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Listing requirementsLast reviewed

Etsy Listing Requirements: Fields and Rules

In plain language

Every Etsy listing needs accurate information about what the item is, who made it and when. Inaccurate details, such as calling something handmade or vintage when it isn't, can get a listing removed.

Etsy's core listing requirements

Every listing needs accurate information in a set of required fields. Inaccurate or misleading listings can be removed, and repeated problems can affect your shop.

Who made it, what is it, when was it made

Items on Etsy fall into three groups:

  • Handmade: made or designed by you (production partners must be disclosed)
  • Vintage: at least 20 years old
  • Craft supplies: tools and materials for making things

Choose the right one for every listing. Getting it wrong on purpose is a policy violation.

Key fields

Title

Describes the item accurately, up to 140 characters. Don't use other people's trademarks.

Description

Covers materials, size, condition (for vintage) and other relevant details. No medical or misleading claims.

Photos

Photos must show the item you are actually selling.

Price

The price must be the real price. Don't show a "was" price that never applied.

Shipping

Processing times and shipping details must be accurate. Promising one-day dispatch with a three-week backlog misleads buyers.

Tags

Each listing can have up to 13 tags (Etsy doesn't accept more). Tags should:

  • Describe the item
  • Avoid other people's trademarks
  • Not be stuffed with unrelated keywords

Using different phrases across tags, rather than repeating one word, usually helps buyers find you.

Digital downloads

Digital listings must say exactly what the buyer receives: file format, number of files, dimensions, and any software or skills needed.

Do

  • Fill in every required field accurately
  • Use all 13 tags with relevant, varied phrases
  • Set processing times you can reliably meet
  • Choose the correct primary material
  • Include dimensions, weight and care instructions where relevant

Don't

  • Stuff titles with unrelated search terms
  • Use photos that don't show the actual item
  • Understate processing times to look faster
  • List items as vintage if they are less than 20 years old
  • Show a 'was' price that never applied

Common mistakes

  • Repeating the same word across several tags instead of using varied phrases
  • Using brand or character names as tags
  • Setting a short processing time and then regularly shipping late
  • Not updating listings when materials or details change

This is a summary, not legal advice. Etsy's official policy page is the authoritative source.

Read on Etsy
Back to the policy library

Check your listings against this policy.

Vetsy scans titles, descriptions and tags for patterns tied to Etsy's rules, and explains each risk in plain language.