Wednesday 22 October 2014

HEADACHE-FREE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING ON ETSY

I'm an avid buyer on Etsy, and luckily, I've never had any major issues with a seller. If you're not an experienced buyer, here are a few tips to ensure smooth sailing...

Start early
The earlier, the better. Etsy sellers can be inundated with orders during the Christmas period, and most do not hold stock –or very little of it– so it will take time for them to make your item and ship it to you. Additionally, international postage can be quite slow between October and December, so get organised.

Read all the info
This may sound obvious, but don't forget to read an item's description so you know exactly what you're getting. Never rely exclusively on pictures. If anything is unclear or unspecified (like measurements, colours, etc.), ask the seller before purchasing. Also, make sure to check where in the world the seller is located.

Seller's policies
Some sellers may have strict policies, so to avoid any kind of issues, read them carefully. Again, if anything is unclear or unspecified (returns, damaged goods upon arrival, etc.), send a quick message to the seller to get the information you're after.

Shipping
While most items will arrive from overseas within 7-10 days of shipment, some may take much longer so consider upgrading the shipping method if you are under a tight deadline. It's also a good idea to get insurance on packages of a higher value.

Leave feedback
If you're happy about the transaction, let the seller know by leaving a 5 star rating! Sellers really appreciate getting a review so they know that a) you received your order and b) you're satisfied with the item and service provided.

Any issues?
If you're unhappy with your purchase or any other aspect of the transaction, let the seller know via the Etsy messaging system first as things can be resolved very quickly without Etsy's input. Do not open a case unless you've tried every avenue and are still getting nowhere.

Happy shopping!

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