Just Because It Is Retired, Does NOT Make It Vintage

I am so tired of sellers stating that something is vintage and selling it on places like Etsy, claiming the item is vintage just because the fabric or pattern is retired! RETIRED DOES NOT MEAN IT IS VINTAGE. The perfect example is Vera Bradley bags. Nice bags, beautiful fabrics, well made, useful, love them........ but just because the fabric or pattern is retired, does not make them vintage. There are so many sellers on Etsy right now, that list these bags, and don't take the time to research them, (or don't care)to see if they qualify as vintage. Etsy says vintage must be 20 years or older. Personally, I think that should be at least 25 or more even. According to Etsy rules ( which of course do not seem to be enforced), you cannot list an item as vintage unless it is at least 20 years old. That means, that retired Vera Bradley bag you are trying to sell that was from 2010 IS NOT VINTAGE. Nor, will it qualify as handmade, because you, the seller did not make it. I get it, why not, why not list it, because as stated before, Etsy really isn't enforcing their rules. They have even redefined the word "handmade". Personally, I think if it is made in a factory, by hand or not, it is not considered handmade to me. It is factory made. Stepping off of soap box, but before I do, just in case there is anyone out there, that does sell these Vera Bradley bags, and would actually like to educate themselves, and follow the rules, you can click here for the retired Vera Bradley line.