So, I have been fairly busy with the ETSY store this week and it got me thinking . . . As I've said before, I use ETSY for inspiration, as do others. How do you feel about copying an idea and selling it yourself? I feel like if I were to see someone selling the EXACT same thing as mine, down to the tiniest details then I may be irked by it. But, if they just take the idea and change it and then make it their own, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have a problem with it. Is it wrong no matter what to use someone's idea? Because, let's face it . . . there are ZILLIONS of ETSY stores that sell tutus, hairbows, embroidered onesies, hand stamped silver jewelry, etc.
I would NEVER EVER want anyone to be upset by what I sell in my store and I would hope to never have to deal with that situation. so, what do you think?
I think it is very rare that someone comes up with something that NOONE has ever seen before!! As a matter of fact there is always companies that make "knock off" items that are almost identical to the original more expensive one..I don't think that's wrong...that's business!! I guess when you get into the selling business you have to make a name for yourself so that even though other people make the exact same thing...they come back to you...because they "know" you! I make crochet items...I certainly didn't come up with crochet hats...but I make them and sell them...as do alot of others! I guess what i'm saying is that I think it's ok to copy as long as you "made" the item yourself!
ReplyDeleteI have been in that same exact situation 2 times. The first "friend" copied EXACTLY and STOLE my name for the product right down to MY description! The second "friends" (sisters), copied multiple items I make and the feature that made MINE unique...copied that and said they found a tutorial for it online....riiiiight! I have no problem with "friends"....loosely said now!" making the same item and making it their own. Also copy an item, not almost EVERYTHING in my inventory!
ReplyDeleteI've been pondering this same idea because I'm thinking about doing an etsy shop as well. I sort of think there's nothing new under the sun and as long as you try to make your item unique and you're not deliberately copying anyone, go for it.
ReplyDeleteIf you use someone as inspiration, I think it would be nice to give them a bit of credit (ie-- I got this idea from Lisa at lisaisawesome.com). It's just nice online etiquette.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what I would do if I thought someone was copying me. It would be so hard to prove, and you're right, there are a lot of craft/tutu/cute etsy shops out there.
Good luck!
I've been wondering the same thing myself. I kinda feel like if someone has put a tutorial out here to show you how to make something and they don't say not to sell yours, then it should be fair game. I mean, what's the point of giving away your secrets? I guess it couldn't hurt to ask the person. Or at least credit them like Lisa said.
ReplyDeleteJust think about how many projects that Martha has published or broadcast, that people make themselves and then sell.
~ The Speckled Dog
I think it is okay to use someone's idea, cause like you said, there are zillions of stores. And I do beleive that more than one person can come up with the same idea. Use
ReplyDeleteI've pondered this too. I think that if you are using someone for "inspiration" it's fine as long as your product isn't exactly the same. With most of my inspirations I would still have to figure out how to make anyways, so in a way I'm still using my own creativity right? I mean fashion designers are inspired by other people and past fashions and don't reinvent the wheel every season. So it's gotta be okay.
ReplyDeleteFollowing you hope to have you come visit :)
ReplyDeleteI feel just the same! But I think taking inspiration from someone and making it your own is just fine. Isn't that what we are all doing on here anyways! I try to always give credit were credit is due. I know someone who's ideas have been used by someone else and NO acknowledgment of credit was EVER given. It's very sad. I love your shop BTW! I just "hearted" you. I always really enjoy your blog!! :)
ReplyDeleteI feel like it's so unprofessional when people try to sell knock-offs, but so far on Etsy I've mostly seen very unique, and true-to-themselves shops. At home I do take ideas from other people to make things I like, but I wouldnt sell it.
ReplyDeleteI love your shop! I neeeeed the daddy-comes-home countdown :D 60 days to go!