Dear cherished customers and fellow yarn enthusiasts,
It is with mixed emotions that we announce our departure from Etsy. My Knotted Yarn Balls has proudly called Etsy home for many years, but recent challenges have led us to make the difficult decision to move our operations right here - to Myknottedyarnballs.com. We wanted to take a moment to explain why we've made this choice and share our excitement for the future.
Intellectual Property Woes: One of the core reasons behind our departure is the constant struggle with counterfeiters and copycats. Our unique designs, crafted with passion and dedication, were shamelessly imitated by others. These copycats flooded the market with lower quality versions of our beloved yarn bowls, diluting the essence of our hard work. Despite our efforts, Etsy's intellectual property protection fell short, leaving us disappointed and disheartened. Moreover, our customers were seeing lower quality products that imitated our unique vision; bowls that have sharp edges that shredded yarn; bowls that were small and not useful for skeins; bowls that had tool holders that were not precisely measured, tested, and actually used with real hooks, scissors, and needles. We also saw an influx of 3d printer enthusiats try to catch the wave of yarn bowl creation. As yarn addicts ourselves, we know what goes into a good yarn bowl and what doesn't. We didn't want to give these folks any more ideas.
Broader Vision: We have a vision to make MyKnottedYarnBalls a haven for yarn lovers; we want to provide tools for crocheters and knitters alike. Anyone who loves yarn like we do, we want to be the place they call home. Right now, yarn bowls are our thing. We love making them and love seeing you use them even more. In the future, we want to bring more crafting tools to the table that continue to represent the unique design and functionality that MyKnottedYarnBalls has introduced so far.
High Fees and Unwanted Advertisements: Etsy's fee structure proved to be unsustainable for our business. Not only were the fees exorbitant, but we were also subjected to involuntary advertising charges. Despite our objections, Etsy opted us into advertisements, leaving us with little control over our marketing budget. Moreover, incorrect delivery dates were promised by Etsy which caused confusion. We had no control there. This lack of autonomy hindered our ability to thrive on the platform.
Embracing Direct Connection: Transitioning to our own website allows us to foster a deeper connection with you, our valued customers. We are thrilled to offer real-time chat support, enabling more personalized assistance and fostering a sense of community. Additionally, local pickup options provide convenience for customers in our area while allowing us to pass on savings directly to you. Most importantly, our website serves as a platform to showcase your creations and celebrate your artistic endeavors – the heart and soul of My Knotted Yarn Balls.
As we bid farewell to Etsy, we embark on an exciting new chapter filled with possibilities. Our commitment to delivering exceptional craftsmanship and unparalleled customer service remains unwavering. We invite you to join us on this journey as we continue to knit together moments of joy and creativity.