Still waiting on a

Etsy

refund?

Etsy’s refund system is built around buyer protection and seller flexibility. You’re always eligible for a refund if your order never arrives, arrives damaged, or is not as described. Under the Etsy Purchase Protection program, Etsy guarantees your refund for covered issues — up to about US $250 (≈ AU $380) per order.

You qualify for a refund when:

• Your item never arrives or arrives significantly late.
  
  
• Your item arrives damaged or materially different from its description (wrong size, colour, etc.).
  
  
• You purchased through Etsy checkout and open a case within 180 days of purchase.
  
  

For everything else, like change-of-mind returns, it depends on the individual seller’s policy. Each Etsy seller decides whether they accept returns or exchanges.

Before buying, always check:

• The listing’s “Returns & Exchanges” section.
  
  
• The seller’s shop policies page.
  
  

🚫 Non-returnable Items

• Custom or personalised items, unless the seller made a mistake.
  
  
• Digital downloads, once downloaded.
  
  
• Some sellers exclude sale or clearance items.
  
  

If your order has a major issue, Etsy or the seller must refund or replace it under the platform’s protection rules.

1. Contact the Seller First
   
   
   • Go to Purchases & Reviews in your Etsy account.
     
     
   • Select the order and click Contact the Seller.
     
     
   • Politely explain what went wrong.

Most issues are resolved here. Sellers often refund or resend items right away.

1. Follow Return Instructions
   
   
   • If the seller accepts a return, follow their directions and send the item back.
     
     
   • Use trackable shipping and share the tracking number in Etsy messages.
     
     
   • Unless it’s the seller’s fault, you may need to cover return postage.
     
     
2. Open a Case with Etsy
   
   
   • If the seller doesn’t reply within 48 hours or refuses to fix the issue, open a case.
     
     
   • Choose “Item not received” or “Item not as described.”
   • Upload photos or tracking details if relevant.
     
     
3. Work Through the Case
   
   
   • Respond quickly to Etsy’s questions.
     
     
   • Etsy investigates both sides and usually refunds you if your claim is valid.
     
     
4. Get Your Refund
   
   
   • Once Etsy approves the refund, it goes automatically to your original payment method.
     
     
   • You’ll get an email confirming when it’s processed.
     
     

💡 Tip: Keep all communication inside Etsy messages. That’s your evidence if Etsy needs to step in.

Refunds through Etsy are generally fast once approved.

• Seller-issued refunds: Usually show in 2–5 business days after the seller clicks “Refund.”
  
  
• Etsy case refunds: Typically appear in 3–5 business days after Etsy’s resolution email.
  
  
• PayPal or Etsy Credit refunds: May arrive even sooner (1–2 days).
  
  
• Card refunds: Depend on your bank (allow up to a week).
  
  

For mailed returns, include postage time (another 3–5 days). If it’s been more than 10 business days since confirmation and you still don’t see funds, contact Etsy Support with your refund ID.

• Original payment method – Always the default. Card payments go back to the same card; PayPal goes to your PayPal balance or bank.
  
  
• Etsy Credits or gift-card balance – Used only if you agree or if your original payment can’t be refunded (for example, expired card).
  
  
• Afterpay / Klarna plans – Adjusted automatically; future instalments cancel and paid ones are refunded.
  
  
• Currency differences – Small variations can occur due to exchange rates between purchase and refund dates.
  
  

Refunds are entirely digital. Etsy never sends cash or cheques.

Here’s what tends to trip buyers up and how to avoid it:

• Seller with “No Refunds” policy: Check listings before buying. If the item is as described, the seller isn’t required to accept a return.
  
  
• Disputes over “Not as Described”: Take photos and show clear evidence if colour, size, or details differ. Etsy often sides with buyers when proof is solid.
  
  
• Item damaged in transit: Snap photos of packaging and damage immediately. Upload them in messages or your case. Etsy almost always refunds these.
  
  
• Unresponsive sellers: Don’t wait forever. Open a case after 48 hours without reply.
  
  
• Return-shipping costs: If it’s your change of mind, you usually pay. If it’s the seller’s fault, they or Etsy should cover it.
  
  
• Buyer mistakes: Ordered the wrong size or variant? Ask about an exchange - not all sellers will agree, but many are flexible.
  

Most refund frustrations come from unclear expectations. Reading shop policies and acting promptly are your best defences.