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Story by
kfarrell,
TechUpdates
Published on March 12, 2008 in Etsy News |
Photo by RevolvingDork |
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).
Sellers, post in the comments below when you've opted-in and you have your Alchemy announcement up!
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Tags | Alchemy, site features, Tech Updates | |
44 comments Login to add your own!
PamperingBeki
Shutterkate
JessicaSharrah
kittygrrlz
syko
I'm in! So exciting! Can't go to sleep (yes, it is time in this part of the world)!
ayanacreations
bethbrown
PreciousMeshes
TrashedClothing
FrucciDesign
cool!
i have question:
Is there a way to sort out all the requests?
for example I make jewelry, so how can I look for jewlery requests?
soap
RevolvingDork
FrucciDesign, you can search through all alchemy listings using the search bar at the top of the page. :]
CharmStar
This is a little off topic, but that photo at the top of the page reminds me SO MUCH of Maniac Mansion - an old Nintendo game. I love it! Does anyone else remember that game?
FrucciDesign
thanx chris!
somethime when stuff is so big and right in front of me I can't see it!
Sorry!
ShopClementine
Question:
Will sellers who opt-in for private alchemy get some sort of notification when a customer makes a private alchemy request?
Or will we just have to keep on top of checking our alchemy page for new requests?
VerreEncore
BicycleOcean
YAY ALCHEMY! I remember whenever you were such a wee lass...
BicycleOcean
Also: Do we still get double feedback for filling Alchemy orders successfully?
XOHandworks
Cufflinks
TeaguesBeads
abitabite
Its been back for a hand full of hours anre already there are infridgements. Exactly what I expected.
bossybootsdesign
I love the idea but have some concerns about its implementation. As discussed in a forum tonight there is concern about the message that appears to buyers if my shop doesn't participate in Alchemy. The message implies that they need to convo me to buy something from my store rather than business as usual. I suspect that Etsy meant to say convo if you want a custom order but that's not how it appears. It's misleading to buyers and makes the shopping experience look difficult which is something no one wants. I feel forced to opt into Alchemy even though my shop already does custom work and have my own proceedures. Perhaps Etsy could reconsider the message for those not opting in or make the Alchemy button optional altogether. Thanks!
kfarrell
bossybootsdesign,
You can change the message that appears in your shop, even if you are not accepting private requests. Entering something in the "alchemy announcement" box will change it. You can see an example of this on my shop's alchemy page (I don't accept private requests currently)
bossybootsdesign
Thanks for the quick response. That's helpful but I think many sellers would prefer not to be forced to have negative announcement in their shop at all. The existence of the Alchemy button forces the issue on the seller. An optional button for those opting in would be ideal but I can see the headache for admin.. Does Alchemy override my existing custom work policies?
hobbledehoy
eek! Talent overdose :) I posted an Alchemy request and have received SO MANY FANTASTIC possibilities. It hurts in the best of ways.
krazykatedesigns
What a great new tool! before it was hectic trying to catch a bid situation in the forums. :)
terrain
I am thrilled to see this!
But not so thrilled that Alchemy is alreadly overflowing with requests for supplies when this article clearly states it is for handmade goods only.
Could there be some text added right next to the "add new request" button that says Alchemy is for handmade ONLY?
dharmadesigns
Vanessa
Alchemy doesn't override your own shop's custom policies. You can opt-out of doing Alchemy but continue to do your custom orders the way you've been doing em!
Galeana
BeaG
Too bad to see this lovely returned feature on its first day already cluttered up by rule breakers.
I wish Etsy would dedicate a team of staf members to the sole task of guarding the integrity of the site.
It is worth it!
Etsy has grown way to big for the flagging system and is rapidly loosing its wonderful reputation, as a result of all the rule breaking going one.
I love Etsy, but I believe it is about time for the owners to actively enforce its rules.
Thanks for reintroducing Alchemy!
BeaG
DesignsByBari
So exciting! Already made a request for handmade supplies and am working out details! Nice to be able to ask for what I was picturing....so much faster than trying to find it already made!
I will also take requests...here is my announcement:
"Do you like vintage buttons and findings? I have a billion vintage buttons that I would love to be able to make into a unique creation for you! Ask for anything and I will let you know if I am able to accomodate the request. I work in New York City and have access to an incredible store that sells vintage findings of all shapes and sizes, animals and symbols. I would be thrilled to have an excuse to shop there to find componants to make your piece a one of a kind WOW creation.
Beach Glass is another medium I love to work with. I have TON from a local beach and will keep collecting more as the weather gets nicer. If you would like a custom beach glass creation, please let me know.
Thank you and have a wonderful day, Bari"
Pumpkin12pm
I agree with BeaG - great update of the feature, but it already has a significant group of people asking for copyright or trademark violations and other forbidden items. Will the staff be policing and removing requests?
I REALLY love that there's now an alchemy system for each individual shop, even though I've turned mine off for now.
juniperberry
Mine is up and ready! yay!
but I echo many other's concerns...the no-nos need to be in BOLD type all over alchemy. I noticed the do and don'ts are at the very bottom of this article...
babyannequilts
breathofthedragon
This will be way cool, once words gets out that is it back... I'm new to it all, but my Alchemy page is up and ready to go. Should be interesting to learn as we go....
lpdesigns
w00t! haha. I actually said 'ahhh, alchemy's back!' No one in my family knew what that meant. I like the 'request custom item' button in the shop sidebars too.
I'm so excited!
nicoleleeartistry
I've opted in, put my Alchemy announcement in my shop, and I'm working on a post for my blog to explain and promote! I'm very excited about this tool! Thank you!
nullalux
Theriaca Fina is most pleased to create custom items just for you. Whether you have only a rough idea or all the specifics, our steampunk laboratory is at your disposal.
paintedkreations
lmdalton
gaily
Previous Page
cool! going to check this out!