Etsy Return Policy: Ultimate Guide By AdNabu

The Etsy return policy has been a mixed bag for Etsy merchants. In 2020, Etsy modified its Return policy and its shipping policy. The modifications were highly disputed. We’re now in 2023, and I’m here to help you navigate the twists and turns of the Etsy return process.

Etsy Return Policy: What Is Inside It?

It’s simple and lucrative to sell items on Etsy.com. It provides huge savings for customers. It gives the product maximum market exposure via its resources for sellers. What if we buy something that does not satisfy our needs? We have an Etsy return policy in place for situations like this.

The Etsy return policy allows customers to return or exchange products if they are dissatisfied with their purchase. This essay goes through the details of the website’s return policy.

What does Etsy’s return policy state?

When all factors are considered, Etsy’s return policy is rather intricate. The fact that deadline for consumers to return their goods is straightforward. You will have 180 days from the date you receive your order to return it.

The Etsy return policy is split into two categories: for buyers and for sellers. When purchasing from the website, there are a few things to consider.

For Buyers

If you’re a buyer on Etsy, follow these steps to return something to the site.

Log in to your Etsy account from the website or app.

• In the Your Account section, click You’ in the top right corner of the screen.
• Find Purchases and Reviews in it and click on it.
• To return or exchange an order, go to the “My Account” page and click on the “Contact the shop” button next to your order. If you’re using the app, it’ll appear after you click your order and scroll down.
• When you’re ready to cancel your order, send the seller an explanation and click “Send.”

When you’ve finished writing your message, hit the send button. The seller will receive a notification of your communication, allowing them to respond.

For Sellers

Of course, the product would not be returned to anybody. This category simply states that each vendor on the market will have its own Etsy refund policy.

The buyer may look at the seller’s Shipping and returns policy from the product listing page when purchasing anything on the website. This will allow consumers to inspect what conditions must be met before returning a product. If you have any queries about it, it’s advisable to tackle them with the vendor.

There may be cases when Etsy’s return policy does not correspond to another. As a result, it’s always better to verify the business’s policy before purchasing anything or an item.

How does the Etsy refund policy work?

After the issue has been resolved, Etsy will refund you if either the transaction is done using Etsy payments or the seller doesn’t qualify for Seller Protection Policy. If the case, the item isn’t as described, then the seller must refund the product cost along with the original shipping and return shipping costs.

It takes around 180 days for Etsy to process and refund your return from the transaction date, but if you had made the payment using PayPal, you will have to request your refund using PayPal only.

How to Set Up Your Etsy Return Policy

Obviously, you want all of your Etsy customers to like your products. But without offense, this may happen. You must point buyers to your return and exchange policy in such situations.

Your policy for returns and exchanges needs to cover the following:

• Whether you accept returns or exchanges: Some sellers do, but others don’t. Make it clear both in regularly listed items and bespoke pieces whether or not you accept returns. Some things, such as undergarments, swimwear, bath and beauty goods, personalized products, and the like, are simply not returnable.
• Under what circumstances returns or exchanges are permitted: You must double-check with your seller to ensure that they will accept returns or exchanges for any reason. The idea is that sellers want their clients to be happy, no matter what. Other merchants allow exchanges and returns only in particular situations, such as when the item does not fit correctly or when it was damaged during shipping.
• How long do customers have to return or exchange an item: If you do offer returns and exchanges, make it clear in the terms that customers have 1 week, 2 weeks, or 30 days to contact you with their issues and send their item back.
• Who pays to ship the item back to you: Do you cover shipping costs, or does the buyer?

It’s time to add your return and exchange plans to your Etsy Return Policy area once you’ve made your choice.

How to Set Up Your Return Policy

To set up your shop policies:

1. On Etsy.com, click Shop Manager.
2. Click the pencil icon next to your shop under Sales channels.
3. Scroll to the Shop Policies section.

Your Etsy return policies have several sections. Each section is a template, and you can select the options that you want for your shop.

You can’t use the Sell on Etsy app to add your shop’s policies. You may, however, modify your policies via the app after you’ve created them.

Click Publish shop policies when you’re ready to post your vendor terms.

What isn’t included in Etsy’s Return Policy?

Copyright & Intellectual Property Information

The information you’re searching for may be specific to an item, not a business. You have the option of including this data in your FAQs.

Sales tax

Etsy provides a tax calculation and display tool at Checkout to assist you to determine and show the correct tax rate to your customers. There’s no need to include this information in your terms, especially since tax rates vary based on the buyer’s location.

When can I edit my Etsy Return policy?

You may modify your Etsy return policy at any time. A timestamp will indicate the most recent change to your policies. Consumers who make a purchase will receive a printed version of your store rules as of the point of sale in their receipt email.

The 6 Sections of Etsy Return Policy

Etsy is an online marketplace for artisans that is popular with a crafty, largely female audience between the ages of 18 and 35. As a result, when drafting your Etsy shop rules, keep in mind the perspective of this crowd. They’re the most likely customers to visit (and buy from) your store.

