How to Master Order Completion & Tracking on Etsy

Learn essential steps for managing order completion and tracking information for your Etsy shop

Providing an excellent customer service experience is a crucial part of being an Etsy seller. One effective way to achieve this is by keeping your buyers updated about the status of their shipments. When you purchase a shipping label or complete orders manually, it’s vital to set the ship date accurately as this informs when the buyer receives notification that their item is en route. Also, adding tracking information is mandatory for US sellers and contributes significantly towards earning the Star Seller Badge. This guide will walk you through how to add tracking and complete an order on Etsy, thus ensuring your customers are well-informed at every step.

How to Add Tracking and Complete an Order on Etsy.com

  1. Visit Etsy.com and navigate to Shop Manager > Orders & Shipping.
  2. Under the Open Orders tab, find the order you want to process.
  3. Click on the timer icon next to it, then choose “Complete Order”.
  4. Set a suitable Ship date (up to two days in advance). Note that a Shipping Notification won’t be sent until reaching this date.
  5. Optionally, add a personal message in the Note to Buyer section.
  6. Preview email notification via the Preview email option, if desired.
  7. Finally, click on Submit.
Etsy’s Shop Manager Order and Delivery Settings

Completing Orders Through Etsy Seller App

  1. Open your Orders tab in the app.
  2. The drop-down menu lists all pending orders; select the one you wish to process.
  3. Review order details and click Complete order.
  4. Input the tracking number or opt for ”This order doesn’t have tracking”, if applicable.
  5. Select your Shipping carrier from the dropdown menu.
  6. Set your Ship date (up to two days in advance).
  7. Optional: Add a personal note to the buyer and save it.
  8. If desired, agree to receive a copy of this notification by ticking the checkmark box.
  9. Finally, confirm by clicking on Complete Order.

When Is Tracking Not Required?

Not all shipments require tracking—exceptions include:

  • Digital Items
  • Customized add-ons linked to other orders
  • Non-shipped orders (local pickup/delivery)
  • Oversized and heavy items

If your item falls outside these categories but still doesn’t need tracking, you can specify that under the “This order doesn’t have tracking” field with a brief explanation.

Importance of Accurate Completion

Setting an accurate ship date is crucial—it determines when the buyer receives their transit notification and affects both Star Seller eligibility and Etsy Purchase Protection coverage.

Editing Tracking Number on an Order

To amend shipping details within three days of completion:

  1. Navigate to Shop Manager > Orders & Shipping > Completed Orders.
  2. Select the relevant order and click Edit tracking.
  3. Update the tracking number or shipping carrier, and hit Save.

For changes after three days, communicate the correct tracking number to your buyer through Etsy Messages and add it to your private order notes.

Adding Tracking Information After Completing an Order

To input tracking details post-completion:

  1. Go to Shop Manager > Orders & Shipping > Completed Orders.
  2. Select the relevant order and click on the … icon > Add a package.
  3. Adjust the ship date (if needed), add a note to the buyer, and then key in the new tracking number.

Following these steps will ensure you provide top-notch customer service, enhancing both satisfaction and trust among your buyers.

Understanding Etsy Tracking: Key Points Simplified

Navigating the world of package tracking on Etsy can be a bit confusing for sellers. Here are some simplified key points to understand:

  1. Etsy doesn’t mandate tracking: Sellers have the choice to include tracking information, but it’s not a requirement by Etsy.
  2. Tracking may incur additional costs: Depending on your shipping provider, including tracking might add to your shipping costs.
  3. Adding tracking is beneficial: Despite the potential extra cost, adding tracking can improve customer satisfaction and shield sellers from false delivery claims.
  4. No added workload for sellers: Including a tracking number on an order typically isn’t much more work for sellers—it’s usually part of the standardized labels provided by shipping companies.
  5. Without tracking, customer protection measures exist: If there’s no tracking available, customers can request refunds for non-delivered packages or communicate with sellers about shipment status.
  6. Transparency is crucial: Whether or not you decide to offer package tracking, always clearly state this in your storefront to manage customer expectations effectively.

Incorporating these insights into your operations could greatly enhance buyer satisfaction and protect you as a seller from any false claims regarding deliveries.

