Tracking and Insurance

[DabHands]

When shipping a package (in the US), do you automatically add on tracking and insurance? Or just tracking?

With most of my items I add tracking, but for some of the higher priced items, I also add insurance. Is there really any point to the insurance though?

What's your opinion on these 2 things?

[Former_Member]

I've never added tracking or insurance, but I'd love to hear the pros and cons of them!

[Former_Member]

I always add the tracking, but rarely the insurance unless it's a large or expensive order.

[Former_Member]

Hi, I'm only new to Etsy and am unsure about this too. I am in Ireland and am not sure what the best approach to overseas shipping is so I'll be interested in other responses!

[Former_Member]

I add tracking, mostly to protect myself. I've never dealt with insurance before, but I hear it is a long and arduous process. For my items, it would be easier to remake something than spend all the time and effort with the insurance. I think this depends on what you are making and selling. I've never had an issue with any shipping, but the tracking is nice to see that the item arrived, especially for buyers who don't leave feedback! It could also be useful at busy times of the year, when people want to know where their purchase is and if it will be arriving in time. I didn't do tracking for my first few sales, but read too many stories on their boards about difficult customers.

[CopperLeafStudios]

I use delivery confirmation, but self-insure. Meaning if anything happens, I repair/ replace the item on my own dime. Several years ago I had a corner of a large piece get damaged in transit. In order to file the claim, I would have had to turn over the entire piece of artwork to the PO. It was far less drama to repair it myself rather than get the money and have to remake the entire piece. So I don't bother paying for insurance anymore, since I wouldn't really use it anyway.

[Former_Member]

I stand corrected.....When I ship internationally I do add the insurance. It seems to help getting the item through customs a bit quicker and some countries won't let certain things through if the package is not insured.
Jewelry is often one of them.

[Former_Member]

Michelle mentioned something in an online lab regarding this that stuck with me. She suggests self-insuring as opposed to buying USPS insurance with each package. USPS insurance is about $1.50+, instead of doing that, put aside $1 with each package you ship. On the off chance that something goes missing, you have the money to refund them or replace the item. If nothing ever goes missing, you're not out anything. This might not be the best thing for large or super valuable items, but for most other items it is a pretty awesome system!

[Untwistedsister]

I am in USA. I use the delivery confirmation from USPS when shipping domestically. For both domestic and international I use InsurePost for insurance because postal insurance for non-delivery will not pay if your delivery confirmation says 'delivered' (whether it really was or not).

So far I haven't had to use it but I've shipped alot of items over $50 and to self insure by putting $1. aside each time I'd have to be selling 50 packages just to pay for that one lost one. For me, it's 'peace of mind' insurance.

[Former_Member]

I always use tracking - its nice to know when the package arrives. I have only used insurance once and that was recently and was for an expensive package. It's better to be safe than sorry.

[Former_Member]

I always use delivery confirmation. And I self-insure as well. My items are generally not that pricey & I'd rather remake or refund than go through placing a claim. In almost 2 years I've never had a problem with damages - I'd rather spend the money to bubble-wrap the daylights out of the item than insure it. I do keep enough funds available in case a replace/refund is necessary.

[Former_Member]

Always use delivery confirmation and use PayPal for postage - it's cheaper online.

Self insurance is the best way to go, IMO.

[Former_Member]

I used to live in the US and did some shipping then. I always asked for delivery confirmation - I built that fee into my shipping costs.

Now I'm in Canada, and shipping with tracking is pricey. I build self-insurance cost into the items I make and ship without it. Knock wood - no issues so far.