Etsy from Asia: sweatshops?

ironkurtin

I really, really love the design of many clothing items on Etsy that originate in China, Thailand, etc. But I've been told they're sweatshops, which really takes the gloss off for me. Does anyone know more about this? Or about specific sellers? My goal in buying form Etsy is to support small independent crafters, after all. Thanks!

13 years ago

Shopping

5 replies

Latest reply was from lynne

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

Wow, really? I didn't know anything about this but i remember reading an article where Etsy takes a closer look at "suspicious" looking shops and makes them tell/show how they make what they are selling to confirm it's handmade...

not sure if that really helps with what you're asking. I love Etsy and when i spend my money there i'm really hoping to support individuals trying to make money doing what they love. I would hate to find out that's not the case.

But rest assured everyone - there are no sweatshops in my basement.

13 years ago

Bagaline

Active Member

When you have a look at the "sales history" of certain Etsy sellers, you have reasons to have doubts.

One specific example comes to mind: someone sold more than 4000 bags in one year - AND the same seller is on Artfire (another craft site) with similar sales.

I find it quite hard to believe that such an amount of bags are made by a small independent crafter.

13 years ago

Anonymous

I have done a little sleuthing about a couple shops I have been interested in/ordered from and I feel pretty confident that they aren't a sweatshop enterprise.

13 years ago

Kristin L

Veteran

I've wondered the same thing about some shops. I usually stick to shopping at shops where the person is in the North America or Europe.

13 years ago

lynne

Veteran

Good question. I just placed an order from a site I came across via another YLFer, and it doesn't look suspicious.

13 years ago

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