As part of our Handmade Code series, we’re bringing you news and how-to’s about the innovations emerging from the Etsy Developer Community. Located at developer.etsy.com, the Etsy Developer Community serves as a hub for third-party software developers who are making neat and helpful programs for Etsy shoppers and sellers. In this edition, Ian of EtsyHacks tells us all about his most popular application, Copy Listing.
There are many aspects of having your own Etsy shop that are fun, exciting and rewarding. Managing your shop is not one of them. When my wife, Sara, started her shop twolittlewrens on Etsy, she found this out quite quickly. Once she found it out, I also found it out, because she started making me manage her shop so she could get on with actually making things.
I realized that Etsy’s engineers probably had a to-do list of epic proportions, and any changes I might want would probably take time to appear. So, since my day job is in software engineering, I started building tools to help me avoid some of the drudgery until the features I wanted appeared on the site. (This backfired somewhat, since Sara announced that I could start packing orders in my newly-acquired spare time. Such is the life of the spouses of Etsy addicts.)
I started sharing my work on etsyhacks.com so that other Etsy sellers (and their long-suffering family members) could benefit too. There are now over thirty “Etsyhacks,” varying from the simple to the complex, but one of the most popular is “Copy Listing.”
Here I am with my daughter Evie, hard at work.
What’s the basic idea of the application? What need does it fill?
Lots of Etsy sellers sell variations on a theme. The majority of their listings are the same, with only a few tweaks here and there to account for different colors, patterns, and options. Currently, if you want to make a new listing based on an existing listing, you have to find a similar sold item, re-list it, and edit it to suit. This isn’t particularly useful if you’re starting a new product line, or if you don’t want to have to search back through your sold items to find the right item to re-list. What you need is a way to copy an existing, for-sale listing. The “Copy Listing” Etsyhack does that.
Where do we go to find it? What’s the URL, etc.?
You can download it at http://www.etsyhacks.com/greasemonkey/copy_listing/
Who is it for?
It’s for sellers who want to quickly list a number of similar items. Unfortunately, it’s only for people who use the Firefox web browser at the moment, because it uses the Greasemonkey add-on for Firefox. But the good news is that you can run Firefox as well as Internet Explorer, Safari, or any other web browser, and just use Firefox when you want to use “Copy Listing.” (I love Firefox. It’s a great web browser. You should try it even if you don’t want to use Etsyhacks.)
How do you use it?
First, you need to have Firefox installed. Then, install the Greasemonkey add-on. (Greasemonkey allows you to run programs — like the Etsyhacks — that modify web pages when you view them, adding extra useful features.) Installation instructions for those are at http://www.etsyhacks.com/greasemonkey/installing_greasemonkey.html
Before:
Then, in Firefox, go to the Copy Listing page and click on the orange “install” button. 
Greasemonkey will pop up a box asking you to confirm that you want to install the software. Once you’ve said “yes” to that, you can go to a listing in your shop and there will be a “Copy this item” link in the “Page tools” section of the listing page (in the right-hand column). Just click on that link and you’ll be taken to a “Create new listing” page with all of that listing’s information already filled in. Make your changes as you go through the listing process, and then click “Finished” and you’re all set.
After:
The one thing it doesn’t do is copy your photos, because that is rather hard to do. Hopefully you’re going to be uploading different photos anyway!
Are there any costs or further opportunities/ways to get involved?
Firefox and Greasemonkey are both free, provided by a community of developers for the benefit of all. The hacks are free, too — I’m of the opinion that people should be able to use these tools, even if their shops aren’t generating revenue yet.
Etsyhacks is supported by donations — people pay what they think is right, or what they can afford, if they want to, when they want to. Sellers can also “sponsor” a hack — paying a fee to have their shop featured on the hack’s page.
You can also contact me and suggest a hack you’d like to see. Not everything is possible, but I’ll do my best! Send me a message (just convo me at ehax).
What should one do if there’s a bug or a problem? Who should one contact?
Not Etsy! Because of the way the hacks work, it can look like a bug with a hack is a bug with Etsy. If you’re using any Etsyhacks, the first thing to do when you find a bug is to disable Greasemonkey (click on the monkey icon at the bottom right of your Firefox window — the monkey will go grey) and then reload the page. If the problem goes away, then it’s a problem with a hack, and you should send me a message (just convo me at ehax).
