can I improve it?
I sell digital downloads on Etsy and got a 3-star review because the buyer expected a translation. Will Etsy remove it, or should I move on?
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