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
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I repurposed an old Etsy listing by changing everything to a new product. Will this hurt Etsy SEO/search performance, or should I start a new listing?
I’m opening an Etsy shop for digital downloads and want to understand whether Etsy listing fees are per listing or per shop, and when they’re charged.
I listed a new handmade essential oil holder on Etsy, but it’s getting very few views. How can I diagnose whether SEO, photos, pricing, or demand is the issue?
I’m opening an Etsy shop for digital downloads and want to know what to set up first (SEO/tags, pricing, file delivery, policies) and mistakes to avoid.
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?
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