processing schedule dilemma

[ValeryAccessory]

Hello,

I'd like to address an issue with the processing schedule on Etsy, particularly regarding the preparation, packaging, and shipping options. There seems to be a significant challenge in the current system. While I can prepare an order on Saturdays or Sundays, I encounter difficulties finding a suitable shipping firm to dispatch my products during these days. Additionally, many companies only operate half of the day on weekends. Some intermediary shipment firms do not work on Saturdays at all, further complicating matters.

I believe it would be beneficial to separate the processing schedule into two distinct factors: 1. Prepare 2. Package 3. Ship. This separation is essential because some customers purchase gift boxes or specialized packaging, which may even cost more than the actual product. These packaging items can be listed separately, and it's important to distinguish them from the primary product. Therefore, providing flexibility in these three aspects is crucial, as it should not be the intermediary's ( ETSY) decision to bundle them together.

My ideal setup would allow me to select "prepare and package" for all seven days of the week, except for Saturdays and Sundays when it comes to shipment. This way, I can cater to various customer needs while managing my resources efficiently.

For instance, if I set a two-day preparation time and receive an order on a Saturday, the customer should be informed that the package will be shipped on Monday, provided I can confirm the shipment on Sunday. On the other hand, if the order comes in on a Friday, the customer would expect the package to be shipped on Sunday.

It's important to acknowledge that while some sellers may have the flexibility to ship packages on Sundays, it is a holiday in many parts of the world. Therefore, separating the preparation, packaging, and shipping options would greatly benefit both sellers and customers.

In summary, I strongly suggest that Etsy consider separating the options for preparing, packaging, and shipping to provide greater flexibility and cater to a wider range of seller needs and customer expectations.

Best Regards,

[CraftyCornishMaids]

just add a few days onto your processing times to cover it.

I only ship Tuesdays and Fridays, so always have 1-3 days processing time,

some days it goes the same day.

I don't worry about it, it's very simple to do, the more complicated it gets, the more room for error - especially with etsy

[AnniebelloPaper]

The Sat/Sun 'processing' is just another suggestion from Etsy ... just leave the weekend as is. If you can ship early, just do it. Nice surprise for the buyer but it's not on everything, only when you can.

[ValeryAccessory]

A shorter shipment time, which encompasses both processing time and the actual shipment of the package, tends to increase the likelihood of conversions. This is because buyers rely on the estimated delivery time when making their purchasing decisions. There is a strong correlation between shorter shipment times and higher conversion rates. In the world of e-commerce, surprises during the buying process are generally not desirable. Buyers prefer to have control over the delivery timeline and be well-informed about it.

[CraftyCornishMaids]

I have a lot of 5* reviews which include - "arrived sooner than expected",

I have never had a review less than 5*, because it arrived early.

under promise and over deliver is a good thing

[ValeryAccessory]

@CraftyCornishMaids

I didn't mean to say that faster shipments are not a good thing. What I'm getting at is that when you offer a shorter delivery time, you can see the customers who make purchases because of it, which is great. However, there will always be potential customers who choose not to buy due to longer delivery times, and unfortunately, we won't ever know about them. That's the key concern here.

I take pride in the high quality of my products. While early shipments may provide a pleasant element of surprise, I believe that my products speak for themselves and can stand on their own merit. I trust in their quality. I understand the benefits of offering faster shipping times, but I must also consider that my current standard shipment time already averages around 10 days for USA. I'm hesitant to extend this duration with processing time, as accuracy and reliability are crucial to me.

[AnniebelloPaper]

@ValeryAccessory I don't think a day or two in the processing /early shipping is going to make that much of an impact on buyer behaviour.

Etsy would like us to work 24/7 but most of us can't post 7 days. Even if your post office is open on a Sat/Sun, the post is just going to sit there until a weekday.

If I can get to my PO before 3pm on a Friday, it's on a plane or at least in the main distribution centre that night. If I post Saturday morning, there's no movement until Monday.

[ValeryAccessory]

@AnniebelloPaper

You mentioned that you don't believe ( think ) that a day or two in processing/early shipping will significantly affect buyer behavior. Your perspective is based on your experience, but it's important to consider that you can't directly experience situations where a conversion doesn't occur.

In such cases, it's not a matter of what we think; it's about what we don't know. My assumption is based on the observable correlation between early shipments and conversion rates. This is the extent of my perspective on the matter.

[CarpetCollectionAU]

@ValeryAccessory So you have a "perspective on the matter"?

If that is so, then manage your Shop accordingly,

Etsy provides the necessary  Tools and Systems for managing Processing and Shipping Timeframes. There is no need to add an extra step in the process.

When used intelligently, these Tools and Systems serve our purposes effectively

[ValeryAccessory]

@CarpetCollectionAU 

It seems like you're suggesting that the current system is somewhat rigid and absolute. However, it's essential to clarify that this discussion was not intended for you specifically but rather for Etsy's technical team. It's a conversation about a suggestion, and I acknowledge that I might miss some aspects.

Etsy's offerings should always be open to improvement, and this progress stems from the discussions and the evolving needs of both buyers and customers. While we're in this discussion, I feel that the recommendation to solely use what Etsy currently offers doesn't account for the potential benefits of flexibility.

I propose a level of flexibility in the system, which I believe is a smart move. After all, what happens in three months if Etsy decides to introduce options for more detailed modifications? At that point, saying that everything we need is already available might not be the most intelligent response. We should be open to adapting and embracing improvements as they come.

[VintageRescueSquad]

With any feature like processing times, etsy tends to (and I believe needs to) work for the majority of sellers. I would posit that the majority of sellers have ready-made (esp. vintage and supplies, and loads of handmade) that do not require separated processing times.

As stated above, for those that do need them, there already IS flexibility. You can also state in your listings (and other sections of your shop) that you only ship on certain days, or how long it takes to make the item. Look at all the custom furniture sellers or couture sellers. Others, when they are backed up during high-purchase holiday seasons state that their processing time is longer due to increased volume.

[ValeryAccessory]

You're correct. Etsy's customer and buyer interactions appear to be more accommodating compared to Amazon Handmade's offerings. Amazon's approach, particularly for international shipments, doesn't allow for the adjustment of transit times, making it less flexible.

In my case, I often engage with customers directly to provide them with necessary information. However, I acknowledge that not everyone may be receptive to reading detailed information. For certain product categories, it might be worth considering placing the shipment information in a more prominent position, perhaps in the second paragraph or elsewhere. This could enhance the overall shopping experience, but I'm still exploring the best approach.