1. Welcome: This is the place to make an opening statement, present your ideas, and add any other relevant information. A little imagination here may go a long way toward gaining attention.
2. Payment: Here, you can list the various payment options you accept. If relevant, include payment terms, deadlines, payment plans, tax rules, and cancellation requirements.
3. Shipping: In this section, describe your company’s various shipping options to deliver items to consumers. Upgraded delivery, international shipping, and address restrictions are just a few possibilities.
4. Refunds and Exchanges: This is where you should disclose whether you provide any refunds, exchanges, or make other special arrangements in certain cases.
5. Additional Policies and FAQ: This broad category is ideal for all sorts of supplementary information that doesn’t fit elsewhere.
6. Seller Information: A variety of general information such as seller names, business addresses, emails, and other optional details.

Avoid These Common Problems With Etsy Return Policy

Online shopping is something that everyone has experienced at some time or another. In the end, it’s understandable for customers to be cautious (at least at first) when trying a new store.

Because of this, using the Etsy Return policy is a wonderful approach to personalize (legitimize) your business. You’re considerably more likely to avoid misunderstandings by clearly defining how business is done. Furthermore, putting some effort into presentations can help a company become more humane and less impersonal.

The 5 Main Problems to Avoid

The top sections of your insurance policies are unquestionably the most essential ones to address. It’s critical to be thorough in describing situations and responses. Consider what questions you may be asked, considering the customer’s wants, issues, and concerns.

While you have much control over these rules, think about the following factors as you create your Etsy return policies.

This part is a series of concerns and queries, followed by Printify’s stance on the issue. There are also Etsy Return policy samples you may use. However, it may be better to customize them to address your store’s specific requirements.

It’s also very likely that, if an issue occurs, you’ll need to contact the support staff for them to assist. Here’s where you can find out how to interact with them.

1. Cancelations

• Do you accept cancelations?
• Does it matter if a customer doesn’t like a product after it has arrived? 
• If you do, is there a time limit? 
• If the order is a custom order, does this make a difference?

Etsy Cancelation Policy Template to Copy:

You can cancel an order at any time before anything is delivered. If you request a cancellation after something has been produced, money and time have already been spent. It’s doubtful that cancellation would be granted at this point.

2. Refunds

• Do you offer refunds?
• How long will it take to secure a refund for a customer that warrants one?
• Do you do partial refunds? Are there any conditions?
• What are the circumstances through which (damage to the product, an item is poorly made, etc.) you offer refunds?

Etsy Refund Policy Template to Copy:

If an order is damaged in transit, we’ll give a refund. This might include things like manufacturing omissions, packages with holes, or orders that arrive with visible damage. Please provide photo evidence of the item’s faulty state to obtain a refund.

3. Returns

• Do you require returns in certain situations? 
• Are there any conditions (like a time limit) on a buyer providing a return?
• Will the buyer have to return the item to receive a refund? 
• Does the customer have to pay for shipping on a return?
• What if a returned item is damaged?

Etsy Return Policy Template to Copy:

We do not require customers to return any items. Photo evidence will be sufficient for any discussion.

4. Shipping Issues

You can define the services used to deliver a product to a consumer’s home in this area. Here are some things to consider as you develop Etsy Return policies regarding shipping.

• How long will shipping take?
• Do you provide insurance against damage or non-delivery?
• Do you provide expedited shipping?
• Where are orders shipped from? What if I work with multiple print providers?
• Are any costs added to the final total when an item moves through customs?
• Where do you ship to? Just within the USA or internationally?
• Are tracking numbers provided?
• What happens if an item arrives damaged?

Hint: When it comes to purchasing items on Etsy, some consumers make mistakes. To prevent unpleasant confrontations, be sure to state how errors of this sort will be handled in your Etsy Return policies.

Etsy Shipping Policy Template to Copy:

After an item is sent, we have no control over what happens next. Shipping (particularly international orders) is influenced by various external factors, especially COVID-19. Please contact the shipping firm with your order number or use a tracking number or URL if you’d like to obtain information on your order.

5. When Customers Change Their Minds

It is a sad reality that consumers occasionally regret a purchase after spending their money. Unfortunately for print-on-demand firms, Etsy usually sides with the dissatisfied consumer. As a result, it’s vital to state your feelings on the situation in your Etsy Return policies.

Set up an ironclad Etsy Return Policy to protect yourself.

Etsy Buyer Remorse Policy Template to Copy:

We’ll work with you to discover a solution if an order comes in with manufacturing flaws, the wrong size, or other apparent mistakes. However, if a consumer decides against a purchase, it’s unlikely that a refund, exchange, or other unusual treatment will be given.

Frequently Asked Questions About Etsy Return Policy

How many days do we have to return the product?

You have 180 days from the date you received your product to return it.

What are the requirements to be able to open a case?

You’ll need to create an Etsy account if you don’t already have one.

When can you open a case?

You can either open a claim if you have purchased something and it has not been delivered. Or if the item is different from what was advertised.

How can we get a refund back?

If you used PayPal to make a payment, you’d have to seek your refund through PayPal. You may receive it in the manner you specified.

Summary

Etsy is a marketplace where sellers and consumers may resolve any difficulties among themselves. When the need arises, it also ensures that the transaction is fair.

The Etsy return policy allows customers to return or exchange products if they are dissatisfied with their purchase. This essay goes through all the details of the website’s return policy in detail.