Post-Sale Success on Etsy

Learn how to optimize every stage of your post-sale journey on Etsy with practical tips for fulfilling orders, communicating with buyers, and streamlining shipping practices.

Congratulations on your recent sale! With every order, you step further into the exciting world of entrepreneurship on Etsy. To streamline your post-sale process and ensure customer satisfaction, it’s crucial to manage your orders effectively.

Effortlessly Manage Your Orders

After ringing in that delightful “ka-ching” from an Etsy sale, you’re immediately equipped with all the necessary information to fulfill the order. Notifications pop up both in the Etsy Seller app and via email—keep an eye out for these alerts from transaction@etsy.com and add this email to your contacts, so these emails don’t go to your spam folder.

To access and oversee your orders with ease:

  1. Head over to Etsy.com and click on the Your Account icon.
  2. Navigate to Shop Manager.
  3. Select Orders & Shipping.

As part of our commitment to streamlining your process, remember that by default, every shop lists New and Completed orders at the pinnacle of this page.

Etsy's Orders and Delivery Dashboard

How to Sort and Search Through Your Orders

To optimize order processing time, use the Sort by dropdown menu at your disposal:

  • Ship by date
  • Destination
  • Newest
  • Oldest

You can also search within your orders using:

  • Listing categories, titles, and variations
  • Buyer name, username, and email
  • Message from buyer
  • Custom orders
  • Coupon codes
  • Any notes you’ve associated with an order
  • Ship to name or address
  • Receipt ID
  • Transaction ID
  • SKU

How will I get paid?

After the excitement of a sale comes the practicality of payment. As an Etsy seller, it’s vital to understand how and when you’ll receive your hard-earned money. Payment methods may vary; here’s what to expect:

  • If you’ve set up Etsy Payments, your earnings will land in your Payment Account on Etsy—this is where most sellers will find their funds.
  • For those using PayPal, payments will be directly deposited into your PayPal account.
  • And for other payment methods such as checks or money orders, they will be sent to the mailing address associated with your shop.
Etsy's Payment Account Settings

Accessing Your Payment Account

To keep your shop’s financial health in check, visit your Payment account within the Shop Manager. This is where you can oversee your earnings, settle any dues, and organize the deposit schedule for funds from Etsy Payment sales. Stay ahead by checking out these strategies for streamlining shop finances and avoiding deposit delays.

For a detailed view of your finances:

  1. Log into Etsy.com and click on Shop Manager or tap More if you’re using the Etsy Seller app.
  2. Head over to Finances.
  3. Click on Payment account.

Discover more about receiving payments and managing finances by visiting our comprehensive guide on getting paid on Etsy.

Managing Inventory After a Sale

When an item sells out, it automatically vanishes from your virtual storefront. But if you’re stocked up and ready to sell more, simply renew or copy the listing to make it available once again.

Renewing Sold Items

If you’re ready to sell the same item again:

  1. Navigate through Shop Manager > Orders & Shipping.
  2. Next to the item title, click on the gear icon.
  3. Select Renew.

Bulk Renewal of Listings

To renew multiple sold-out listings at once:

  1. Go to Shop Manager > Listings.
  2. Apply the Sold-out filter found on the right side.
  3. Check all items you wish to relist and hit Renew, or make individual edits before reintroducing them to your storefront.

Remember, a renewed listing is treated as fresh inventory with an expiration date set four months from renewal—it’ll be visible just like any newly added or reactivated listing.

Hiding Sold Listings

You might prefer keeping past transactions private; here’s how:

  1. Proceed to Shop Manager > Settings > Options.
  2. At the bottom, locate the Sold Listings settings.

Once this setting is adjusted, buyers won’t have access to view sold items from your public shop page—though they remain visible for you behind the scenes.

Take Note: If you initially listed multiple quantities and still have items left after a sale, rest assured that the listing stays active in your shop. Brush up on strategies for listing higher quantities effectively—it could mean more sales without the extra work of relisting!

How do I contact the buyer?

