A few days ago etsy support was reached out to as to follow the protocol needed to still get credit with the star seller shipping/tracking on time when physically handing said order over in person. Anyway, after following their directions it didn't make a difference and the shop is negatively impacted as that order counted against obtaining the badge. When seeing that the 100% rating previously held dropped to under the 95% needed threshold; support was again reached out to. Even used the same thread so they could see the whole situation with the explanation of personal hand off. Anyway, long story short; it doesn't seem that any of the original info was looked at. And the info given instead was just that there wasn't a tracking number connected to it so credit wouldn't be given regardless. Then it was indicated how there isn't an ability to fix or manually adjust the score or badge anyway and to utilize this forum for further help. So, fingers crossed that someone can help alleviate this issue/frustration.
This information will help in the future for local delivery. Buy an Etsy stamp label, print out the order receipt for your item, and snail mail the letter to your buyer by the delivery deadline. You may also want to print a copy of the receipt for your buyer to sign in person that the item was received in good condition. I trust this will help in case of future sales.
nm, I forgot about the stamp option.
Local people I know buy from my website. Local people I don't know I ship.
Arranging local drop-off or pickup with a stranger takes time, and time is money. I don't find it worth it.
"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. "
https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/4403058372503-How-to-Become-a-Star-Seller?segment=selling