Drop off order instead of shipping

[DoodlingBugStudio]

My son sold his first item in his new shop. The costumer bought a vinyl record album. The buyer lives 20 minutes from our house. It would be easier just to drop off the item at the buyer's house instead of running around buying shipping items and standing in line at the post office. We are looking for advise for having accountable that the buyer received the item. Should my son have the buyer sign a receipt that he received the item?

Thank you for any advise.

[JBombardierJewelry]

I wouldn't go to his house. I'd go to a public place. I'd print out two receipts - one for you and one him - and have him sign both.

[DoodlingBugStudio]

Thank you, JBombardierJewelry. I appreciate your advise! This is a very helpful group.

[WoollyWoollyStudioUS]

I had the same issue and this is what etsy told me

My name is Jason and I'm the Shipping Support Specialist with Etsy. I'd be happy to help you with this order. 

You are more than welcome to hand deliver the order or have it picked up in person. 

Since the order was already placed, the buyer will have already been charged for shipipng on the order, so you can issue a partial refund of the shipipng.

Partial refunds can't be issued via the Sell on Etsy app at this time. To issue a partial refund for this order,  go to Shop Manager > Finances > Payment Account. Locate the order and click the "Issue a refund" link.

We'll debit your payment account to cover the refund. However, if you don’t have enough funds in your payment account, your credit card on file will be charged for the remainder due.

Once you issue the refund, Etsy will send you and the buyer a notification email. Your payment processing fees will be credited proportionately and applied to the refund amount. Your bill will show an adjusted transaction fee when the item cost is refunded.

Then, instead of purchasing a shipping label, you can manually mark the order as completed. 

You can mark an order as complete on your Orders & Shipping page by clicking the timer icon on the right side of the order row. Then, choose "Mark complete." 

You can select "Not Available" as the shipping provider and leave the tracking number blank. 

You can also use the "Note to [buyer]" field in the shipping notification overlay to let the buyer know that this only serves as an additional record of the receipt of their order and that no new merchandise has been sent, nor any new charges added to their account.

Learn more about Shipping Notifications here: https://www.etsy.com/help/article/374

[WildflowerArtbyJoyce]

This is helpful information for all of us.

[ShabbyCandleAntiques]

I just did the exact same thing.  A friend that lives in a nearby town purchased items from me, I refunded her shipping and marked it complete and then printed the receipt so that it would reflect the refunded shipping costs and show the final costs to her.

[PocketWatchPanda]

If it is a friend, it would be easier, if you knew they were going to order to just have them hold off ordering until you made a coupon for free shipping that expired the next day, after they paid.

[UniqueStuffBuyTommyG]

Bug .... I would recommend he meet in a public location. I personally deal with a guy and I meet him at a local antique mall. When the delivery is made do not go alone as there is safety in pairs .  Here in Canada there are many fraudsters that take advantage in certain situations. A receipt is a good idea to confirm delivery but you can document it after delivery completion. Time, place and who was present. Congrats to your son on his sale .. Peace and Many Blessings Always Tommy G

[BirthdayGiftStation]

https://www.etsy.com/listing/817965400/canvas-and-framed-set-of-3-inspirational?ref=shop_home_active...