A successful transaction doesn’t end at checkout; reaching out to buyers can enhance their shopping experience substantially. Whether it’s for sharing important order details or providing shipping updates, communication is key to maintaining customer satisfaction and building a loyal following. Here’s how you can keep in touch with your customers:

Contacting Buyers on Etsy's Orders and Delivery Page

To send a message to the buyer through Etsy:

  1. Visit Etsy.com and click on the Your Account icon.
  2. Proceed to your Shop Manager.
  3. Click on Orders & Shipping.
  4. Locate and select the order in question, then click on the buyer’s name at the top left of the order details.
  5. Hit Contact to initiate a new conversation or choose their email address to start an email communication from your preferred email client.

Remember, prompt and friendly communication not only helps avoid confusion but also demonstrates your commitment to customer service—further bolstering your shop’s reputation.

How do I ship and complete my order?

Once a customer places an order, it’s game time. Efficiently managing the shipping process is crucial for maintaining a positive reputation and keeping your customers happy. Fortunately, Etsy provides an array of tools to aid you in this endeavor. For those just starting out or needing a refresher, our Beginners Guide to Shipping is an invaluable resource.

Here’s how to mark an order as complete post-shipment:

  1. Log into Etsy.com and click the Your Account icon.
  2. Go to Shop Manager.
  3. Select Orders & Shipping; unshipped orders will appear under the Open tab.
  4. Click on the timer icon next to the shipped order, then hit Complete order.
  5. The order will now be moved to the Completed tab.

During this step, you have options: choose a Ship Date, write a Note to Buyer if desired, and provide tracking information along with shipping provider details if available. Learn more about completing orders here.

Please note that once you send out a Shipping Notification email, you cannot modify the completion status of an order.

For sellers in specific regions (US, Canada, UK, or Australia), there’s also convenience right at your fingertips—you can purchase and print shipping labels directly from Etsy:

When you buy through Etsy’s platform directly, it not only completes your order but also sends out a notification of shipment with all necessary details to your buyer automatically.

How buyers leave reviews of your items

The review system on Etsy plays a pivotal role in building trust with potential buyers—it showcases real feedback from those who’ve experienced your products first-hand. After their expected delivery date has passed, customers are invited to leave feedback in the form of 1-to-5-star ratings along with written comments that become public on your shop’s profile page. Keep in mind that reviews can only be left by shoppers who are signed into their own Etsy accounts.

View Your Shop Reviews on Etsy’s Sales Channel Settings

Reporting Inappropriate Reviews:

If you come across a review or visual content within a review that seems out of line with Etsy’s Buyer or Seller Policy, you have the option to report it directly on the platform. Simply select Report this review beneath the specific feedback on Etsy.com. Keep in mind that you can report a review up to 100 days after the estimated delivery date for that order. This timeframe ensures you have ample opportunity to address any issues.

Should you ever encounter a review that seems inappropriate or breaches Etsy’s guidelines, don’t hesitate—to report it straight away.

What Happens After Reporting?

Once you’ve reported a review, Etsy’s support team will conduct an investigation to determine if it violates their policies. If they find that the review adheres to Etsy’s guidelines, no further action will be taken. However, if there are issues with the review, Etsy will intervene and take appropriate steps to resolve them.

Engaging Privately with Customers Post-Review

There may be instances where direct communication with your buyer is necessary:

  1. Log into Etsy.com and open Shop Manager.
  2. Click on Orders & Shipping.
  3. Locate and select the mail icon next to the order associated with the review.
  4. Compose your message thoughtfully and hit Send.

When addressing negative reviews privately, aim for resolution—whether by understanding and rectifying any issues or by providing context and clarity where there may be confusion. A constructive dialogue often leads customers to reconsider their initial feedback, potentially resulting in an updated positive review. Dive deeper into understanding how reviews work within the ecosystem by checking out more about Etsy’s review system here.

Celebrating and Managing Your First Etsy Sale

Step 1: Express Gratitude with Prompt Communication

Your first sale is a milestone, so start by sending your buyer an Etsy Conversation to express your thanks. Should they have used a check or money order, reassure them that their item will be on its way once the payment clears. Timely communication not only shows appreciation but also demonstrates reliability and attentiveness as a seller.

