It's here, it's here! At long last, Alchemy's triumphant return!
In the historical sense, Alchemy is the pursuit of transforming common metals into valuable gold. In the Etsy sense, Alchemy is when a seller transforms a buyer’s creative ideas into tangible items. In short, it’s the magical process of custom orders!
Etsy’s founder, Robert Kalin, notes that "Alchemy lets people make something from nothing, seeing their ideas fabricated by artisans from all over the world." Sometime around 42BC, Horace, who coincidently was not a successful alchemist, said, “What we seek is either here or nowhere.” Surely, he had Etsy.com’s Alchemy in mind.
How it works:
Alchemy is a tool on Etsy where buyers can post requests for custom items. Sellers then bid on the opportunity to make the item and get the commission. This presents a unique opportunity for shoppers to work closely with a crafter or artisan to get the exact item they seek.
Here's what an open Alchemy Request looks like: 
Buyers can even make private requests to a specific seller within a shop.
Pictured below is a private request: 
However, in order to accept private requests through Alchemy, sellers must "opt in" by going to Your Etsy > Shop Appearance.
The main Alchemy page shows all the open requests from buyers that sellers can bid on. To get the ball rolling, Etsy admin have put in requests for items we've been craving. If you are interested in making one of the requested items, feel free to bid on a request and be one of the first participants in Alchemy. Buyers can use these Admin requests as examples of the information necessary for an Alchemy request.
Etsians can manage all the requests you've placed or accepted, along with private Alchemy requests in "Your Alchemy." See below:
We've added a new section for Alchemy to the Dos and Don'ts. Before participating in Alchemy, please read and familiarize yourself with these rules.
- Do use Alchemy to request custom handmade goods.
- Do communicate openly with the buyer/seller during all phases of the transaction via Conversations or email.
- Do follow through on the terms you agree to in your Alchemy transactions. This is a legally-binding sales agreement.
- Do refer to and abide by Etsy's Intellectual Property Policy regarding any intellectual property disputes.
- Do get permission from Etsy prior to creating items that use Etsy's marks (name, logo, etc). Please refer to the Etsy Trademark Program for more information.
- Don't use Alchemy to request Supply or Vintage items. At this time, Alchemy is for custom handmade items only.
- Don't use Alchemy to request a copycat or knock-off of an item listed on Etsy. Instead, submit a private request directly to the seller of the original item to inquire about a custom order.
- Don't infringe upon the intellectual property of others through Alchemy (some examples might include: using images in your request that don't belong to you, or creating works using trademarked or licensed characters). When in doubt, ask permission first. Check out the Copyright FAQ for more info.
- Don't complete a transaction off-Etsy once it has been initiated through Alchemy. This is fee avoidance.
- Don't use Alchemy as a classified ad space for things unrelated to Etsy (for example: employment opportunities, room rentals, free puppies, etc).
- Don't use Alchemy to request pornography, illegal items or anything that would otherwise violate Etsy's policies as stated in the Terms of Use or DOs & DON'Ts.
- Don't use Alchemy to trade items.
- Don't solicit free items through Alchemy requests (such as charitable donations, promotional materials, etc).
So go out and have fun with Etsy's newest tool, Alchemy! If you need help at any point in the Alchemy process, peruse our
Alchemy Help Guides. You should also check out our article on
Alchemy's best practices to get the most out of your Alchemy experience and keep the lines of communication between buyer and seller open.
Sellers, post in the comments below when you've opted-in and you have your Alchemy announcement up!