Essential Etsy Insights: Common Seller Questions Uncovered

Mastering Etsy Labels

Etsy’s Delivery Policy for Sellers

1. What does Etsy’s policy say about adding postage information?

According to Etsy’s Shipping Policy, sellers can purchase shipping labels directly from Etsy. The postage cost is calculated automatically based on the item’s weight, package dimensions, and shipping locations.

2. Can I purchase shipping labels for another country on Etsy?

According to Etsy’s Shipping Policy, Etsy sellers can buy shipping labels offered by USPS, FedEx, and Canada Post right from their Etsy shop. The availability of these services depends on the location of the shop.

Achieving Star Seller Status

1. How does adding tracking information relate to becoming a Star Seller?

As per Etsy’s guidelines, one of the criteria for earning a Star Seller badge is providing valid tracking information for at least 95% of orders placed in the US (where applicable). This helps to ensure that buyers are kept informed about their shipment’s status and enhances their overall buying experience.

2. What are some ways to maintain my Star Seller status?

Etsy’s guidelines suggest that adding tracking information, responding to messages within 24 hours and achieving a five-star review rating for at least 95% of reviews can help maintain your Star Seller status.

Etsy’s Star Seller Dashboard

Understanding Etsy’s Seller Protection Program

1. Can Etsy purchase protection apply if I add tracking information to my shipments?

Yes, indeed. According to Etsy’s Purchase Protection Program, having valid tracking can protect sellers against claims related to non-delivery of items. If the item was sent using a traceable shipping method and it shows that the order was delivered correctly, then this serves as proof in case of any disputes.

2. How does Etsy protect sellers in case of a dispute about an item not received by the buyer?

As per Etsy’s Purchase Protection Program, if you have proof of delivery with valid tracking showing that the item was delivered correctly, it serves as protection in case a buyer claims non-delivery. This means providing a tracking number is one way to protect yourself as a seller.

3. What happens if my package gets lost in transit even though I provided tracking information?

According to Etsy’s Purchase Protection policy, if you’ve used a traceable shipping method but it shows that the order wasn’t delivered correctly, reach out directly to your mail carrier for assistance or file an insurance claim if you insure the package.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, mastering the order completion and tracking process on Etsy is a crucial aspect of running a successful online shop. With this comprehensive guide, you can ensure accurate shipping dates, provide top-tier customer service with timely updates, and protect your reputation as an Etsy seller. Whether it’s manually adding tracking details or adjusting them post-completion, every step is instrumental in ensuring that your customers are satisfied and well-informed about their purchases.

Remember that providing an excellent buying experience doesn’t just end with making a sale but continues throughout the entire delivery process. Keep refining these processes to match your growing business needs and leverage these best practices to enhance customer satisfaction and potentially earn yourself a Star Seller badge!

FAQ

Guide to Completing Orders & Adding Tracking on Etsy
How can I add tracking information to my Etsy orders?
You can add tracking information to your Etsy orders either by purchasing shipping labels directly through Etsy, which automatically includes tracking, or adding tracking details manually if a shipping label was not purchased.
Is it mandatory to provide tracking for all Etsy orders?
While providing tracking enhances customer service and is required for U.S sellers when completing an order, it's not always obligatory. For instance, digital products including custom ones, customized additions linked with another order, unshipped orders due to local pickup/delivery, and oversized or heavy items do not require tracking.
What happens if I need to change the tracking number after completing an order on Etsy?
If you've completed an order with manual tracking information added, you have up to three days to make changes to the tracking number or shipping carrier. After three days have passed and changes are still required, you can directly message your buyer on Etsy with the correct tracking number.
Can I set a ship date that is in the future while completing my order on Etsy?
Yes! When completing an order on both Etsy.com and the Seller App, you can set a ship date up to two days ahead (based on Eastern Time). Your buyer will only receive a Shipping Notification once this date arrives.
How does proper completion of my orders affect my status as a seller?
Accurately setting your ship dates when completing your orders affects your eligibility for Star Seller status as well as qualifying for https://help.etsy.com/hc/articles/7471925990807-Etsy-s-Purchase-Protection-Program-?segment=selling. This can also impact your on-time delivery rate, which is crucial in providing excellent customer service and maintaining a good reputation as an Etsy seller.