How Etsy Handles Shipping Labels
Etsy does not automatically provide shipping labels for sellers. Instead, the platform offers tools to help sellers purchase and print labels directly through their Etsy Shop Manager or the Etsy app. Sellers can also use third-party shipping services and print labels at home. The responsibility for obtaining a label falls on the seller, but Etsy integrates with several major carriers to simplify the process.
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Purchasing Labels Through Etsy
Sellers can buy shipping labels through Etsy's shipping portal, which connects with USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. The portal calculates rates based on package dimensions, weight, and destination. Once a label is purchased, it appears in the seller's order details and can be printed from any standard printer. Etsy also provides discounted shipping rates for sellers who use the platform's integrated shipping labels.
Steps to Purchase a Label
- Go to the Shop Manager and select the order.
- Choose 'Buy Label' and enter package details.
- Select a carrier and service level.
- Pay for the label through the Etsy payment system.
- Print the label and attach it to the package.
Using Third-Party Shipping Services
Sellers are not required to use Etsy's shipping portal. Many sellers prefer third-party services like Pirate Ship, Shippo, or EasyPost because they often offer lower rates or additional features such as batch label printing and address validation. Sellers can still fulfill Etsy orders using these external labels, provided they upload the tracking number to the Etsy order page so buyers can monitor delivery.
What Happens If a Label Is Not Purchased
If a seller does not purchase a label, the order remains unfulfilled. Etsy does not ship packages on behalf of sellers. The platform expects sellers to ship items within the processing time listed in their shop policy. Failure to do so can lead to order cancellation, negative reviews, or account intervention from Etsy support.
Free Labels for Certain Services
Etsy sometimes provides free shipping labels for specific promotions or when sellers use Etsy Payments and meet certain sales thresholds. Additionally, sellers who purchase Etsy Plus or Etsy Ads may receive occasional shipping credits that can be applied toward label purchases. These credits are applied at checkout when buying a label through the Etsy shipping portal.