What is the reasoning for not providing a location?

[Former_Member]

What is the reasoning for not providing a location for where your shop is located? As a buyer currently shopping for a gift that is available in several shops, I am finding myself turned off by cute shops that don't tell me anywhere where they are located.

Is there some reason I am unaware of that other sellers wouldn't provide this? (It makes me think they are all resellers, even though the paint jobs on the items look unique)

[bebbyjumpers]

If you read the listing info, towards the end of the page,you will see where the item ships from.

[Former_Member]

Some people simply don't know about the option to provide a locations, while some want to keep it private.
I have heard many people say they avoid adding their location because they live in an area that is known for reselling.
It doesn't concern me very much where people are selling from, but it would give a good indication for shipping time. You could always send them a private convo. You'll find out where they live as soon as you buy, so they shouldn't turn you away if you ask privately.

[heartsabustin]

There are some people who do not want you to know where they live, which is a little odd to me. I mean, when we send out packages, our address is right there. I have it here, but I don't allow that info on any of my social media.

And if you check where they ship from, that will tell you a lot.

[creativemind]

True, you can find it in the shipping info. But if I'm shopping, and don't see it on the main shop page, I'm probably not going to look much further, unless it's something I really, really love.

And doesn't that hurt yourshop if folks are using the "shop local" feature?

[Former_Member]

Good question - I can see not listing a location for the sake of privacy, but I can also see how it would be good to include for people when they want to know ship times, etc. It's all a matter of personal preference I think!

[QuirkyUniverse]

I think some people don't know about the feature and some are super private. I like showing where I live because I get a lot of buyers from Colorado. Several local shops, that I'm now selling in, have found me that way too.

[LovgrenandDaughter]

There was some talk about needing the privacy of a physical address because of ex's and stalkers. I would think that under these circumstances one might put up a general area like Rio Grande Valley TX or Capital District NY.

Sometimes people need to keep the info private for sake of their health and well-being. I would ask the vendor if you are concerned that lack of location implies deception. I would hope that it doesn't, and those who need it to remain private have very good private reasons to be extra careful.

K

[WilliamsGiftshop]

When I don't see a location, I don't buy.
So it doesn't sound like a smart business decision.
(Just like those sellers posting ten locations...)

Re what Kristin said: I use the nearest big town as my location.
I think it is important for buyers to know my country and for local buyers to know my region, but I don't like to share my 'actual address' publicly.

[ohmyclumsyheart]

I didn't have my precise location listed until very recently - all it stated was "Kent, United Kingdom." I've changed it but I saw neither an increase nor decrease in sales due to this.

Rarely do I come across a shop where NOTHING is stated.
And if it isn't you can work it out from the shipping costs.

x

[WilliamsGiftshop]

Sophie, yes, you can work it out, but it looks kind of sloppy, right?
I wouldn't trust the seller to be professional.

I often see shops with a blank location field.
Or shops that say 'Europe', or 'on a beautiful mountain', or something like that.

[Former_Member]

Same as What Bebby said. You can find the location of any shop by looking into where they ship from. There is no option in etsy to list an item without making clear where you ship the item from. Hope this helps.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the input everyone. I agree with BeaG that it just really bothers me when they say "The South" or "A room in my house"

[lippybrand]

It doesnt seem professional to me either. I know you can look at the shipping, but sometimes I dont want to have to do that.

[Former_Member]

Great question!

I joined as a buyer first, to check out my competition and to purchase handmade items. I was quickly turned off by shops who offered only a "city" name or "state". Mostly because I'd want to save a wee bit on shipping to buy from someone close to the Rockies.

I wonder if newbie's don't list their location for fear of being discovered through a Google search?

OR they don't list their shop city and state location because they drop ship from some where else in our world......which would mean, that they don't make their own products.

Its a mystery.

[Former_Member]

I never knew location can be such a big problem for customers...
I have my location listed, but as a supply shop, we ship from different locations in the US, is that OK?

[ScrapendipityDesigns]

I do the same as BeaG, I chose the largest city near me. i figure most people won't know the name of my small town anyway, but it still gives curious people an idea of where I am from. (Since I don't ship, wait times etc... aren't an issue for me).

Rachel

[PiecesofMeCardsnMore]

I've read here on the forums that some people are concerned about privacy issues. The way I see it, if you're selling online you're already sacrificing some form of privacy. Your buyer is going to see your full name and address the minute he/she purchases something from you.

I'm another one who'll hit the back button if I don't see a location unless I absolutely love an item from that shop. It just feels to me like the buyer is trying to hide something from me. I'd be happy if all they put was their state. Just give me a general location so I know what to expect for shipping times if I choose to buy from you.

[RadicalWorks]

Some people, like myself, are paranoid about providing their location.

However, I simply list "Louisiana" as my location.