Star Seller: Local Pickup and I couldn't provide tracking numbers because product was not being ship

[paxpottery]

I am on track to lose my star seller next month because of a couple local pickup orders. I selected "local pickup" for shipping option.

Why in the world I am being penalized for this?

[NanaLetha]

Shipping with tracking is a requirement 

[PlatypusDream]

It's the way the Star Seller program works.  You have no proof of shipment.

If a "nice" customer picked up from you, they could go right back to Etsy and claim they never received the item and get a full refund because you have no proof you ever shipped the item.

"Dispatch on time, with tracking

Every order should include tracking.

Dispatch on time with a label from Etsy always counts towards Star Seller, and there are cheap options for First Class Flat envelopes.

If you combine orders, add the same tracking info to both."

https://www.etsy.com/starseller

[PrimFun]

If you are interested in the star seller, you need to ship all items with tracking in the US.  There is not exception for sellers in the US unlike other countries.

You lose seller protection by hand delivering.

You have no proof of having shipped the item.  Even a mailed receipt using Etsy labels is not proof the buyer got the item.  If you don't know the buyer, there is the risk that the buyer could claim not received and receive a refund.

Many see hand delivery as customer service but in the long run it  is a risk for the seller and really is not a cost savings to the buyer if having to drive to the location is involved.  

[dippeldiundscribble · Accepted solution]

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@paxpottery 

Why in the world I am being penalized for this?

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https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360000338067-How-to-Offer-Local-Pickup-or-Delivery?segment=s...

Will local pickup orders be part of my evaluation for a Star Seller badge?

All physical listing orders must include a valid tracking number or a shipping label purchased on Etsy to be considered for a Star Seller badge. At this time, we’re unable to make exceptions for local pickup orders.

[CoinRingMemories]

Since Etsy is going that route, one option is to not sell through Etsy when it's a local delivery or pickup.

[CoinRingMemories]

I had a local friend buy from me and they picked it up from me today. I thought that I was doing the honorable thing by completing the transaction through Etsy. There are obvious reasons to do so because of sales tax, credit cards etc. All things considered it's probably best to simply ship even to friends and family.

[YinVivoWeddings]

Sounds like they will try to get all shipping done through them. They're trying to compete with Amazon, Temu etc. Less independence, they get control of your biz and money or become a factory to please. Pick up was always an option for sellers. We always got a delivery order signed when the order is picked up (besides CCTV is there), sometimes customers pose for pics too.

[JJewellerySuppliesUK]

You have answered your own question.  If star seller requires tracking and you have none then you will be dinged.