Etsy now provides sellers the flexibility to include weekends in their order processing times. This new feature aims to provide buyers with a more accurate estimate of when they can expect their packages, especially if you’re one who often prepares or ships orders during weekends. Let’s delve deeper into how this works.

Understanding Etsy’s Processing Times and “Ship by” Dates

Processing times and “ship by” dates are instrumental in managing your buyer’s expectations about when they’ll receive their items from your shop. When browsing for products, buyers can see the processing time under the Shipping and Return policies section on the listing page. The “ship by” date, on the other hand, only becomes visible after a purchase has been made.

For certain listings, customers may see an estimated delivery date instead of processing time. Please note that for custom orders, processing time also includes the period it takes to create the custom item. For ready-made items, it covers the time you need to package and bring them to your shipping service provider.

What is the Item’s Processing Time?

The processing time refers to how long you require to get an order prepared for shipment. It forms part of setting clear expectations with your buyers pre-purchase and helps ensure timely shipment of orders. The processing duration also influences when a buyer can open a case about their order or post a review about it.

How Does a “Ship By” Date Work?

The “ship by” date signifies when you aim to ship an order out to your buyer. This is typically calculated based on your longest set processing time.

Example: If your stated processing period for an item is 3-5 days, and someone purchases it on September 1st – then September 6th would be its corresponding “ship by” date.

If no explicit processing timeline is given for an item at checkout, there won’t be any displayed “ship-by” date either—this holds true even if other items within the same order have specified timelines.

Setting Up Processing Times

To establish clear expectations with your customers about when they should expect their orders, here’s how you set up your product’s processing time:

1. Sign in to Etsy.com.
2. Navigate through Shop Manager > Settings > Shipping Settings > Delivery Profiles.
3. Choose ‘Add profile’ or pick one you want to update.
4. Fill out the shipping profile details.
5. Under ‘Order Processing Schedule’, click ‘Edit’.
6. Indicate whether you process orders only from Monday through Friday or if Saturday/Sunday are included in your schedule.
7. Click ‘Update’ followed by choosing your desired processing time ranging between 1 business day up to 10 weeks from the dropdown list.
8. Finally, select ‘Create profile’.

The next step would be applying this shipping profile to respective listings:

1. In Shop Manager choose Listings
2. Find the desired listing
3. Select the gear icon & click Edit
4. Scroll down to the Shipping section
5. Choose the correct shipping profile
6. Select Publish

This method also applies if you need to edit existing processing times. Keep in mind that both “processing times” and “ship-by dates” are influenced by your established order schedule which could optionally consist of weekends as well.

Benefits of Shipping Faster Than Your Stated Processing Times

Speedy deliveries often translate into shorter estimated delivery periods which could attract more customers to buy from your shop!

You can even apply these faster actual timings into relevant profiles & settings within a few clicks:

1. Go to your Shop Manager.
2. Click on “Settings” and then select “Shipping settings.”
3. Then choose “Shipping profiles.”
4. If it’s your first time updating your shipping profiles, a popup window will appear giving you an opportunity to update.
5. Click on “Update all” if you want to apply your actual processing times across all of your listings. If you want to adjust individual listings, select ‘I’ll review on my own.’
6. After making changes, make sure to save them.

This ensures delivering realistic expectations every single time! Therefore—it’s crucial that ‘shipment completion’ matches the intended handover timeline towards the chosen carrier service provider.

Updating The “Ship By” Date For An Order

You’re allowed to alter the ‘ship-by’ date once per transaction—given original deadline hasn’t elapsed yet—and the customer agrees with the updated plan.

Steps include:

1. Sign-in to Etsy.com
2. Access Shop Manager > Orders & Shipping
3. Identify relevant transaction
4. Select …(ellipsis) icon > Update Ship By Date
5. Choose New Ship By Date (within three weeks of the original deadline)
6. Add an explanatory note to the customer regarding the change!
7. Select Update & Notify Buyer

Remember: Timely communication makes a world of difference between successful transactions and displeased clients! So why risk later?

What Happens If a Seller Dispatches an Item Late on Etsy?

According to Etsy’s guidelines, sellers should dispatch their orders promptly. Failing to do so can lead to several repercussions:

1. Buyers may file a case against the seller if they don’t receive their order.
2. Sellers are expected to provide valid proof of dispatch in such instances.
3. Late delivery can negatively affect the shop’s reputation and reviews, potentially impacting future sales.
4. Constant failure in meeting dispatch times could lead to additional actions from Etsy, including possible suspension of selling privileges.

In case an order fails to arrive—which is uncommon—you should be ready with valid proof of dispatch demonstrating that the item was indeed sent out and directed toward the address provided by the customer via the Etsy platform. In case a customer does not receive their order—they retain the right to file a case against the shop. Learn more about Etsy’s Case System here. Worry not! Sellers meeting requirements qualify for the Etsy Purchase Protection Program.

Understanding Etsy’s Estimated Delivery Dates

Estimated delivery dates serve as a projection of when your order should arrive. This date is generally calculated based on the processing time for your ordered items (the duration required by the seller to create and prepare them for shipment), combined with the transit time (the typical duration the package spends in transit with the shipping carrier).

How is it Calculated?

