Hi sellers,
Jake Hipps, Vice President of Global Fulfillment at Etsy here. A few weeks ago we shared some of the ways we’re working behind the scenes to make sure you get the support you need for your business during this important time of year. We know you’re busy gearing up for the peak gift-giving season so we're sharing some additional ways we’ll be supporting you over the holidays. We also want to answer some questions we’ve heard from the community.
Anticipating shipping delays
The influx of packages being shipped during the holidays can sometimes cause shipping delays with certain carriers. If we know a major carrier is experiencing delays, Etsy will update estimated delivery dates for those specific routes and locations to help shoppers get a more accurate estimate of when their order will arrive.
We plan to communicate delays to affected customers, letting them know packages may arrive late because shipping carriers—not Etsy sellers— are experiencing delays (due to weather or other issues).
Highlighting last minute gifting
We know a lot of shoppers wait until the last minute to get their gifts. While we plan to market Etsy to shoppers all throughout the holidays as the best destination for thoughtful gifts, we’re going to amplify items with faster delivery options and items expected to arrive by the holidays to shoppers in December more than we usually do. This way we can surface amazing finds that we know can get to shoppers in time for the holidays.
Here are a few things you can do to prepare now:
- If you know you have inventory you can ship sooner, shorten your processing times to appeal to these buyers (Plus: these types of ready-to-ship items are more likely to be featured in Etsy marketing in early and mid December).
- Offer shipping upgrades for last-minute shoppers.
Peace of mind with Etsy Purchase Protection
For qualifying orders, Etsy will refund buyers and you’ll keep your earnings if a buyer doesn’t receive their order, it arrives damaged (first instance per calendar year), or it arrives late. And this holiday season, we’re increasing coverage up to $500—double our current coverage of up to $250*. This means over 99% of orders will be covered if they meet the eligibility criteria, so even more sellers will keep their earnings in the unlikely event that something goes wrong with an order.
Giving shoppers the confidence they need
Knowing that gifts will arrive on time is critical for buyers when they’re deciding to make a purchase. That’s why this holiday season we’ll be more prominently marketing the benefits of Etsy Purchase Protection, including our guarantee that shoppers’ items will arrive on time or their money back. Because we believe that more confident buyers means more sales for you.
Buyers in the US will start to see “delivered on time, or your money back” messaging during this time as we promote the benefits of Etsy Purchase Protection in TV ads, email, and on Etsy.com. As long as you ship on time and meet the eligibility criteria outlined here, regardless of carrier delays, you’ll be covered by Etsy Purchase Protection if your order arrives late. So you can run your business knowing that we’ve got your back in the unlikely event that something goes wrong with a qualifying order, and shoppers will have the peace of mind knowing their gifts will arrive when promised—it’s a win-win.
Here’s to a great holiday season!
The entire team at Etsy wishes you nothing but the best this holiday season and beyond. You can get support around the clock in our Help Center, including 24/7 live support for most topics in the Etsy Help Center.
*Qualifying orders based on criteria outlined as part of Etsy’s Purchase Protection program. Orders placed from November 1 at 12 a.m. EST through December 31, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. EST that are up to $500 and meet all other eligibility criteria will qualify for Etsy to cover the cost of refunds if a buyer doesn’t receive their order, it arrives damaged, or it doesn’t arrive within the seller’s estimated delivery dates.