Step 2: Create an Unforgettable Unboxing Experience

Etsy sellers often stand out for their attention to detail in packaging. Even if you’re just starting with limited supplies, a simple touch like wrapping the item in tissue paper adds charm. Include a handwritten thank-you note—craft one from any aesthetically pleasing paper scrap—and don’t forget to mention your shop name. Slip in a business card if available; it’s all about making those personal connections that lead to repeat business.

Step 3: Ship Your Order Promptly

Get the item into your buyer’s hands swiftly to make a lasting impression. Quick shipping is not only about efficiency; it reflects the dedication and service quality of your Etsy shop. A speedy delivery can enhance the overall customer experience, increasing the likelihood of returning customers.

Step 4: Update Order Status and Provide Shipping Details

Once shipped, update the order status on your Sold Orders page to reflect that the item is en route. If you have a tracking number, include it in the Shipping Notification—a feature that becomes available once you mark the item as shipped. This transparency helps build trust with your buyer by allowing them to follow their package’s journey.

Step 5: Encourage Buyer Feedback with a Gentle Nudge

While reviews are optional for buyers, they’re golden for sellers. Subtly prompt feedback by personalizing your Message to Buyers seen during checkout—remind them how their input is invaluable to you and invite any questions or concerns regarding their order. A sentence like “Your satisfaction means everything! If there’s anything you’d like to share about your purchase, I’d love to hear from you in a review.” can go a long way.

Remember, Etsy will also send out an automatic reminder email encouraging buyers to leave a review, supporting your efforts from behind the scenes.

Wrapping Up:

In conclusion, mastering the art of post-sale processes on Etsy is a journey that intertwines meticulous order management, personalized customer engagements, and strategic financial handling. From celebrating your first sale with a heartfelt thank-you message to ensuring swift delivery in beautifully curated packages, each step you take reinforces the trust and satisfaction of your customers.

Remember to maintain clear communication channels and respond promptly to inquiries; this showcases your dedication to excellent service. Keep a keen eye on both inventory management and financial oversight within your Shop Manager to stay ahead of the game.

When it comes to reviews—those invaluable gems that can elevate your shop’s standing—approach them with grace. Encourage feedback warmly and address any less-than-stellar reviews with professionalism and a solution-oriented mindset.

FAQ

How to Manage Your Post-Sale Workflow on Etsy with Ease
How do I efficiently manage my sold items on Etsy?
Efficiently managing your sold items on Etsy involves a combination of strategic inventory tracking, clear communication with buyers, prompt shipping, and updating the order status to complete. Utilize the tools provided by Etsy to automate parts of this process and always ensure you have a clear system in place for handling post-sale activities.
What happens after an item sells out on my Etsy shop?
Once an item sells out on your Etsy shop, it's automatically removed from your listings. If you have additional stock available, you can renew or copy the listing to make it available again in your shop. It's important to keep track of your inventory levels to maintain accurate listings.
How do I ensure I receive payment for my sales on Etsy?
To ensure you receive payments for sales on Etsy, set up a Payment account with the platform and decide which payment methods you'll accept. Payments are typically processed directly through your designated Payment account but can also be received via PayPal or mailed checks depending on the preferences set in your shop settings.
Can I purchase and print shipping labels directly through Etsy?
Yes, if you're located in the US, Canada, UK, or Australia, you can purchase and print shipping labels directly through Etsy. This service is integrated with major postal services like USPS, FedEx (US), Canada Post (Canada), Royal Mail and Evri (UK), and Australia Post (Australia) which helps streamline the order completion process.
How does the review system work for my products sold on Etsy?
Buyers can leave reviews of 1 to 5 stars along with written comments for items they've purchased from your store starting from their estimated delivery date onwards. Reviews are public and contribute significantly to building trust with potential customers. Make sure to deliver high-quality products combined with excellent customer service to encourage positive feedback.