What’s one surprising/fun/amazing story you’ve heard about someone using your app? Or what is your favorite part about the app?
I often see forum posts and tweets from people who’ve saved themselves time and effort with the “Copy Listing” hack, or who had been putting off listing a new product line because it was going to take them hours. I like knowing I’ve helped people.
Are you using EtsyHacks? Post in the comments below!
178 comments
Sign in to add your ownOliveSomeday says:
haha that's a great photo of you and your daughter!! Start em young!
2 years ago
dennisanderson says:
very nice. Its always great to put a face to a name. Also, if you arent using Ehax with firefox, you are missing out.
2 years ago
FlanneryCrane says:
I have heard about Ehax, but now I plan to dig a little deeper. That daughter of yours is too cute! Thank you.
2 years ago
thehouseofhemp says:
this is a cool article. thank you. also... the shirt?! alright, where'd you get it, i want one.
2 years ago
Ciaffi says:
Wonderful work Ehax! We started to use these tools some month ago and we have to say it is a great help for us. Thank you very much!!!
2 years ago
missindie says:
I heart etsy hacks! :]
2 years ago
beautifulbridget says:
I love Etsyhacks!!
2 years ago
SundraSandrusi says:
Wonderful work Ehax!
2 years ago
bylynnkrestel says:
thanks ehax!!
2 years ago
vintagehomerecycled says:
Cool article, super cute dad and daughter picture, and the tools, oh the tools, etsyhacks is the best. Thank you for your brilliant creation.
2 years ago
AliBaliJewellery says:
brilliant work!! I can see you have a very able assistant too!! Such a cute photo...
2 years ago
staceyrebecca says:
Hooray!
2 years ago
kaylah7 says:
I love etsy hacks soooo much!!
2 years ago
thelostfound says:
Love etsyhacks! Thanks so much for your time and effort! LOVE THE PHOTO by the way!
2 years ago
redyellowandblueink says:
aaaaarg, this sounds great. I've got lots of those relist but with a slight tweak type listings lately. And I do the old open up extra tabs and copy paste drudge drudge type thing. So I am gonna check this out. Thanks. To Thehouseofhemp shirt inquiry-you mean the above grey Etsy one? I think etsy's own shop sells those...can anyone out there be more specifically helpful than I.
2 years ago
aimeesarmoire says:
hmmm... I think I'll have to try this out. How have I missed out on this???
2 years ago
rawfish says:
etsy hacks is the best!!!!!!!
2 years ago
KahiliCreations says:
I loooooove ehax. My glazed over-eyed husband thanks you profusely...
2 years ago
swanmountainsoaps says:
Thank you, thank you, thank you! And your daughter is absolutely adorable! ♥
2 years ago
abitabite says:
Ian... you are friggen awesome! (I had to go w/o my hacks for a couple of weeks while my laptop was broken, and i could barely use etsy without them)
2 years ago
BlueShoeStudio says:
Thank you!
2 years ago
workingforpeanuts says:
Thank-you ehacks! You are very nice!
2 years ago
cbartist says:
I'm really glad that someone's mind works this way!
2 years ago
dadadreams says:
I ♥ Etsy Hacks!
2 years ago
ElegantSnobbery says:
I heart Etsy Hacks!!
2 years ago
BeadsInTheBelfry says:
Ehax has saved my sanity on more than one occasion. Thank you Ian and great to put a face to your name. And what a cutie your daughter is!
2 years ago
zigzagstitches says:
I love etsyhacks. I use the Copy Listing constantly, and the Sold Items Plus saves SO much time when you need to search a sold item.
2 years ago
RaeGun says:
i love etsyhacks love love love
2 years ago
TheBrassHussy says:
I adore EtsyHacks too! Thanks for including my Lime Green earrings with this writeup!
2 years ago
embellishedlife says:
Yeah, man!Ian is the best!
2 years ago
smellyrhino says:
OMG! This is completely rockin! Thanks hackers!
2 years ago
EJPcreations says:
That man is a God send to to Etsy sellers everwhere. Hi wife is a lucky woman :)
2 years ago
HAREandDRUM says:
I love my Etsyhacks! Thank you!
2 years ago
metalicious says:
Wow, etsyhacks rock!
