My city had a lot of Etsy marketplace events and I'll pretty much only buy online from people who I've seen in person at one of those events. Even then, some tables are a little... suspect. I also follow a bunch I like on Instagram and see regular updates of what they're doing which gives a lot more trust. Kinda sad it takes all that these days. Side note about the market places: After the last one I went to, one of the creators posted about how they sold around $900 but the table cost $500. Looking back at how some tables were being passed over by everyone, or selling low-value items, it's brutal. I really wonder how many broke even. It must be a sea of crushed dreams out there.

> Even then, some tables are a little... suspect.

In what way? I mean if you got good enough tools it can be made Ikea straight, right?

In a "the vendor is selling the same rings/earrings fixtures as another vendor I've seen before" way. Specifically, I've seen amber jewelry imported from Poland sold by multiple vendors.

Ah I thought you meant the literal tables. It is probably easier to do a factory perfect table than earring.

I don't find it at all difficult to tell which are legit. If you can't tell and want to be sure, then message the seller and ask questions.

If it's difficult to tell, does it really matter?

It's difficult to tell when browsing. It's fairly obvious when the goods arrive.

If the appeal to shopping on Etsy is (like it is for me) that you're buying handmade goods from the individuals who make them (and paying a premium to do so), then yes -- it matters a ton.

Usually, when you buy things that are drop shipped they are also marked up a ridiculous amount.