Episode 93: The Etsy-sodes (part IV): When Were The Good Times?

When was the "golden era" of Etsy? In the final installment of the Etsy-sodes, we will be exploring many pivotal moments that changed the company's trajectory (and the lives of its sellers).  When did the good times end/the less good times begin?  We will try to figure that out!  We'll be covering the return (and bitter departure) of Rob Kalin, the manufacturing policy change, the IPO (and the subsequent lawsuit) and all the new fees and shipping polices.  And we'll break down why so many makers stay with Etsy despite all of these issues.

 And again, let's give a special, super grateful shout to our friend (and a previous guest), Christine of Lady Hogg Vintage for doing a bunch of research and sending us a ton of info! Thank you so much, Christine! She’s been selling on Etsy for a long time so she had a lot of experience and memories to share that really guided the process of writing this story!

Extra Credit Reading (there's so much for this episode)!

Etsybitch
Callin' Out On Etsy
"From Etsy to Sweatsy," April Winchell, Vice.
"How Etsy Alienated Its Crafters and Lost Its Soul," Grace Dobush, Wired.
"Creating Etsy's Handmade Marketplace," Teri Evans, The Wall Street Journal.
"Was Etsy too good to be true?" Kaitlyn Tiffany, Vox.
"Can Rob Kalin Scale Etsy?" Max Chafkin, Inc.
"Why Etsy's Future Depends on Redefining 'Handmade,'" Liz Stinson, Wired.
"Etsy Wants To Crochet Its Cake, And Eat It, Too," Amy Larocca, The Cut.
"Etsy’s Success Gives Rise to Problems of Credibility and Scale," Hiroko Tobuchi, The New York Times.
"Only Death Could Silence Etsy's Loudest Critic," Kevin Morris, The Daily Dot.
"Etsy Is Bleeding Money as Amazon Prepares to Attack,' Jenni Avins, Quartz.
"After Etsy, Scratching A Itch," Penelope Green, The New York Times. <---this is great if  you've been wondering what Rob Kalin has been doing since leaving Etsy.

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Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Caren Kinne Studio:  Located in Western Massachusetts, Caren specializes in handcrafted earrings from found, upcycled, and repurposed fabrics as well as other eco-friendly curios,  all with  a hint of nostalgia, a dollop of whimsy, a dash of color and 100% fun.  Caren is an artist/designer who believes the materials we use matter. See more on Instagram @carenkinnestudio

St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month. For the month of August, St. Evens is supporting the Women’s Prison Association, empowering women to redefine their lives in the face of injustice and incarceration. New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens.

Thumbprint is Detroit's only fair trade marketplace, located in the historic Eastern Market.  Our small business specializes in products handmade by empowered women in South Africa making a living wage creating things they love like hand painted candles and ceramics! We also carry a curated assortment of  sustainable/natural locally made goods. Thumbprint is a great gift destination for both the special people in your life and for yourself! Browse our online store at thumbprintdetroit.com and find us on instagram @thumbprintdetroit.

Country Feedback is a mom & pop record shop in Tarboro, North Carolina. They specialize in used rock, country, and soul and offer affordable vintage clothing and housewares. Do you have used records you want to sell? Country Feedback wants to buy them! Find us on Instagram @countryfeedbackvintageandvinyl or head downeast and visit our brick and mortar. All are welcome at this inclusive and family-friendly record shop in the country!

Selina Sanders, a social impact brand that specializes in up-cycled clothing, using only reclaimed, vintage or thrifted materials: from tea towels, linens, blankets and quilts.  Sustainably crafted in Los Angeles, each piece is designed to last in one's closet for generations to come.  Maximum Style; Minimal Carbon Footprint

Salt Hats:  purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Republica Unicornia Yarns: Hand-Dyed Yarn and notions for the color-obsessed. Made with love and some swearing in fabulous Atlanta, Georgia by Head Yarn Wench Kathleen. Get ready for rainbows with a side of Giving A Damn! Republica Unicornia is all about making your own magic using...