2 years ago
aBreathofFrenchair says:
I can not imagine Etsy without Etsyhacks! Thank you, Ian!
2 years ago
nakedpeggies says:
AWESOME! AWESOME! I have wanted an app like this for so long! Thanks for all your work! Brilliant!
2 years ago
raisinlike says:
I am a huge fan of Etsyhacks!!! You kick hacks!!
2 years ago
5gardenias says:
super etsyhacks!!! thanks ian and sara for bringing these bright ideas together!!
2 years ago
InuInspirations says:
I love etsyhacks! Thanks so much!!
2 years ago
pattihaskins says:
etsyhacks ROCKS!
2 years ago
sleepypillow says:
Thanks sooo much!
2 years ago
CutieDynamite says:
Not a day goes by that I don't use one of these hacks! I LOVE YOU!!
2 years ago
tartx says:
You so absolutely ROCK! Thank you!! Xo
2 years ago
TipsyTimeMachine says:
Wow, it's great to hear about etsy hacks. One of us is a programmer, so we'll be sure to check it out!
2 years ago
schOOLLOcker says:
It's no secret that I LOVE the hacks. Thank you, Ian!
2 years ago
iLuvKOSHi says:
Oh cool... I am getting ready to post my first items next week & am LOViNG all the info on The Storque. Super helpful. Rock & Roll! -jo
2 years ago
Starrbeads says:
I'm drooling.... no Firefox. Some days between my 2 stores I don't make much OOAK anymore. It's always: photos, hopeing for sun, HA!!!resizing, editing, writing listing, tags, Yikes!!! I even hate to type. WHY DON"T I have Firefox!!!!I'm finally jealous!!!!!! -Rachelle Starr
2 years ago
shirly says:
Great stuff! thank you so much!
2 years ago
Morado says:
Thanks for sharing the wonderful hacks!
2 years ago
dogties says:
We love Etsy Hacks... They make life so much easier! Thanks a million.
2 years ago
odiliafu says:
I need to try Etsy hacks. Thank you so much!!
2 years ago
visionquest says:
ich liebe Ehax! woot!
2 years ago
KOALACaddie says:
This is fabulous! It's going to save me a great deal of time. Many, many, many, many thanks!!!
2 years ago
phydeaux says:
Yay Etsy Hacks!!! This is the single most invaluable seller tool existing right now - the copy hack alone is worth its weight in gold! Go check it out immediately! Love the photo of Ian and his little one hard at work. :)
2 years ago
jessicaschuler says:
Love Etsy Hacks keep 'em coming!!!!
2 years ago
PuzzleBoBuzzles says:
So great! It's as if you were writing directly to me. This is exactly what I have been needing. Thanks!
2 years ago
KisforCalligraphy says:
Brilliant! Thank you to Etsy Hacks!
2 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Good article.
2 years ago
NatashaDesigns says:
Love Love Love :)
2 years ago
FluteTeacher says:
Interesting...I didn't know about this. Thanks for sharing.
2 years ago
TrilbyMade says:
good tips!
2 years ago
midnightcoiler says:
Sounds like a great tool for many sellers!
2 years ago
SalvageNation says:
Take some time and give this man a donation through paypal.. he works for us.. for free !
2 years ago
GoblinsMarket says:
Ian has saved me countless hours and maybe even carpal tunnel syndrome with his many, many useful hacks! Thank you, thank you! I hope everyone does take some time to show appreciation with a buck or two now and then. I know that I am able to be much more productive and profitable as a result of his volunteer labor.
2 years ago
sean11 says:
Ian's a machine. He creates some really useful tools. (And his daughter's no slouch either.)
2 years ago
gretchenmist says:
so great!! thanks for the article ~ am very happy to find these tools :)
2 years ago
VintageScraps says:
Love these awesome tools!
2 years ago
tjtunraveled says:
I can't believe I have been living without it for this long! Thanks for the informative article.
2 years ago
PipocaHandmade says:
Great application! Adorable daughter!
2 years ago
ArtMadeByTammy says:
Great info! Thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
PAINTINGSBYSAM says:
Brilliant!
2 years ago
JoDyer says:
Thanks for the tips :)
2 years ago
HazelMay says:
You seriously make my life easier every day. Thank you.
