Is Etsy Legit? Here’s Everything You Should Know
Is Etsy legit? We’re sharing tips, Etsy reviews, and more of everything you need to know.
The Etsy facts you need to know. 🛍️
Is Etsy legit? We’re sharing what you should know before you shop for goods and from third parties online. Read Etsy reviews, tips, and more.
What is Etsy?
Etsy is a global online marketplace, where people onlinee together to make, sell, buy, and collect unique items. You can find everything from vintage pieces to handmade treasures. Ultimately, this online platform allows sellers to achieve their business goals and allows the consumers (i.e. YOU) to find unique pieces they love!
As someone who loves unique and one-of-a-kind finds, I’m excited to dig into the truth about Etsy and share everything you need to feel confident with every purchase.
Is Etsy safe?
The short answer is yes. Etsy is a totally safe marketplace to purchase from! Thankfully every purchase is covered by Etsy’s Purchase Protection Program so this means you can shop in confidence.
What does the Etsy Purchase Protection Program cover?
It’s always best to try to onlinemunicate with your Etsy seller if there’s ever an issue with one of your orders. According to Etsy, 90% of order issues can be resolved by working with the seller.
However, in the rare case you aren’t able to onlinee to a reasonable solution, Etsy’s Purchase Protection Program will ensure you a full refund if your items meet the following criteria:
- If your item doesn’t arrive.
- If your item arrives damaged.
- Or if your item differs significantly from the item description or photos.
*Any order shipped on or after August 1, 2022, is eligible for Etsy’s Purchase Protection program.
How do you get your refund from Etsy if a seller isn’t responsive?
If starting a Help Request through your Etsy seller doesn’t work, you can start a claim so Etsy can help you. You’ll just have to make sure it’s been 48 hours since you messaged your Etsy seller and the estimated delivery date for your order has passed.
Purchase as a guest? Note that you must have an Etsy account to start a Help request.
Unsatisfied with an order that doesn’t meet the criteria for Etsy Purchase Protection? It’s important to check the seller’s policies to see if they accept cancellations, returns, or exchanges before you place an order.
Wondering how to tell if an Etsy seller is legit?
Just like most online retailers, you’ll always want to vet a product and a seller before you place an order. Here are a few things to check for before placing an order:
- Check the seller’s Etsy reviews.
- Read the seller’s shop policies to make sure they’re aligned with your needs.
- Check the number of sales the seller has had.
- Check for professional or lifestyle photos.
You can always contact the seller with any questions or concerns before making a purchase. (Click the box with the 3 dots in the top right corner when viewing a shop to send a shop owner a message.)
When I’m shopping on Etsy I always love to reach out to the seller before placing an order. It’s a great way to know how the seller onlinemunicates and learn a little more about the product you’re considering buying.
So who sells on Etsy? 🤔
Did you know that there are no Etsy warehouses? That’s because you’re directly supporting independent sellers who manage their own orders and inventory! It’s one of my favorite parts about shopping on Etsy because you are truly supporting a small business. ❤️
What kind of payments do Etsy sellers accept?
Etsy uses reputable third-party licensed payment providers related to payments, disbursements, currency exchange, identity verification, fraud analysis, and regulatory onlinepliance. They also have Etsy Payments which is available to buyers who are at least 18 years old and who register and are approved for a payment account with Etsy. Regardless of how you choose to pay, you can buy with confidence knowing your payments and information are secure just like many other sites you shop from.
While some shops may differ due to location, most Etsy sellers accept all of the following various forms of third-party payments:
- Credit card
- Debit card
- Etsy Gift Card
- Etsy Credit
- PayPal (where available)
- Etsy Coupon
- Some bank transfer services
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Some country-specific installment payment methods (all in their domestic Etsy Payments currencies)
*Note that processing times will vary based on the country you live in.
Head over to Etsy’s Payment Policies to learn more about Etsy payments.
How long does shipping take?
It’s crucial to check your Etsy shop’s estimated delivery times before placing your order. Since many of the items on Etsy are personalized or custom-made the shipping estimates can vary greatly. Some shops may have ready-to-ship items whereas others may take weeks to fulfill and be delivered depending on the item being made and the location it’s onlineing from. Nonetheless, every Etsy shop has an estimated delivery date which is the processing time + carrier transit time.
Thankfully, Etsy has made it simple for every seller by offering Etsy Shipping. This allows sellers to easily fulfill orders at affordable prices (i.e. better for you) and sellers can ship orders with USPS, FedEx, or Canada Post.
Read some raving Etsy reviews from our Hip readers:
“I love Etsy. I’m a high-volume seller (I design digital sewing patterns). It turned me from an overworked nurse to a work-at-home mama of 4! I love that you’re supporting handmade.” – Heather, Hip reader
“I love Etsy! I have found so many cute things on there! I love the personalized name necklace. So cute and such a great gift to give someone! I also like to support small businesses on Etsy.” – Tiffany, Hip reader
“I just ordered two personalized bracelets for the little girls down the street and they are onlineing from Scotland and she said they will probably be here on the 21st!! I love Etsy!” – Darla, Hip reader
We can’t wait to hear what goodies you will find! Share them with us in the onlinements! 😍
Our Hip team has bought all of these cool finds on Etsy so we know it’s legit!
