Hand Delivered Packages

[DaveSchmidtPhoto]

I missed Star Seller status as I did not have tracking info for a package that I personally delivered - and marked as such. Without a dispute mechanism and they flat out say they won't do anything when their system is flawed, seems like they just don't care. Any known workarounds?

[MikkiMadeDesigns]

Some sellers have stated that they put the date that they delivered the item in the tracking area...Not sure if that  works since it is not a valid tracking number. Another workaround that I have seen is that sellers will buy flat letter mail postage (through Etsy) to either mail a packing slip and/or a thank you note to the buyer. The letters come with valid tracking numbers. 

[ArtDollsbyJD]

Etsy does not want any information in the tracking number area that is not a tracking number.  It can disrupt the software.

[TBQSC]

Star Seller rules state all orders must have a valid tracking #. 

What if I offer local pick-up or delivery for my items? At this time, orders that don't have tracking because they are delivered or picked up in person will be considered shipped without tracking, and will not meet the Star Seller criteria for shipping. 

[BagmakerSupply · Accepted solution]

@DaveSchmidtPhoto: It is not a flaw but an intentional (although incorrect in the view of many sellers) choice by Etsy : https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360000338067-How-to-Offer-Local-Pickup-or-Delivery?segment=s...

[ArtDollsbyJD]

The system is not flawed.  The only way Etsy can know that you mailed the item is through tracking.  That is your protection against someone saying you never delivered.  Etsy has never been one for hand delivering.  Several years ago Etsy posted an article about hand delivering but they clearly are not supportive of it.

It is a risk you take.  You don't know the buyer.  You are spending your profit to get the item to them.  You do lose out on seller protection should anything happen unless you have signed receipts at the time of transfer, photographs, etc.  A receipt mailed later is just a tracking number for the mailed receipt and does not show the item was delivered.   If it is a buyer I know, I will hand deliver but I take it off of Etsy.  I remove the listing.   I make that choice.

Etsy has altered this over time but the information is good.  How to Offer Local Pickup or Delivery – Etsy Help

[DaveSchmidtPhoto]

I appreciate the response but to me (and many others) that is a flaw, one that has been brought up time and time again and Etsy does nothing to address it. They even admit as much in their statement 'At this time, we’re unable to make exceptions for local pickup orders.'

[BootifulLabels]

@DaveSchmidtPhoto 

I appreciate the response but to me (and many others) that is a flaw, one that has been brought up time and time again and Etsy does nothing to address it. 

I agree, but it really doesn't matter whether we think it is unfair or a flaw in the system.  Etsy has decided they will not encourage local pickup as a delivery option, simply because it is unverifiable by the automated system.  Any seller could claim the order was hand delivered, and any buyer could claim not received with nothing to prove otherwise.  Automated systems look for valid tracking numbers, full stop.  You can't provide one with in person delivery, and Etsy will not do manual verifications for the SS program, it is  quite clearly written into the rules. If we choose to offer in person deliveries in the interests of customer service, we do so in the knowledge that it WILL count against us for SS.  Unfair as it may be, it is still our choice.

[EightMileVintage]

I have a dormant 2nd shop. When someone asks me for local pick up, I move the listing there and send them the link for purchase. It's a pain but also a win win win - the buyer saves shipping, I get the sale and Etsy gets its fees. You need DaveSchmidtPhotoToo.

[RustyCrustyRepurpose]

Since USPS is recycling tracking #'s, do you think we can?  Just kidding.