2 years ago
MyGrandmasAttic says:
So cool. It has helped so much.
2 years ago
Enuwbe says:
Etsy hack saves me SO much time! Thanks for sharing it with others, that I am sure will benefit from it!
2 years ago
steinschmuckdesign says:
Thank you ehax!
2 years ago
flapperdoodle says:
omg! This code has been a lifesaver for me, a LIFESAVER!! I list similar items almost every single day (and I am in charge of listing earrings in my mom's shop, also very similar) and now I don't dread having to list new items. YAY for etsyhacks!!!!!
2 years ago
chocolateandsteel says:
I've been using many etsyhacks for a while but was not aware of this one. How cool!
2 years ago
evihan says:
sooo cheerful:-)
2 years ago
Bunnys says:
Mmmm, that choclatie maternity t-shirt looks fabulous!!!
2 years ago
BelleMereBelleFille says:
This has answered a question that's been in my mind for a while now. 'How do I copy an existing item?' I'm trying this out for sure. Thanx hax!
2 years ago
sadiesez says:
Thanx for the info-- I had a real roundabout way of doing this before-- will def try it out! :)
2 years ago
mksupplies says:
Good article. We're huge fans of etsyhacks, and Ian is a really nice guy
2 years ago
BeadinBabe says:
Oh how I love Etsy Hacks! :)
2 years ago
MinceCo says:
this is exactly what I've been needing, beaudy mate!
2 years ago
michon says:
I love etsyhacks :)
2 years ago
tldgrainwear says:
ETSYHACKS RULES...and make our lives much easier! Thanks!
2 years ago
HoneysuckleLane says:
Haven't tried etsyhacks yet, but I'll be sure to check it out now. Great article!
2 years ago
novadesigns says:
ETSYHACKS makes my life so much easier. from the bottom of my heart. THANK YOU!!!
2 years ago
selflesh says:
RAD!
2 years ago
stitchesbyjulie says:
What a great and helpful tool! Bless you.
2 years ago
Karmacrochet says:
Oh yes, You are helping more that you can imagine! Thank you thank you thank you.
2 years ago
BeadworkGallery says:
You are a God among insects! Thank you so much.
2 years ago
26olivestreet says:
So so helpful! We heart you etsyhacks!
2 years ago
chiyi says:
Wow, this is amazing and so convenient!
2 years ago
LuttrellStudio says:
Awwe!! Love the shot of your daughter and you! I added this software the other day and just copied a listing for the first time! I love that you can do that and then edit for a similar item! Thanks for the fabulous tools!!
2 years ago
megalunostudio says:
Thank you so much! I'm just getting myself started on Etsy, but I'm blown away by the generosity and kindness of the whole community!
2 years ago
SomewhatHip says:
Wow, I had installed the upload multiple pics hack previously, but I just cruised the entire list of hacks... And I probably installed 70% of them! Thank you so much for the awesome tools, many of which I never even realized I wanted. These are going to make life on Etsy so much easier!!
2 years ago
wiccked says:
I'm a big fan of EtsyHacks, and now so are many of my team - DUST! It's awesome to see what Ian looks like :)
2 years ago
VintageZen says:
Thank You!!!! This will make everything so much easier!
2 years ago
themefragrance says:
Etsy Hacks saving my Etsy Life one hack at a time!
2 years ago
piddix says:
Love love love etsy hacks. Saving hours and hours and hours of time each week.
2 years ago
BethanyOgle says:
Wow! got to check it out.
2 years ago
soapsrus says:
Is this why everybody has like 300-400 views on their new listings, in one day? Im using explore browser and I'm really ill, that I can't use these hacks. :)
2 years ago
soapsrus says:
This is cheating...lol!!
2 years ago
soapsrus says:
ohh silly me, this is only for relisting...lol! So, what about all of these stores with 400-1000 views on todays listings? How do you all do it? hehe
2 years ago
codesign says:
Thanks so much for making this happen! I've wondered forever why Etsy never made it easy for seller to just make a template of the listing... I'm still new to my shop, so it hasn't been crazy for me. But to think of those who have multiple similar items in the hundreds... Thank you again!
2 years ago
msbelle says:
Love Etsy Hacks!
2 years ago
earthexpressions says:
Nice to meet you!! I would love to use those tools...
