Guide to Managing Shipping Address Changes on Etsy

Learn how to handle shipping address changes on Etsy; from modifying addresses when purchasing labels, adding private notes, to cancelling orders.

Navigating through the intricacies of managing orders on Etsy can be a daunting task, especially for new sellers. One common scenario you may encounter is the need to change a buyer’s shipping address. This article will guide you through this process effectively and efficiently.

Please note: The ability to edit a buyer’s shipping address directly in the system is available only when purchasing a shipping label, an option accessible to sellers in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia. If this doesn’t apply to you, don’t worry! We have another solution outlined below.

How To Purchase Shipping Labels On Etsy

Before diving into how to change an address during label purchase, it might be useful for some sellers to understand how they can get their hands on these labels directly from Etsy. This method can save time spent at post offices and even offer certain postage discounts.

Purchasing and using shipping labels from Etsy also contributes positively towards your Star Seller shipping score - another reason why it’s an excellent option!

You can purchase labels from:

  • Australia Post
  • Canada Post
  • FedEx
  • Global Postal Shipping
  • USPS
  • Royal Mail & Evri

Here are the steps:

  1. Sign in to Etsy.com and navigate towards Shop Manager
  2. Proceed to Orders & Shipping
  3. Find your order that requires a shipping label.
  4. Click on the icon of a van to initiate your label purchase.
  5. Check if your address under Get shipping labels for is accurate; if not, select Edit.
  6. Confirm that the buyer’s address under Ship to on the right side of the page is correct; if it needs modification, click Edit.
  7. Fill out all necessary details under the Shipping information for the package.
  8. If shipping internationally, complete the customs form as well.
  9. Review your purchase and make sure to confirm the documents you’d like to print by selecting Customize options.
  10. Finally, select Purchase.

Once purchased, a shipping notification is sent to your buyer marking your order as complete! You can then print out your label and proceed with dispatching.

Changing Shipping Address During Label Purchase

If you’re located in one of the countries mentioned above where purchasing a shipping label feature is accessible, here’s how to alter your customer’s shipping address

  1. Look out for the Edit link close to your customer’s address during label purchase and click it.
  2. After modifying the information as needed, complete your transaction by clicking Purchase.

Remember: Any changes made will not be saved if you don’t finalize the purchase of your shipping label.

Adding Private Note

In regions where purchasing labels isn’t feasible or available yet due to Etsy platform restrictions, there’s another way! You can add a private note featuring updated address details right within each order overview screen - so it’s there when you prepare for dispatch!

Follow these steps:

  1. Log into Etsy.com and click on Shop Manager
  2. Navigate towards Orders & Shipping
  3. Select the relevant order number.
  4. Click on Add a private note.
  5. Key in the revised delivery address and hit Save.

Pro Tip: Always confirm these changes with your buyer through Etsy Messages to ensure accuracy. If there’s any uncertainty, consider canceling the order and request the buyer to place a new one with the correct address.

Add a Private Note on Etsy Shop Manager’s Orders and Deliver Settings

How To Cancel an Order On Etsy?

Sometimes, it may be necessary to cancel an order, whether due to buyer requests or inaccuracies in their shipping address. Here’s a quick walkthrough on how to do it:

  1. Navigate to your Shop Manager by signing into Etsy.com.
  2. Click on Orders & Shipping
  3. Proceed to access the Cancel an Order page via two methods:
    • For Desktop users: Select the three-dot icon next to the order you want to cancel and choose Cancel.
    • For both Desktop and Mobile users: In the Order Detail overlay, select More actions, then click on Cancel.
  4. Choose a reason for cancellation from the dropdown menu. You’ll see an automatic calculation of the refund amount due back to your customer.
  5. Write an optional message explaining why you’re cancelling in the text box below your buyer’s refund total.
  6. Click on Cancel order.

Please note: If your buyer paid through Etsy Payments, this procedure completes your part! However, if they used another payment method like PayPal, remember that you’ll need to process their refund using those respective platforms as well.

Etsy’s Cancellation Policy for Sellers

Addressing Shipping Issues: Etsy Seller Message Templates

Before Shipping:

1. Message for Change of Address Confirmation

"Hello (Buyer Name), We’ve received your request to change your shipping address. To ensure a smooth delivery process, could you please confirm if this is your correct address: (New Address)? Once confirmed, we’ll adjust it on our end. Thank you!

2. Message for Canceling and Reordering Due to Incorrect Shipping Address

"Hello (Buyer Name), Thanks for informing us about the change in your shipping details. To ensure both parties’ security, we’ve canceled and refunded your order. Please reorder immediately with the correct shipping address so as not to delay delivery.

After Shipping:

1. Message on How to Handle Wrong Shipped Address

“Hello (Buyer Name), I understand how frustrating this situation must be. I’ve checked the tracking number and it appears that USPS/FedEx/DHL has not yet delivered your package. Please reach out to them at their customer service hotline as soon as possible with the tracking number provided below so they can assist you in updating the delivery address details or redirecting its route accordingly: Tracking Number: 123456780987654321”

2. Offering Discount on Replacement Order

“Hello (Buyer Name), We understand that mistakes happen and we value your business with us! If you’re unable to retrieve the package sent to an incorrect address, kindly place a new order using this coupon code ‘SAVE10’ for a 10% discount on any items in our store including replacement orders of previously purchased products.”

Final Thoughts:

Navigating through the complex world of online selling can be challenging, especially when handling issues like changes in shipping addresses. However, with the right knowledge and tools at your disposal, it’s possible to turn these hurdles into an opportunity for excellent customer service. Whether you’re purchasing a shipping label or adding a private note on Etsy, each step you take contributes to building trust with your customers and ensuring smooth transactions. The ability to adapt and effectively manage such situations not only bolsters your reputation as a reliable seller but also enhances the overall buyer experience of your shop. So sail smoothly through your Etsy journey by keeping these tips handy!

FAQ

Etsy Seller's Guide: Managing Customer's Shipping Details Effectively
What do I do if a customer gives me an incorrect shipping address for their Etsy order?
If you haven't shipped the product yet, you can either make a note of the updated address shared by the customer or cancel and have them reorder with the correct details. If you've already shipped it, advise them to contact the carrier with tracking info to update delivery details or try retrieving it from that location.
What should I do if I cannot purchase a shipping label to change my buyer's address?
You can add a private note to the order with the new address details right within each order overview screen - it will be there when you prepare for dispatch!
A client made me aware of incorrect shipment details after placing an order but before dispatching it – what should I do?
In such cases, simply cancel and refund their initial order then ask them to promptly place another one with corrected shipment information.
Can I alter my buyer’s shipment details after dispatching their package?
Once an item has been dispatched, changing its destination becomes more challenging but not impossible. Share tracking information along with relevant carrier contact information with your customers so they can request changes directly from carriers.
How can I change a buyer's shipping address in Etsy?
You can change a buyer's shipping address when purchasing a shipping label. Simply follow the steps to purchase the label and click on the **Edit** link near their address. Finalize your edits by clicking **Purchase** to complete your transaction.