The formula to calculate estimated delivery dates is quite straightforward:

Processing Time + Carrier Transit Time = Estimated Delivery Date

For instance, if an item you purchased has a processing time of 3-5 days and the chosen shipping method usually takes 2-4 days, then your estimated delivery date would be 5-9 days from today. If a seller completes an order earlier than expected, this will prompt a recalculation of the estimated delivery date.

To check out your order’s estimated delivery date:

1. Click on Your Account icon.
2. Choose Purchases and reviews.
3. You’ll find the estimated delivery date, if available, next to your order.

Sellers who set up accurate estimated delivery dates often experience increased sales and reduced buyer confusion. Learn how to set up these estimates in your shop.

Why Isn’t There an Estimated Delivery Date For My Order?

Not all orders come with an estimated delivery date; it depends on shipping settings determined by sellers. However, rest assured that Etsy’s Purchase Protection program covers you if there are any issues with items not matching their description, arriving damaged or not arriving at all! Remember that clear communication between sellers and buyers can significantly improve overall shopping experiences!

Key Insights for Domestic and International Dispatching

Shipping in the United States:

1. How do I set up calculated shipping for my US-based Etsy shop?

To set up calculated shipping:

1. On Etsy.com, select Shop Manager.
2. Choose Settings.
3. Choose Shipping settings.
4. Select Edit next to an existing profile or Add a new profile.
5. Select Calculate them for me next to Shipping costs.
6. Enter the origin zip/postal code where you’ll ship from (shipping rates will be based on this)
7. Select a processing time.

2. How do I add size and weight information to my listings?

To add this information:

1. In Shop Manager choose Listings, then Quick Edit
2. Enter item weight next Item weight
3. Enter prepared but yet-to-be-packaged item size into Item size (when packed)
4. Exit quick edit

3. What are package preferences for Calculated Shipping?

Calculated shipping automatically calculates the smallest and cheapest package type based on selected mail class along with total order weight & dimensions. You can also set up custom package preferences that are used when purchasing a label.

4. Can I offer free shipping for my items?

Yes, while setting up your calculated shipping profile, there’s an option to offer free shipping. This could be a strategic move to attract more buyers as many shoppers filter their searches to show only items with free shipping.

Shipping Internationally:

1. How does international dispatching work using Etsy Postage Labels?

Using Etsy Postage Labels, international dispatching is streamlined, eliminating the confusion of buying the right international postage at the post office. When purchasing an international label, you supply the weight, value, and accurate customs description for each item in the order.

2. How can I manage delivery times when delivering internationally?

Delivery times can be impacted by longer distances and potential customs delays when delivering internationally. Adding information about your delivery carrier and mail classes for international destinations to your delivery profiles means that estimated delivery dates shown to shoppers will automatically reflect these factors.

3. Can I purchase delivery insurance for peace of mind against financial loss during international shipping?

Yes, purchasing delivery insurance offers protection against financial loss due to damaged or lost items during delivery. This makes it simple to issue a refund to your buyer if necessary. If you use Etsy Postage Labels, you have the option to purchase discounted USPS and FedEx parcel insurance through Shipsurance which includes coverage for damage and non-delivery.

4. Can I offer expedited delivery options during checkout for my international customers?

Yes! With Delivery Upgrades enabled in your shop settings under ‘Rates & upgrades’, you can provide buyers with multiple options like expedited or express deliveries during checkout depending on what services your chosen carrier provides internationally

Establishing a Reliable Delivery Policy

As an Etsy seller, it’s crucial to ensure the successful packaging and delivery of your items to buyers. Keep in mind that even if you employ a delivery or fulfillment service, the responsibility for ensuring orders reach buyers rests with you. By selling on Etsy, you commit to:

A. Providing an Accurate “Dispatched From” Address

This ensures that your customers have a clear understanding of where their orders are coming from.

B. Defining Your Postage Costs and Processing Times in Your Listings

Transparency about costs and timelines aids in maintaining buyer trust and satisfaction.

C. Prompt Dispatch of Items

Ideally, dispatch each item within 30 days of purchase unless specified otherwise in your processing time or agreed upon differently with the buyer through Messages.

D. Compliance with All Local and International Delivery and Customs Regulations

Understanding delivery and customs regulations can be challenging; fortunately, Etsy provides helpful articles on international shipping using USPS, Canada Post, Royal Mail, Evri, Australia Post, Global Postal Delivery, Shiprocket Delivery Partners, Yakit Delivery Partners, etc.

E. Dispatching Orders to The Address Listed on The Etsy Receipt

This guarantees that your shipments go exactly where your customers expect them.

F. Marking The Order as Dispatched When You Dispatch It

You can also use postage labels purchased on Etsy which automatically mark your order as dispatched (only mark an order as dispatched after it has been). This keeps both you and the buyer updated about the order status.

G. Charging Appropriate Amounts for Postage

Sellers based out of the US and Canada may leverage calculated postage for the automatic computation of postage costs.

Final Thoughts:

In conclusion, clear communication of processing times and "ship-by" dates is fundamental in managing buyer expectations and enhancing their shopping experience on Etsy. Including weekends in your processing schedule can provide more accurate delivery estimates for buyers. Regularly updating your processing times to reflect actual performance could further boost customer confidence and potentially increase sales. Lastly, remember that the ship-by date can be adjusted once with the buyer's agreement if needed.

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