2 years ago
blythebydesign says:
thanks so much for this article! i've already downloaded many hacks and am sooo excited!! yay!
2 years ago
kittybblove says:
I use etsyhacks and LOVE it. Recently had to move to a new computer and after a day without the hacks I *had* to download them onto the new comp. Once you've experienced etsyhacks, you just can't do etsy any other way! :}
2 years ago
MartaWeaverJewelry says:
Gee THANKS!
2 years ago
blanketyblankblank says:
couldn't do it without ehax
2 years ago
jdbok says:
me too!
2 years ago
dollbabedesigns says:
This sounds like just what I need! Thank you!
2 years ago
shellieartist says:
yeah, awesome as others have said. I switched to Foxfire so I could use all your cool tools....thanks again we all appreciate it!
2 years ago
usnavyretiredvet says:
Thank you! I asked Etsy for a tool to copy listings about a year ago. It will save me a lot of time!
2 years ago
PawPawsWorkshop says:
Very good article
2 years ago
eternallyoung says:
thank you! i didn't know this was out there! i love it & will surely benefit from it )
2 years ago
tricia16 says:
Wow. There is a solution to almost every problem. Just takes the time to fint it. Thanks. I *heart* helpful husbands!
2 years ago
TheNightjar says:
fantastic- thanks to all those programming type people who understand how to help promote us artists!! yeah!
2 years ago
PaperDaisyDesignCo says:
Thank you!!! Mmmuuaaahhhh!!!
2 years ago
sakizome says:
Brilliant. Am going to get my husband to work!
2 years ago
spacejam says:
that's amazing!! Great job!
2 years ago
CrochetCandi says:
Great trick of the trade!! So glad to find out about this!
2 years ago
eveartdesign says:
I tried, it works! I love it! Thank you!
2 years ago
upup says:
this is so great. i just installed about 12 hours ago and am already reaping the benefits. later i get to try the copy listing feature. CAN'T WAIT! THANKS!!!
2 years ago
Rose442 says:
I will be looking further into this in a couple of weeks! Added into my favorites to remind myself! Thank's for this information.
2 years ago
craftymamadesigns says:
These are AWESOME!!! I was getting giddy installing them- woohoo :) Thank you so much!
2 years ago
hopeink says:
I love, love, love this! Thank you soooo much for making all of our Etsy lives easier :)
2 years ago
LastChantsStudio says:
Talk about reading my mind...since the page of the individual listing IS about the only place to be explanatory or wordy (and doesn't screw up our word counts on home page SEO ratings) it sure makes sense to do nice creative descriptions. And now to be able to reuse them quickly on a new listing....well, WOW! YABADABA! THANKS!
2 years ago
KnitKnit says:
Wow, thank you SO much! Just installed it, and can't wait to use it - you rock!
2 years ago
santokivintage says:
Ahh!! These hacks are the BEST! So helpful!
2 years ago
urbanheirlooms says:
So amazing! I finally decided to take the plunge today and install the hacks. Already I can see how convenient these are going to be. Thanks, Ian!
2 years ago
airportlovestory says:
The last line of your post tells it all - I'm looking to do something new and generic in every way except appearance, so thank you SO much for this! Bravo!! I want to know about everything like this you do. :)
2 years ago
southernladysvintage says:
Thanks!
2 years ago
craftyfolk says:
You are amazing, this is the generous gift I've gotten all year:) Danke.
2 years ago
kayceestudios says:
The hacks are awesome. Firefox is awesome. And I love my new little monkey friend! My favorite (after "copy" listing) is the ability to upload multiple photos at once. Pure drudge to have to do one at a time. You're awesome Ian!
2 years ago
ILoveYoYo says:
I am using at and it's great! Thanks for the tip!
2 years ago
MoniRose says:
sweet! I'm gonna have my linux hubby check into this for me :) I am glad that here on etsy crafters and hackers can happily live as one!
2 years ago
tekaandzoe says:
Were has Etsy Hacks Gone????...My hacks are not working and listing on etsy so time consuming and annoying with my hacks!! Help! Etsy..please we need our Hacks! Michelle
2 years ago
necklush says:
We just discovered your wonderful work and you have made our lives so much easier. you should be paid for this. we hope you are one day re-imbursed for all of the amazing things you have done here! Thank you!
2 years ago
colorsbyliza says:
Thank you sooo much! Gives me more time to do other tedious tasks! :)
2 years ago
CourtneyRoo21 says:
LOVE LOVE LOVE! So amazing. Thank you soo much! :D
2 years ago
Vanillabeana says:
I was wondering if using this hack to do the "item zoom" would add the zoom to your listing pictures so anyone could then zoom in on the photos, or if it would only allow me to zoom in on other people's photos? (if I used it could buyers use it on my products, or is it only used for me when I look at things?)
2 years ago
elemegibere says:
Thanks!
2 years ago
MetalAdornments says:
That's wonderful Thank you!
2 years ago
firecat says:
Fabulous, love them! I have been using the browser "Flock" cousin of Firefox, wonder if the scripts can be installed there. I was able to add on Grease Monkey. My deepest gratitude for these.
2 years ago
applechampagne says:
ian you're a godsend genius! the copy feature has saved us tons and tons of time and we can only be grateful that we found out about it so early into our etsy adventure! thanks so so much for being so generous with your work! =) =)
2 years ago
BucketBooks says:
Tried to download Firefox, but my computer says "File corrupted" I did not realize I have to be a computer genius to sell carda
2 years ago
TimeNLove42 says:
Wow, I like the photo of u and your daughter. also, i like your tee, do you have one for everyone in the family? lol! Well, i am new and I am so ready to start using this etsyhack. Thank you. By the way, I like your idea of helping the little guys (like me to start a business and may not have much cash to do so) Thank you. Donations are great! That way you are detaching yourself from $$$ problems. Thanks a million!
2 years ago
mystuffs says:
how smart she is:) like father like daughter!
1 year ago
MabelsMarvels says:
Have you considered how to add a place for a portfolio of all of a person's work to encourage requesting of custom items? I've tried to figure out how to do it, but so far I'm at a blank.
1 year ago
MabelsMarvels says:
Oh, also, what about a way for a customer to follow their order status.
1 year ago
pageantwearusa says:
Very helpful information, Thank you
1 year ago
armahndesigns says:
You are a life saver. I am going to download this immediately. Thanx
1 year ago
EurekaEureka says:
Is the copy hack not working? I LOVE LOVE LOVE all the hacks and have been using them forever it seems - but the copy one hasn't worked in ages. Am I doing something wrong?
1 year ago
infraredstudio says:
Thanks. Lots of goodies i didn't know about. - L.
1 year ago
BotanicalBead says:
Always helpful, yhanks!
1 year ago
cosmichippodesigns says:
Mission accomplished. Thanks for your brilliant expertise. If I find a bug I'll retract the word 'brilliant'. Have fun with your adorable daughter. Like the tee shirt, too!
1 year ago
decalsmurals says:
great tip! Thank You!
1 year ago
thebannerloft says:
Thank you very much! Wonderful article.
1 year ago
orglamix says:
Thank you Ian!
1 year ago
ikabags says:
I love my Etsyhacks! Thank you!
1 year ago
citizenobjects says:
so glad someone is more computer savvy than I am! Whew, you make etsian life so much easier! Hooray!
1 year ago
jjuvanteny says:
This is enormously helpful - I had been hoping for a bulk tagger and photo upload tools for so long - thank you so much!
1 year ago
puddlecraft says:
Wicked stuff Etsyhacks!
1 year ago
SaudadeStudio says:
Marvellous!!
1 year ago
BeadFrenZ says:
As of June 2010, ETSY Hacks has not updated anything. Many of us have been very dependent on some of these hacks and many of them no longer work. As Ian works at ETSY, maybe you could ask him about the updates and why the silence for the last 2 months... They are sorely missed.
1 year ago
megmcd423 says:
I can't wait to try this out!
1 year ago
chalknotes says:
With all this positive feedback, how can I not check it out? I'm all for saving time! Thanks Ehax!
1 year ago
ReenRose says:
Wow. I never knew about this! What a great thing! Thank you so much!
1 year ago
HandPaintedPetals says:
I've heard about Etsy hacks and copying listings, but it seemed complicated -- it wasn't! Get 'er done!! YAY -- thak you very much!
1 year ago
elemegibere says:
Wonderful!
1 year ago
dreadfulpines says:
Thanks this is very useful to my shop.
1 year ago